Need Suggestions/Idea to Move Router & All Cables out of The ONT Cabinet

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  wearnes on 16/01/2023 - 17:28

  +1

  get a wall mount rack and start kitting it out with a switch and patch panel

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  rkl on 16/01/2023 - 17:52

  Why not go ONT > ethernet cable to one of the wired rooms> router connected in the room

  • 

    ace310 on 16/01/2023 - 18:03

    In that case I can't have other rooms wired from the router for getting my mesh hard wired unless I put in another cable back to each room.

    • 

      cryptika on 16/01/2023 - 20:54

      Right because you want all/some rooms to be able to plug directly in for better latency, and still have strong enough WiFi signal?

      Can't you just use a second router in a room somewhere to act as an extender?

      • 

        ace310 on 16/01/2023 - 21:12

        Extender will reduce my speed alot.

        Plus I have my server in one room which needs ethernet. And I have an office in other room where I have switch to connect my devices over ethernet. I intend to use as much bandwidth as possible using lan rather than wifi where I can.

        I have gigabit fiber, why not use it if I can.

        • 

          cryptika on 16/01/2023 - 21:44

          @ace310: Right, so if you own the place could just drill a hole.. and then seal it with something like this:
          https://www.bunnings.co.nz/pinnacle-3-8-x-3-4-black-wiring-g…

          That way you can get the wires out or if you do a really big hole even an extension cord/powerboard too?

    • 

      rkl on 17/01/2023 - 14:44

      Ah didnt read the whole post.
      I like the idea FiveOneFive posted, Mount the router to the outside.

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  Toddy47 on 16/01/2023 - 20:03

  +2

  Installs like that are designed to have access points for the WiFi, so for example you might have one in the hallway and one in the lounge, check if there are any cables run to those areas.

  ONT -> Router -> Switch -> Access Points

  • 

    ace310 on 16/01/2023 - 20:41

    All cables from each room including lounge end up near ont. So as you say I need to fit router, switch, extension board along with all power adapters inside the box which is very difficult. So have to do it outside.

    Also intension was to use router as onr of the wifi point so as not to have an extra access point. As total of 2(router + node) should be enough for my house.

    • 

      FiveFeetUnder on 17/01/2023 - 09:48

      If you use cable ties to tidy everything up you should be able to mount a 8-port switch in there with the ONT and Router. Switches are not very expensive and like Toddy47 said, they are the "proper" way to do it.

      Have a look at Moona's pic below for how it can be done tidily (https://files.cheapies.nz/upload/1009/4119/20230116_203644.j…)

      • 

        ace310 on 17/01/2023 - 09:53

        I can give it a try to see if things can fit.

        I do have a 5 port switch similar to this. Do you think this 8port switch is good or I need something else.

        https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B00A121WN6/

        • 

          FiveFeetUnder on 17/01/2023 - 11:55

          @ace310: I only suggested an 8-port one because you had 8 cables running back from the rest of your house. A 5-port switch would work fine if you only want internet to 5x rooms. That one you linked is gigabit so should be fine. You can also get Power Over Ethernet switches, which means that you can just plug your PoE Access Point in at the other end and they don't need a separate power supply.

  • 

    moona on 16/01/2023 - 20:45

    This is the case. My Unifi setup is installed in the cabinet including switch and I just have Unifi APs in the ceiling that I've run cables back into this panel.

    If you want your router more central than you really need two ethernet runs into the room you want your router. x1 for ONT <-> Router and x1 for Router back to a seperate switch that would be homed in the cabinet (which would liven up your other wall ports around the house)

    https://files.cheapies.nz/upload/1009/4119/20230116_203644.j…

    • 

      ace310 on 16/01/2023 - 21:14

      That looks neat. Wish I had bigger box to fit in everything. Unifi is great but too expensive for me.

      • 

        moona on 16/01/2023 - 22:33

        Best option might be to get a sparkie to run some more structured cabling to your room of choice so you have two cables. It doesn't even need to be terminated on to a wall port if that saves some $$ He could slip it out the side of the existing wall port and terminate with an RJ45.

        If you have some skills to run cable yourself and can navigate your roof space, it's fairly easy to do. Some fish wire is a god send. Nees to be able to crimp RJ45 connectors on also and have the tool.

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  Drcspy on 17/01/2023 - 07:22

  Instead of wifi only extenders use 'powerline extenders' latency/speed issues should disappear.

  • 

    ace310 on 17/01/2023 - 07:54

    Don't want to go that route. I currently have hardwired Orbi AC mesh. But planning to get Asus Gt-ax600 and another asus wifi 6 in ai mesh with hardwired backhaul. So I just need to sort out ONT side and everything should work.

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  Alex on 17/01/2023 - 07:31

  I helped a friend with an identical install. We ended up finding a small switch that provided 802.3at, and we used an EdgeRouter X.

  The two ethernet ports then ran to a Unifi IW-HD each, so there was wifi and a 4 port switch at each end.

  Even managed to cram a Raspberry Pi into the cupboard running HomeAssistant OS - it runs the Unifi controller!

• 

  nikinchch on 17/01/2023 - 08:15

  Call your ISP provider and get them to do the move.

  • 

    ace310 on 17/01/2023 - 09:19

    Too much work, and I will have to move all the cables out as well which will be expensive.

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  Elvino on 17/01/2023 - 09:09

  Like one of the posts above, I run a similar setup. My own router in the box, connected to ONT, specific ports around the house running LAN, and then 3 designated ports running a Mesh Wi-Fi system.
  https://files.cheapies.nz/upload/2833/4120/ab2ed9b7-f4e7-406…

  One option (though tricky and depends on your comfort/skill level), will be to run a new cat 6 cable using the existing drilled holes out to one of the end points to try and get a second RJ45 into one of those spots. Not easy given you’re relying on the size of the drilled holes through the stud supporting two cables.
  To do it basically disconnect one of the rj45 end points, attach the new cable, and a chase wire with strong insulation tape to the end, and pull it through into the roof cavity. Then use the chase cable to pull the original cable back down. Do the same at the other end - and this will give you two cable connections to a designated spot). Again, it’s not easy to do, but it’s an option. A sparky could probably do this for you, but it’s likely to be a few hours labour.

  Edit. Just reread your post. Another option would be to disconnect everything, physically remove the box, and drill some holes through the surround studs to give you external access to the same box - possibly lock in. some conduit (assuming the external shelf option is your preference).
  FYI an ONT move is about $300-$500 depending on who is doing it

  • 

    ace310 on 17/01/2023 - 09:19

    +1

    That's a good size box, If I had similar size it would all have worked out. Just could have made a shelf outside with Main router on it.

    I did think about running a 2nd cable back, but the box is under the stairs in a closet in garage, so not really very confident that I can pull that out to any other room without getting into trouble.

    My current idea is to run a conduit from the box to ceiling and out of closet where I can get some kind of mount rack in garage. Get sparky to install power point. Run the cable from router back to box with a switch in their to feed rest of all the rooms.

    • 

      Alan6984 on 17/01/2023 - 09:39

      If there is power for the ONT, I think you can just plug an extension / multi-way into that, and run out to the mount rack - no sparky required from a legal perspective.

      However, I am no expert, so I suggest checking with someone who can advise definitively.

      • 

        ace310 on 17/01/2023 - 09:44

        Yes, there is power. And I have connected an extension as can be seen in the photo. The only reason getting a power point was I have to go through a wall which I believe is not legal from insurance point of view, but could be wrong. Will get sparky to recommend me.

        • 

          Alan6984 on 17/01/2023 - 09:45

          @ace310: No idea about the through-wall thing - would be interested to know what they say about that.

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  FiveOneFive on 17/01/2023 - 14:26

  +1

  Hey,

  I have a similar setup.
  I have three devices and two power sockets (ONT + Router + POE Injector).

  I took the front panel of the cabinet off, and had two nice holes drilled with a drill press - nice and neat.

  I drilled two small holes either side of the main body of the cabinet, enough to get some cables ties through.

  I cable tied the router to the outside of the cabinet, so there is good signal. Then all the cables (LAN + power) feed back through the drill press holes into the cabinet itself.

  • 

    ace310 on 17/01/2023 - 14:30

    That sounds great, but I don't have access to that kind on machinery to drill holes in metal.
    Can you share the photo of how it looks when you get chance please.

    Thanks

    • 

      FiveOneFive on 17/01/2023 - 14:35

      Any local workshop will easily be able to do it for you, just state where you want the holes (and how big).
      No photos sorry.
      Basically if you the follow the steps, you will have good signal + all the cables will still be hidden in the cabinet.
      You could even use the grommets suggested by cryptika and have it looking real tidy