wired networking question - must router come before switch?

[posnera]

I am revising my home network and have a question about the ordering of devices and whether or not it matters.

Currently, I have my comcast modem running into an Airport Extreme. There is also an ethernet switch connected downstream with other devices connected.

The problem is that the modem/router is currently in my home office which has poor wireless distribution to the house. I'd like to move the router to a better location, but I need several ethernet ports in the office.

Here's my question: Can I connect from the modem to the switch, then to the Extreme, or must the router be the first device after the modem?

 

[Panch0]

The router needs to be first.

You could use another Airport (Extreme or Express) or Time Capsule to extend your wireless network though.

 

[blevins321]

The router needs to be first.

You could use another Airport (Extreme or Express) or Time Capsule to extend your wireless network though.

Yeah I'd get an Express ($70 Apple refurb) and plug it into the switch on the good side of the house. Put it in extended mode and it'll be like a wireless access point, the main router still being what performs NAT functions.

 

[posnera]

Yeah I'd get an Express ($70 Apple refurb) and plug it into the switch on the good side of the house. Put it in extended mode and it'll be like a wireless access point, the main router still being what performs NAT functions.

Ok. I will run wire from the extreme to the other room and use a switch there to connect to an express (and other wired stuff). Thanks for the info.