As I embarked on the journey to upgrade my home security system, I wanted to share my first step, which served as a test to ensure everything would work seamlessly. After a lot of research, I decided to order the Amcrest 4K 8CH PoE NVR (model NV4108E-A2) and the Amcrest 5MP Turret PoE Camera (model IP5M-T1179EW-28MM).

Setting Up the NVR
The setup began with connecting the NVR to my network switch. I ran an HDMI cable from the NVR to a spare TV I placed in the office for live view and connected the power. Almost immediately, the NVR began to beep incessantly. A quick investigation revealed the cause: the NVR didn't have a hard drive installed. This was not an issue for me because I planned to use my Synology NAS for storage. I quickly disabled the alarm, silencing the beeping.

Connecting the Camera
Next, I unpackaged the PoE camera and connected it to the NVR. The system worked flawlessly and found the camera almost instantly. This was a promising sign that everything was going according to plan.

Integrating with Synology Surveillance
The final step was to log into Synology Surveillance. Since everything was connected to the network, the Synology system quickly found and added the camera. This seamless integration allowed me to view everything without needing a subscription, providing a reliable and cost-effective solution for my home security needs.

Conclusion
This first step was more of a test than anything else, but it proved that my chosen components could work together seamlessly. With the NVR connected to my network and spare TV in the office, and the PoE camera up and running, I am now ready to continue expanding and fine-tuning my home security system. The ability to use my Synology NAS for storage and avoid subscription fees is a significant advantage, making this a successful initial test.

As someone who enjoys tinkering with technology and optimizing my home network setup, I was thrilled when the TechMojo 20u Open Frame Network Rack arrived at my doorstep. I’ve been eagerly waiting for this addition to my home network to help organize my equipment and ensure everything is running smoothly. Here’s a rundown of my experience unboxing and assembling this impressive piece of tech gear.

The Unboxing Experience
The TechMojo 20u Open Frame Network Rack arrived in a well-packaged box, ensuring that all the components were protected during transit. As I carefully unboxed the rack, I was pleased to see that everything was neatly organized and securely packed. The package included:

• The main frame pieces
• Screws
• Assembly instructions

One of the first things I noticed was the build quality of the rack. The metal felt sturdy and durable, which gave me confidence that it would support all my networking equipment without any issues.

Assembly Process
With the components laid out and the instructions in hand, I was ready to start assembling the rack. The instructions were clear and concise, making the process straightforward. Here are the steps I followed:

• Assembling the Frame: I began by attaching the side panels to the base using the provided screws and bolts. This step was easy, thanks to the pre-drilled holes and clear markings.
• Securing the Top Panel: Next, I secured the top panel to the side panels. Again, the alignment was perfect, and the screws fit snugly.

The Bent Part
During the assembly, I did encounter one small hiccup: one of the metal pieces was slightly bent. However, it wasn’t a major issue. I was able to bend it back into shape with minimal effort. This minor setback didn’t affect the overall assembly process or the structural integrity of the rack.

Final Thoughts
Overall, putting together the TechMojo 20u Open Frame Network Rack was a breeze. The quality of the materials and the clear instructions made the assembly process smooth and enjoyable. Even with the slightly bent part, it was an easy fix, and everything came together perfectly.

Now, my home network setup looks more organized than ever. The open frame design allows for excellent ventilation, which is crucial for keeping my equipment cool. Plus, the design ensures easy access to all my equipment, making maintenance a hassle-free task.

This rack is the first step in setting up my home network, which I discussed in detail on my blog at Setting Up My Home Network. I highly recommend the TechMojo 20u Open Frame Network Rack to anyone looking to enhance their home or office network setup. It’s a solid investment that offers great value for the money.

Stay tuned for more updates on my home network journey, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need advice on setting up your own network rack!

As technology advances, the need for efficient and robust home networking solutions becomes more critical. This week, I am taking a significant step towards creating a seamless and powerful home network. With the arrival of a TechMojo 20u Open Frame Network Rack and an Intellinet 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch, I am excited to share my plans for setting up my own home network. This setup will not only provide fast and reliable internet connectivity but also allow me to use a Synology DiskStation DS923+ 4-Bay NAS as a "shared drive" for storing all my personal files, genealogy files, pictures, and more.

Step 1: Preparing the Hardware

• Synology DiskStation DS923+: The Synology DiskStation DS923+ is envisioned to be at the heart of my network setup. This 4-bay NAS is renowned for its performance, reliability, and versatility. It would serve as the central storage hub for my home network, providing ample space for my personal files, genealogy research, and an extensive collection of photos. However, I have not ordered the NAS yet due to its cost, which requires careful consideration.
• TechMojo 20u Open Frame Network Rack: To keep my network components organized and easily accessible, I will be using the TechMojo 20u Open Frame Network Rack. This sturdy and spacious rack will house my NAS, Ethernet switch, and other networking equipment. Its open-frame design ensures proper ventilation, which is crucial for maintaining optimal performance.
• Intellinet 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch: The Intellinet 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch will be the backbone of my wired network. With 24 gigabit ports, it will provide fast and stable connections to all my devices, ensuring smooth data transfer and reliable internet access throughout my home.

Step 2: Running CAT6 Cables
To achieve a high-speed wired network, I will need to run CAT6 cables through the ceilings and walls to different rooms in my house. This process requires careful planning and execution to ensure that the cables are hidden and properly terminated.

• Cable Management: Good cable management is essential for maintaining an organized and efficient network setup. I will be using different color cables for Power over Ethernet (PoE) and regular Ethernet connections:
  • PoE Cables: Yellow or Orange
  • Regular Ethernet Cables: Blue or Green
• Strategic Placement: I will strategically place Ethernet ports in key locations, such as the living room, bedrooms, office, and basement. This will provide wired connections for devices like computers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles, ensuring optimal performance and minimal latency.

Step 3: Setting Up the NAS
Once the hardware is in place and the cables are run, I will proceed to set up the Synology DiskStation DS923+.

• Initial Configuration: The initial configuration of the NAS involves connecting it to the network, setting up the RAID configuration for data redundancy, and creating user accounts. Synology's intuitive interface makes this process straightforward, even for those new to NAS systems.
• Shared Drive Setup: One of the primary uses of the NAS will be as a shared drive for storing and accessing various types of files. I will create shared folders for different categories, such as personal files, genealogy research, and photos. This organization will make it easy to find and manage files.
• Data Access and Backup: With the shared drive set up, I will configure data access permissions for different users, ensuring that sensitive information is secure. Additionally, I will set up regular backups to protect my data from accidental loss or hardware failure.

Step 4: Enhancing Network Performance

• Using the Eero System: To extend my network coverage and eliminate dead zones, I will use my existing Eero system with three extenders. This will provide seamless Wi-Fi coverage throughout my house, complementing the wired network.
• Optimizing Network Traffic: I will configure the Intellinet switch to prioritize network traffic, ensuring that high-priority applications, such as video streaming and online gaming, receive the necessary bandwidth.

Conclusion
Setting up my home network with a Synology DiskStation DS923+, TechMojo 20u Open Frame Network Rack, and Intellinet 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch is an exciting project that will enhance my home’s connectivity and data management capabilities. By carefully planning the cable runs, configuring the NAS as a shared drive, and optimizing network performance, I aim to create a robust and efficient network that meets all my needs. Stay tuned for updates on the installation process and the performance of my new home network setup!