Homeowner Transforms English Cottage with 10 GbE Network Setup

UPDATE: A homeowner has just completed a cutting-edge 10 GbE network installation in an isolated English cottage, leveraging a rare fiber optic connection. Thanks to a recent deployment of Fiber-To-The-Premises (FTTP) by Open Reach, this rural retreat now boasts lightning-fast internet capabilities, enhancing both work and entertainment.

This remarkable transformation comes as more homeowners seek modern connectivity solutions in traditional settings. While most would dive into home repairs or renovations, this tech-savvy homeowner prioritized a high-speed network, envisioning seamless streaming and smart home integration as soon as they received the keys.

The new setup connects three buildings: the main house, a small office outbuilding, and a detached garage. With planning underway, the homeowner is set to establish robust interconnectivity between these spaces, ensuring no dead spots throughout the property. The strategy includes laying underground conduit for fiber and Ethernet, optimizing speed and reliability.

In a detailed survey of the property, the homeowner opted for a network that is both expansive and adaptable. By utilizing 30-meter rolls of fiber, significantly more than required, they ensured future-proofing for any additional connections. Each building will host its own managed switch with 10Gb SFP+ ports, allowing for exceptional throughput without bottlenecks.

The hardware selection was meticulously planned. A primary switch in the garage will handle essential connections for devices, including a Proxmox server and local IP cameras. A compact switch in the house will manage additional connectivity, while a third switch in the office will facilitate operations there.

To enhance wireless connectivity, three Wi-Fi 7 access points will be strategically placed, ensuring full coverage throughout the property. The office AP will support wireless devices, while the internal AP will maximize signal strength in every room. The garage AP will facilitate automation and connectivity along the driveway.

A custom OPNsense firewall will unify the new network, securely bridging the local area network to the high-speed fiber broadband. This firewall will also create multiple virtual networks, enhancing security for various devices and users within the home.

The homeowner documented every aspect of the network design, ensuring easy troubleshooting for family members. Keeping the LAN organized and efficient was a priority, avoiding the common pitfalls many face with their home networks.

As the setup nears completion, the homeowner anticipates a future filled with possibilities—streaming movies in 4K, recording feeds from numerous angles around the property, and self-hosting services to cut costs on subscriptions. With ample bandwidth available, the network is poised to support video game servers and much more.

This innovative approach to home connectivity not only modernizes a charming English cottage but sets a new standard for tech-savvy living in rural areas. As this project concludes, it showcases the power of combining tradition with modern technology. Expect to see more homeowners following suit, eager to elevate their living spaces into the digital age.