New Homeowner Installs 10 GbE Network in English Cottage

UPDATE: A tech-savvy homeowner has just transformed a quaint English cottage into a high-speed digital hub by installing a 10 GbE network. This innovative setup marks a significant leap in connectivity for rural areas, showcasing the power of modern technology in unexpected locations.

The homeowner, who recently acquired the cottage, enjoyed immediate access to Fiber-To-The-Premises (FTTP), thanks to local lobbying efforts and deployment by Open Reach. This fiber link enables the installation of cutting-edge smart home equipment, prioritizing advanced connectivity over traditional home repairs.

While most new homeowners focus on aesthetics, this owner was driven by technology. “As soon as we got the keys, I was planning how to lay underground conduits and set up high-speed connections,” he stated. The ambitious project involves interlinking the main house, a dedicated office outbuilding, and a garage, ensuring seamless connectivity across approximately 30 meters of fiber optic cabling.

In a bid for maximum efficiency, the homeowner opted for a robust infrastructure featuring three managed switches equipped with 10 Gb SFP+ ports. With this setup, he anticipates no bottlenecks in performance, allowing for 4K streaming, video game server hosting, and IP camera feeds throughout the property.

The planning phase included careful surveys to streamline the installation process. The homeowner noted, “There’s nothing but lawn between the outbuilding and the house, making fiber installation straightforward.” However, the path from the garage to the house posed challenges but was manageable due to the gravel terrain.

The project’s backbone is a primary switch located in the garage, connecting vital devices, including a Proxmox server and local IP cameras. A compact secondary switch in the house and a third in the office ensure that all areas remain covered, with Wi-Fi 7 access points strategically placed to eliminate dead spots.

To bolster security, the homeowner is implementing a custom OPNsense firewall, which will manage traffic across several virtual networks. This ensures that various devices—ranging from IP cameras to guest networks—are securely segregated to enhance overall security.

“I envisioned this as a modular system,” he explained, “allowing for future expansions if needed.” This forward-thinking approach not only streamlines current operations but also prepares the network for future technological advancements.

As the homeowner anticipates the completion of this ambitious project, he reflects on the impact of a well-planned LAN. “I didn’t want our network to be an afterthought,” he emphasized. “It’s vital for modern living, especially with so many devices connected.”

With the installation nearing completion, the homeowner is excited about the potential. “We’ll be able to stream movies, record feeds from various angles, and host services—without even nearing our maximum throughput,” he stated, radiating enthusiasm for the seamless digital life ahead.

As this story unfolds, it serves as a reminder of how technology can integrate into everyday life, even in the most unexpected places. The cottage, once a rustic retreat, is poised to become a model for modern living, blending the charm of the countryside with cutting-edge technology.