Configuring a new home network setup
Configuring a new home network setup
Hello everyone, I’m looking for your insights and advice on the first phase of my project. I’m still exploring options through the Ubiquiti site without committing to a specific setup. Switching to an in-wall installation means just one cable run between the switch and the room, with the in-wall panel handling all wired devices.
Choosing the Dream Machine Pro Special Edition adds POE support and may eliminate the need for a separate switch based on your port requirements. It also supplies power to your cameras. I haven’t tested any in-wall access points, but you might want to check their coverage compared to other options. They could work, though I can’t recommend anything I haven’t personally used. If you decide to add a switch, opt for one with two or more SFTP+ ports to support 10GbE networking for both your desktop and server. The Dream Machine Pro has only one 10GbE SFTP+ port for the LAN and another as a WAN port. Your setup should function well, but connecting multiple gigabit switches reduces overall throughput to about 1Gb back to the main switch. Fewer switches or faster connections like SFTP+ improve switching capacity. Your configuration includes four switches—one Dream Machine, one Poe, and two in the wall Unifi6 units. Sending internet should work without issues, but placing two PCs on the Unifi6 switch in a wall unit will require them to share that gigabit link with the main switch. Ethernet cables are affordable and easy to manage at multiple points.
I have a few more questions about working with the builder next time. For this second phase of the plan, and maybe it's a simple one, do we need to think about material differences or best practices when the ISP connection passes through a switch or a wireless router first? Here are all the wired connections listed.
ISP connects to the router initially, after which the router links to the switch. The router handles assigning IP addresses to all your devices and typically functions as a firewall, which can be costly in terms of each connection. Adding more connections later depends on your home layout. If you have an unfinished basement or attic that's reachable, it's feasible; it's simpler when walls are accessible. Confirm the cable type they intend—cat6 meets minimum requirements, while cat 6a is ideal. Cat 8 offers future flexibility but may be overkill now. Fiber is better for speeds over 10gb and beyond copper. Ubiquiti provides a tool to upload floor plans and verify coverage. Just note that standard access points like 6pro or 6lite work best when mounted on ceilings. For yards, an outdoor access point such as the 6 mesh is nice but not essential.
Bdavis mentioned the ISP connects to a router, which then links to a switch. If you choose an access point with a Wi-Fi router, ensure they are compatible and support Ethernet-based mesh networking—many don’t. An alternative is using a regular router without Wi-Fi and adding two access points for optimal coverage and flexibility. Good AP brands like Unifi, Netgear, and TPLink offer solid performance with seamless SSID management.
This version uses a ceiling-mounted AP instead of an in-wall setup. The reason I mention this is that in-wall units are typically better suited for one room, offering a clearer signal path since the beam focuses in a particular direction. Ceiling-mounted models are built to cover an entire floor from all angles.
You intend to use a network solution like Ubiquiti or TP-Link, which should work fine. Also, you're thinking about installing ceiling mounts to improve coverage.