LAN traffic not WAN. So yes your internet is limiting but ONLY to the internet. Otherwise a workstation to a NAS/server could be up to 10x faster

You can tell by the IP address range if they’re on the same network, normally. If device behind router B can successfully ping device on router A then you’re on the same

Start from scratch and do it right the first time. Feed enters home in Basement/Utilities/Comms area. In that area is the main switch where all runs terminate to with at bare minimum 2 jacks at each location but 3 is preferred. 2 allow a router to be placed anywhere, 1 for WAN and 1 for Lan back to switch then a 3rd for an additional device at that location direct to main switch. Extra runs are easy if you’re already there pulling wires.

Plan runs for at least 2 locations on opposite sides of the rooms for best layout options. So cables don’t have to span doorways windows etc.

Then when cabling is in place a managed switch and router VLANS can be used to separate. Or a 2nd physical switch for the tenant and a VLANS capable router with a port separated to the tenant switch. Then in the tenant space they have the option to plug a router in or you can provide an AP for Wi-Fi. But that will all give you maximum stability, capacity and security.

A vlan router can be as simple as a Thin Client, miniPC or open router appliance with multi port NIC added as needed running OpnSense OpenWRT etc. Those units can be used for anywhere between $25-150 normally and software is free NIC’s are cheap

Router 2 should be a switch unless you need the extra stuff for something. At a minimum it should be in AP mode. Otherwise it’s very unlikely you’re getting “collisions”, it’s just humming along like networks do

Bro…you don’t have to remove drywall. I don’t understand why people get so insistent on removing drywall. Get a number of Pros in there and I bet none of them will say we have to tear all the drywall off. It’s probably not your job don’t limit their abilities on your own lack of knowledge and skills.

Mikrotik tends to have very good products

You’re planning it incorrectly. Generally ALL jacks need a single run back to the basementUUtilities/Comms area of home where the large main switch is. The internet feed should also enter and terminate there. Then devices are connected or patched to wherever in the home you need.

Wiring 1 room to another is the wrong way to do it.

DON’T use network cable splitters, use at minimum a Gigabit switch with enough ports to do what you need, ideally with extras

Better to just run more cables properly but technically no

Many, I included prefer to run router on dedicated hardware to keep everything up and running rather than taking down the whole network for changes updates errors etc

Use proper WAP’s designed to do the job not routers designed to do a different job. But yes you’re correct they’re working as designed you want them in AP mode. Many newer have that option but tons of older don’t.You also want to do a Wi-Fi site survey and see what channels everything is on and spread channels out.

hardware options Netgate sells their own appliances( they write/maintain pfSense) the devices are a little pricey but also installed and operational, guaranteed to work and newer faster updates. You’re also supporting the maintenance of a free enterprise level router software that runs mega corporations. 

Used are plentiful and cheaper Most any single processor 1U short depth server like Dell R210ii, R230 or similar relabeled, Datto 1U, Hyve Zeuss 1U, 1U Supermicro etc Many already have Dual 1Gb NIC but a 10Gb card can be added 

There’s also Mini PC routers like Protectli, Firewalla, Qotom Q555G6-S05, Intel NUC, Beelink EQ12 and many more

Thin Clients with an expansion port like HP T620 Plus or HP T730 and add a dual port Intel Nic up to 10Gb/fiber etc

Mini PC ThinkCentre M720q, need a p/n 01AJ9040 pcie riser card, i350-T4 v2 4 port RJ45, x550-T2 for 2 10Gb RJ45, i226 4-2.5Gb RJ45 More info: https://forums.servethehome.com/index.php?threads/lenovo-thinkcentre-thinkstation-tiny-project-tinyminimicro-reference-thread.34925/

Smaller pc’s like the Dell Optiplex are also good options with extra slots to add NIC like upgrade to 10Gb/Fiber etc

Checkout the pinned comments for tips on planning and layout Home Networking Basics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjRKID2ucPY&list=PLqkmlrpDHy5M8Kx7zDxsSAWetAcHWtWFl

Can’t realistically compare a new product line to a used older tech…they’re just not comparable in price never will be

The ONT is basically just a fiber to ethernet media converter so yes normally. Router plugs into ONT. But sometimes the fiber plugs directly into the ONT/Router so it’s a single unit

Plug in and get off WiFi, bet that helps

Essentially you need a new router it sounds like. The modem isn’t used with fiber. There’s just an RJ45 port to plug a router in. Some of the providers make the ONT built into the router they give you…just gotta figure out what they have

You can get much better overall options and performance from an open router OS running on just about anything with 2 NIC’s. Something like OPNsense works great and is well supported.

Then you can pair your favorite wifi AP desired and a good large switch with as many hardwired devices as you can get.

Here’s some info to help ya understand the bigger picture

Home Networking Basics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjRKID2ucPY&list=PLqkmlrpDHy5M8Kx7zDxsSAWetAcHWtWFl

NO that’s a bad way to do it. This will help clarify a bit for you. There’s a lot there though so kick back for a full understanding.

Home Networking Basics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjRKID2ucPY&list=PLqkmlrpDHy5M8Kx7zDxsSAWetAcHWtWFl

Run fiber to uplink, then remote buildings etc have a switch and connect your indoor or outdoor WAP’s

You’d probably have a simpler time by setting up Tailscale on your router and connect to that remotely. It will propagate random networks much easier

Ubiquiti Wireless bridge to feed an outdoor WAP