Edit: I just realized I didn't specify which Switches were Nintendo ones. I'm sorry.
Currently I live in an apartment with multiple access ports (2 of them in use), and I have them all running through a network switch.
Line 2 is connected to a wifi router which is connected to a second network switch which has a steam deck and 2 old Nintendo Switches™ connected.
Line 3 is connected to a small modem which is connected to a desktop PC.
I want to make a home server soon that also runs Home Assistant, so surely there must be a better setup to have everything actually be in the same network right? If I need any additional hardware let me know.
I can replace the wifi router with one that will actually have more than 2 LAN ports as well if needed.
I’m finding it a little hard to follow your description sorry, but couldn’t you do something like: Outside Internet -> Modem -> Router -> network switch -> devices?
Sounds like you just might need a network switch with more ports.
And I feel like it’s not a good idea to have a modem directly attached to the pc directly unless you’re using it as a router?
Yeah I feel like this is the issue. The modem/router would be firewalling between the networks hiding the PC behind it.
Also from the description, does OP have a router at all? Is their ISP somehow just allocating public IPs to everything? Do your IPs start with 192.168 or something else?
No, because the desktop is in another room, unfortunately, and wife doesn't like the idea of running a long lan cable.