Blomstrom.tech
 
  Overview of home/office networks

Plan, Define, Build !
   
  Basic Home Network
  Mesh Home Network
  Robust Home Network (Scalable)
  
  Plan for better network
  Pointers when building a new home
 
 
 
   
  Basic Home Network
 
Provided modem connects to internet
Combination Wireless Router acts as:
Firewall to divide WAN from LAN
LAN Hub/Switch with 2, 3, or 4 ports
Access point (AP)
Provides LAN network addresses (DHCP)
 
Weak solution because:
Combination Wireless Router uses consumer grade parts (a.k.a. cheap)
Few LAN ports not good for adding wired devices
Difficult scalability
Router features are too basic
Lack of a second WAN connection for redundancy
Despite antennas, still stuck in a single location
Modem and Router are usually leased from provider
Modem can be difficult to change password (depends on provider)
   
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  MESH Home Network
 
Similar weaknesses to Basic Home Network
Adds Mesh AP to extend wireless range
 
Weak solution because:
Same problems as with Basic above
PLUS
Wireless signal degrades as it get rebroadcast
Added wireless traffic
Disappointing results
   
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  Robust Home/Office Network
 
Most Scalable approach
Modem can be purchased (depends on provider)
 
Gateway is enterprise grade product
Datasheet: 
Advanced firewall and routing
Second WAN for Failover/Load Balancing
 
Managed switch allows many high speed connections
Datasheet: 
Additional switches can be added with copper or fiber
AP, cameras added with POE+
 
AP (access Points) can be added as desired
Wired AP free up radio traffic
nanoHD: 
FlexHD: 
older models & outdoor: 
 
Gen 2 Cloud Key
Datasheet: 
Stand-Alone UniFi® Controller
IP Video Surveillance
 
Video IP Cameras
Datasheet: 
Scalable Day and Night Surveillance
1080p Full HD Video
 
Software to manage network and cameras: 
   
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  Plan a BETTER Network
 
LAN
Use wiring for Statioanry devices such as:
Desktop PC, Game Consoles, Smart TV, Servers, NAS, Switches, AP
 
WiFi - 2Ghz band
Utilize the lower frequency band for periphery devices:
Doorbells, smart home appliances
 
WiFi - 5Ghz band
Free up higher frequency for mobile devices:
Laptops, Phones, Tablets
 
Retrofit Wires
Plan to use CAT-6 cable available from home stores
Decide a convenient location where the modem and gateway can be located and serve as the starting point
Identify a vertical wall that will give you access from ground floor to upper floor and attic
This video gives a intoduction what we will be doing, except not with electrical wires:
    
On your vertical run, pull two runs of cable. The second can be a spare or help future proof.
From this first step, we can plan how the network will branch out.
 
   
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  Pointers when building a new home
 
If you are planning to build a house, you need a good plan.
A rough idea of needs before looking at floorplans
Have a list of specific questions ready
Builders are still clueless, with a 1980 approach to networks.
Below is an example of the junk that the builder left.
The owner requested Cat6 lines (BLUE) to most rooms
And camera lines (RED and BLACK)
The BLACK lines are useless and meant for old analog cameras.
Note the useless 3-inch cabinet that all these lines were jammed into.
These are intended for old cable tv breakouts and maybe a modem and small switch.
And worst of all, this is in a child's closet
 
BEFORE
 
On the plus side, these lines were all run and terminated in a common location.
It would have been preferred to have this located in a dedicated network closet. Then the equipment and noise could be managed better.
 
Below is how I helped the owner reorganize and connect his network investment.
Just cable lines left in the 3" box.
And a well organized rack on a shelf high in the closet for data.
 
AFTER
   
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