Home Networking Help

[joshpks1870]

Hello,

 

I am about to start a home project to sort out the networking in my home.

My network currently sits like this:

 

Virgin Media (110Mb) >  Apple Airport Time Capsule [AC]

                                                                                          >  GBe to 8 Port dumb switch > Xbox One+PS4+Apple TV [streaming]

                                                                                          >  GBe to 5 Port dumb switch > iMac, Gaming PC, File Server

 

I was wondering what recommendations somebody would make to this network.

I usually stream from my file server via my Time Capsule's AC WiFi to my MacBooks and from the File Server over the GBe line to my Apple TV via the 5port and 8port switches.

These are just dumb 1GBe switches bought from Amazon for around £15 and £20. I am willing to spend money to upgrade this setup.

ANY recommendations and constructive criticism is appreciated!

Thanks!

[Tedster]

Is it doing what you want it to do?

- Yes - then you're fine.

- No - then I can suggest something.

[CostcoSamples]

Are you willing to put in a lot of work pulling network cables through the house? 

 

The best solution is to centralize most of your networking hardware in a storage room somewhere, with cables running through walls to where they are needed.  The idea is to clean up the mess, have everything plugged in and use wifi only for mobile devices.

[kevink817]

Seems like your current setup is fine for what you are running... but... if you are looking for a project...

 

Dedicated router/firewall connected to your gateway instead of the Time Capsule? Then i would have that connected to a 'core' switch with your 'access' switches and time capsule hanging off of that.

 

If you want to get crazy with the router/firewall, consider building it yourself, and check out PFsense or some of the other FreeBSD based firewall appliance distros to load it with.

 

Just my thoughts...