Network expansion help

[El Toro]

Need to expand ports for a small office network. Cable broadband is currently connected to a 8 port router. I need to add 16 additional devices and some will be in shipping across a warehouse. I don't want to a huge cable run to the back and would rather just connect 2 segments with a single cat-6. Ideally everything appears on the same network so front office can print to devices in shipping, etc. All windows btw.

How would you setup this network?

[SkyHawk]

Yes, do a single run of CAT6 to the far devices and put another switch there, then connect those devices to the switch you place there. Everything will still be on the same network if we're talking basic Layer 2 switches. And to expand port count on the devices near the router, again just put a switch there.

And I don't think you meant '8 port router', I think you meant 'router with 8 switch ports'. There is a difference. Big difference.

Anyhow, you can plug the far switch into the new switch you place near the router, then plug that near switch directly into the router, or you can plug both the new switches into the router. Doesn't matter unless you are interested in port speeds (100 vs 1000) then we need to know more about the switch ports on the router (their link speed). The selection you make determines which switch becomes the core. Ideally the core switch is the most capable, with the highest aggregate backplane speed. For most small office networks, that is of no concern.

I usually do not use switchports on broadband routers, even in small offices. I only use one port on the router connecting it to a core switch, so the router is truly just the network edge. But even in small offices I deploy layer 3 switches with routing OS, and create VLANs to keep various device types segmented/subnetted (servers, door card readers, printers/scanners, voip phones, ip cameras, user workstations, guest access, wifi, firewall/edge, utility).

Anyhow, with a couple of new switches you will have several options and you only need one cable pull to the far end of the building.

[El Toro]

Perfect answer.

I will probably have more questions on segmenting since I plan to add IP phones next year. Already have a camera security system but it is on the same net as workstations and printers.