Unfortunately my asus router died on me, and I was looking at taking this opportunity to really evaluate how I have my home network setup. The connection from my isp comes inside to a 4 port gigabit modem or router I cant really verify if its a modem/router or modem/switch. My existing network was that one connection went from that modem/router combo to my router to supply my wifi and computer with south koreas finest internet lol. I also have a 5 port switch I use to connect all my home entertainment to that goes to my router.
My idea for the upgrade is to use a decent bigger gigabit switch and a wireless access point. What functionality would I be losing by going with this setup? I cannot log in to the router/modem combo to have any kind of admin control is one is one of the downfalls I see, but I am not seeing the downside of the upgrade path. Thank you.
I'd recommend netgear particularly the r8000 or r7000, if your interested in getting into the nuts and bolts ipfire or pfsense are great for building your own router from an old pc or an alix form factor :)
You need a router somewhere in your network. If the ISP isn't supplying one, you will no longer have internet.
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@ibreakthings my modem is also a router with a 4 port gigabit switch.
i will have to tear into my spare parts bin to see if i have an old pc to purpose as one. My main concern is am i losing any functionality of a commercial router?m
If anything you will be gain functionality by using something like pfsense.
If you were to keep your current modem/router and just get a switch and access point that would be fine too. You wouldn't be losing anything.
With pfsense or ipfire you'll gain functionality big time any pc from the last 6 years would make a really crazy router, you could grab a cheap 4 port server adapter would add a few ports without a switch :)