Network Switches and WiFi Routers – Worth it

Recently, I decided to upgrade my home office setup to ensure a more reliable and faster internet connection. After dealing with occasional network drops and slow speeds, I did some research on the best network switches and WiFi routers. There wasn’t much clear guidance on what I was looking for, so I figured I'd share my experience here.

Our household is fairly active with online usage—multiple smart devices, gaming consoles, and laptops running simultaneously. With so many devices demanding a strong and consistent connection, I needed a robust setup.

I’d tried basic home routers, but the range and reliability just weren’t cutting it, especially in areas farther from the router. At times, streaming video would buffer, and my video conferences would freeze. That's when I realized that a solid network switch paired with a high-quality WiFi router might be the solution.

My Research and Setup
I found that network switches can play a huge role in maintaining a stable connection across multiple devices. Managed switches give more control over traffic, allowing me to prioritize certain devices. Meanwhile, PoE (Power over Ethernet) switches are ideal for simplifying power needs for devices like access points and IP cameras.

This guide on networking devices was a great resource and helped me make an informed decision.

The Equipment I Chose:
Ubiquiti USW-Enterprise-48-PoE: A managed PoE switch that powers my access points, ensuring a seamless connection across my home.
Ubiquiti U6-Pro Access Point: Perfect for extending WiFi coverage throughout the house.
Unifi Dream Router: This WiFi router serves as the backbone of the network, offering high-speed internet to all connected devices.
Cabling and Installation: I installed Ethernet cables throughout my home, connecting them to the PoE switch, which then powers the access points.
Performance and Results:
After setting everything up, I immediately noticed a massive improvement in connectivity. Video calls and streaming are now flawless, even in areas of the house that previously had weak signals. I can comfortably work from anywhere in the home without worrying about dropped connections.

Here are some comparison stats:

Old setup: WiFi signal averaged around -90dBm in distant rooms (categorized as “weak”), resulting in slow or interrupted video calls.
New setup: With the Ubiquiti switch and U6-Pro access point, the signal strength is a stable -60dBm, even in the most remote areas of the house. Streaming 4K content and gaming online is now completely lag-free.
Cost and Value:
While the complete setup wasn’t cheap, it was worth every penny. The switch, router, and access points didn’t give much change from £500, but considering the stability and performance I’ve gained, it was a smart investment. Over the years, the value this system will deliver outweighs the cost, especially compared to dealing with unreliable connections or cheap hardware.

For those looking for reliable networking solutions, I highly recommend investing in a managed network switch and quality WiFi router. It's one of those "buy once, cry once" situations—sure, it’s a bigger initial investment, but the performance and peace of mind are totally worth it!

For anyone considering upgrading their setup, this article might provide more insight into advanced networking solutions.