@CNMPC thanks for the reply. after some addl research, to go with LAYOUT 3 i would hav to configured addl interfaces on my FW and each of those interfaces, although trusted, would have diff...

looking to upgrade our office switches with some TP-Link models. as i understand, all my models below support MDI/MDIx which should mean i am able to connect a straight thru ethernet (not crossover)...