How to connect a network terminal box with an additional port

You can expand a network terminal box by connecting an Ethernet switch to the main line, allowing all wall ports to become active while routing traffic through your router.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Identify the Main Line: Locate the Ethernet cable coming from your internet provider that connects to the WAN port of your router. This is the primary source of internet for your network . 2. Choose a Switch: Select an Ethernet switch with enough ports to accommodate all the wall outlets in your apartment or home. For high-speed devices, use a Gigabit switch and ensure cables are Cat5e or Cat6 for optimal performance . 3. Connect the Router to the Switch: Run an Ethernet cable from one of the router's LAN ports to the switch. This ensures that all devices connected to the switch will be on the same network and can use router features like custom DNS or PiHole . 4. Connect Wall Ports to the Switch: In the network terminal box, connect each Ethernet cable that leads to the wall ports in different rooms to the switch. This effectively links all rooms to the router through the switch . 5. Power On and Test: Plug in the switch and router, then test each wall port by connecting a device. All devices should now have internet access and be part of the same local network .

Additional Tips

• Topology Consideration: Use a star topology where the switch connects directly to the router rather than cascading multiple switches, which can reduce network performance .
• Port Speed Management: If mixing switches with different speeds (e.g., 100 Mbps and 1 Gbps), place slower switches closer to devices that do not require high bandwidth, and faster switches near high-demand devices like NAS or gaming PCs .
• Uplink Ports: Some switches have a dedicated uplink port or a Normal/Uplink switch. Use this port if connecting two switches together to avoid crossover issues .
• Avoid Direct Internet Bypass: Ensure all wall ports connect through the switch linked to the router. Directly connecting a device to the main line from the provider will bypass your router and prevent network features from working . By following these steps, you can activate all Ethernet ports in your home while maintaining centralized control through your router, ensuring stable and high-speed connections for all devices.