Home networking

[elpianoman]

One of the ISPs in my area finally has 1Gb/s internet.  This means a new modem with two ethernet out ports.  I am trying to figure out the best way to incorporate this second connection into my system.

 

Previously I had the output from the modem going to my google wifi, then from the Google wifi to an 8 port switch.  Since then, I have connected one of the modems ethernet to the google wifi, gotten rid of the connection between google wifi and the switch and opted instead to connect the modem directly to the switch.  This has increased the speed on my PCs which are connected to the switch but of course means that everything wired is on a different network than anything with wifi so they don't see each other.  

 

I'm wondering what the "best" way is to hook up this system to maximize speed but still have everything talk to everything.  My next attempt will be to connect both ports from the modem to my switch and the switch to Google wifi.

 

I clearly have never studied networking and welcome any opinions/suggestions anyone is willing to offer.

[Oshino Shinobu]

Are we talking about a modem or a router (or modem/router combo) here. Depending on which it is will change how it should be set up. 

 

The Google Wifi is a router, so if the new "modem" you got is also a router, you'll want to have the Google WiFi acting as an access point, not a router, that way everything will be on the same subnet and will be able to see and access each other. There are ways to have multiple routers on a network, but it's generally not a great idea, especially with "consumer friendly" type devices like the Google WiFi, as they often offer limited control over their settings. 

 

If we assume the "modem" you have is either a router or modem/router combo, then you'll want things set up like this: Modem > Router > Switch > Everything else. The switch will be the central point of the network, then the router and modem are the gateway to outside network (basically, the internet). Put the Google Wifi in access point mode so it basically only provides a wireless signal for devices to connect to. The Google WiFi will connect to the switch. 

[mariushm]

The modem/router etc has a built in switch which creates those two ethernet ports.  You connect something to those ports and that something receives a unique  IP through DHCP and all that. So a single connection to the switch will be enough, you won't get faster speeds connecting both ports.

My suggestion ... connect your main pc to the box on one port, and connect a switch to that second port.  Then plug all your things in the switch, including the wi-fi if you have any

[elpianoman]

I was very specific in what I designated modem, wifi, and switch because I know what those things are. 

The modem is a true modem (surfboard) and only has two Ethernet out ports. No wifi.

Google WiFi, although definitely built for the know nothing consumer has plenty of customizable options when digging deeper.

[Oshino Shinobu]

1 minute ago, elpianoman said:

I was very specific in what I designated modem, wifi, and switch because I know what those things are. 

The modem is a true modem (surfboard) and only has two Ethernet out ports. No wifi.

Google WiFi, although definitely built for the know nothing consumer has plenty of customizable options when digging deeper.

Do you know the model number of the modem?