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Setting Up Ethernet Between BGW320 and RAX120 for Home Networking

Hi everyone, I’ve attached a diagram of my desired setup and the goals I’m trying to achieve.

Electronic circuit board with various components.

What you’ll build / learn

In this tutorial, you will learn how to set up a single Ethernet run between your BGW320 gateway and RAX120 router, which will ultimately connect to your Unraid server. This setup aims to enhance your home networking capabilities by ensuring a stable and fast connection for your devices. You will understand the importance of configuring VLANs for device isolation and how to properly manage your Wi-Fi bands for optimal performance.

By the end of this guide, you will have a clear schematic of your network setup, and you will be able to troubleshoot common issues that may arise during the installation process. Additionally, you will learn best practices for securing your network, ensuring that your devices are protected against potential threats.

Finally, this tutorial will provide insights into the community’s experiences with similar setups, giving you a broader understanding of potential challenges and solutions. Whether you’re a beginner or someone with prior experience, this guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to enhance your home network effectively.

Why it matters

Setting up a reliable home network is essential in today’s digital age, where multiple devices require constant internet access. A well-configured network can lead to improved speed, reduced latency, and a better overall user experience. Understanding how to connect your BGW320 to your RAX120 router via Ethernet ensures that you can maximise your internet service provider’s bandwidth and provide stable connections to all your devices.

Moreover, with the increasing number of smart home devices, managing network traffic becomes critical. By implementing VLANs, you can isolate IoT devices from your primary network, reducing the risk of security breaches. This separation not only protects sensitive data but also improves performance by ensuring that bandwidth is allocated efficiently across devices.

In essence, mastering your home network setup allows you to take full advantage of your internet connection, supports seamless streaming, gaming, and browsing, and enhances the security of your connected devices.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following equipment and knowledge: an active internet connection, a BGW320 gateway, a RAX120 router, and an Unraid server. You will also need an Ethernet cable long enough to connect the BGW320 to the RAX120. Familiarity with basic networking concepts such as IP addresses, DHCP, and VLANs will be beneficial.

Additionally, ensure that you have administrative access to both your BGW320 and RAX120 devices. This access is crucial for configuring settings and making necessary adjustments to your network. If you are unsure about how to access these settings, consult the user manuals for both devices or look for online resources.

Lastly, it would be helpful to sketch out a basic diagram of your desired network layout. This visual representation will guide you through the setup process and help you troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

Step-by-step

  1. Begin by connecting the Ethernet cable from the LAN port of your BGW320 to the WAN port of your RAX120 router. Ensure that the connection is secure.

  2. Power on your RAX120 router and wait for it to fully boot up. This process usually takes a few minutes.

  3. Access the RAX120’s web interface by entering its IP address into a web browser. The default IP address is typically 192.168.1.1, but check your router’s manual if unsure.

  4. Log in using the default credentials (usually found on the router or in its manual). It is advisable to change these credentials for security purposes.

  5. Navigate to the WAN settings section of the RAX120. Here, you will need to configure the connection type. Select ‘Dynamic IP’ if your ISP uses DHCP.

  6. Once the WAN settings are configured, navigate to the LAN settings. Here, you can set up a static IP address for your RAX120 to avoid conflicts.

  7. Next, set up VLANs if you wish to isolate your IoT devices. This can be done in the VLAN settings section of the RAX120 interface.

  8. Configure the Wi-Fi settings for your RAX120. Choose a network name (SSID) and a strong password to secure your Wi-Fi network.

  9. Once all settings are configured, save your changes and reboot the RAX120 to apply the new settings.

  10. After the reboot, connect your devices to the new Wi-Fi network and test the connection to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

  11. If you encounter any issues, revisit the settings to ensure everything is configured correctly, paying particular attention to IP addresses and VLAN settings.

  12. Finally, document your network setup for future reference, including all IP addresses, passwords, and configurations.

Best practices & security

When setting up your home network, following best practices is essential for maintaining security and performance. First, always change the default login credentials for your router to prevent unauthorised access. Use a strong, unique password that combines letters, numbers, and symbols.

Implementing VLANs can significantly enhance your network’s security by isolating different types of devices. For instance, keeping IoT devices on a separate VLAN can prevent them from accessing sensitive data on your main network. Ensure that you regularly update the firmware of your router and any connected devices to protect against vulnerabilities.

Additionally, consider enabling WPA3 encryption for your Wi-Fi network if supported by your devices. This encryption standard offers improved security compared to its predecessors. Regularly monitor connected devices and review your network settings to ensure optimal performance and security.

Common pitfalls & troubleshooting

One common pitfall when setting up a home network is neglecting to secure the router. Many users forget to change the default password, leaving their network vulnerable to attacks. Always ensure that your router’s firmware is up to date and that you have implemented strong security measures.

Another issue can arise from incorrect IP address configurations. If devices cannot connect to the network, check the IP settings on both the BGW320 and RAX120. Ensure that there are no conflicts and that the devices are on the same subnet.

If you experience connectivity issues, it could be due to interference from other electronic devices. Ensure that your router is placed in a central location, away from walls and obstructions, to maximise signal strength. If problems persist, consider using a Wi-Fi analyser app to identify and mitigate interference.

Alternatives & trade-offs

Option Pros Cons
Powerline Adapters Easy to set up, no need for new wiring Speed can be affected by electrical wiring quality
Mesh Wi-Fi Systems Improved coverage, easy to expand Higher cost, may require more configuration
MoCA Adapters Utilises existing coaxial cables, high speed Limited to homes with coaxial wiring

When considering alternatives to a direct Ethernet run, each option has its pros and cons. Powerline adapters are a convenient choice, especially in homes where running new cables is impractical. However, their performance heavily relies on the quality of the electrical wiring.

Mesh Wi-Fi systems provide excellent coverage and can be expanded easily, making them suitable for larger homes. However, they tend to be more expensive and may require additional configuration. MoCA adapters are another viable option, offering high speeds by utilising existing coaxial cables, but they are limited to homes with such wiring.

What the community says

The home networking community often shares experiences and solutions for common issues encountered during setup. Many users recommend taking the time to plan your network layout carefully, ensuring that all devices are accounted for and that the configuration is optimal. Forums and online groups are excellent resources for troubleshooting advice and sharing successful setups.

Users also frequently discuss the benefits of VLANs, particularly for isolating IoT devices. Many have reported improved security and performance after implementing VLANs, highlighting their importance in modern home networks.

Overall, the community emphasises the importance of continuous learning and adaptation as technology evolves. Staying informed about the latest networking trends and practices can significantly enhance your home networking experience.

FAQ

What is VLAN and why should I use it?VLAN stands for Virtual Local Area Network. It allows you to segment your network into different parts, improving security and performance. For instance, you can isolate IoT devices from your main network, reducing the risk of security breaches.

How do I know if my Ethernet cable is working properly?To check if your Ethernet cable is functioning correctly, connect it to a device and see if it establishes a connection. You can also use a cable tester to check for faults or breaks in the cable.

Why is my Wi-Fi signal weak?A weak Wi-Fi signal can be caused by various factors, including physical obstructions, interference from other electronic devices, or the distance from the router. Ensure your router is centrally located and consider using a Wi-Fi extender if necessary.

What should I do if I forget my router password?If you forget your router password, you can reset the router to factory settings by pressing the reset button. However, this will erase all custom settings, and you will need to set up your network again.

Can I use both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands simultaneously?Yes, most modern routers allow you to use both bands simultaneously. The 2.4GHz band offers a longer range but slower speeds, while the 5GHz band provides faster speeds but a shorter range. You can connect devices based on their needs.

What is the best way to secure my home network?To secure your home network, change the default router password, enable WPA3 encryption, regularly update your router’s firmware, and consider implementing VLANs for device isolation. Monitoring connected devices can also help identify any unauthorised access.

Further reading

For more information on home networking, consider reading resources such as:

Source

For further details, visit the original discussion on Reddit: One Ethernet run between BGW320 and RAX120/Unraid room.