[taxbuster]

How I'd approach this (mess):
First, I'd spend $50-75 and get a tone generator and map out the wiring. Who the hell leaves unterminated wires behind a wall plate?

As you go, tag 'em and label them. Dymo prints or otherwise. Some will (likely) be of no use to you, others will. Name the end points, and copy the name to the wiring in the basement. Keep a map.

If you're a noob to networking, you don't want Mikrotik. You'll never figure it out, and you have a high risk of misconfiguration.

*If* you're willing to do some reading and understanding and actually *want* to learn something about managing a network, the Ubiquiti Unifi gear is decent. Install, and upgrade ONLY with a working backup that is NOT stored on the gear but in a location you can reach any time (your PC is fine). Keep it simple at first, with one or two access points at most. Wire and put in a switch where you can locate most of your generic gear and try to keep it in one location if possible. The less WiFi you have, the faster and less congested your system will be. (And be easier to manage.)

The Ubiquiti Unifi system is rated as a "prosumer" system...so it is capable of advanced setup, but also is reasonably easy to manage...reasonably easy, but not necessarily "simple".

If you want "simple", go for some straightforward networking kit - ask at Memory Express - they can direct you to something not requiring much tech knowledge.



Once you actually understand where ALL the wiring goes, you'll be in a position to know what to do. Ask here, for sure. There's lots of people who can assist.