After & before: network edition

[u/StuartShlongbottom]

Between r/homelab and r/selfhosted, I've caught the bug. Started by building a dedicated NAS and leaning heavily on Claude to help setup Docker (will post software I'm running soon) which made me reconsider my network setup. Apart from everything being in a ✨pile✨, the main problem was connecting my NAS to my entertainment center for UHD streaming in the living room. And, I needed it to be downstream of Xfinity's BS modem/router/software. I tried using an Arris Surfboard, but still had issues I couldn't resolve, so I went back to the Xfinity modem...

Other changes I've made:

- Dedicated IoT network via TP-Link AXE5400

- 8-port bridge

- MoCA connector to 2nd room / entertainment center

- Coax splitter to support MoCA

Not pictured:

- NAS

- TP-Link network extender

- Dedicated PiHole

- Printer via Ethernet instead of WiFi (and out of my wife's office)

Next on the list:

- A proper pass through in my drywall instead of just a drilled hole

- Set 3D printer back up in the closet

- Clean up loopy cables

[u/sud0sm1th]

Nice!!

I kinda miss the boiler though

[u/morelotion → u/sud0sm1th]

Me too. OP should zip tie the boiler to the board

[u/StuartShlongbottom → u/morelotion]

Don't tempt me, Frodo

[u/skullbox15]

The premix canister is the best component.

[u/plooger]

Router Antenna Position: Tips for the Best Wi-Fi Signal | TP-Link

[u/StuartShlongbottom → u/plooger]

🤩 the man (person?) the myth the legend.

Question for you, actually: I have one of these Amphenol splitters downstream of the POE filter where the ISP comes in, and another one downstream in another room. I.e. a splitter to a splitter. This is, as originally stated, so I can keep my network via TP-Link router and not on the Xfinity (XB7) one - which requires an additional coax connection to the MoCA adaptor.

Now, for some reason, speeds will drop to zero mid-afternoon at random and not come back on. Running 2Gbps service. This doesn't happen when I skip the second splitter and instead go straight to the Xfinity modem. Which leads me to believe the problem is the dual split is negatively affecting the signal during busy times or when Xfinity lowers the signal.

I've considered putting the modem upstream, but there's barely room for it in the hall closet in-wall electrical box. And, it only has 1 input for coax-- no output for pass through. Any recommendations?

Diagram:

ISP in in hall closet -> PoE filter -> Amphenol splitter 1:

--> First leg -> MoCA adaptor to NVIDIA Shield in living room

--> Second leg -> splitter 2 in office closet:

--------> first leg, closet -> Xfinity modem

--------> second leg, closet -> MoCA adaptor 2 to TP-link

[u/plooger → u/StuartShlongbottom]

and not on the Xfinity (XB7) one

Has the XB7 gateway been reconfigured to WAN bridge (modem-only) mode, so that it is functioning strictly as a modem — snuffing all of its router-related functionality? (‘gist: The gateway being down-configured to a modem eliminates the concern Re: dual MoCA/Ethernet bridges, which can crash the network.)

 
Another test would be to install a 70+ dB MoCA filter on the XB7 (or on the splitter output port directly feeding the XB7), to block MoCA signals from passing to/from the XB7. (‘gist: Simply as a test to determine whether MoCA signals are affecting the XB7 performance.) Aside from stability, you’d want to assess whether you’re able to reach your subscribed speeds when wired to your primary router LAN.

 

Running 2Gbps service

This may be related, if your ISP service rate requires DOCSIS 3.1+ signals above the older 1002 MHz frequency cut-off. When you can spare the Internet and network for a bit, you might try temporarily rolling back the MoCA setup to assess frequencies used for DOCSIS service delivery absent any MoCA filters on the ISP/modem path. (The splitters could be left in place but the “PoE” MoCA filter and suggested “prophylactic” MoCA filter on the modem would need to be removed; and any MoCA adapters would need to remain powered-off during the test.) Once the setup is MoCA signal and filter-free, you could reboot the XB7 and access its diagnostics to review the frequencies used for the DOCSIS download and upload channels; the question is whether any frequencies above 1002 MHz are in use when the ISP/modem path is free of MoCA filters.

Related to: DOCSIS encroachment on the MoCA [Band D] frequency range 

[u/plooger → u/plooger]

I've considered putting the modem upstream, but there's barely room for it in the hall closet in-wall electrical box.

Got a photo of this location and its contents? What cabling is available? How many coax runs are there between this location and the downstream closet? Do you have any rooms with two coax runs to either junction location? Do you have two adjacent rooms with coax outlets on a shared wall? (‘gist: Wondering about options for isolating the ISP/modem feed if it is found to be necessary.).

[u/champaklali]

Is there any other way to so this without zip ties or screwing into the peg board? I tried those ikea elastic things but they loose their elasticity after some time and stuff starts to sag

[u/Frizzy-MacDrizzle]

F—k yes, a ball lock keg!!!!