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One Ethernet run between BGW320 and RAX120/Unraid room — how do I make this schematic actually work?

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 the RAX120 router, which will connect to your Unraid server. This setup aims to enhance your home network’s performance and reliability. By the end of this guide, you will understand the necessary components, configurations, and best practices to achieve a seamless connection.

You will also learn about VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) and how they can be used to isolate devices within your network. This is particularly useful for managing IoT devices, ensuring they do not interfere with your primary network traffic. Additionally, you will gain insights into the differences between the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands, which can significantly impact your Wi-Fi performance.

Finally, this tutorial will cover common pitfalls and troubleshooting tips to help you avoid common mistakes. With a well-structured setup, you can ensure that your home network is both efficient and secure.

Why it matters

Having a reliable home network is essential in today’s digital age, where multiple devices often connect simultaneously. A well-configured network can significantly improve your internet experience, whether you’re streaming movies, gaming online, or working from home. By establishing a solid connection between your BGW320 and RAX120, you can ensure that your devices communicate effectively and that your internet speeds are optimised.

Moreover, understanding VLANs and their applications can enhance your network’s security. By isolating IoT devices, you can protect your primary network from potential vulnerabilities that these devices may introduce. This is particularly important as more smart devices are integrated into our homes, increasing the attack surface for cyber threats.

Additionally, the choice between 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands can affect your network’s performance. Knowing when to use each band can help you maximise your Wi-Fi coverage and speed, ensuring that all devices receive the best possible connection.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following items ready: an Ethernet cable long enough to connect your BGW320 to the RAX120, access to both devices, and a computer or mobile device to manage settings. Familiarity with basic networking concepts will be beneficial, but this guide will walk you through each step in detail.

You will also need access to the web interface of both the BGW320 and RAX120 routers. This typically involves connecting to the router’s Wi-Fi or using a direct Ethernet connection. Make sure you have the login credentials for both devices, as you will need them to configure settings.

Lastly, ensure that your devices are updated with the latest firmware. This can help prevent compatibility issues and improve performance. Check the manufacturer’s website for any updates before proceeding with the setup.

Step-by-step

  1. Begin by connecting one end of the Ethernet cable to the LAN port of your BGW320. This is usually located at the back of the device.

  2. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to the WAN port on your RAX120 router. This port is typically labelled and is separate from the LAN ports.

  3. Power on both devices if they are not already on. Wait for a few moments for them to fully boot up.

  4. Using a computer or mobile device, connect to the Wi-Fi network of the RAX120. You may need to enter the Wi-Fi password, which is usually found on a sticker on the router.

  5. Open a web browser and enter the IP address of the RAX120 to access its web interface. The default IP address is often 192.168.1.1.

  6. Log in using the router’s credentials. If you haven’t changed them, the default username and password can usually be found in the router’s manual.

  7. Once logged in, navigate to the WAN settings. Ensure that the connection type is set to DHCP, which allows the RAX120 to obtain an IP address from the BGW320.

  8. Next, check the LAN settings on the RAX120. Assign a static IP address to the RAX120 that is outside the DHCP range of the BGW320 to avoid conflicts.

  9. Save the settings and reboot the RAX120 for the changes to take effect. This may take a minute or two.

  10. After rebooting, reconnect to the RAX120’s network and access its web interface again to verify the new settings.

  11. Now, configure the VLAN settings if you wish to isolate IoT devices. Create a new VLAN for these devices and set the appropriate rules for traffic management.

  12. Finally, test the connection by connecting a device to the RAX120 and checking the internet access. Ensure that everything is functioning as expected.

Best practices & security

To ensure a secure and efficient network setup, follow these best practices. First, always change the default login credentials of your routers to something more secure. This helps prevent unauthorized access to your network settings.

Next, regularly update the firmware of your routers. Manufacturers often release updates that fix security vulnerabilities and improve performance. Check for updates every few months to keep your devices secure.

When configuring VLANs, ensure that you understand the implications of each setting. Isolating IoT devices can enhance security, but it may also limit their functionality. Carefully consider which devices need to communicate with each other and set your VLAN rules accordingly.

Common pitfalls & troubleshooting

One common pitfall is failing to assign a static IP address to the RAX120 that is outside the DHCP range of the BGW320. This can lead to IP conflicts and connectivity issues. Always double-check your IP settings to ensure they are correct.

Another issue may arise from incorrect VLAN configurations. If your IoT devices cannot connect to the internet or communicate with other devices, revisit your VLAN settings to ensure they are properly configured. Ensure that the correct ports are assigned to each VLAN.

If you experience slow speeds or intermittent connectivity, check the Ethernet cable for any damage. A faulty cable can lead to poor performance. Additionally, ensure that both routers are placed in optimal locations to avoid interference.

Alternatives & trade-offs

Option Pros Cons
Powerline Adapters Easy to set up, no new wiring required Dependent on electrical wiring quality
Mesh Wi-Fi Systems Improved coverage, easy to expand Higher cost, may require more management
MoCA Adapters Utilises existing coaxial cables, stable connection Requires coaxial outlets, not universally available

While a single Ethernet run is often the most straightforward solution, alternatives like Powerline adapters and mesh Wi-Fi systems can provide flexibility depending on your home’s layout. Powerline adapters can be a quick fix if you cannot run Ethernet cables easily, although their performance can vary based on your home’s electrical wiring. Mesh systems offer excellent coverage but can be more expensive and require additional management.

MoCA adapters are another viable option if you have coaxial cables running through your home. They can provide a stable connection without the need for new wiring, but they do require coaxial outlets in each room.

What the community says

The home networking community often shares insights and experiences regarding setups similar to yours. Many users have found success with a single Ethernet run, highlighting the improved speeds and reliability compared to wireless connections. Others have noted the importance of VLANs for managing IoT devices, emphasising how it enhances security.

FAQ

Q: What is the purpose of VLANs in my home network?A: VLANs help segment your network into different virtual networks, allowing you to isolate devices for better security and management. For example, you can create a separate VLAN for IoT devices to prevent them from accessing your main network.

Q: How do I know if my Ethernet cable is working properly?A: To check if your Ethernet cable is functioning, ensure that both ends are securely connected to the devices. You can also test the connection by connecting a different device to see if it gets internet access. If the issue persists, consider replacing the cable.

Q: Can I use both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands simultaneously?A: Yes, most modern routers allow you to use both bands at the same time. This is beneficial as it enables devices to connect to the band that provides the best performance, depending on their distance from the router.

Q: What should I do if I can’t access my router’s web interface?A: If you can’t access the web interface, ensure you are connected to the router’s network. Check the IP address you are using and try resetting the router if necessary. Remember to use the correct login credentials.

Q: How often should I update my router’s firmware?A: It’s recommended to check for firmware updates every few months. Keeping your router updated helps protect against security vulnerabilities and can improve performance.

Q: What are the benefits of using a mesh Wi-Fi system?A: Mesh Wi-Fi systems provide better coverage throughout your home by using multiple nodes that work together. This can eliminate dead zones and provide a more stable connection, especially in larger homes.

Further reading

For more information on home networking, consider exploring the following resources:

Source

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