Plan your setup at your parents' place for a smooth home network connection.
Plan your setup at your parents' place for a smooth home network connection.
Hello everyone. I've been delaying this task but now feels like the right time. My parents have lived in their home for about 30 years and have WiFi, though the signal quality is poor. I plan to install a server rack to house the modem (we pay $940 for 50 up). I need to purchase a router and switch with at least 12 POE ports for eight existing cameras and some access points. I also want to connect four smart TVs throughout the house. Should I place a switch near each TV for flexibility, or run separate cables to each device? What equipment should I consider? Since I don’t have materials, I’ll need to buy everything—cables, rack, accessories, etc. My budget is around $1800 USD. Thanks ahead!
I just added more details to the post. I’ll have to purchase everything.
Consider using two cables for simultaneous connections, allowing you to plug in multiple devices at once. The difference in cable lengths is minimal, so it’s a good idea to plan your setup now. If you need hardware suggestions, I’ll likely connect here—this system is flexible, user-friendly, and features an intuitive web console.
Without any servers, you definitely don’t need a rack... Right?
I have a Plex media server connected via WiFi from my PC, and multiple smart TVs link to it. I need to relocate the server to a dedicated server rack for better reliability. Since I'm new to this setup, I currently use three 6TB hard drives arranged in an array on Windows. I want a solution that preserves data during the move and allows future expansion with additional drives.
But having just one server doesn't require a rack in my thoughts. Unless it's those compact 8u units that stick to the wall. With that limited hardware, I usually mount it on a wooden sheet. I keep racks aside for configurations like three servers and networking equipment. That's purely my preference. As for brands, Ubiquiti and MikroTik are both strong choices for new devices.