[Questions] Beginner homelab (router/switch)

Infinite , 19 days ago

To add to other comments, consider a managed switch from MikroTik. Linux networking knowledge will come in handy, since their RouterOS is not especially simple but it is powerful.

I believe most of their devices jump from Gigabit ethernet to 10Gbps SFP+ ports (which you should also consider). The SFP+ ports usually support 2.5Gbps negotiation, but check the documentation. You can also buy RJ-45 Copper transceivers for the SFP+ port, although they are not cheap. Nevertheless, even including a couple transceivers, you may find something within your budget.

Using a router-on-a-stick configuration, consider a CRS305 (4x 10G ports and 1x Gigabit port) or a CRS309 (8x 10G ports and 1x Gigabit port) switch.

As for their routers, multi-port-multi-gig options are expensive so building your own router might be a good idea rather than opting for something like an RB5009, if that is what you need. Although, in a router-on-a-stick configuration, an RB5009 would be great.

Wi-Fi: yes, you can connect an access point to any ethernet port from a router or switch. They often come with PoE injectors.

Consider TP-Link Omada access points. If you need multiple access points, they suggest running a controller, it can be installed as a docker container. MikroTik has access point options but my experience with their old wireless options left a bad taste in my mouth. I hear the new wifi-wave compatible hardware is good, though. Any device running RouterOS could act as the CAPsMAN (AP controller)

gravitas_deficiency , 19 days ago

Just get an old 1L class dell/hp/lenovo, a riser to adapt the proprietary expansion slot to standard PCIe, and an old x520DA2 nic. You can find all of this on eBay. Then, just slap pfSense or OPNSense or whatever you want on it.

Source: running an old Lenovo m920q with that exact setup. 2.5G copper module to the modem, fiber to the SFP+ port on my switch. Works great.

Edit: and the switch is the 9-port version of the one you posted.

sabreW4K3 , 19 days ago

I'm a newbie, so my answers may be wrong. Forgive me. Someone will correct me though 💪

To take full advantage of my ISP's 2.5G ethernet port do I need a router AND a switch capable of 2.5G througput ? Or only the router and the switch is going to divid it accordingly between all connected devices on a 1G switch?

You need a switch capable of 2.5 too

I have no idea what's the best bet, a SBC (bananapi mini, orange pi, raspberry pi...) a fully fleged router (like TP-Link AX1800 and flash it with opensense/openwrt) or an Intel N100 Celeron N5105 Soft Router ?

This one is 100% preference and it comes down to what you want to run. The Banana Pi RPi-R3 has good OpenWRT support. N100s have PfSense support out of the box.

But given your requirements, you need OpenWRT/PfSense/OPNSense

Any good recommendation I should look at for a managed switch that would work great with the same capabilities above?

There's some decent recent cheap ones from AliExpress, but if you can afford, grab yourself a UniFi 8 Lite POE. That said, the switch you linked seems a good purchase.

Probably last question, is regarding wifi APs. Is it possible to make an access point from my router even tough it hasn't atennas? If I connect an access point directly to my router, will it be capable of giving away wifi connection?

Depends on the router, but some old routers you can stick in AP mode. Some you can flash OpenWRT and then make an access point. If it works, it's usable.

But again, take everything I said with a grain of salt. It just so happens I've been asking similar questions of late and am just telling you what stuck.

ArbiterXero , 19 days ago

A banana pi is not going to have the processing power to properly route that much data.

You’re looking at an Intel nuc at minimum.

If your internet is 5gbps and the router only has 2.5 gbps ports, you’re going to be capped at 2.5gbps unless you start getting really over complicated because the router expects ONE incoming port. There ARE ways to support pairing two Ethernet ports together, but your ISP’s modem/router won’t support it because “fuck you for having your own hardware”

Also because they’re cheap.

If your switch is 1gbps, you’ll be limited to 1gbps.