Making Good Networking Decisions

[tiggrdj]

I am going to be switching my isp from Frontier Fios to Spectrum in about 3 weeks. Spectrum provides a cable modem but no router (although they say that the Fios router will work just fine). I want to make the most of the equipment I already have yet want to make sure that I am getting the maximum performance that the new bandwidth will provide. Although I am not currently using everything available to me, I have a Ubiquiti AC-LR access point as well as a Dell Power Connect 2716 gigabit switch. Do I still need a router in the system and if so, would I benefit from installing a Ubuquiti Unifi Security Gateway or Gateway Pro or will I get the same performance from my existing Fios Quantum router (1100)? I should also add that I am using a Western Digital MyCloud ex4 that I access remotely so whatever I do with my network should also maximize it's performance as well (if applicable) I would like to get the network ready before the new isp installs at the end of the month. Recommendations will be appreciated.

 

[velocityg4]

Let's break this down some.

Router: Yes you need a router of some sort. The FIOS Quantum G1100 should work. It has Gigabit WAN and LAN. Don't you have to return it to Frontier?

Switch: The Dell Power Connect 2716 is fine.

AP: You can still keep using your Ubiquiti AC-LR access point.

Just plug the WAN port of your router into the Cable modem.

 

[Ralston18]

Agree with velocityg4.

Will add that I am fan of network diagrams - even for basic home/office setups.

Sketch out your network and add lables etc., to maintain an overview of your setup. Does not need to be a fancy sketch, just clear and legible. Basic device information (make, model, specs) and perhaps some mapping to ensure that all devices have the required connections and with the required number of ports.

Make photocopies or duplicates of the original sketch and use them to mark-up modifications and changes as you consider options.

We used to use Excel for simple diagrams by labeling and boxing in cells along with arrows, underlines, etc. to show connectivity. Better tools are available now.

Point being is that having a network diagram of any sort will help show the now, the future, and keep things clearer when it comes to explaining it all.