I build a Remote computer solution like in Linus home.

[Venson]

Hey there,

 

I just moved into a new place and i always liked the idea to put my server/pc/nas/everything into another room and connect via cables. So i did.

This post will be rant/display/guide for others that want to try this. But TLDR; its nice but a lot of hassle.

 

Firstly in contrast to linus route with Thunderbold, i have gone a different route and used AOC USB3.1Gen2 and AOC DP 2.0 cables for each workplace. I have a lot of different pcs/laptops for my wife and me and in addition i also wanted to run my index over the AOC so thunderbold was not the best solution for this.

 

As i wanted to (careful bad word) Futureproof as best as possible, i used the USB3.1Gen2 AOC cables from ActiveOpticalCable.com and the brand new released DP 2.0 AOC (FX-I260-015) cables from the german manufacture PureLink. I validated all cables i got (which was for the best as 1 USB cable came DOA) with my PC aswell as with the Vive Index I planned to use. All work fine. 

 

Next thing is that i use 3x 4k monitors and i dont want to lay 3 seperate DP cables so a Splitter has to be used that can handle this. Even DP 1.4 can handle 2x 4k 60fps + 1x 4k 90fps with MST which is great as there are not that many (none) DP2.0 splitters out there yet, so after trying all splitters i can get my hand on, i landed on the "Bolaazul Displayport 1.4 MST hub Splitter" which does the job, fine. Next issue is that both end of the AOC are male ports and the connector for the vive is also male. For that i used the "DeLOCK 65374" Gender Adapter. For USB i think just any hub, aslong as it is powered externally would be fine but i used the "ORICO USB C Hub, 7 Port USB C Hub, 10 Gbps" to get the full bandwidth. If you want to build something similar, be aware that there are many AOC out there that are _not_ USB 2.0 downward compatible which will be a HUGE pain because most keyboards and other peripherals only use USB 2.0. Just because an cable says it is USB 3.X does not necessary means, they also support USB 2.0 as this requires _seperate_ wires inside a cable!.</rant>

 

Firstly as i did this in germany where walls are actually brick and stone, i had to cut some canals into the walls:

Unfortunately i had some bad luck with the "professional" i hired to make the wall cuts and they butchered my wall quite a bit.

But in the next step i added the tubing to house the actual fiber cables.

 

All cables end at the same room, where i will put all (electronics) stuff into:

Also for good measure I added CAT7 lan lines to all outputs aswell as a central point for an Wifi AP.

Additionally, keep in mind and do not make the same mistake: The standard tubing you get is 25mm in outer diameter and 17,5mm inner. _THAT IS NOT ENOUGH FOR THE CONNECTORS!_ i made this mistake and had to cut all tubes to setup the cables inside. That means, this is a one-time installation as i cannot pull any cables though again as the connectors do not fit inside the tube. F.

 

By today, i can access my pc from my wall i intend to cover with a 3d printed panel.

 

I am still yet to connect the index in the livingroom and my wifes workplace but as a proof of concept this works great :-D.

 

Total cost:
- 5x AOC USB 3.1 Gen2: 1400$
- 8x AOC DisplayPort 2.0: 1333€
- 150meter CAT7 Lan + RJ45 adapters: 250€
- Electrician for wall cuts and laying cables: (TBA)
- Painter to fill the cuts and paint: 1700€
- 3x Displayport 1.4 Splitter: 250€
- 3x USB Hub + M2M adapter: 150€
= 5.000€

I expected it to be much less but due to the butchering of my walls, a lot of damage had to be repaired. 

 

Thanks for your time.

[ItTakes2ToMango]

Killer setup, love it. Should post some after pics when it is all cleaned up!

[Venson]

1 minute ago, ItTakes2ToMango said:

Killer setup, love it. Should post some after pics when it is all cleaned up!

Why wait

That is still missing my wifes pc and everything will _eventually_ be put into a small server rack 

[ItTakes2ToMango]

6 minutes ago, Venson said:

Why wait

That is still missing my wifes pc and everything will _eventually_ be put into a small server rack 

Beautiful! I hope to follow in your footsteps one day.... so much other renovating to get to first.... 

[LogicalDrm]

-> Moved to Build Logs

 

You can also post the final result in Show off megathread