I’m reaching out for advice and suggestions from experienced folks who might have tackled a similar situation. I’m upgrading my home network to 10Gbps, but I’m struggling to find the best setup that balances cost, simplicity, and performance. Thanks in advance for your help!
My Current Setup:
- Router: I use the VQ-provided ONR (Optical Network Router), which is located in a closed cupboard near the main door.
- Switch: I have an unmanaged switch to distribute LAN connections to all my rooms.
- Wi-Fi Access Point (AP): I use an Asus RT-88U as an AP, placed in my living room.
What I Don’t Need:
- VLAN features or advanced networking functions - I’m keeping things simple.
The Cheapest and Simplest Option:
My initial thought is to go with the basic 10Gbps plan, set the new ONR to router mode, and upgrade my Wi-Fi setup. Specifically:
- Replace the RT-88U with a Wi-Fi 7 AP or router.
- Swap out my 1Gbps switch for a 10Gbps switch.
However, I’m concerned about whether the basic ONR can reliably deliver the full 10Gbps speed, especially under heavier loads like torrenting (which I do). I’ve read that some basic ONRs struggle with torrenting. If this is true, I’d appreciate recommendations for a reasonably priced 10Gbps router to do the job.
Other Options I’ve Considered:
- Alta Labs Route 10 Bundle:
This seems like a good option since it includes a non-Wi-Fi 10Gbps router with SFP+ and multi-gig ports, which suits my needs perfectly. However, I’ve seen many comments about its OS being immature and buggy - almost like a beta version. That makes me hesitant. Are there other brands that offer reliable non-Wi-Fi 10Gbps routers with SFP+?
- ASUS RT-BE88U + SFP+ Module Bundle:
While this bundle is appealing, I worry that the RT-BE88U would be wasted sitting inside the cupboard since I wouldn’t use its Wi-Fi capabilities (its signal wouldn’t reach all my rooms effectively). I’d still need to buy a separate Wi-Fi 7 AP or router for my living room, which adds to the cost.
Additional Components:
- Desktop NIC: I’m planning to get the TP-Link TX401 for my desktop unless someone suggests a better alternative.
- 10Gbps Switch: I’ll need to buy a 10Gbps switch to sit in the cupboard and connect to all my rooms.
Questions I Have:
- Will the basic ONR provided by my ISP reliably handle 10Gbps speeds, especially with torrenting? If not, what are some affordable 10Gbps routers you’d recommend?
- Are there other reliable non-Wi-Fi 10Gbps routers besides the Alta Labs Route 10 Bundle?
- Is there a better alternative to the TP-Link TX401 for my desktop NIC?
I’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions - I’m open to any advice that can help me build a solid, future-proof setup without breaking the bank. Thanks again!
The main question you need to answer yourself is
DO YOU WANT 10G WIRED CONNECTION?
If YES, your primary router needs to have 2x 10G port
If NO, your primary router can go with a single 10G or 2.5G
with current prices as of APRIL 2025
A 10G switch is around half the price of a 10G router with 2x 10G ports
The VQ modem which is standard issued equipment should be HG582SA. This is NOT an ONR but an ONT with the 4x 1G configured in bridged mode. When I received I also had a scare that they issued an ONR and had a lengthy call with tech support on this..
The HG582SA has 1x 10G port as silver colour
EXEC SUMMARY
Connect HG5852SA silver port to router either direct or via switch.
Now explaining my scenario which I thought long and hard
I'm In a 4rm HDB 2014 move in. Router in cabinet beside door with ONT with cat6 cabling to rooms ( MBR, LVRM, BR1 BR2, BS, )
So Choice of router for me was TPLINK BE800 ( 2x 10G, 4x 2.5G ). I needed at least 6 ports ( 1x wan, 5x to patch panel ) and cost for 10G switch TPLINK back then was around $500. Now around $399. I did not see a point to use a switch coz of the price and I was not comfy using export sets coz the switch will be on 24/7 in a location that is rarely accessed AND with limited power points. Back then, ONT -> AXP72 -> 8port 1G Switch -> Patch panel
With 2.5G
HG582SA -> BE800 via 10G wan
on BE800
2nd 10G to study via patch panen on wall
rest to wall patch panel ( in cabinet ) to distro to all rooms
This method uses the BE800 as the role of the switch and router thereby cancelling the need for separate router and switch inside cabinet.
WIFI will NOT cover the enter flat so need an additional point somewhere else
My primary workstation is in BR1. and I mounted 1x router to extend mesh coverage. This was an older TPLINK AXP72 unit. This can be other brand router configured as an access point. For TPLink I config as EASYMESH AP.
In BR1, wall to 2.5G switch, which disto to workstation and AXP72.
Now with the 10G came a problem. I wanted WIRED 10G to my workstation. If I connect direct PC dirtect to wall, the AXP72 will not havea connection and not practical to wifi extend the AP. Have tried DECO mesh units which were antoher nightmare even with etherne tbackhaul.
So back to square 1
Compare prices and the choice was
BR1 to have 10G 5 port switch to connect to my study and serve AXP72. 2 power points
For double the price I can get ANOTHER BE800 unit vs a 10G 5 port switch. My thought process on this was
The SX105 10G 5 port switch obiang size. its not a small unit. Its larger but not as large as a 1U rackmount. so if I get the switch I need to put it under a monitor
The BE800 costs double the price but will solve the 10G problem AND upgrade the WIFI to WIFI 7 for entire flat. In a sense its build is a vertical small space. So I spend $800 I use 1x power point and can retire the AXP72 router in BR1
Wall ->10G BE800
BE800 10G-> Workstation
So 4rm flat use 2x TPLINK BE800 for my scenario was the most cosst effective solution..
if want to save money, you can go with export sets 10G switch SFP+ with SFP+ modules. but go down to size and price. A lot of the cheapo sub $100 switches have 4x 2.5G, 1x 10G SFP, 1x 2.5G SFP. Closest I can find is aroud the same size as the 10G 5port TPLINk switch SX105. so export set 10G 5/8ports around $150-250. Each SFP module around $25-35. avg of $30 and $200 for the switch and SFP+ 10G RJ45 modules means the export set route will cost me $260 vs $400 for local 10G switch and 3x power points if count in the wifi router / extender vs $800 for 1x router using 1x power point in small footprint ( BE800 takes up the footprint of the AXP72 unit just taller )
Other brands may have similar equipment with similar capabilities so go with whatever you prefer
In summary, your decision primarily is
WHETHER YOU WANT 10G WIRED or not
If NO, you can go with cheaper routers with 1x 10G or 2.5G ports.
if YES, then need find router with at least 2x 10G ports then connect WIFI extenders / AP to the router if need WIFI extensions.
