Need Network Advice

[Sitk]

I have what In think is a strange network layout. It is currently working like I hoped but I want to make it better, more professional and more reliable. I have a Spectrum modem that feeds into my Netgear X6S Nighthawk which is acting as a router and wireless access point. However, the real heart of the network is my Cisco Catalyst WS-C2360-48TD-S. My NIghthawk runs to the Cisco and all my wired devices run off it. I also have a little switch (tp link) in my living room, since I have several wired devices there, that also connects to the Cisco. The main reason for the Cisco is the 4 SFP+ 10Gb ports that connect my Unraid server and 3 computers to maximize transfer speeds, all 3 of which is running off fiber. 

 

My questions are:

1. Can the Cisco act as a router and I convert the Nighthawk to a simple access point? 
2. Where can I go to learn how to use and setup the Cisco since I know I am not utilizing its potential. For instance I would like to set up VLANs for groups of devices.
3. Are there any recommendations to change/improve this setup that would cost less than $350ish

Thank you

[alexhelvetica]

The Cisco Switch is a Layer 2 switch. So no, it cannot work as a router. (Layer 3 Switches can work as a router, though they can be limited in what they can do)

Do a Cisco CCNA cert, or just watch Cisco CCNA tutorials on YouTube. They will teach you the basics of how to set up a switch. Maybe also mess around with Cisco Packet Tracer.

 

Cisco, HP, Aruba, TP-Link... will all have online reference guides for configuring their switches or routers over command-line. (Also keep in mind, different vendors switches/routers will have slightly different configurations commands and will behave slightly differently)

 

Maybe buy a router, or another Access Point? I think a lot of home networks are more just do whatever as a learning experience. Really, you upgrade when you get more free or cheap hardware. Or alternatively, when what you have is giving you the shits.

 

 

[Sitk]

1 hour ago, comicsansms said:

The Cisco Switch is a Layer 2 switch. So no, it cannot work as a router. (Layer 3 Switches can work as a router, though they can be limited in what they can do)

Do a Cisco CCNA cert, or just watch Cisco CCNA tutorials on YouTube. They will teach you the basics of how to set up a switch. Maybe also mess around with Cisco Packet Tracer.

 

Cisco, HP, Aruba, TP-Link... will all have online reference guides for configuring their switches or routers over command-line. (Also keep in mind, different vendors switches/routers will have slightly different configurations commands and will behave slightly differently)

 

Maybe buy a router, or another Access Point? I think a lot of home networks are more just do whatever as a learning experience. Really, you upgrade when you get more free or cheap hardware. Or alternatively, when what you have is giving you the shits.

 

 

Ok I will search for some CCNA tutorials and go from there. 

Yep cheap hardware is how I got the Cisco - $100 on ebay I didn't think was too bad and then add stuff that sounded good at the time. It has been one big learning adventure.

 

Thanks for the suggestion.