Choosing a home network setup for your first apartment
Choosing a home network setup for your first apartment
You're considering using an old PC as a router and networking gear for a small apartment. Think about what you need: speeds, reliability, and ease of use. For a setup with one or two bedrooms, a 2-port Gigabit PCIe card could work if you're okay with slower performance. A 3- to 5-port Gigabit switch is a solid choice for connecting multiple devices. As for the access point, look for something that supports Wi-Fi 6 or 5GHz bands and offers good range for your space.
The connections and ISP options available in that complex play a role here. The most straightforward and cheapest approach is to rely solely on the ISP’s offerings, especially if you don’t plan to get much value out of it. Personally, when I need full control, I prefer purchasing a modem, router, and access point and configuring them myself. While following the steps shown in the video is impressive, it doesn’t offer the same benefits. Better alternatives exist.
It's rarely worthwhile, actually—the video probably highlighted a major issue. Power use is a big problem; older computers aren't efficient for packet switching or routing, which is why ASICs are used in today's networking gear. It's impressive, but if you're into networking, try setting up an old system at home. You can turn it off to save energy.
Determine the type of WAN speeds you'll receive first. Because using a Wi-Fi 6E AP, 10Gbps, and an 8-core PFSENSE box won’t matter if you end up with just 250 Mbps DSL, it’s important to know what you’re actually getting.
A vintage thin client with a PCI-E port offers a solid option. I discovered one at a refurbished PC shop for $25. Intel NICs are recommended for their dependability and strong driver support. Two ports usually suffice for everyday needs. A gigabit switch works well enough. I prefer models with PoE to power access points and cameras, though it’s not essential. Ubiquiti APs are my top choice. The U6 Lite provides a solid deal at $100. I’ve heard good feedback on TP-Link APs as well. Used enterprise APs on eBay can be a cost-effective solution if you’re working with limited funds.