This home network diagram consists of a router with a built-in modem and an access point from the Internet Service Provider (ISP). Common connection technologies used on home networks like Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth are designed to work using a particular network topology. Understanding these topologies is crucial for creating a seamless smart home automation experience.
The process begins with choosing the right home network as the base for full connectivity within your household. With a good home network as a base, you can start making your house smart. Free network monitoring tools are available to help you monitor your network performance.
Embark on the journey of smart home networking, which can seem daunting but is a fascinating world once you get to know it. This guide provides essential hardware basics, such as the foundation of any smart home system lies in its network infrastructure and smart devices. Most smart devices rely on WiFi, and the two most-used frequencies are 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
To plan your smart home network, follow these steps: Step 0 – Network Requirements Step 1 – Router Step 2 – Wireless Access Points Step 3 – Network. Designing a smart house involves installing key components such as smart bulbs, sensors, speakers, and security cameras. The best smart home setups include an entire network of intelligent devices, allowing you to effortlessly monitor and control any aspect of your house.
📹 Building a smart home network
A solid WIFI and wired network is foundational for any smart home. I show you how I went about setting mine up in my new house!
How do I create a separate network for smart devices?
To set up a separate network for IoT devices, use a dual-band router and access router settings by entering the router’s IP address. Create a new network using “Guest Network” or “Secondary Network” options. This practice ensures the security and stability of your interconnected digital life. Separate networks are crucial for data security, as devices constantly exchange sensitive information, making it a significant concern for potential breaches. By creating virtual rooms for IoT devices, you can create a secure environment for your devices and prevent vulnerabilities in one device from affecting others.
Can you create your own WAN?
A virtual private network (VPN) is a cost-effective and flexible solution for creating a personal wide area network (WAN) at home. This allows users to securely connect to their home network from anywhere, extending its reach beyond physical boundaries. Latency in a WAN is a natural part of long-distance data travel, which can cause lag in online gaming or video calls. Technologies like fiber optics are helping minimize the impact of latency.
Businesses benefit greatly from WAN in today’s digital landscape. WAN facilitates global connectivity, enabling seamless collaboration and access to cloud resources. It serves as the backbone for efficient data sharing across geographically dispersed offices, promoting real-time communication and enhancing productivity. Companies can tap into cloud computing power, operate on a global scale, and ensure their digital infrastructure supports modern business demands, fostering growth, collaboration, and a competitive edge in the dynamic world of technology.
Can I create my own internet network?
You can create your own internet service provider (ISP), especially in rural or remote areas where high-speed internet is scarce. These local or regional ISPs often operate on fixed-wireless networks or close-range satellite systems. Some smaller cities have taken on the responsibility of providing internet service by creating free or subsidized municipal internet networks. To start an ISP, you can create a regional wireless internet service provider (WISP), which uses radio towers and close-range antennas.
WISPs are ideal for providing internet to rural communities at speeds fast enough to accommodate gaming, streaming, and working from home. To advocate for better broadband service, you can consult the community guide to advocating for better broadband service and learn about the best broadband cities in the world.
What is the best programming language for smart homes?
Seaoned developers recommend C and C++ as the best programming languages for IoT devices due to their memory management and runtime capabilities. Go and JavaScript are also considered good due to their versatility and ease of use. IoT application development involves two types of layer-based architectures: 3-layered architecture (including the perception, network, and application layers) and 5-layered architecture (including the perception, transport, processing, application, and business layers).
How to build a true smart home?
It is of the utmost importance to prioritize wired connections between your mesh Wi-Fi system, as the number of devices that can be connected represents the most significant aspect of your system.
Is it better to split 2.4 and 5GHz?
The 2. 4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies exhibit disparate characteristics with respect to speed and range. The former offers accelerated speeds over larger areas, whereas the latter provides faster speeds over smaller ones. To enhance network coverage, it is recommended to divide the WiFi frequencies by entering “192.” 168. 1. Enter “1” in the address bar and input the administrative password on the underside of the router. This may be accomplished by following a step-by-step guide.
How to build an IoT network?
The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming industries, making it crucial for IT administrators to ensure a reliable network infrastructure. To prepare a network for IoT, set up an IoT gateway, ensure network capacity and bandwidth, prepare the network for big data analysis and storage, upgrade to IPv6 to support new devices, and secure the network appropriately. With a wide range of devices to incorporate into the network, proper procedures are essential to guarantee the safety of the organization’s IT infrastructure.
The potential benefits are significant, especially in industries with a large number of devices, such as the healthcare industry. Devices like pacemakers and hearing aids can be connected via IoT, enabling appliances to perform tasks like regulating body temperature and monitoring heart rate without taking up clinical time. This minimizes cost and drives efficiencies, and the ability of devices to relay information without human intervention could herald a new dawn for healthcare.
Should I have a separate router for smart home?
Connecting smart home devices to a separate network is crucial for enhanced security, as they can pose significant risks if not adequately protected. Hackers can gain control over baby-monitoring cameras or smart speakers, leading to privacy breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Isolating smart devices on a separate network creates an additional layer of protection, minimizing the potential impact of security breaches on personal computers and laptops.
Using VLANs to isolate devices from the rest of the network is also recommended for further protection. VLANs can be set up for both wired and wireless devices, providing flexibility to protect any connection on the network.
Protecting against digital invaders is crucial, as skilled hackers can exploit seemingly harmless smart devices to wreak havoc. By segregating smart devices from personal networks, users reduce the risk of such incidents and safeguard their valuable information from falling into the wrong hands.
How can you securely configure your home network?
In order to ensure the security of your home network, it is recommended that you upgrade to a modern operating system, secure your routing devices, implement either WPA3 or WPA2 on your wireless networks, implement wireless network segmentation, employ the capabilities of your firewall, and utilize security software.
How to design smart home system?
In the digital age, the concept of a smart home has evolved from science fiction to reality, offering convenience, security, and efficiency. However, creating an ideal smart home requires careful planning and consideration. The first step in designing a smart home is to define your objectives, such as enhancing security, improving energy efficiency, adding convenience, or enhancing entertainment. Clearly outlining your goals will guide your choices throughout the process and help identify which equipment and devices you will need in your system.
Determining your budget is crucial, as smart home systems can vary widely in cost, from affordable DIY solutions to high-end, professionally installed systems. Consider both the initial device costs and ongoing monthly fees for services like monitoring or video storage. Most professionally monitored systems include warranty and service, which can be a significant difference in cost compared to time spent troubleshooting, repairing, and replacing DIY equipment.
📹 Building a Smart Home? (Here’s What You Should Do)
If you’re building a smart home from the ground up then you’ll want to know how to build it just right so you can maximize your …
This is the first article I watch of you and I loved it as someone who is in IT since about a year and a half and on my way to get my CCNA, I want to also get some hands on experience as I learn way better to understand everything by doing it myself. P.S. I am currently a server support engineer who focuses on troubleshooting server hardware and Operating Systems, although, I do get occasionally networking issues as well.
We had a 1 gigabit connection and we were automatically upgraded to 10 gigabit by our ISP two years ago. I really wish we just wired the place up with fibre. Please promise me you have easy conduit around your house and did not plaster over the wires, you may need to add some cables and simply use the cat cable as a DC circuit for Wi-Fi!
Recently stumbled across your website as I’m buying my first house and planning my dream smart home and network solution. I’m planning on getting a very similar setup to you using unifi equipment and I would love some detailed articles on how you’ve configured your VLANs as I’m basically a total beginner with all this networking. Keep up the content and I can’t wait to watch your backlog of articles whilst researching!
I have a home server for storing media and photos. 1 x 16tb HDD raid 1 with backup 4 x 4tb ssd raid 0 and 4 x 22 tb hdd raid 5 for storage. Basically its a 82TB google drive. I also been buying more and more smart devices ( smart light bulbs, google chrome cast, smart plugs, cameras, ring, thermometer, google home) and kinda notice that internet is slower, the range and reception is weaker. My questions are 1. Are my smart devices slowing down my internet / interfering the range? 2. Should I get a wifi extender or an extra router for better range and connection? 3. Should I have a separate server for my smart devices or should I use the same home server ? 4. If you have a server for storage databases and more and more smart devices, how would you set it up? I would prefer the easiest and most cost-effective solution. Thx
I’ll give you a top tip… Do it the Portuguese way.. Don’t run cat 6 cables through your walls.. Run pipes… I fully upgraded my parents house which was built in late 90’s and was able to access every room through 20/30mm pipes that were left inside walls and floors.. I was shocked. How is this not a standard in England
I love your articles but I am curious about your network performance. Early in the article you mentioned you ISP’s plan is a 900/900 plan. But at around 12:00 you say how your network is performing “perfectly”. You then show a speed test on your phone and your wireless speed is only 134/148. I have a similar setup as you with Ubiquity equipment but my service is only 500/500. (We have faster available but here in the US it is much more money and 500 symmetrical meets my needs.) Anyway, my wireless performance using Ubiquity access points is around 495/495. I think if you tweak your access point’s website settings you should get much better performance.
Good article man! I came here to get inspiration on how to structure my own article and how you created your series which I have been following as well. I’m in Canada so there will be differences in product availability and certain building structure – Brick vs Drywall LOOL. I also just built a new house and started my smart home all over again – this time I plan to film the process. I ran 48 CAT6 plenum-rated ethernet cables through my new build. My builder was nice enough to let me run my cabling myself during the build. It so hard trying to record and setup – I find that I get so carried away in the install that I forget to record properly. I’ll be installing patch panels, switches routers, UPS, ATS,.. ahhaha.. fully geeking out. Keep your articles coming! LOVE them.
I keep my CCTV kit WAY AWAY off the internet … zero contact since it’s made from China. If I want to access it remotely, I’ll VPN in and look across the LAN. The firewall will simply ignore any request outside the LAN from any of the CCTV gear, the printer IIRC and other things. EDIT: FWIW I’m curious about the Ubiquiti gear, especially the router and cameras as I need more cams and a rackable router. ATM I’m using Sophos UTM (DAMN BRILLIANT router OS) on a little Atom 12v box which works great but isn’t 1ru.
Another great article. Thank you. Maybe you can do a article on having your IOT devices on one or more separate VLANS and yet connect to them with your smartphone where many of the apps the IOT devices require. I don’t really want my cell phone accessible from the IOT devices and their security issues. Like you I use PFsense, but I haven’t figured out the firewall rules or other details to make it work. I’m getting closer to using Home Assistant and flashing ESP32s, but I’m not there yet. Thanks.
When I bought a new home 21 years ago, as it was an new build I go the electrician to put in CAT5E everywhere. 48 sockets throughout the house and garage…..total cost…£285 (I supplied all the cables etc). If you have the option, it really is worth the meagre cost. I have run phone, article and audio over the same cabling. Oh and I use ubiquiti with a dream machine pro as well….nerds of the world unite!
I’d never heard of Unifi kit until a few years ago… I’m assuming they are relatively new to the UK? I have to say the internet fanboying over it so much, puts me right off… So it’s interesting to see a setup from scratch and hear your views. For the moment I’ll stick with Draytek and Netgear for most of my LAN kit, as I’ve been using it for a very long time but I guess never say never. 🙂
I don’t have a new house, but planning to upgrade my network. I’ve got 3 questions based on your article: 1. Have you thought about a pfsense/opnsense router? (I am thinking to leave out the UDM pro) 2. You have a 24 switch, the box said the pro POE model. Right? And why? Because of layer 3 or the POE budget? Or? And is it overkill for the majority? 3. It seemed that you had 2x the NanoHD and 2x the pro model. Is the pro WiFi 6? And then, why the Nano HD which aren’t?
If you rely on WiFi and IP connected devices, then 100% a strong WiFi network is needed. If you mainly use Zigbee or Z-wave then Wifi is not so critical. I would say the average home user would never need a static IP Address. This is more for the power user and tinkerer. Same with blistering fast Interent. 50mbps is fine for Work from home, Teams and Zoom and 4K streaming. I love techy stuff, and I work in the networking field myself. Although there is good information in this article, a lot is overkill for majority of home users, even wfh with 4k streaming. That said, I still love your articles as I am a bit of a nerd too lol 🙂
I think it’s over the top. IoT devices don’t transmit huge chunks of data. I think the network is a bit over the top. Wifi networks have improved drastically in the past couple of years, and unless you are running a cooperate network, there is no need to run cable in this day and age. The network devices that you are running also consume a lot of power and generate a lot of heat. To that I say just get good coverage around the house and run everything off wifi. With regards to the internet connection, you need a decent stable connection, if your server is local then why do you need to transmit large volumes of your home automation data over the internet..? I live in a 500 square meter house with 100MB Fibre connection, I use TP link Deco to extend the network through the whole house and the speed I get at the furthest part of the house is around 70MB is is good enough for streaming, my IOT devices, working, etc. And my Home Assistant server is on a Dell PC that is located in the study. Just my 2c worth.
A rack next to washing machine? 🙂 That is the worst imaginable place to put that. Water leakage? If the incoming tube breaks that will spray water all over. Not to talk about humidity and vibration…. when they meet during the spin cycle…. Also it will be warm there during summer time. But I wish you luck to not have any water damage anyhow. While I totally against your idea at a minimum I suggest having multiple water leak detectors there + humidity sensor + an electric valve to the mains + vents with a proper automation. And put some sealing between the washing machine and rack for god’s sake :))))
cat5e or cat6 is really slow. i have cat6a in my home for 15 years already. in my opinion that would be the minimal as it is the first cable with 10GB as opposed to 1GB for cat5e or cat6. i think people should be aware of that before they install cables in their house. The prices are fairly similar and the overall amount is not much. so CAT6A minimum in my opinion
Alan – I would agree with you totally on the Google Mesh system. I have been using one for several years, and while the Wifi coverage and uptime has been great, all of the advanced controls have been dumbed down so much, it becomes unusable for some of the functions that the true nerds among us would want to use. And sometimes, the GUI just loses devices making it impossible to assign port forwarding, IP reservations, etc. For my next house I am planning on upgrading to the TPLink Omada platform – which is supposed to be a cheaper alternative to Unifi – I hope…
Old nerd here! 😃We’re running along the same lines. I love old high end (by domestic standards) stuff, so my rack has an old Brocade 48 port PoE switch with 4 x10g ports as well. A 1U PowerEdge R210 II running pfSense. All as chip as chips on ebay. The Wifi running on a TP Omada with 4 AP’s, 2 inside and 2 outdoor. I can’t say too many nice things about this system, brilliant performance and excellent value. Two Unraid servers mounted in the rack. One dual Xeon based, running VM’s (one is HA) and multiple dockers. The other Unraid server is a dedicated NAS. Again, all old Enterprise gear bought cheaply, the only new bits being the hard drives themselves. PoE cameras are mainly Dahua 4MP based on their 1/1.8″ sensor (always prioritise sensor size over resolution). All the 10g ports are fibre connections. Again, the interface cards are remarkably cheap and the the setup is quite straightforward. I’m considering getting another R210 box to run a dedicated HA on bare metal rather than as a VM, but the VM is running so well, I’m not sure what I’ll gain from that. Anyway, carry on Geeking and keep up the good work!