What Technologies Are You Using In Your Home Network?

[drrich2]

The purpose of this poll is to see what % penetrance different network-related gear has in the home networks of participating MacRumors users. I’m asking you to vote for all gear you use (not just sitting in a drawer), and the little ethernet cable likely connecting your modem and router does not count as ‘using ethernet.’ Please vote for all tech. you currently use. This list will be extensive but limited (e.g.: I didn’t include low bandwidth wireless-operated thermostats or smart plugs, but high bandwidth devices like smart t.v.s count). Feel free to add post insights that might help someone newer to networking make more informed decisions.

Note: Just aiming for some fun and a little community insight. I've been researching home network to develop an overview; you know the old saying 'don't miss the forest for the trees?' In the process I've found patches of my own ignorance (that sounds bad; let's call them 'knowledge holes') here and there and topics I wanted to have a basic awareness of (e.g.: WPA3 Personal Transition Mode, Powerline vs. MoCA Adapters, mesh vs. access points, SFP ports (and varied + versions for power delivery), using fiber in place of ethernet, practical considerations aside from cost in different ethernet cable categories, the current state of MLO, rack mounting). That led to curiosity about what the community uses in their own homes.

Note: I'm limited to 20 options; will have to use a 2nd poll to include several more. Here's the link to Part 2.

Please let us know what you especially like about your home network gear and what you wish you'd known earlier or done differently.

 

[splifingate]

So this guy buys a new house (130㎡), and has complete control over everything . . . except his wallet.

ISP is 1G FTTH from a major US Provider

fs.com is a fantastic resource, but hooo-boy one can easily go overboard.

I am now the proud owner of a large 190+m remaining out of a 300m spool of S/FTP Cat 6a cabling . . . all that I didn't need after wiring my little ranch. Bright side of that purchase is that prices have increased ~230% Downside is that I sincerely overestimated the 'what' and 'how much'.

I learned how to terminate cable, and gained a much better understanding of what "bend radius" means. I also now know that Cat6a is a real pain to work-with.

fiber -> NID -> router -> un-managed switch

From there, I have three managed switches serving Unifi POE, 10G interconnect, and IoT. Redundant piHole instances manage DNS, and ProxMox on a mini server provides a wealth of useful (albeit unnecessary) services.

Two Unifi NanoHD's easily serve WIFI for the whole ~1,000㎡ property.

One major complication I have since had to tackle is that my Honeywell alarm pad went into a constant re-boot cycle with WPA-3 activated: I had to hard-wire it.

Now that I have three 10G devices, the 6a is finally making sense; "all-fiber" is a cool idea, but there's currently no need to back this simple infrastructure with fiber interconnect.

While a bespoke setup is fantastic, I have come to realize that the management of such can be overwhelming at times (especially with all the potential compromises being made-public these days).

As of yet, I have not opened my intranet for outside access, but tailscale is somewhere in "Pending" 🙂

 

[drrich2]

I also now know that Cat6a is a real pain to work-with.

I've recently (okay, yesterday watching YouTube videos) heard Cat. 6 is less flexible than Cat. 5E and harder to work with (I think even terminating cable by cutting custom lengths was noted harder in terms of separating out the little colored cables from inside the main one and getting them inserted where they go in the RJ45 connector); is that what you found a hassle, or was there more?

Conversely, using ethernet let you custom cut lengths in a way fiber wouldn't have. I used to wonder about whether people with new construction would prefer laying ethernet or fiber (or both), but if I understand correctly fiber would require you to buy fixed lengths. I guess shorter lengths linked with connectors would be an option, but am I right in thinking with fiber you'd really need to know the lengths needed more precisely?

7 More poll options are in Part 2; given the amount of gear you use, and the degree of thought you put into it, did you opt for rack mount or one of those in-wall panels I've seen (with an ethernet switch, cables galore, etc.) for a central network hub?

 

[splifingate]

I've recently (okay, yesterday watching YouTube videos) heard Cat. 6 is less flexible than Cat. 5E and harder to work with (I think even terminating cable by cutting custom lengths was noted harder in terms of separating out the little colored cables from inside the main one and getting them inserted where they go in the RJ45 connector); is that what you found a hassle, or was there more?

Conversely, using ethernet let you custom cut lengths in a way fiber wouldn't have. I used to wonder about whether people with new construction would prefer laying ethernet or fiber (or both), but if I understand correctly fiber would require you to buy fixed lengths. I guess shorter lengths linked with connectors would be an option, but am I right in thinking with fiber you'd really need to know the lengths needed more precisely?

Previously, I had read a lot about custom vs pre-made (lots of pro/con discussion). A handful of specialized tools are required for self-termination. What I settled-on was a mixture of both.

I have 2x 6a self-terminated cross-in-house (in-wall jacks), and 1/3/6/8/15m pre-mades for connecting the access points, cameras, and auxiliary devices.

Yes: 'true' Cat6a is a lot stiffer, and requires careful termination. My mainline runs are going through the crawlspace and attic, so I used the S/FTP CMP variety which not only shields the signal, but is less apt to being melted or gnawed by critters *smile*

There are plenty of "Cat6a/7/8" cables out there that do not meet the specs for 10G over long runs: read carefully before purchasing. If you're going to stick with 1Gbps signals, Cat5e should work ok for <100m runs. If you want the headroom for 10Gbps, use Cat6a for the skeleton and Cat6 for in-room cabling. See:

https://www.zion-communication.com/How-to-Choose-the-Right-Ethernet-Cable-in-2026-Cat6A-Shielding-PoE-Fire-Ratings-id41724765.html

Running fiber has its benefits, but your runs need to match your use-case. OM3, OS2 or OM4? SC, LC, or ST? Single-mode, or multi-mode? Running fiber requires planning and conviction 😉

Additionally, while fiber is relatively cheap, it's use-case-specific and requires SFP modules; there's an added cost (and these modules get hot). Over the period of about a month, I recently had a series of disconnects with my web access in the evening. I was pulling my hair out trying to figure things out, then one-day I noticed that a light was out on my SFP+ switch. Taking that unit out of the loop fixed the situation immediately. Heat had killed the unit and the SFP+ modules.

7 More poll options are in Part 2; given the amount of gear you use, and the degree of thought you put into it, did you opt for rack mount or one of those in-wall panels I've seen (with an ethernet switch, cables galore, etc.) for a central network hub?

I use this open-air vertical 6U rack attached below an existing inbuilt shelving system:

KENUCO Server

The Kenuco 19" Steel Vertical Wall-Mount Rack Bracket is recommended for home offices and small businesses with rack-mount equipment that doesn’t need to be secured and no room on the premises for a standard 19-inch wall-mount rack. Made from heavy-duty cold-rolled steel with a durable black p...

a.co

My needs are pretty simple, and I'm not using large data center gear. I still have the inevitable nest of cables that need taming 😉 I was thinking about an enclosed rack, but I wasn't ready to deal with the ventilation and potential fan issues at the time:

Tedgetal 12U Wall Mount Server Cabinet - Secure and Versatile

Tedgetal 12U Wall Mount Server Cabinet Network Rack Enclosure Locking Glass Door

a.co

Everything is localized to where the fiber terminates, and I have plans to move that termination to another part of the house when I get the framing done (custom enclosure with an aux A/C feed to keep things cool).

Purchased armored fiber patch cable:

Armored SC/APC to SC/APC Fiber Optic Internet Cable

Armored SC/APC to SC/APC Fiber Optic Internet Cable 3.0mm G657A2, Pet-Proof Crush-Resistant OS1/OS2 Compatible Patch Cord Jumper for FTTH Fiber Internet Replacement and ONT Router Setup (Black, 20 m)

a.co

I could call The A&T for a "remodel" where they will re-terminate the fiber (for a fee), or I can use the above patch cable to move the Optical Network Terminal (ONT) [where the fiber light is converted to data, kinda like a 'modem'] across the house.

Paying someone to work in tight, dank spaces has its benefits (if they break things, they have to fix 'em), but is not nearly as interesting or cost effective 😉

 

[eyoungren]

I know you mentioned you only have 20 items for the poll, but my router is not on your list (unless I misinterpreted an option). My router is Gig-E ethernet, BUT also has WiFi.

 

[drrich2]

I got the impression for new construction/projects most people are choosing Cat. 6 cables over 5e; wonder how true that is?

Running fiber has its benefits, but your runs need to match your use-case. OM3, OS2 or OM4? SC, LC, or ST? Single-mode, or multi-mode? Running fiber requires planning and conviction 😉

Additionally, while fiber is relatively cheap, it's use-case-specific and requires SFP modules; there's an added cost (and these modules get hot). Over the period of about a month, I recently had a series of disconnects with my web access in the evening. I was pulling my hair out trying to figure things out, then one-day I noticed that a light was out on my SFP+ switch. Taking that unit out of the loop fixed the situation immediately. Heat had killed the unit and the SFP+ modules.

This is interesting. Doing online 'research' to bone up on networking for an overview article, I ran across the concern about high-bandwidth (e.g.: 10 Gbps) connections using SFP transceivers over-heating, such as in cheap, fanless switches, but I thought this was in regards to plugging a 10 Gbps ethernet cable RJ45 connector into the SFP module.

It's my understanding higher heat generation associated with 10 Gbps ethernet using more power to drive the data across copper connections, and maybe with cheap transceivers and/or switches that' a problem? \

I was under the impression a fiber network that didn't have these 'ethernet to fiber' parts wouldn't have that problem. Am I wrong about that?

Here's an excerpt from what I'm working on with my source:

"This Does Not Compute has a June 2026 video 10 gig networking is HOT…literally covering a range of issues – the overheating risk of cheap transceivers used to plug 10 Gbps ethernet cables into SFP+ ports on switches (so if you plan to use an ethernet cable, consider getting a switch with a 10 Gbps port that handles RJ45 directly – not a SFP+ port + a transceiver), DAC cables, his recommendation to use single mode (often yellow) over multi-mode (often orange or teal) fiber optic cable, and don’t skip the comments – including one by aner_bda (who reported experience where 10 Gbps copper SFPs (which pulled more current than fiber SFPs) could, once enough were plugged into the same switch, cause it to shut down to protect itself; the older switch used before was ‘all 10G native copper’ and wasn’t a problem). Bottom Line: if you hook 10 Gbps ethernet to a switch, use a native RJ45 port rather than an SFP+ with transceiver if you can, or you may get more heat issues (a switch with a fan, a larger switch or good cool ambient airflow may help); arranmc182 said Cat. 6/6a ethernet cable has far more resistance than a Cat. 8 cable, which can cause SFP-to-RJ45 transceivers to work harder and cause more heat (so consider using Cat. 8). Franklincerpico7702 said ethernet SFP modules are notorious for running very hot; he instead uses fiber for long runs and DAC cables for short runs in the rack. This Does Not Compute has a June 2026 video 10 gig networking is HOT…literally covering a range of issues – the overheating risk of cheap transceivers used to plug 10 Gbps ethernet cables into SFP+ ports on switches (so if you plan to use an ethernet cable, consider getting a switch with a 10 Gbps port that handles RJ45 directly – not a SFP+ port + a transceiver), DAC cables, his recommendation to use single mode (often yellow) over multi-mode (often orange or teal) fiber optic cable, and don’t skip the comments – including one by aner_bda (who reported experience where 10 Gbps copper SFPs (which pulled more current than fiber SFPs) could, once enough were plugged into the same switch, cause it to shut down to protect itself; the older switch used before was ‘all 10G native copper’ and wasn’t a problem). Bottom Line: if you hook 10 Gbps ethernet to a switch, use a native RJ45 port rather than an SFP+ with transceiver if you can, or you may get more heat issues (a switch with a fan, a larger switch or good cool ambient airflow may help); arranmc182 said Cat. 6/6a ethernet cable has far more resistance than a Cat. 8 cable, which can cause SFP-to-RJ45 transceivers to work harder and cause more heat (so consider using Cat. 8). Franklincerpico7702 said ethernet SFP modules are notorious for running very hot; he instead uses fiber for long runs and DAC cables for short runs in the rack."

He recommended single mode over multi-mode fiber cable; I don't recall the difference.

I know you mentioned you only have 20 items for the poll, but my router is not on your list (unless I misinterpreted an option). My router is Gig-E ethernet, BUT also has WiFi.

Sorry about the confusion. I tend to assume any WiFi router has LAN ports that can handle an ethernet connection, so in the poll yours would be

10.) WiFi-capable stand-alone router (or single unit mesh router)​

 

[eyoungren]

Sorry about the confusion. I tend to assume any WiFi router has LAN ports that can handle an ethernet connection, so in the poll yours would be

10.) WiFi-capable stand-alone router (or single unit mesh router)​

OK, added that in. Thanks!

 

[splifingate]

I ran across the concern about high-bandwidth (e.g.: 10 Gbps) connections using SFP transceivers over-heating, such as in cheap, fanless switches, but I thought this was in regards to plugging a 10 Gbps ethernet cable RJ45 connector into the SFP module.

It's my understanding higher heat generation associated with 10 Gbps ethernet using more power to drive the data across copper connections, and maybe with cheap transceivers and/or switches that' a problem? \

I was under the impression a fiber network that didn't have these 'ethernet to fiber' parts wouldn't have that problem. Am I wrong about that?

Correct (and--I believe--not wrong at all).

I experienced this exact same scenario (RJ45 SFP's and cheap switches) 😱 I'm currently using two RJ45-native 10G switches, and have had zero issues.

My fiber experience is minimal, so I don't have stories to add.

 

[drrich2]

S/FTP Cat 6a cabling

Reading up on ethernet, I found the answer to an old question...what does 'patch' cable mean regarding ethernet? From what I understand, patch cables are ethernet cables that have braided/stranded wires inside, are quite flexible, and typically come with an RJ45 connector at both ends right out of the box. They are used for shorter cable runs where flexibility and tolerance for being repeatedly plugged in and unplugged is a good thing.

On the other hand, there are 'solid core' ethernet cables with a copper wire running through them...that's not stranded. They offer lower signal degradation and maintain signal integrity over longer distances, but are stiffer, more prone to breakage with frequent manipulation and thus are more a choice for in-wall usage.

I was confused on whether 'solid core' meant one copper wire, but no...any ethernet cable has 8 wires, divided into 4 pairs; solid core means each 'wire' really is a single copper wire and 'stranded' (e.g.: in patch cables) means each 'wire' (of the 8) is really made of a bunch of tiny wires bound together - like threads in a rope. At least if I understand correctly. It's like every day digging into even superficial networking I turn up new nuances or qualities of routine gear I didn't know. Always more to unpack.

Depending on the practical needs of a project, someone might use a mix of types.

I came back to this post to see if you commented on which you used, and saw you mentioned 'S/FTP,' which I hadn't heard of. Googling turned this up - "S/FTP: Stands for Screened and Foiled Twisted Pair. This construction means each of the four copper pairs is enclosed in its own foil shield, and the entire cable bundle is enclosed in an overall outer braided screen. [1]"

CableWholesale.com has a page with this to say:

"Shielded (FTP/STP) Vs Non-Shielded (UTP)

On the quest for cables you may run into the shielded variety of Ethernet cables, and wonder in what situation you might need a shielded option? Shielded cables are necessary in busy electrical environments, where there is a high level of electromagnetic interference, otherwise known as EMI. These cables are designed to block out EMI with aluminum. They are built with an aluminum protective cover which surrounds the cable's internal wires. This aluminum shield deflects "noise" from other electromagnetic devices.


Non-shielded is also referred to as "UTP" which stands for unshielded twisted pair. Alternately, shielded is referred to as "FTP" which stands for foiled, twisted pair. There is also "STP", which stands for shielded, twisted pair. While an "FTP" cable has a foil shield around the entire cable, an "STP" cable has a foil shield around each of the four individual twisted pairs."

JPCPT has a page with nice graphics describing the matter.

reddit has a thread from which I get the impression S/FTP is more expensive and some people aren't convinced worthwhile in a residential home (I'm not endorsing that view; it's over my head, just saying it's a debate). confused between "CAT6a" and "CAT6 SFTP" cables for home networking

From more Googling, S/FPT ethernet cables can be had in either stranded or solid-core types.

Somebody hitting BestBuy to grab an ethernet cable to connect a gadget to his router or computer probably doesn't need to know any of that, but somebody planning to run cable through walls in new construction might.

Did you use solid core cable for part of your project?

 

[splifingate]

I came back to this post to see if you commented on which you used, and saw you mentioned 'S/FTP,' which I hadn't heard of. Googling turned this up - "S/FTP: Stands for Screened and Foiled Twisted Pair. This construction means each of the four copper pairs is enclosed in its own foil shield, and the entire cable bundle is enclosed in an overall outer braided screen. [1]"

I purchased this roll about...omg, was it really five years ago?!? Time flies...and so do costs!

Back then, I got the 305m roll for roughly $1/m; same roll is now about $2/m

It's a definite challenge to get it terminated: two layers of shielding (four from each of the four pair-twists, and braided mesh around all that, all of which need to be grounded to the end connectors) requires some finesse. I failed my signal test the first five times I terminated both ends. After success, I ran two cables to each wall plate. I put each terminated plug into F-F keystones in each wall plate (rather than using punchdown keystones that I didn't (don't!) really trust). I sourced everything from FS, all of which were rated Cat6A (others Suppliers exist, but one-stop-shop (and all that)).

The FS Cat6a cabling is rated to 750MHz signaling, and supports PoE/PoE+/PoE++ (802.3af/at/bt)

Not having a prior install with which to compare, no baseline exists for my situ. Still, I'm guessing it's over-kill for general, residential use 🤷‍♂️

Just wanted something that would last me for the conceivable future.

I use a mix of pre-made mix of solid and stranded 6a cables for in-room patch connections, and do not notice any signal degredation.

Can currently get 5Gbps FTTH, and expect 10Gbps service to become available within a few years. But, my main focus was to be able to have strong wired 10G inside the house (which is where I'm at right now). I was thinking that if I somehow find the need to step things up to 50/100/200G, I'll move to fiber . . . but costs being what they are, I can easily be happy with this setup for the duration 🙂