KØRWW's Hobbies

[k0rww]

I spend my spare time building & working with computers. I have a network that connects the hardware throughout my house. Almost everything today requires an Internet connection. I spent Saturday adding a hardware firewall to the network. I now have several layers of protection to try to keep the bad guys out. Unfortunately this is an un-ending challenge.
The network consists of:
- Windows Home Server 2011: Backs up all the computers every night & provides data file storage
- QNAP TS-659 II Turbo NAS: Provides storage and functionality like on-demand movie & audio files
- UTM5 - Ultimate Threat Management firewall: Netgear maintains its support files in a cloud. Netgear updates the files you don’t have to.
- Supports all the hardware in the media room which required its own 8 port switch.
- Multiple computers throughout the house
- Inside/outside lighting
- Planned improvements like surveillance
This competes with home theater, shooting/reloading and amateur photography. It’s almost impossible to be bored.


Computer Room




The computer room gets messier but seldom neater.










Windows Home Server and and 6TB NAS

[Jerry Del Colliano]

Would you ever post some of your photos here for us to see?

[k0rww]

Sure I can do this.

[Tracy Rainwater]

Richard, you have one of the best looking home theater rooms. I really like the clean look, that isn't campy with some crazy theme.

Since you are you resident Networking Guy, what router do you recommend? I disparately need a new one and have been reading about Andrew's new Gigabit Router. Any specific models you can recommend? I'm also in the market for a simple network switch, nothing fancy or expensive.

[k0rww]

What router do you recommend? I disparately need a new one and have been reading about Andrew's new Gigabit Router. Any specific models you can recommend? I'm also in the market for a simple network switch, nothing fancy or expensive.

I like Dlink and Netgear. I have more experience with DLink routers and Netgear switches. DLink has excellent support and reasonable prices. I assume you want to add a router for wireless connectivity. You also get an additonal level of security for your network provided by feeding the network from a router port. My router is DLink dual band router, model DIR-855 which is now 15 months old. The router has worked flawlessly during this time. You need to provide your requirements for the router. Routers come in all flavors and prices. For example if all you want to do is connect to a wireless laptop you can get by much cheaper. There's no reason to buy a switch or router that doesn't provide ports that support 1Gb.

Netgear switches are inexpensive and best purchased at newegg.com. I have the FS-16, GS-108 and GS-105. I feed the GS-108 off the FS-16 which suports the hardware in the media room. The GS-105 is also fed off the FS-16 for the secondary computers in the computer room. The GS is a newer switch. The 16, 8 and 5 indicate the number of ports and all support 1Gb. I've used both DLink and Netgears technical support and have no issues with their service. The entire Internet support is located in the computer room. I'll post some pictures of my messy computer room on the hobby page.

[prerich]

I like Dlink and Netgear. I have more experience with DLink routers and Netgear switches. DLink has excellent support and reasonable prices. I assume you want to add a router for wireless connectivity. You also get an additonal level of security for your network provided by feeding the network from a router port. My router is DLink dual band router, model DIR-855 which is now 15 months old. The router has worked flawlessly during this time. You need to provide your requirements for the router. Routers come in all flavors and prices. For example if all you want to do is connect to a wireless laptop you can get by much cheaper. There's no reason to buy a switch or router that doesn't provide ports that support 1Gb.
Netgear switches are inexpensive and best purchased at newegg.com. I have the FS-16, GS-108 and GS-105. I feed the GS-108 off the FS-16 which suports the hardware in the media room. The GS-105 is also fed off the FS-16 for the secondary computers in the computer room. The GS is a newer switch. The 16, 8 and 5 indicate the number of ports and all support 1Gb. I've used both DLink and Netgears technical
support and have no issues with their service. The entire Internet support is located
in the computer room. I'll post some pictures of my messy computer room on the
hobby page.

Agreed...(I'm actually using an Asus Gigabit router and Netgear switch, but my router before the Asus was a D-Link - kept it for 2 years)

FYI I'm also an IT guy a+ certified K0ww speaks the truth