network design and documentation for Asus

[robintes]

Hi Guys, hope this isnt a silly question but can you advise on what is the best way to design and document an IP router network for home/office use. Wouldnt be more than say Virgin modem. Ausus routers - 2 networks, extender routers say 4 either repeater/mesh/AP plus IP cameras say 12, 3 printers, say 12 screens (Lenovo M8 android ) ( what have I forgotten?)

Flashy line diags are ok (easy bit I could use draw.io) but the area I cant fathom is a recognised way of rigourously defining all the login/PW data for all the hook ups in such a way that it is immediately unambiguous when coming to this data months years later and reading them correctly.

I have an Elec Eng bg so I am used to seeing cable routing/core numbers/junction box hook ups/termins strip numbering/equipment terminations etc Its done with a flow of terminal spreadsheet/line diags/ JB diags. All very straight forward

IP catalogs just seem like a dogs breakfast. How do professionals do it so its maintainable. How is change control done?
All IT guys treated it on a need to know scraps of info - never found a proper documented set for a Network.

 

[Tech9]

You better design something more configurable and expandable than Asus home products with AiMesh. Current AiMesh situation with multiple AiMesh Compatible products running different firmware is not even documented by Asus. With two separate networks and IP cameras in the mix look for more business oriented products with proper VLAN network segmentation and PoE powered APs. Ethernet infrastructure first and then UniFi or Omada as lower cost options. Both have network design tools available online so the final result is more predictable. Use your preferred way to document the network after.

 

[robintes]

I hope I havent upset anyone. I just find the whole home wifi network thing very frustrating. One wise member said "dont mess with that go straight to a PoE ethernet cable system. This is right of course and commercial security cams do this camera. Unfortunately homes often dont lend themselves to trailing cables around thru walls ceilings etc hence the need for wifi - but it has a short range thru walls etc <10m - for reliable signal strength.

 

[Tech9]

Wi-Fi cameras have serious weakness though - an RF jammer takes them all at once. This is Plan B in surveillance the same way as wireless mesh is Plan B in networking. Make sure you invest in something more reliable and less disposable.