My setup will be similar to the image I created above. Let me summarize:
- My old Cat3 phone lines will be converted to ethernet by simply adding some ethernet plugs on the end of the cables.
- I'll then put a network switch in the 1st floor utility box, so the internet can be sent via Cat3 cable to "Bedroom A" and "Bedroom B".
- In bedrooms "A" and "B" I need to split the signal again to connect to multiple devices.
Now my question: I'd like all three network switches to be of the good and cheap variety. Something like the $15 TP-Link 5. Unfortunately - through my limited research - it seems daisy chaining these type of network switches in series is a bad idea.
So, do I need to buy three managed network switches, or three stackable network switches? They're hundreds of dollars each on Amazon! Or maybe I can get away with one managed network switch in the utility box and two cheaper network switches in the bedrooms? What is the solution to my problem?
I know ideally I would run a single line from one network switch to each device, but I don't want to have cables running everywhere in my house, and I don't want to tear up the walls either to run the lines. WiFi is off the table, and so is powerline adapters, but thanks for thinking of that. Something achieving my diagram above is preferable.
Note - Cat3 cable speed is sufficient for my needs.
73 Answers
There is no practical difference between managed vs unmanaged in this regard – all switches regenerate the signal, and all of them use point-to-point full-duplex Ethernet connections. (It's hubs which don't.) So it should be fine to chain 3 switches and it's commonly done using this structure.
However, unmanaged switches generally do lack loop detection features, so make sure to not introduce a loop – don't try to directly connect bedroom A and bedroom B to make a 'shortcut'.
(Actually, connecting both bedrooms using proper Cat5e might be a very good idea if they're right next to each other – but only do this after disconnecting one of them from the central switch.)
However, while you don't technically need one, a decent managed switch for home use – at least of the "smart (web managed)" kind – can be bought for €60–90 on Amazon. Managed switches can be useful for other tasks, such as separating ports into VLANs or measuring bandwidth used by each port.
8How to properly daisy chain network switches?
For a basic home network? Literally just plug them into each other!
Three unmanaged 5-port switches, one in each room the CAT3 cables terminate in, and you'll be good to go.
If you have any issues with your CAT3 cable runs not working after you convert them from RJ11 to RJ45 jacks, just remember that there is a spare twisted pair in each CAT3 run that you can use if need be, as you'll only be using two out of the three pairs for 100 Mbps.
A continuity tester will tell you which wires to avoid if there's a problem:
I have had the same problem as Jason who I presume has resolved his problem though I haven't seen mention of it.
I have just resolved my problem which was the result of many years wiring ethernet using the concept of ensuring the wires connect pin to pin with a slight variation of the standard T568B which works fine for 10 and 100 Mbps but fails on 1000. I have just rewired two switch combinations to standard T568B and now they all work fine. I had carried out all the tests on all the wiring and components and everything worked until the two switches were connected. I have now collected 2 switches from the bin that I had thought were the culprits but they now work fine as well.
