Home Cable Run & Network Devices Query

ButtUcks

Amateur Home Network Dabbler here looking for advice/pointers to future proof (as much as possible) network devices & to run ethernet cables to 3 x downstairs locations.

Located in Kitchen –

Eir Fibre Broadband Wifi 7 Router (ONT is placed here too)

Router has 4 x ethernet ports (1 x 10GB & 3 x 1GB)

(2 x 1GB Ethernet Ports currently have a Hubitat & a Philips Hue connected)

Will be connecting a NAS here too (brand and model TBC, but this is a separate project all together !!)

Cat6a Ethernet runs from router to ;

Other side of Kitchen dist of 10m Devices in use: Smart TV & one or two other yet TBC

Living Room dist of 9.5m Devices in use: Smart TV, EirTV & one other yet TBC

PlayRoom Dist of 6m Devices in use: Smart TV, Xbox, Printer & one other yet TBC

Smart Devices:

The Hubiat and Hue have wireless automated devices running off them…such as various lights, smart plugs, door lock, Nest doorbell and Nest Thermostat.

So what would you guys do here……

Is Cat6a sufficient??

A switch at the router & 3 others at the locations mentioned?? Which spec/brands/models ??

Would the switch at the router be connected to the 10gb port??

Any other suggestions…..I’m sure I’ve not considered something…..

smuggler.ie

Ethernet run can be up to 100m without loss/degradation, providing good cable quality .

Central network distribution point, whether is kitchen or utill, as long it will provide enough room/access for all network needs for foreseeable future.
It makes no difference where your ONT is located - Ethernet link(or two) to central location will cover that.

Power availability (extension leads are another point of failure)

WiFi AP distribution depending on property size - Ethernet run for each AP from PoE+ (or ++) capable switch
VLAN (optional, but good to have) - separate IoT, CCTV and other networks

Consider CCTV , providing WiFi is strong might not need Ethernet.

10GB link is only useful if both (better ALL) End devices support it, but good to have for future upgrades. Link between two devices determined by weakest device. In some instances, if one device only support 1Gb negotiation of link speed might cause unpredicted outages/issues and might require manual intervention/configuration.

My personal preference - All stationary device on individual Ethernet(PC, TV, printer,) , but local small switch might get that covered

Most above "get it done" if you can, thereafter compromise depend of resources/circumstance.

ButtUcks

Appreciate your input..... Which switch would you recommend at the router and at each of the other locations??

smuggler.ie

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124007260#Comment_124007260

As long they are 1Gbps , cheap and cheerful
TP-link 5 port gives you 4 available ports, 8 port allow 7 connections
Same brand with PoE should you consider dedicated AP's for WiFi

Note: standard consumer router from ISP usually support up to 32 (64 at best) WiFi devices simultaneously.