My new SMART HOME Network RACK! (Build and Tour)

TerraMaster D8 Hybrid: Available on Kickstarter on May 7! kck.st/3Uwv9xG
I've left affiliate links below for any of the products used - if you decide to buy one, using the link will help me financially at no additional cost to you! Thanks!
-- Products to build the rack --
Nave Point 12U Server Rack: amzn.to/49CFagO
Rack Mount Power Supply: amzn.to/4aTaIQE
USB Charging Station: amzn.to/4cMFxIy
2U Shelves (14” deep): amzn.to/3TWgDh1
1U Shelves (10” deep): amzn.to/49A7wZj
TP-Link 24 Port Ethernet Switch: amzn.to/49FuUV3
BV-Tech 18 Port PoE Switch: amzn.to/43TOJa5
Patch Panel amzn.to/43UQ3ta
Keystone Couplers (white): amzn.to/3JiVqcq
Keystone Couplers (blue): amzn.to/3TOmSDq
2ft Patch Cables: amzn.to/3Ugh5bt
1ft Patch Cables: amzn.to/3JeRwRN
6in Patch Cables: amzn.to/3Wf1j23
Cable Clips: amzn.to/3WgLOpY
Bulk Cat5e cable: amzn.to/4aVMO7j
RJ45 Crimp Tool Kit: amzn.to/4cXmo6I
RJ45 Pass Through Connectors: amzn.to/3JfnpJN
-- Products on the Rack --
SmartThings Hub: amzn.to/3QgLofL
Ecowitt Hub: amzn.to/3xYwQe8
Ecowitt Hub + Weather Station: amzn.to/3W6fOVJ
Aqara M2 Hub: amzn.to/3WaED2Q
Zimaboard 832: amzn.to/3w6MO5v
USB C to A Cable (to connect D8 Hybrid to ZimaBoard): amzn.to/4azkA2k
Samsung nVMe 1TB Drive: amzn.to/43TIvXP
WD 4 TB HDDs: amzn.to/3TUMtL9
Hubitat Elevation C8: amzn.to/3W5M1wl
Pironman Case: amzn.to/3UvmxYb
Raspberry Pi 4B: amzn.to/49Rk3HT
Eufy HomeBase 3: amzn.to/4d8n5KI
Eufy Cameras + HomeBase: amzn.to/3xInT8K
-- The Stuff behind me --
Desk Glow Lamp: amzn.to/3GlfAAB
Desk Architect's Lamp: amzn.to/3ihPdUf
Monitors: amzn.to/3ZgN63r
Monitor Mounts: amzn.to/3vN1z9M
Mouse: amzn.to/3It7595
Keyboard: amzn.to/3ik7jon
StreamDeck: amzn.to/3wqEfyY
Desk Microphone: amzn.to/3IwCYxz
Acoustic Panels: amzn.to/3wnALNV
Chair: amzn.to/3XAgfoX
Studio Headphones: amzn.to/3WVnffR
Under-Cabinet Speakers: amzn.to/3IxkHQP
Camera: amzn.to/3imNq04
Desk Backlighting Strip: amzn.to/3vJvLCX
Desk Backlighting Controller: www.athom.tech/blank-1/wled-h...
Desk Backlighting Power Supply: amzn.to/3IwduAD
Desk Board: amzn.to/3CwFbFy
Desk Brackets: amzn.to/3GJHDeh
-Filming setup-
Camera: amzn.to/3jOsb7C
Charger/Batteries: amzn.to/3k0fVRr
Camera Stand: amzn.to/3XifZux
Microphone: amzn.to/3WRpYXV
Monitor: amzn.to/3vMcnoB
Key Light: amzn.to/3WTJkvo
----
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[@makeitworktech]

TerraMaster D8 Hybrid: Available on Kickstarter on May 7 - kck.st/3Uwv9xG -- Products to build the rack -- Nave Point 12U Server Rack: amzn.to/49CFagO Rack Mount Power Supply: amzn.to/4aTaIQE USB Charging Station: amzn.to/4cMFxIy 2U Shelves (14” deep): amzn.to/3TWgDh1 1U Shelves (10” deep): amzn.to/49A7wZj TP-Link 24 Port Ethernet Switch: amzn.to/49FuUV3 BV-Tech 18 Port PoE Switch: amzn.to/43TOJa5 Patch Panel amzn.to/43UQ3ta Keystone Couplers (white): amzn.to/3JiVqcq Keystone Couplers (blue): amzn.to/3TOmSDq 2ft Patch Cables: amzn.to/3Ugh5bt 1ft Patch Cables: amzn.to/3JeRwRN 6in Patch Cables: amzn.to/3Wf1j23 Cable Clips: amzn.to/3WgLOpY Bulk Cat5e cable: amzn.to/4aVMO7j RJ45 Crimp Tool Kit: amzn.to/4cXmo6I RJ45 Pass Through Connectors: amzn.to/3JfnpJN -- Products on the Rack -- SmartThings Hub: amzn.to/3QgLofL Ecowitt Hub: amzn.to/3xYwQe8 Ecowitt Hub + Weather Station: amzn.to/3W6fOVJ Aqara M2 Hub: amzn.to/3WaED2Q Zimaboard 832: amzn.to/3w6MO5v USB C to A Cable (to connect D8 Hybrid to ZimaBoard): amzn.to/4azkA2k Samsung nVMe 1TB Drive: amzn.to/43TIvXP WD 4 TB HDDs: amzn.to/3TUMtL9 Hubitat Elevation C8: amzn.to/3W5M1wl Pironman Case: amzn.to/3UvmxYb Raspberry Pi 4B: amzn.to/49Rk3HT Eufy HomeBase 3: amzn.to/4d8n5KI Eufy Cameras + HomeBase: amzn.to/3xInT8K

[@waynenocton]

Word of caution, I think the cat5 cable you bought is actually CCA, aka copper clad aluminum. It’s total and complete trash, I bought a box due to its price and didn’t realize what it was until a year or so later when I started having issues here and there. I wouldn’t have thought it would have mattered since the wire was all inside in climate controlled areas, wrong, if I were you I’d throw that stuff in the trash and replace all you made from it or at least mark them all so when weird things happen you know which cables to start replacing then.

[@wilsonlspacheco]

I agree, always Cat6 or Cat6a, here at Portugal🇵🇹, our Telecom Authority ANACOM a few years ago, banned the installation of cables lower than Cat6 and only 100% copper cables are allowed. We have a regulation called ITED Manual, you can consult to know more about our legislation and regulation in telecom infraestructures.

[@AM93000]

Yup agree. AVOID CCA AT ALL COST

[@dubyaelle5533]

If you have access below or above the main floors of the house via basement, crawlspace or attic you can run Ethernet. It's not complicated, but it can be a huge pain, but also rewarding. Nice job on the rack!

[@makeitworktech]

Thanks for the tips! I don't have access everywhere, but i do under all of the bedrooms so maybe I'll give it a shot!

[@DJLsbVapes]

The TPLink DECO mesh system is amazing, and way more customizable

[@jamesking890]

as someone who has built out data centers and a home-labber myself, great job!! be careful with pass through rj45's. seen them melt POE switches a few times. make sure no copper is exposed

[@wscottfunk]

Feels good to have it all organized, doesn't it? I've rearranged mine so many times and I'm grateful for the rackstuds! You did a good job & it all looks nice. I did get a brush panel for mine, in order to organize my Reolink POE camera cables. It's easy to get caught up with all the options. Like you, I ordered/returned several things before I had everything I needed. I bought the rackpath 12u cabinet. Thanks for sharing and take care my friend!

[@makeitworktech]

Yes, it feels great! Thank you for the kind words. Ok, you've convinced me, I need to return my patch panels for a brush panel 😂

[@codycodes]

Consistently amazed by your content - appreciate sharing your smart home journey ✌

[@makeitworktech]

Wow thanks sir!! 🙏

[@Betoballestas]

Great job!, it looks very clean and efficient, saludos from Colombia!

[@makeitworktech]

Thank you very much!

[@luked5959]

Great work man! Loved the video

[@makeitworktech]

Appreciate it!

[@ronm6585]

Thanks for sharing.

[@makeitworktech]

Thanks for watching!

[@movingloz]

So helpful. Thanks 🙏 for a great vid and all the info.

[@makeitworktech]

Thanks!

[@hishammohamed4268]

Asus ZenWifi is a really good mesh system. Gives you lots of control and tuning options.

[@makeitworktech]

Awesome I'll check it out

[@oneamongmany1392]

+1 For Asus zenwifi/ai-mesh. Really like the fact you can mesh different models, and the range on the units is really good. I bought an xd4 mini originally just to use as an AP in my lounge - still got really good 5ghz signal in my bedroom, 2 floors up!

[@Matt_UKTX]

+2 for Asus Ai-Mesh. Amazing... The best two options are Asus and and UniFi, but the latter is more expensive and may be overkill.

[@TheBurnsiela]

Looks great

[@makeitworktech]

Thanks!!

[@DataHoarders]

Subscribed because the set up is sick looking

[@makeitworktech]

Hey thanks!! 🙏

[@MoMiner77]

nice work. thanks for sharing

[@makeitworktech]

No problem!

[@andydbedford]

I’ve been using TP-Link Deco XE75 pro WiFi Mesh system and it’s brilliant.

[@makeitworktech]

Yeah, I was looking at that one! Thanks, I'll have to check it out

[@bjoremo]

Ubiquity Unifi is the best router, switches, AP, and surveillance out there!

[@makeitworktech]

But so expensive!!

[@bjoremo]

@@makeitworktech yes, but I have no regrets. Expanded over time to spread out the costs.

[@TheLastFrame_]

+1 for Unifi Had an ASUS Router previously, but after it started making issues, I switched to Unifi and omg I never had a better router dashboard or more options to configure. It's just rock solid, super customizable, but also easy to work with. Never going back to consumer grade devices.

[@MrEric377]

Good job, I need to do this too.

[@makeitworktech]

Thanks! Fun project for sure

[@LouAllenWheeler]

For a wifi replacement, I just bought the Asus ZenWifi Pro ET12 and it's fantastic. Extremely fast, has 2.5Gb ports on each unit (1 for WAN, 1 for LAN, then 2x1Gb ports for LAN), and supports Wifi 6E. I got it primarily for the load of features in the Asus firmware (VLAN, firewall, etc etc) until I move over to OPNsense, and to use as a wireless backhaul from my cable modem at the front of the house to my 16-port switch in the back of the house with my server/homelab stuff. Sure beats my old Powerline backhaul!

[@makeitworktech]

You got me with the 2nd half...I don't speak network engineer haha But the first part sounds good! I'll have to check that one out

[@TheOwninGuy]

Would suggest OPNSense over PFsense. Since pfsense is owned by Netgate. Lots of issues and since the latest versions I’ve got lots of issues. The community of OPNsense and the guys themself are much nicer to home labbbers. Also would suggest moving to Home Assistant and maybe VMWare or proxmox to run it on a VM. I do that too and in case of errors just rollback a Snapshot. Also home assistant has Docker inside. Therefore you can run the UniFi controller from there and just buy the U6+ AP’s only. Saves you a few hundred bucks :)

[@wirespeedtod]

2nd patch panel above the switch, 12 ports on top and 12 below would have eliminated the stretch on your patch cables.

[@EvanWasHere]

Oh no. Why did you use cat5?? You are limiting your future speeds. Always use cat6

[@makeitworktech]

Yeah probably shoulda. Easy switch later on

[@jonasyttv8737]

The AVM Fritz!Box Mesh is very good

[@makeitworktech]

Ok thanks!

[@Przedzik]

Hi Aron as always great video 💪 Your detailed reviews are awesome 🤩 I have a suggesting, to replace smart power plug supply your rack with something more reliable (better relay) like sonoff POWR3. This small power plugs relays are calculated to extreme and when start failing might damage Your expensive equipment 😉

[@gs030201050]

I am getting omada network ready for my new house 😊

[@makeitworktech]

That's great!!

[@ian.ketterer]

Prior to diving into the Ubiquiti rabbit hole, we used an EERO mesh system to cover roughly 4300 square feet of our house; it was really easy to set up and other than initially interfering with our wireless soundbar, I don't recall having any other issues or dead spots with it.

[@makeitworktech]

Ok cool. I may switch to fiber and they offer a free Eero mesh system if I do

[@jujjuj7676]

Great job, everything is bolted down so when the house catches fire, you will be sure not be able to save that data..😂😂😂 also great job on consolidating the most costly equipment in one place for a thief..nice..your quite generous..😂😂

[@makeitworktech]

Haha, good thing i have a few layers of self-defense! The "thief" won't be leaving once he enters the house 😂😂😂

[@jujjuj7676]

Just checking....good job..👍😉🙂

[@2h4]

If your house catches fire you shouldn't be trying to save your stuff. Your stuff is replaceable but you are not

[@jujjuj7676]

@@2h4 hence why you make it EASY to remove...its called thinking ahead..😉👍 ( but yes most people don't think a head and just run, I'm not most people)

[@akhosha2]

I use a Synology router and APs throughout the house.

[@makeitworktech]

I'll have to check them out!

[@canadrian]

I feel the google mesh pain because I'm in a similar situation with Eero. Frankly the Eero has worked great, but I wish I didn't have to use the app and I wish I could do VLANs. Everybody tells me Unifi is the way to go, but I haven't taken the plunge yet; the Eero is working and hasn't annoyed me enough that it's worth the expense and trouble of switching yet. I also wish I could run ethernet everywhere. The previous owners put drywall ceilings in the basement so I can't just easily run wires from the basement up into the rooms above. I've been making do with MOCA over the coax that is run to nearly every room, and that's actually performed surprisingly well, but the adapters are not cheap. I would like to run ethernet up from the basement into the attic, and then down into the rooms that way... but our attic is so shallow and there is so much insulation it is basically impossible to navigate up there. I really don't know how I'm going to do it. Also, being in Canada, I want to be careful about punching holes up into the attic that allow warm moist air to flow up and condense in the attic. I'd be open to any ideas anyone has.

[@tim_mueller]

If you didn't pay for the DAS it's a good setup but tbh if you already have a Zima Board don't buy a DAS guys. You can just conect your Harddrive to the SATA Ports and get a Breakout Board for the PCI-Express Port for more drives. Its certainly a bit more complex than just buying a device, but this option here would be a lot cheaper and more future proof. There a great tutorials out there for Zima Board NAS Setups and TrueNas

[@makeitworktech]

So would that be using TrueNAS software on the Zimaboard to handle a RAID setup? Maybe I'll try it with the ZimaBlade

[@markshaz8691]

TP LINK BE19000 is awesome.

[@makeitworktech]

Ok thanks!

[@DarkGenesis0]

Unifi Dream Maschin Pro

[@makeitworktech]

Noted!

[@TheOwninGuy]

As an network and system engineer I can tell you to don’t do that. We removed them from lots of customers since they break down. Also they don’t support if your ISP has 2 separate VLANS for TV and internet. You have to built custom configs and still no support since the uplink may contain only 1 vlan. Also the support stinks… took 8 weeks to send us new ones. I went for hosting the Controller locally and just installing AP U6+ through the house. Also watch if you have airplay. NanoHD can mess with that so took them out few weeks ago. This saves you some bucks and is fun to do. Also would be happy to help!

[@johnnyreeves1990]

Helpful video! I am doing a remodel install of a rack but unfortunately, I only have a small closet to use for my IT closet. I believe a rack the same size as yours or one similar to it will fit. My issue is ventilation. I do not want to put a louvered door on the closet. I do have access to a room on the side of the closet and could put an air duct in the closet right now but I was not sure if that would be too much or not. Any suggestions on best way to vent it either somehow around the door to the closet or out the side through a wall into the adjacent room?

[@makeitworktech]

I don't have any specific knowledge on ventilation, but I actually do have a PC cabinet that is vented into A wall between two studs, then on the other side of the wall I have two vents that allow the air to exit into the room on the other side

[@johnnyreeves1990]

That sounds like what I am needing too. Can you tell me more about how you did that? What equipment you used?

[@wirespeedtod]

Looks like you used 558-A instead of 558-B for the termination of your CAT cable. I would highly recommend using 568-B on anything in the future.

[@makeitworktech]

Yeah thanks, that was just a test cable and I got that feedback when I posted a picture on Twitter. Thanks 😁

[@kwanizac]

Nice video. Definitely got some tips for my own build. Why 5e cables though instead of 6?

[@makeitworktech]

Thanks! Not sure, I Guess I should have gone with 6. Maybe I'll change them out

[@BoraHorzaGobuchul]

Best practice is to use factory patch cables. As strange as it might seem, cable termination is not as reliable on the long run, particularly if you're not doing it day in day out.

[@WireHedd]

Well done. I've been lucky enough with my own home automation networking not being too challenging seeing as I administer networks and design and install them as a career for the last 30-ish years. From that perspective I'll say you did a great job.Make sure you've got decent airflow around that gear so small circulators would be a good addition.

[@makeitworktech]

Thanks, good to have a pro's opinion on the setup! I do have some fans I may be able to use

[@movingloz]

With that cabling that you did yourself, does it work out much cheaper or not??? I will need to run Ethernet cabling in an older place for POE cameras, etc. and would be interested to know what way to go.

[@makeitworktech]

It's nicer to have caBling the exact length you want, so I can be cheaper if you have a lot you want to do yourself. It takes a lot more time of course

[@Wysp_Sedai]

Are you using a UPS attached to your rack? (If so, or even if not,) do you have a recommendation of a UPS?

[@makeitworktech]

No, but I should! I'll look to see what's out there

[@TinyDoGO4444]

Those are probably injection molded I see the injection point. 3D printed things have lines at the printer builds up the part.

[@makeitworktech]

Good eye!

[@JasonMatano]

This is a cool video, but for the TerraMaster what was the thinking behind not including a NIC on it. It's not really a NAS without the network part of network attached storage.

[@makeitworktech]

Thanks! I'm not sure, I guess just low cost for expanding your NAS?

[@mastweiler22]

Makes a change not to see unifi kit everywhere 🙂 having said that I am thinking of ditching my Draytek and Netgear kit and moving over... 😱 Aren't brush panels just cable management and completely different things from patch panels... or am i missing something?

[@Jensen871]

I had a nest wifi pro system and we absolutely hated it because it randomly would go offline and the pings were super high. Once we sent it back we got a TP link wifi 6e mesh system and it's been perfect. I'm pretty sure the model we got is the AXE5400.

[@makeitworktech]

Thank you! I have been having the same issues for a few years! I was considering TP Link, so I may try that

[@Jensen871]

@@makeitworktech As soon as we set it up it has not given us one issue. The coverage is amazing and the speeds are so much better then the nest system.

[@pat9080]

The AXE5400 is an awesome mesh system. I got mine at Costco last year. Switched from the google nest as well. Trying to get away from google as well as Amazon. Wi-Fi 7 is too expensive and this is the best priced 6e system. Especially if you are only using gig or 2.5 gig switches

[@Jensen871]

@@pat9080 Yeah it's been perfect so glad we switched.

[@gs030201050]

Hi, would be greatful if you can let me know how do you connect HDMI and usb of nvr to tv?

[@makeitworktech]

USB unconnected directly to NVR. HDMI to the monitor

[@gs030201050]

@@makeitworktech oh.. my monitor and network rack are there rooms away. Guess I will shift the NVR closer to the monitor. Not finding a way to extend usb over lan :( Thanks for the reply

[@orodimusprime]

What mounts did you use for the tplink switch?

[@makeitworktech]

The ones it came with!

[@racm2023]

Ubiquiti is the way to go for Wi-Fi.

[@makeitworktech]

Noted!

[@sun1234567890]

Switch to TP-Link OMADA network equipment and AP's.

[@makeitworktech]

Thank ill try Deco to start, but TP Link seems the most popular in the comments

[@hivltg]

Look at TP-Link Omada since you already have a TP link switch

[@makeitworktech]

Will do, thanks!!

[@rodneycrosslin4405]

Run Unifi for Wifi and run some MOCA adapters so you'll have ethernet in each room...I'm sure cable is already run in each room

[@makeitworktech]

Unfortunately no cable in each room, but that would be cool!

[@BoraHorzaGobuchul]

What's glaringly missing is the ups.

[@makeitworktech]

yeah, I will be adding that!

[@iuly111]

curiosity: power consumption ?

[@makeitworktech]

51 watts pretty consistently

[@geepriest]

One word... Ubiquiti

[@makeitworktech]

That's what I'm hearing! 😁

[@durakis]

I hated the Rack Studs, seemed everything sagged a little, even patch panels. I much prefer the huge PIA cage nuts

[@MrMcMuffinJr1999]

I never understood why people use keystone couplers. Just terminate a keystone. If you get the correct tool they’re actually faster to do than the male ends

[@makeitworktech]

But they're so fun!

[@santaclaus1291]

Aaron …. I cannot wait to get you into the ubiquiti Unifi love-hate relationship for your network. 😊😄 You will love the GUI and and options.

[@rodneycrosslin4405]

My Unfi are the cats meow

[@makeitworktech]

But the $$$! So expensive, but they look really nice!

[@ahale1987]

@@makeitworktech @makeitworktech Their gear is expensive but it is also rock solid. I am already invested with 4 smaller switches and an AP (I just need a bigger PoE switch, a second AP, and one final smaller switch), but if I were going to start over today, I would look at TP-Link Omada gear. If they're as good as they look, then they would be a great value vs Unifi kit.

[@PeterHonig.]

Why no UPS???

[@makeitworktech]

That will be for v2! Haha I wasn't sure which too buy and things were getting a bit expensive. You have a recommendation?

[@PeterHonig.]

@@makeitworktech A tried-and-true brand is APC. I don't know if your NAS supports this, but Synology NAS units have a USB port to interface with the one on the UPS to detect when to shut down elegantly. If yours does the same, then make sure that your UPS has that feature. You should first tally up the power usage of all your devices, and use that to select the capacity of the power backup. Also, I would recommend getting a model that has replaceable batteries, as it much more economical to do that rather than buy a whole new unit. Most batteries last at least 5 years, after which their capacity begins to decline.

[@keymonne]

You need Ubiquiti

[@makeitworktech]

So I hear!

[@michaelgoldsmith635]

So... what was the point of the patch panel if you DIDN'T have a bunch of cables running into your rack? They're supposed to be used with regular keystone jacks that you punch down into, and then then front facing port patches to your switches. Where's the other end going? Another word of advice, LABEL EVERYTHING. You're not going to remember every single cable in your rack Label them at the both ends of the cables, and definitely on your patch panel as well. Also, invest in a roll of double sided velcro. It's the best way to organize cables and not use zip ties. NEVER use zip ties. They hurt the wire, and can be challenging to cut without damaging the wires the contain, if you need to move the zip tie for any reason. Velcro you can just rip off, and use elsewhere, over and over again. Highly recommended.

[@sgtm7]

They make patch designed to be used with feed thru connectors, rather than having to do punch down. It is the type I have.

[@IAmZen_007]

You should have used at least cat6a to be future-proof … but also your patchpanel. For a switch I would used at least 2,5gbit with POE+

[@makeitworktech]

Thanks, noted!

[@TechySpeaking]

First

[@makeitworktech]

Mmm

[@campervanchris4171]

Amazon eero try that I’ve got and it’s brilliant

[@makeitworktech]

Ok, I might! Thanks!