[SOLVED] Router or Managed switch?

[Lordpringles]

I have an OMV nas server with lots of docker containers, but it's all connected to a 4 port aio modem/router/access point that has awful web configuration settings, and I want to buy a different modem and a router+access point combo, and also get a 1 gigabit switch, and i'm currently looking at the jetstream t1500g-8t switch, but I was wondering, is that too overkill? should I get an unmanaged switch? or is just a better router enough? also, any modem recommendations? router+access point combo recommendations? cause I don't know much about those, anyways, thanks in advance

 

[kanewolf]

I have an OMV nas server with lots of docker containers, but it's all connected to a 4 port aio modem/router/access point that has awul web configuration settings, and I want to buy a different modem and a router+access point combo, and also get a 1 gigabit switch, and i'm currently looking at the jetstream t1500g-8t switch, but I was wondering, is that too overkill? should I get an unmanaged switch? or is just a better router enough? also, any modem recommendations? router+access point combo recommendations? cause I don't know much about those, anyways, thanks in advance

The choice on a router vs switch is usually how many wired ports you need. If it is more than a couple, then get a gigabit switch. You just run all your wired connectivity to the switch and a single uplink to the router.
Modems are ISP specific. You should check your ISP website for a list of supported hardware.
Once you have a standalone modem, then any router with ethernet WAN will work.
If you don't know WHY you want a managed switch, then you probably don't need one.

 

[Lordpringles]

The choice on a router vs switch is usually how many wired ports you need. If it is more than a couple, then get a gigabit switch. You just run all your wired connectivity to the switch and a single uplink to the router.
Modems are ISP specific. You should check your ISP website for a list of supported hardware.
Once you have a standalone modem, then any router with ethernet WAN will work.
If you don't know WHY you want a managed switch, then you probably don't need one.

Thanks for the help, I was just wondering if I could do more with a managed switch or with a decent router, but I think the switch is the way to go, especially cause I need more ethernet ports.

PS: I found out I can't get my own modem, gotta ask the ISP to change the one they provided me.

edit: I don't know much about networking, but that's why I'm looking to get a different router and a switch, so I can have something to practice.

 

[bill001g]

There are many levels of so called "managed" switches. The key feature that a router has that is extremely rare in a switch is NAT. This is what allows you to share IP you get from the ISP with all your machines.
This means you will likely have a router anyway.

In general unless you can identify a feature you need in a managed switch you can get by with unmanaged. Most the feature have little to no value to a home user. Even ones like vlans that you might be able to use require a advanced router to take real advantage of them.

 

[Lordpringles]

There are many levels of so called "managed" switches. The key feature that a router has that is extremely rare in a switch is NAT. This is what allows you to share IP you get from the ISP with all your machines.
This means you will likely have a router anyway.

In general unless you can identify a feature you need in a managed switch you can get by with unmanaged. Most the feature have little to no value to a home user. Even ones like vlans that you might be able to use require a advanced router to take real advantage of them.

yeah my modem is also a router, but it's awful in terms of configuration, I'm considering getting a new router and setting it up as bridged, and also getting the switch to learn and practice networking

 

[SamirD]

If everything is working fine, you don't need to change anything as there's nothing to gain unless you're changing your network. And if you are, you need to think about the whole network, not just this part.