Home Network Setup & Cutting The Cable

I just did some updates to my home network and I wanted to share my latest setup.

Internet Service:
Time Warner Cable - 20/2 MBPS (free upgrade from 15/2 - always re-negotiate about a month after your current promotion expires!)

Cable Modem:
Motorola SB6121 Docsis 3.0

Notes: I use this modem specifically because it doesn't have a router or WAP.  I had an all-in-1 but, as we know: most all-in-1's don't really do any of their functions as well as the individual components.  I also use my own modem to skip out on paying the rental fee my ISP charges.  You'll have to call them and get the MAC address switched for your account if you already had a modem.

Router:
Cisco / Linksys WRT-610N v2

Notes: The v2 version of this router has more RAM so try to get that one.  I flashed mine with dd-wrt and I haven't looked back!  That said, if you're not tech savvy - you can leave the Cisco firmware, but be sure to upgrade it to it's latest version.  It's also good to configure both the 2.4 GHZ and 5GHZ.  I have mine setup with 802.11G ONLY on the 2.4 GHZ and Channel 5 and I have the 5GHZ setup N ONLY.  I have Unique SSID's setup for both modes.  I don't use the WiFi in my router that often.  I have other AP's that are closer to their targets.  I also don't use the other integrated service (NAS etc.)  They have a huge performance hit and I have other devices for that.  You can see the dd-wrt install instructions here.

Switch:
Cisco / Linksys 8 Port Gigabit Switch

Notes: This is the best bang for your buck (IMO).  I have this in my workbench area as this is where most of my hardware lives.  I have my main PC, VOIP, & Streaming Xbox 360 connected to the gigabit switch in the router.

AP2:
Cisco E1200 v2 Router

Notes: Now, This isn't a bad router.  In fact, it's the first router I had AD (After Divorce).  It has full on N and works like a champ (no 5GHZ though).  I have it running N/G mixed mode in 2.4GHZ on Channel 6 - 20MHZ, dd-wrt, and a guest network setup jailed to the free version of sputnik (it's built into dd-wrt).  Again - I got the v2 b/c it has more RAM but the v1 would be fine in this case.  You can see how to configure dd-wrt as an AP here.  You can see the dd-wrt install instructions here.  This unit handles a large part of my WiFi traffic.  It feeds my bedroom TV's Amazon Fire Stick, my laptop, the cell phone, tablets, & my guests.

AP3:
Cisco E1200 v2 Router

Notes: LOL! These things are cheap and work like a champ!  I have a second unit feeding my Amazon Fire TV and living room.  It's in N ONLY mode 40 MHZ Upper.  So, no channel overlap!  It's overkill but, I don't like buffering... and like I said it's cheap.

VOIP:
Obi100 w/ Google Voice as the provider.

Notes: This thing isn't the easiest to configure.  You can see a decent walk-through here.  After configuration, this thing is solid as a rock!  This is one piece of hardware that is truly " Set it and Forget it".  Pairing it up with Google voice means that every analog phone in my home is lit up and can make free telephone calls!  I did have to Static Lease this unit and add it to the DMZ in the main router b/c I had some connectivity issues during initial setup.  Obihai has since updated their firmware and I don't think that's necessary any more.

Phone:
Panasonic KX-TGE233B Dect 6.0 w/ integrated answering machine

Notes: I picked this unit based on price and features.  The Uniden and V-Tech equivalents seem to have better battery life and are a bit louder.  That said, this unit has served me well and it was cheap.

NAS:
Synology DS150j

Notes: I had an Intel NAS that grew legs AD.  It worked well but, it had limits (no RAID0 or JBOD as the biggest PITA's).  I acquired one of these Synology units and a pair of 2 TB Seagate NAS drives really cheap so, I wasn't expecting much.  Yup, I was totally wrong!  This unit consistently out performs the Intel and I have it in RAID 1 w/ an external USB 2TB backup drive.  It has amazing speed, a great interface, and tons of free apps and plugins!  It's also easy to setup shares and the security settings are very intuitive.  It also has a DLNA media server built in for your videos.  I keep a PC Image, picture, home videos, and software installations on mine and it's perfect.

Streaming Devices:
Amazon Fire Stick, Amazon Fire TV, & an Xbox 360

Notes: My living room TV is powered by the Amazon Fire TV (Full Size), my office by the Xbox 360, and my bedroom by the Amazon Fire Stick.  They all have Netflix, Crunchy Roll, Crackle, & Kodi (everything but the 360).  You can open up the 360 steaming options with playon and some of it's plugins.

Power Protection:
(3) APC Smart Strips, (2) APC Standard Surge Proctors, & (2) APC 550VA UPS Units

Notes: I have (1) UPS on the master router / cable modem - (1) UPS on the Switch / NAS / AP setup, & the smart strip on the TV / Fire TV setup.  I have the 2nd AP and the upstairs TV's on the electronics grade APC surge protectors.  I also have my PC and Bench area on an APC Smart Strip each.

Summary:
IMO this is a really good setup (LOL - If not the best) w/ lots of options.  I used inexpensive commodity hardware and I've been able to get excellent speed and resiliency.  This is just 1 way to "cut the cord" and have an amazing network at home.  Here is the wiring diagram for my setup:

Cable Modem --> Cisco Router --> Switch --> AP1 --> Fire TV
                                        --> PC                   --> AP2 --> Guest Network
                                        --> VOIP                        --> Bedroom Fire TV Stick
                                        --> Xbox 360                 --> Main WiFi
                                                                      --> Bench PC's
                                                                      --> NAS

Total Monthly Cost for Internet, TV, & Home Phone: $57.98 (including Netflix)

I get asked constantly about what I'm running: people want to duplicate my setup and speed.  The real secret is the gigabit and wireless N (AC would be better but, it's cost prohibitive at this point).  I could also have used less AP's.  I have them split like that specifically for load balancing / WiFi coverage.  I use routers in lieu of AP's b/c they generally have better processors and more RAM so, better speed all around.

Some of our followers will notice that i'm not running a playon / Plex server w/ Roku units anymore.  I did this b/c the Fire TV units don't need it, have a better interface (Kodi), are faster, and I don't have to run a PC.  I'm also saving electricity and I don't have the "Windows Update Factor" messing with my streaming.

FYI: I linked all the parts from Amazon.  You don't have to get them from there.  Sometimes you can snag a great deal on eBay or Newegg, just to name a couple.  You need to shop around for the best deals.  I'm a huge Amazon fan-boy (esp. with Prime!) and they are easy to deal with but, they don't always have the best deal.