Question Small business network upgrade

[Stillwaters0806]

Here is where I am. Currently I am using an Arris tg1682 (ISP provided) modem/router/VIP with a TP-Link tl-sg1016de 16 port switch. The switch is at capacity along with several other smaller switches connected in other offices. I have 2 wireless access point also connected. I am having some serious speed internet speed issues as well latency issues. I am looking to upgrade my hardware. I would like to see what anyone would suggest, and why they would suggest it. I'm in the preliminary stages, research, before making the dive into new hardware. I want to make sure what I will be getting will not only handle my current needs, but also allow expansion. I currently have approximately 24 ethernet connected devices and up to a 12 wireless devices connected, along with a guest wi-fi (not sure how many normally connect) any and all thoughts, suggestions, pointers, etc would be absolutely appreciated! Thankyou all in advance for the thoughts.

 

[mxnerd]

Both speed and latency problems? Tthey are different things. What are the major applications your business uses? And do you know what applications or devices are affected by the latency (VOIP?, how many lines? which vendor?) What applications use the most bandwidth?

Your modem can be up to 240Mbps. If you do not have enough speed/bandwidth, just ask your ISP what speed they can offer, and you might have to upgrade your modem.

Please also use paragraphs. It's hard to read.

 

[aigomorla]

I would first set your modem for bridge mode, and add a Pfsense or Sophos box using an i3 or i5 with AES and about 8GB of ram.
I would also setup a server with windows server 2018 to run DHCP + DNS on it.

So bascially i would isolate everything..

Modem - ISP commissioned.
Router - PfSense / Sonos
DHCP + DNS - windows server 2018

You could probably virtualize Pfsense and the Server 2018 on one box.

This route is not plug and play friendly tho, but it is bulletproof.

 

[SamirD]

The first place to start before upgrading anything is to understand the current system's problems or deficiencies. Any latency issues with wired connections are a particular concern as that really shouldn't be happening at all.

 

[aigomorla]

He has too many clients connected at one point in time.
His first deficiency is most likely bandwith as mxnerd states, then its probably then in the routing table.

If he has that many guest connections, they should be moved over to its own VLAN, that way it would also help isolate his main network.
And also he has too many connections for that Arris route combo to handle.
Arris Combo is OK for SOHO, but again with that many connections, were going beyond SOHO, which it was intended.

Realistically he should be running a dedicated Firewall + DHCP + DNS.

 

[mv2devnull]

Router - PfSense / Sonos
DHCP + DNS - windows server 2018

Windows Server for DHCP + DNS? I'd rather have Linux.

 

[mxnerd]

Open source technitium DNS (with DHCP) https://technitium.com/dns/
can be run on old Windows PC with .NET framework if there is no Windows Server or personnel who is familiar with Linux.