I am new to this forum and relatively new to Apple products. I have a little computer knowledge (of course a little knowledge can be dangerous!). I have put together a home network which works just fine but do wonder if there was a more efficient way of doing it. I thought those with more expertise than me might have some suggestions although that might just be 'if it ain't broke don't fix it'!
Service providers 802.11n router connected by Ethernet directly to service providers Internet TV box, Smart DVD player (rarely used), unmanaged switch and Powerline box.
Unmanaged switch connected by Ethernet to Apple Time Capsule 802.11ac, Smart TV, Apple TV, UK TV VPN box, daughters bedroom and far side of living room.
Unmanaged switch in main bedroom connected by Ethernet to Smart TV and Apple TV.
Unmanaged switch far side of living room connected to Thunderbolt hub which in turn connects to Macbook Pro and 8TB Thunderbolt Duo.
Both routers wireless networks are switched on and appear to work in harmony together. My wife and I use the TC WiFi, my daughter and guests use the service provider router WiFi.
I backup my Mac Pro and digital DVD collection to the Thunderbolt Duo. My wife's Mac Air is backed up to the TC and also a 1TB hard drive hanging off the USB port on the TC.
The Powerline box connected to the service providers router has the other box in the main bedroom. There are three metal stud walls between the routers and the bedroom and signal is non existent. I can't easily move a router and my wife only uses the Powerline connection occasionally when laying on the bed resting!
So it's all quite convoluted. Have I over complicated things?
Service providers 802.11n router connected by Ethernet directly to service providers Internet TV box, Smart DVD player (rarely used), unmanaged switch and Powerline box.
Unmanaged switch connected by Ethernet to Apple Time Capsule 802.11ac, Smart TV, Apple TV, UK TV VPN box, daughters bedroom and far side of living room.
Unmanaged switch in main bedroom connected by Ethernet to Smart TV and Apple TV.
Unmanaged switch far side of living room connected to Thunderbolt hub which in turn connects to Macbook Pro and 8TB Thunderbolt Duo.
Both routers wireless networks are switched on and appear to work in harmony together. My wife and I use the TC WiFi, my daughter and guests use the service provider router WiFi.
I backup my Mac Pro and digital DVD collection to the Thunderbolt Duo. My wife's Mac Air is backed up to the TC and also a 1TB hard drive hanging off the USB port on the TC.
The Powerline box connected to the service providers router has the other box in the main bedroom. There are three metal stud walls between the routers and the bedroom and signal is non existent. I can't easily move a router and my wife only uses the Powerline connection occasionally when laying on the bed resting!
So it's all quite convoluted. Have I over complicated things?
