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I need more ports than my router has
I have a NETGEAR Smart WiFi Router with Dual Band Gigabit for Amazon Echo/Alexa - AC1750 (R6400-100NAS). I am building a new home and I would like to add more ports for future use.
Which switch would be best to use with this router ?
I have no experience with adding a switch to a router so if there is a tutorial for the switch and this router I would appreciate the advice.
Thats correct.
9 Replies
Most unmanaged switches should work fine. Just make sure to go with a gigabit device (10/100/1000). I'm not going to recommend one because I've used a bunch of different unmanaged switches from different manufacturers and I have yet to have one fail. Most issues with unmanaged switches come from user errors or bad cables.
One thing I'd recommend if you're building a new house is that wherever you route the cables to, set up a patch panel. Its cheap/easy and just makes thing easier whenever you're changing your devices/network around.
Can you please explain your suggestion to use patch panels? I ahve no idea what they are or how they are used
A patch panel is just what you terminate the ends of your ethernet cables in a single location. Cleans things up nice and allows you to label them.
This video goes over pros/cons. He does use a rack mount but I've just wall mounted them at my place. Makes it look nice. you can usually get them for fairly cheap.