Advertisement
Help Keep Boards Alive. Support us by going ad free today. See here: https://subscriptions.boards.ie/.
https://www.boards.ie/group/1878-subscribers-forum

Private Group for paid up members of Boards.ie. Join the club.
Hi all, please see this major site announcement: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058427594/boards-ie-2026

Home Cable Run & Network Devices Query

  • 20-11-2025 11:36AM
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 38


    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…..



Best Answers

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,627 ✭✭✭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.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 38 ButtUcks


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



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,627 ✭✭✭smuggler.ie


    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.



Advertisement
Advertisement