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Forum Discussion
CKopp
Jul 09, 2026Luminary
Network switch selection for VLAN design
I currently have an unmanaged network consisting of a 24 port switch, 3 - 8 port switches, a Netgear RS series router and a cable company supplied modem. Several IOT devices reside on this network, ...
schumaku
Jul 10, 2026Guru - Experienced User
Several things are unclear to me. Does steaming mean you have some media players with live TV allowing zapping?
That won't allow that if your TV boxes will be on a different VLAN, and even less from a single consumer router, or ISP supplied routers, or like almost any Netgear routers, except of the business/AV models like the PR60X.
Even worse, if you expect to use App or WiFi based remotes or Apps to control eg switching TV programs, play other media from local NAS, Tour mobiles need to be connected to the same SSID. Ad-hoc switching wireless networks makes up a very bad usability.
IoT does not require Internet access?
Streaming Devices (like ISP supplied TV Boxes?) don't need Internet access?
For each VLAN - primary LAN like in your unmanaged switches today, IoT devices, and Streaming Boxes (each operating on a dedicated IPv4 subnet for segregation) require some router functionality for NAT, and probably DHCP for each VLAN - your Netgear RS router can't handle all this.
Said that: For multiple VLANs, there is no way around a router supporting at least two networks, being VLAN, or dedicated physical Ethernet ports.
Once you have these requirements covered, you can start brainstorming on the switches. Where you can't reach anything on unmanaged switches.
Sorry, a little but short reply away from home, on Holidays as of writing.
PS. As we know for sure Unmanaged Switches are not appropriate for your project, a moderator has moved this thread to the Easy Smart, Plus, and Smart Switches section
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