Posted: 1/19/2017 10:46:54 PM EDT
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I am in the process of remodeling of my home office and I have the opportunity to optimize my home network.
My current configuration has my cable modem (Comcast ISP, Motorola SURFboard) and wifi router (TP-Link Archer C7) on the 2nd Fl. Probably 50ft of coax from the splitter where the service enters the basement to the modem. The splitter serves the modem and my cable TV box. The router is connected to the modem with a short patch cable. I have a Vera+ and an ATT Microcell connected to the router. The whole mess is sitting on the floor in a spare bedroom. My plan is to get the modem as close as possible to the splitter at the service entrance then run 30ft of new CAT6 to an existing in-wall jack in my 1st FL office. The wifi router will connect to that jack. I'll have a few computers directly connected to the router with patch cables. My questions are: Is this the most efficient configuration speed wise? Are there varying qualities of splitters? What's a good one? Is there a best option for type of coax to run out of the splitter to the modem even though it's just a few feet? I have my wifi network broadcasting a SSID and secured with a WPA2 password. The router is secured with a personalized password, not the default. Is there anything more I can do to increase security? Whitelisting MACs? Is there a best option for type of coax to run from the splitter to the cable box for best picture? About a 35ft run. Am I making too big a deal of this? Juice not worth the squeeze? Any other tips or suggestions? edited for clarity. |
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Quoted:
I am in the process of remodeling of my home office and I have the opportunity to optimize my home network. My current configuration has my cable modem (Comcast ISP, Motorola SURFboard) and wifi router (TP-Link Archer C7) on the 2nd Fl. Probably 50ft of coax from the splitter where the service enters the basement to the modem. The splitter serves the modem and my cable TV box. The router is connected to the modem with a short patch cable. I have a Vera+ and an ATT Microcell connected to the router. The whole mess is sitting on the floor in a spare bedroom. My plan is to get the modem as close as possible to the splitter at the service entrance then run 30ft of new CAT6 to an existing in-wall jack in my 1st FL office. The wifi router will connect to that jack. I'll have a few computers directly connected to the router with patch cables. My questions are: Is this the most efficient configuration speed wise? Can you log into your modem and see the signal strength? Are you having speed issues with your internet service? Moving the modem closer may help if you're having issues Are there varying qualities of splitters? What's a good one? Yes. You'll lose signal through a splitter. Powered splitters help eliminate loss. I don't think any of this is necessary if your cable modem already has a good signal. Is there a best option for type of coax to run out of the splitter to the modem even though it's just a few feet? Quad shield RG6. Although loss through coax shouldn't be an issue if it's only a few feet. I have my wifi network broadcasting a SSID and secured with a WPA2 password. The router is secured with a personalized password, not the default. Is there anything more I can do to increase security? Whitelisting MACs? Everything here sounds fine. Not broadcasting SSID and MAC filtering doesn't protect from much. You already did the right thing using WPA2 and changing the default password. Just make sure the password isn't easy to guess 
Is there a best option for type of coax to run from the splitter to the cable box for best picture? About a 35ft run. RG6 again. Not sure if it'll improve picture quality though. Am I making too big a deal of this? Juice not worth the squeeze? Any other tips or suggestions? I think so. Unless you're having real issues with your internet, I'd leave things as is. Maybe move things around and tidy up your install. edited for clarity. |
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Thanks for the reply!
I am having connection issues once in a while where it will slow way down or even stops. I then power cycle the whole mess and it comes right back. I've had to do this once a week now for a while. I'm going through this whole process to 1) neaten up the install; 2) eliminate the question of the long coax run and poor quality splitter. As a side note, if I still have the problem where I need to reset the modem, I'm thinking of installing a Raspberry Pi or Arduino connected to a relay that will automatically power cycle the modem and router if it loses signal. |
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Quoted:
I am having connection issues once in a while where it will slow way down or even stops. I then power cycle the whole mess and it comes right back. I've had to do this once a week now for a while. Is it resetting the cable modem or the Wi-fi router that restores the Internet? |
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Quoted:
What's the nearest closet to the demarc? Put the cable modem there. Have cable runs come back to a patch panel in the same location and put your switch, POEs for APs, get a REAL router, install there too. So you are recommending: | ------->|----->[-MODEM-]----->[-POE ROUTER-]----->[-POE SWITCH-]--|--->[-HARDWIRED CONNECTIONS-] | |--->[-WIFI-] (configured as an AP) Demarc The modem, router, and switch would all be in one location. What brands, devices do you recommend? In this configuration all devices connected would be on the same network correct? If I plugged the wifi AP into the router, would that create a second network? |
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For the most part, yes that's what I'm recommending.
For the purposes of this discussion an actual Wifi AP plugged in would be on the same network. Technically speaking the segment from the modem to the WAN port on the router would be it's own network, commonly called the DMZ. Get an UBNT Edge Router, some Unify APs, and a UBNT Toughswitch. Quoted:
I have a good spot to install the modem right where the service enters the house so no need to run into a closet. So you are recommending: | ------->|----->[-MODEM-]----->[-POE ROUTER-]----->[-POE SWITCH-]--|--->[-HARDWIRED CONNECTIONS-] | |--->[-WIFI-] (configured as an AP) Demarc The modem, router, and switch would all be in one location. What brands, devices do you recommend? In this configuration all devices connected would be on the same network correct? If I plugged the wifi AP into the router, would that create a second network? |