Networking Advice

[Arcomador]

I currently live in rental housing. The landlord won't allow permanent modifications to the house so proper wiring with a central switch would be out of the question.

 

So I'm having to improvise.... in theory would this network layout work without causing too much collision or degradation of the network? The issue is, if we move it has to be removable when we leave

 

Cloud/Internet

•  |-RT-N66U
  • 1) Server ( Plex / File Server / Print Server )

• 2) |-4 Port Gigabit Switch (bedroom 1)
  • |-PC
  • |-PC
  • |-XBox One
• 3) |-4 Port Gigabit Switch (Kids Play Room)
  • |-xBox 360
  • |-Xbox One
• 4) |-4 Port Gigabit Switch (Living Room)
  • |- Xbox one
  • |- PS3
  • |-4 Port Gigabit Switch (bedroom 2)
    • |-PC
    • |-PC
    • |-xbox one

 

[AJJaxNet]

It shouldn't really be a problem as the switch sold now are equip with a logical circuit and won't just broadcast packets, so the collision domain isn't your whole network but each individual port on the switches.

[Arcomador]

I don't usually like daisy chaining two switches together like that but in the sense of that few devices I figured It probably wouldn't hurt, just needed a second opinion :D.

[AJJaxNet]

6 minutes ago, Arcomador said:

I don't usually like daisy chaining two switches together like that but in the sense of that few devices I figured It probably wouldn't hurt, just needed a second opinion :D.

Daisy chaining switches is not really a problem, since it's almost like that the internet works. The problems comes when you daisy chain hubs. When connecting switches together, you're just dependent on the bandwidth available on the middle switch to the destination, but it's usually not really a concern on a Gigabit switch for home use.

[The Benjamins]

that layout is fine, but the big question is how much does the speed matter to you? (does getting 1Gbs to the file server a must and how may people will be using the plex/file server at once?)

 

you could get some used business switches and and set up a 2-4 port LACP connection to improve backbone speeds for multi user utilization. even better get a few switches with SFP+ and get some fiber cable to have a 10Gbs backbone.

[AJJaxNet]

Just now, The Benjamins said:

that layout is fine, but the big question is how much does the speed matter to you? (does getting 1Gbs to the file server a must and how may people will be using the plex/file server at once?)

 

you could get some used business switches and and set up a 2-4 port LACP connection to improve backbone speeds for multi user utilization. even better get a few switches with SFP+ and get some fiber cable to have a 10Gbs backbone.

I haven't proposed that because OP seems to imply that he couldn't run any additional cables and that there where existing wiring going all over the place. With all the device listed, I'm pretty sure he doesn't need a guaranteed gigabit per second to all the devices and to the Plex Server, which seem to be the only local ressource. If he had gigabit internet, I would still don't do LACP as it's more trouble than benefits since it's going to be so rare to saturate a gigabit link with normal home use. 

[The Benjamins]

5 minutes ago, CatBoiler said:

I haven't proposed that because OP seems to imply that he couldn't run any additional cables and that there where existing wiring going all over the place. With all the device listed, I'm pretty sure he doesn't need a guaranteed gigabit per second to all the devices and to the Plex Server, which seem to be the only local ressource. If he had gigabit internet, I would still don't do LACP as it's more trouble than benefits since it's going to be so rare to saturate a gigabit link with normal home use. 

well he might not be able to put in wires in the walls or make pass through plates, but it seems like he can run cable on the ground or ceiling (nailing them in should be ok its like adding a picture) and fiber cables are really small and easy to hide. but my idea does cost a bit more even if he found some good deals, and he seems to not have that many devices.