Need assistance with improving network: ISP router>Switch>AP

[Tj_El]

Dear All.
Being a bit of a newbie I need expert assistance. I stumbled across this site recently while looking for help and it looks to be just the place for it.

The situation is this: I have 2 desktops, 3 laptops and 2 smartphones that all need connectivity.
I have a Draytek ISP router (the Vigor 2710N) which is ISP-managed so I can't get into it.
I previously owned and used a Zoom 5590c X6 wireless router which I still have.
I also have another old Draytek router (can't recall the model - it's not wireless though)
I have a TP-Link TL-WA701ND 150Mbps Wireless N Access Point which I bought to help improve my wireless. It's not working as I thought it would...and having read the topics on SNB about such, I now know why.
I will be purchasing a switch (Netgear GS208) to allow Ethernet connection for the 2 desktops.

The only phone socket in the flat and subsequently the Vigor router, are in a corner of the living room, far from any device so I have run an Ethernet cable (10m) from one of the ports of the router to the room where the PC's are - but this only connects one PC.
I wasn't sure if it made sense to run another cable from another port of the ISP router to allow connection of the second PC. I'm running the cable within the trunking for the electrics and it's going to be a very tight squeeze to fit all the cables...hence my decision to get a switch. Good decision?

Having read the topic on 'How To Improve Network Performance' I wanted to try and follow it.

Seeing as I can't get access to my router and I'm not sure if the ISP will agree to the bridging step, can I still use (some of) the steps in that topic to get better performance as well as improve wireless coverage?

Also is there a way to get the TP-Link AP into the mix via the switch to get a stronger wireless signal from a more central location or would that not work at all?

Any and all step by step directions/pointers given will be gratefully received.

Many thanks in advance.

TJ

 

[Dreamslacker]

Connect:

Router --10m cable--> Switch --cables--> Computers and access point.

Alternatively, run another cable from the router to where you want to place the access point.

 

[Tj_El]

Connect:

Router --10m cable--> Switch --cables--> Computers and access point.

Alternatively, run another cable from the router to where you want to place the access point.

Thanks Dreamslacker for your advice.
Don't know if I should post my next question here or in the Wireless section...

The TP-Link AP "supports multiple operating modes (Access Point, Multi-SSID, Client, Universal/ WDS Repeater, Bridge with AP)".

Don't suppose you could confirm for me which to use for the configuration you have given - discounting the repeater modes (I think) seeing as I want the wireless signal I connect to, to be the one from the AP not the ISP router.

Reading the documentation it looks like I could be using either Access Point or Multi-SSIS mode which "will act as a wireless central hub for your wireless LAN clients, giving a wireless extension for your current wired network. The Multi-SSID mode is similar to Access Point mode".

Then again it may be Client mode?

Apologies if my questions are really dirt basic...

Many thanks.

 

[Dreamslacker]

What you want is access point mode if your back-link is wired.