Thanks!
I kind of wonder if I even need a managed or semi-managed switch. I just need more ethernet jacks. Is there any limitation of the
RT2600ac that would require a smart/semi-managed switch?
All I can think of is QoS/traffic control, since I'd be plugging multiple 1Gbps devices into a switch plugged into a single 1Gbps port. Seems like that might be especially important if I plug in a NAS or something.
Hi John,
I don't own a Synology router/gateway but I believe folks are unhappy that it lacks VLAN tagging?
Reasons why you may need VLAN tagging:
1. Segment your LAN for security.
2. Segment your LAN for performance.
3. Some ISP's (like mine) require VLAN to connect to their network.
The Netgear semi managed switch I suggested gives you that at very much lower cost than low end enterprise managed switches.
The other option is to replace your Synology gateway/router with a decent Asus such as the RT-AC68u which has VLAN tagging. Some of the higher end gateway/routers have 8 ports but we are talking serious money.
Unless you have strict security reasons or you have an extremely high bandwidth internet connection or your LAN clients are constantly moving terabytes of data around your LAN (e.g. to a file server) then frankly, in a home/small office environment I doubt you need VLAN tagging. You can purchase a simple 'switch' (unmanaged network switch) at low cost to expand your available ports.
A simple switch like the D-link DGS1005A is very light weight plastic construction, low power use and will suffice.
5-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Desktop Switch DGS-1005A
The netgear GS105 or GS108 are constructed with metal chassis and work fine also.
Note: I mentioned the GS108E previously - that is the semi-managed version.
I have had excellent usage from all these. I read a lot of complaints about other oddball brands - caveat emptor...
As a general network engineering principle, aim to hang everything on your LAN off a switch at the 'core layer' with your internet gateway device simply living on a port. This is better than trying to force your soho gateway/router thingy do *all* the heavy lifting on your LAN. It no longer is a single point of failure. (If it dies, your LAN stays up until you repair/replace the gateway/router).
For a home user with one or two devices, this is overkill but in a busy little household with a lot of PC's and other Ethernet devices etc, placing your dedicated switch at the core layer makes sense.
Cheers mate, keep safe and happy holidays!