Infinity coming - Weak points in this network?

julianhj

julianhj

julianhj

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Joined
27 Aug 2004
Posts
1,068
Location
UK
I have the following setup:

Ground floor:
Asus RT-N66U router

First floor:
2x Macbook Pros on wifi
Smart TV
SkyHD

Second floor:
Desktop PC
HP Microserver

Everything bar the MBPs are connected via TP Link powerline adaptors - two 500Mbps (ground and second floors) and one 200Mbps (first floor). I'm aware the adaptors will be running at the lower speed, so my intention is to upgrade at least the 200Mbps adaptor. I currently have ADSL (via TP Link modem) which gives me around 10Mbps. I have TP Link gigabit switches on the first and second floors. I'm about to get FTTH and have opted for the 200/20 package. I therefore want to get my network sorted to take advantage of this.

I bought the router a year or two ago with the intention of using it for fibre when it became available. The powerline adaptors are at least a couple of years ago.

Where can be gains be made, and what is necessary to maximise speeds and capacity?
 
Remove power line and replace with network cables.

Power line never runs anywhere near its claimed speed
 
Any networking use take place on the ground floor?

Seems a shame you're bottle necking them gigabit switches by feeding in slow connections.

Leanest option musings, 4 x Ethernet from ground floor to 2nd floor patch panel and patched onto switch, then 4 x Ethernet from 2nd floor switch to 2nd floor patch panel that then link to 1st floor patch panel and patched onto switch, which I think would speed up the LAN. Not sure if you would aggregate the ports linking between the switches and router or whether the switch would just use the least congested lane, LACP probably answers this. Then perhaps add a WAP to the switch on the 1st floor so the WiFi is strongest where it's nearest to where it's used. If you don't use any WiFi devices on the ground floor you could replace the Asus with something like the Mikrotik RB750Gr2. This could do all the routing on the ground floor and then move the Asus to the 1st floor and then just use it as a WAP.

Idealist option, put the switches somewhere central and run cables from their to all the other rooms and floors.
 
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