Question about using managed switch with router capabilities + wireless router vs 2 routers plus POE switch

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CleymenZero

Commendable
May 10, 2016
2
0
1,510
Hi all,

I've looked around a bit and now decided to sign up to ask my question as I didn't see a specific case in past questions that corresponded best to what I'm trying to do.

Here's the scenario:
- House is wired with Cat6a all over
- 4 extra wires go through to the roof for my future POE ip camera setup
- All wires (total of 10) go into same area as house electricity panel in basement and that includes ISP wires so modem located in basement
- AC1900 router doesn't have enough ports, POE and doesn't have optimal range for me to use around property since it is operating from basement (concrete walls, 2 storey house and room is located in a distant corner of the house)

I've installed all the keystone jacks and am now thinking of the best solution to handle all the connections.

I've ordered a second router which will serve as the master router with disabled WiFi and will use the AC1900 in the living room as the wireless access point BUT:

- I'm still short of POE functionality
- I'm still short a few ports (which is sort of ok because some won't be used)

So my questions are:
- is it better to go with a managed switch as the "router" in the main network room and keep the wireless AP?
- is it better to add a POE switch after the master router?
- am I missing something or do the experts have better ideas about what I should do?

Thanks in advance for the help.
 
Solution
B
One of the main functions that makes a layer3 switch different from a router is that it can't do nat. Anything that involves manipulation or delay of packets is generally not supported on a layer 3 switch. The pretty much means you will always have a router connected to the incoming internet connection with any switch behind it.

Be very careful of the term PoE. Switches support the standard 802.3af but many devices you find that claim they are PoE use proprietary power injection. There is a lot of incompatibility between these proprietary devices so be sure you only buy end equipment that is using industry standard forms of PoE.
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DeauteratedDog

Distinguished
Dec 11, 2013
713
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I guess what you are missing is inline PoE injectors, but I think the PoE enabled switch is the way to go.

You can get a LINKSYS LGS116P (16 total ports with 8 PoE+ ports, unmanaged) for $165, or a bigger managed switch for a few hundred $. The Linksys is just an example, there are lots of competitors.

Note PoE+ = 802.3at which supports higher power for PTZ cameras or high-powered access points, and is backwards compatable with 802.3af PoE.
 
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C

CleymenZero

Commendable
May 10, 2016
2
0
1,510
So your suggestion is:

Modem => master router =Y wireless AP + POE switches

I'm trying to simplify the network and have the least failure points possible but if you think it's the best then I'll see. I can always return the 2nd router and get a managed switch.

Second question, I've read a bit about managed switches vs routers and was wondering if I'd be losing any useful functionalities by simply using a smart switch vs router.
 
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bill001g

Titan
Aug 9, 2012
28,366
2,766
125,640
One of the main functions that makes a layer3 switch different from a router is that it can't do nat. Anything that involves manipulation or delay of packets is generally not supported on a layer 3 switch. The pretty much means you will always have a router connected to the incoming internet connection with any switch behind it.

Be very careful of the term PoE. Switches support the standard 802.3af but many devices you find that claim they are PoE use proprietary power injection. There is a lot of incompatibility between these proprietary devices so be sure you only buy end equipment that is using industry standard forms of PoE.
 
Upvote 1 Downvote
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