Rout or switch ?

Audioman1108 · Sep 15, 2016

I have a cabin in the woods and DO NOT want WiFi. So I will be going from the modem directly. I have been told that most integrated routers have WiFi and it can't be turned off completely.
Can I simply put a switch ... is there any kind of a 5port switch that is recommended ?

Thanks,
Greg

WyomingKnott · Sep 15, 2016

A router provides certain functionality that a switch will not, such as allocating IP addresses. You will most likely need a router.
Who told you that WiFi can't be turned off? I never heard that before.

LinwoodFerguson · Sep 15, 2016

That you are suggesting more than 1 port makes me think you have more than one device. It is possible to go from a cable modem to one single computer (at least some modems) with nothing but a RJ45 cable, but if you have more than one device you need Network Address translation which is rarely if ever found in switches, even layer 3 switches.

One option is just get a wifi router and set the password to something long and then forget it; if you can set SSID not to broadcast and it will be mostly invisible. I was a bit surprised to see I could not turn off my radios on my GUI (I use DD-WRT which gives you a LOT of settings). I am sure I could do it at the command line, but indeed maybe you can't turn off most router radios. And some antennas can just be unscrewed (some risk of radio damage if you care) which would vastly limit their power if you are doing this to avoid EM fields or some such.

Another option is a more commercial device such as a firewall or "VPN Router". Maybe a low end used Cisco ASA for example. A problem with these is they really need to be kept up to date, and you may have issues getting current software cheaply as most are not free updates. But certainly non-radio routers exist, they are just usually higher end and more expensive. They may not always be called routers, most firewalls and "vpn gateways" and similar can do what you want, though it may take some research to make sure. "Network Address Translation" or "NAT" are good keywords to get started.

But honestly if you are doing this to avoid the cost of wifi -- it's probably cheaper with.

Audioman1108 · Sep 15, 2016

LinwoodFerguson :

That you are suggesting more than 1 port makes me think you have more than one device. It is possible to go from a cable modem to one single computer (at least some modems) with nothing but a RJ45 cable, but if you have more than one device you need Network Address translation which is rarely if ever found in switches, even layer 3 switches.

One option is just get a wifi router and set the password to something long and then forget it; if you can set SSID not to broadcast and it will be mostly invisible. I was a bit surprised to see I could not turn off my radios on my GUI (I use DD-WRT which gives you a LOT of settings). I am sure I could do it at the command line, but indeed maybe you can't turn off most router radios. And some antennas can just be unscrewed (some risk of radio damage if you care) which would vastly limit their power if you are doing this to avoid EM fields or some such.

Another option is a more commercial device such as a firewall or "VPN Router". Maybe a low end used Cisco ASA for example. A problem with these is they really need to be kept up to date, and you may have issues getting current software cheaply as most are not free updates. But certainly non-radio routers exist, they are just usually higher end and more expensive. They may not always be called routers, most firewalls and "vpn gateways" and similar can do what you want, though it may take some research to make sure. "Network Address Translation" or "NAT" are good keywords to get started.

But honestly if you are doing this to avoid the cost of wifi -- it's probably cheaper with.

Audioman1108 · Sep 15, 2016

For me it's an EM issue.. I am trying to avoid any electro or radio currents from coming from the unit. The cabin is a sanctuary and even though it will be wired to connect to the outside world... there will be no radios or TV's .... all low voltage lighting... a rain water cistern and garden for runoff. My concern is to not have wifi.. or email in or around me... I bought a TP Link TL-R600 VPN and am hoping that this will do the job. I believe it isn't plug and play so setup and maintenance will be involved.

Audioman1108 · Sep 15, 2016

Not email... I meant em.... electro magnetic frequencies

LinwoodFerguson · Sep 15, 2016

Fair enough.

I didn't get the manual to look, but just reading the description of that appears to be a good likelihood it will work with minimal configuration. And interesting aspect, I really would have guessed it was easier to turn off wifi radios.

Audioman1108 · Sep 15, 2016

■ you are probably right that it is easier to turn off radios but manufacturers have privately said that they are still hot spots...continuously emitting without a viable pathway...and not all turn off or they don't explain the process.... but if I get a VPN gigaswitch it should work....fingers crossed ! Thanks for your help and interest !

USAFRet · Sep 15, 2016

Router with no WiFi -

Ubiquiti EdgeRouter X
https://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-EdgeRouter-Advanced-Gigabit-Ethernet/dp/B00YFJT29C

TP-LINK TL-R600VPN
https://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-TL-R600VPN-Gigabit-Broadband-Supports/dp/B007B60SCG

TP-LINK TL-R860
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003CFATSS

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