Thoughts on LAN setup

[enesha]

Afternoon all Longtime listener, first time caller

I have my lan of course, which I basically set up years ago, but I was contemplating it recently, and I thought I'd check in with you all and see what you think about it So here's what I have

Fios in (1G) --->oPnsense device (old dual core celeron @2ghz) ----> 8 pt sw (10/100/1000)---->
1 In From Sw (1000)
2 rand pc (1000)
1 voip (10)
1 printer (10)
1 eero (tx) (1000) ------------>
1 eero extender (wifi)
4 vod/phone/etc (all wifi)
1 Uplink to next sw (1000) (8 port 2.5g)-------->
1 link in (1000)
1 pc (2.5) (File/etc Server)
1 Asus ac86u (ax) 2.5/5ghz ------>
multiple mixed wifi devices/standards (mostly n - few g)
main laptop (5ghz ax)

Is there a more efficient way to wire things? Looking into aggregation support on the rt-ax unit.. not sure if I need to relieve congestion?

Most important performance is server to internet and laptop. file server has multiple built in (unused) wifi adapters. Possibly/maybe set those up somehow (linux) as an ap and connect main laptop to it? using alternate subnet to route correctly?
I have other optimizing questions but i'll space things out

Thanks!

 

[Tech Junky]

First thing I would do is link the switches directly to the router.

For the linux AP idea, I've done it for years before AX came around and it worked just fine for a few years instead of using junk plastic routers. It's not hard to do but, you'll be limited to sub 1gbps until the devs unlock BE to be configured without having to hack the modules to enable it. Qualcomm based cards work best for AP use.

multiple mixed wifi devices/standards (mostly n - few g)

This is where using hostapd with the wifi cards will clean up your primary AX broadcast by being able to shut off the 2.4/g/n bands.

If you want really good coverage look at an AP only device like Zyxel WBE660S or Engenius EAP783. $500 will get you a 10ge uplink and 4x4x4 radios. For the NIC you can pick up a X550-T2 for $60 on ebay or you could do a single port for a bit less but, it's always nice to have a backup port.

Is there a more efficient way to wire things? Looking into aggregation support on the rt-ax unit.. not sure if I need to relieve congestion?

Likely not an issue due to port speed. If you get the AP's you can collapse things a bit and remove it and the eero boxes as well.

If you want to stick with more of a cheaper solution then NCM865 is the wifi adapter that has BE on it and on sale can be snagged for $35/ea.

 

[enesha]

First thing I would do is link the switches directly to the router.

Hrm... I think I maybe need to clarify, the opnsense is actually a micropc that used to do outdoor signs. Celeron dual core - 2ghz 16g ram 256g hd. Only 2x 1g Ethernet. So can only hook the one switch to the router. Additionally I don't just have a bunch of stuff in a room. The router and 8 pt switch are in one room and the 5pt 2.5 switch with laptop server Asus rt. Not using router ethernet currently

For the linux AP idea, I've done it for years before AX came around and it worked just fine for a few years instead of using junk plastic routers. It's not hard to do but, you'll be limited to sub 1gbps until the devs unlock BE to be configured without having to hack the modules to enable it. Qualcomm based cards work best for AP use.

This is on the Linux machine for sure. I know at least the one card supports ac. I think that there is a third wireless interface of some kind, not sure this second, not home.

This is where using hostapd with the wifi cards will clean up your primary AX broadcast by being able to shut off the 2.4/g/n bands.

Hostapd?

Likely not an issue due to port speed. If you get the AP's you can collapse things a bit and remove it and the eero boxes as well.

Can't remove the eero. It is on another side of the house from the 8pt sw. The Asus does the wifi for us currently and don't need to extend that. I am using the eero as the cheapest hackeyest solution avail to me at the time to extend the wifi to next door. I could get a mesh from Asus and try that to simplify one bit. Just used eero since it was a rush job and no Asus mesh were available locally

If you want to stick with more of a cheaper solution then NCM865 is the wifi adapter that has BE on it and on sale can be snagged for $35/ea.

Be would be nice heh

Thanks