What to get for the Ultimate Home Network?

[mlah384]

I've been using typical home routers, switches, etc for years. I've always had problems with wireless going down and having to restart router, weak signal, etc... If I do a heavy video file transfer for work over wired, it almost always knocks something off line. Lately the LAN port on my computer motherboard has been jumping off line requiring me to restart computer to get it back working.

What's the ultimate setup for a heavy use home network without breaking the bank? I've started looking at ZyXEL switches and wireless access points but have no clue what to get. Any suggestions? I also am using AT&T business modem (ARRIS NVG589)...

Thanks

 

[inachu]

Get enterprise class network switch. They can handle anything you throw at it.

 

[mlah384]

Get enterprise class network switch. They can handle anything you throw at it.

Any suggestions for a specific one? Also which wireless access point? And do I need to replace the AT&T modem with something better?

This seemed interesting but not sure about it: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...TCH&Description=ZyXEL+usg40he&N=-1&isNodeId=1

This seems really nice but too pricey: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...H&Description=ZyXEL+XS1920-12&N=-1&isNodeId=1

What about this access point? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833181332&cm_re=ZyXEL-_-33-181-332-_-Product

Any other/better suggestions? It would be nice to find an awesome enterprise switch with an attractive price tag...

Also, should I get a robust PCI network card instead of using the 2 network cards that are built into the motherboard? I've never used both ports at the same time, should I? or just get a standalone network card and call it a day?

 

[drebo]

ZyXEL != Enterprise.

 

[JackMDS]

Just throwing money does not solve Wireless problems.

Your ARRIS NVG589 is a Modem/Router, adding an additional gizmo like the
ZyXEL USG40HE will not make Wireless better and probably will disturb the Network cohesiveness.

Wire your environment with a set of http://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-UAP-...id=1427989160&sr=8-2&keywords=ubiquiti+3+pack

Or this if you need ac class wireless.

http://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Netw...id=1427989160&sr=8-3&keywords=ubiquiti+3+pack

 

[rchunter]

I'd hard wire everything possible. Get a decent switch like a HP procurve. Wireless sucks IMO. I try not to use it if I can.

 

[smitbret]

Agreed with JackMDS. If you are wanting to throw money out there and redo the whole thing, go Ubiquiti.

If you just want good, solid hardware then get a separate router from your modem. My personal recommendations would be something along these lines:
Asus RT-N66U (N Only)
Asus RT-AC68U
NetGear Nighthawk R7000
TP-Link Archer C7 or C8
TP-Link WDR3600 (N Only)
Asus RT-N56U (N Only)

The rest of the network is going to depend on your home's layout. In general, Cat5e cables everywhere possible with runs from the router to segments/rooms of your home. Running a Cat5e to each room/segment and then using a gigabit switch from a decent name (NetGear, TP-Link, D-Link) to connect local devices to the run is a pretty solid strategy. A switch with more ports is always better than daisy chaining smaller switches. As long as you stick with a good name, unmanaged switched are nearly a commodity so don't get too caught up on the exact model. Unless you have security or network management needs then a managed switch is overkill.

For wireless, strategically place and connect some inexpensive routers to the switches and set them up as wireless APs. I like these:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833704039&cm_re=tp-link-_-33-704-039-_-Product

If you are connecting 3 devices or less in a segment or room, you could replace the gigabit switch and the AP with a single router that has gigabit ports and set it to AP mode:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833122334 (Very good and the internal antenna make it inobtrusive)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833704206 (I have not used this one but I wouldn't be afraid to try if you thought you wanted some AC wireless in a room)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833704144 (This would be my default choice)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA0AJ20D5301 (These used to be my go to when I could get them for $24 refurbished)
Asus RT-N56U http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833320062

Zyxel, TrendNet, Buffalo and D-Link all make some pretty good products as well but I have limited experience with those except D-Link whom I have used with some great success and some great failure.

I'm shocked that JackMDS didn't drop this link to setting up a router as an AP http://www.ezlan.net/router_AP.html

 

[mlah384]

I ran Cat 6 throughout the entire house, but I need wifi as well for iPads, iPhones, etc... also when my son has company over and they have a laptop and want to play games together...

 

[smitbret]

I ran Cat 6 throughout the entire house, but I need wifi as well for iPads, iPhones, etc... also when my son has company over and they have a laptop and want to play games together...

modem -> good router -> good switches and then just set up APs connected to the switches depending on your needs.

If you went the Ubiquiti Unifi route you can get seamless handoff with wireless devices while you roam..... or so I hear. I've never used them but they have a great reputation.

 

[Viper GTS]

The Ubiquiti stuff is great, combine that with a POE switch and you will be able to put wifi in every corner of your house. I've been running an AP-Pro at home for a couple years now with no issues and flawless coverage across three floors.

While Zyxel may not be truly enterprise class it's quite a bit better than what most people run in their house. My core switch recently burned up (Dell 2748) and I replaced it with Zyxel's 24 port fanless (GS1910). I've been very, very happy with it and at $170 it's an easy choice. The POE versions get pricey, but you can always just inject POE in your data closet for the AP runs.

Viper GTS

 

[mlah384]

I think one wireless access point on the ceiling of my living room (center of house) should be enough? Is there any one enterprise AP that would fit the bill?

What about network cards? I think the two on my motherboard may be intermittent... What's a really solid and reliable network adapter I should get? Is 10Gbe overkill?

 

[rchunter]

I think one wireless access point on the ceiling of my living room (center of house) should be enough? Is there any one enterprise AP that would fit the bill?

What about network cards? I think the two on my motherboard may be intermittent... What's a really solid and reliable network adapter I should get? Is 10Gbe overkill?

Waaay overkill. If your going to be buying a separate nic card get an intel card. How many access points you buy depends on how your house is built/arranged and how big it is. I've got 3 on my property. One out in the shop, the other 2 in the house.

 

[mlah384]

How about this route:

NIC (because I plan on using Windows Server 2012 R2 in the future): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833106178

Switch: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833181397

Wireless AP: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=0ED-0005-00063

Would that be a very stable and dependable setup? of course, i would still have the AT& T modem, but it would only be used to get internet signal to switch correct?

Am I missing anything?

Thanks!

 

[smitbret]

How about this route:

NIC (because I plan on using Windows Server 2012 R2 in the future): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833106178

Switch: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833181397

Wireless AP: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=0ED-0005-00063

Would that be a very stable and dependable setup? of course, i would still have the AT& T modem, but it would only be used to get internet signal to switch correct?

Am I missing anything?

Thanks!

That is probably the single worst router on the planet. Can't set Static IP or DHCP Reservations. Forwarding ports is an absolute disaster. The device struggles with proper DHCP refresh. If you own the modem then I would get a router and use a new, proper router between the modem and the switch.

If you are leasing it from AT&T, call them up and get a better one.

 

[mlah384]

That is probably the single worst router on the planet. Can't set Static IP or DHCP Reservations. Forwarding ports is an absolute disaster. The device struggles with proper DHCP refresh. If you own the modem then I would get a router and use a new, proper router between the modem and the switch.

If you are leasing it from AT&T, call them up and get a better one.

Are you referring to the ARRIS NVG589? Which AT&T router should I request? Or can I buy my own and not use theirs? Or does AT&T force you to use their equipment?

 

[mlah384]

I contacted AT&T and they said I could get my own modem but it has to run in tandem with theirs... will that still be an issue? This modem is free, but i would have to pay for an enterprise lvl AT&T modem... ;(

 

[smitbret]

I contacted AT&T and they said I could get my own modem but it has to run in tandem with theirs... will that still be an issue? This modem is free, but i would have to pay for an enterprise lvl AT&T modem... ;(

I'm not sure why you'd need to get an enterprise level modem. You just need a gateway that works with bonded VDSL. 2Wire makes some modems that work better and are typically compatible with Uverse.

Keep in mind that the NVG589 works fine as a modem/gateway, it just comes up very short in the router department. If you keep it and use your own router as the center of your home network then you should be fine. That's the route I would go anyway.

 

[JimKiler]

OP I am not sure what router you have now but i would recommend trying an AC router before getting an wireless AP.

Also do your Cat6 runs go to a patch panel or do they have RJ-45 ends on them? Maybe your patch panel is causing dropouts? But definitely get a new NIC for your PC first and see if you still have issues.

 

[RadiclDreamer]

ZyXEL != Enterprise.

I agree, all of their stuff I've used was pretty poor. This was about 8 years ago though.

 

[mlah384]

OP I am not sure what router you have now but i would recommend trying an AC router before getting an wireless AP.

Also do your Cat6 runs go to a patch panel or do they have RJ-45 ends on them? Maybe your patch panel is causing dropouts? But definitely get a new NIC for your PC first and see if you still have issues.

They all have ends on them...

Do you have any recommendations on a solid AC router I should consider?

 

[smitbret]

They all have ends on them...

Do you have any recommendations on a solid AC router I should consider?

So, what you are saying is that you don't like my recommendations?

 

[mlah384]

So, what you are saying is that you don't like my recommendations?

What's your recommendation for AC router and Switch? Looks like I'm forced to use the AT&T Arris modem... so I'll need to figure out how to get router to work with it...

*EDIT*
Oh, yeah, i saw your recommendations, thx!... was this the best one in the list? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833320174

Which switch? (24port)

 

[smitbret]

What's your recommendation for AC router and Switch? Looks like I'm forced to use the AT&T Arris modem... so I'll need to figure out how to get router to work with it...

*EDIT*
Oh, yeah, i saw your recommendations, thx!... was this the best one in the list? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833320174

Which switch? (24port)

You can just connect the Arris to the WAN port of the new router and do a reboot of the devices. Then everything connects to the new router instead of the Arris. Not much more to it than that.

That router is the default that everyone goes to for AC1900 routers. I have one (the free T-Mobile Cell-Spot, actually) but I didn't like the form factor so I went back to my Archer C7. There is literally no performance difference in my home between the two.

The Asus has a GUI that is easier to use and USB 3.0. You can also flash it to open firmware like DD-WRT. If I were spending the money, I would go with the NetGear R7000 but that's just based on my impression and not because I have actually used one. I don't think you would go wrong with either.

 

[boomhower]

I'll be that guy and recommend the Linksys WRTAC1900. I had last best Asus AC router and it died an early death, last around 9 months. Then bought a Netfear R7000 and it refused to cooperate with my Amazon Fire TV's. Took it back and bought the Linksys and everything has been working great since. I was skeptical with the Belkin buyout but have been very satisfied so far.

 

[Yuriman]

I'd like to throw in that until I purchased my RT-N66U a few years ago, I was incredibly pessimistic about wireless networks. I have had zero problems since.

I've come to feel that speed is far less important than stability.