Router for a "smart" house

[JohnnyJazz]

Our house is under renovation and we are installing a network that should cover the whole house for computer, entertainment and security ( http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/791155-wiring-ones-home-for-computer-network/ )

Now the question is, we have a contract with True who provides us a modem router (CISCO EPC2325). Is it the best modem that True has to offer ? For people with similar configuration, do you use the modem provided by True or an other model ? What is your configuration ?

Thanks in advance. JJ

[thaimite]

Given the amount of outlets you will be having the modem router will be a small part of the network. You will also need a significant size of netwrok switch.

Many people have their own preferences when it comes to modems and routers, but in your case I think Gigabit network ports are a must, and wireless N wi-fi IMHO Wireless AC is not a good standard yet and is still undergoing cnange and supported by few devices.

As I have TOT FTTH I cannot recommend any modem for you.

Edit

Conditional Info

My choice of router was also influenced by support for No-ip.com dynamic DNS and also for DD-WRT open firmware, although I am currently using the stock firmware. At time of purchase the TP-Link Archer router I eventually settled on was not available in Thailand

Edited January 21, 2015 by thaimite

[thedemon]

The Cisco EPC2325 is a DOCSIS cable modem/router/WiFi combination device. TRUE don't allow you to use your own DOCSIS modem (which is pretty normal for a cable provider) but you can easily put the Cisco into bridge mode and then use whatever router you like.

I used to have that model at my office and had it in bridged to a DD-WRT flashed router. It performed fine but a TRUE technician came and switched it out for a different model Cisco (I think EPC3825) for some reason that didn't make much sense to me. In any case the new one performs no better or worse than the old one.

I'm pretty sure the LAN interface is 10/100 not gigabit but in bridge mode that won't make any difference unless your package speed is approaching 100Mbps.

As I recall pressing the reset button for a few seconds toggles the EPC2325 between regular and bridge modes. The new model is different and has to be changed via the web interface. Once in bridge mode there is nothing at all to configure on the Cisco and your router just needs the WAN port set to DHCP. There is no user/password.

[JohnnyJazz]

^ I've already a second router (ASUS RT-AT66U) behind the one provided by True, I realize I should have written my post differently but you have partly answered it anyway. I can understand that True wants us to use its own modem but can we ask for a better one (??) than the one we currently have and would that make a significant difference ?

[thedemon]

As far as I know the main difference between the EPC2325 and newer Cisco's is that the former is a DOCSIS 2.0 modem and the latter DOCSIS 3.0.

What is your package speed from TRUE? I can't remember the exact numbers but DOCSIS 2.0 only supports a certain maximum up/down speed so at some point a DOCSIS 3.0 modem is necessary.

As I mentioned, TRUE changed my Cisco without me asking so I would guess that if you harass them a bit they would change yours too. If it doesn't cost anything, why not? But I didn't notice any difference between the two.

The most commonly supplied TRUE DOCSIS modem is a "Thomson". But be aware that they don't support bridge mode and there is no point in having your own router if it isn't in bridge mode. In fact performance will worsen.

[IMHO]

How many ethernet ports and WiFi access points on the data network?

How many IP cameras, NVR's and/or NAS drives on the CCTV network?

Did you still plan to keep the data and CCTV networks physically separate?

Edited January 21, 2015 by IMHO

[JohnnyJazz]

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As far as I know the main difference between the EPC2325 and newer Cisco's is that the former is a DOCSIS 2.0 modem and the latter DOCSIS 3.0.

What is your package speed from TRUE? I can't remember the exact numbers but DOCSIS 2.0 only supports a certain maximum up/down speed so at some point a DOCSIS 3.0 modem is necessary.

As I mentioned, TRUE changed my Cisco without me asking so I would guess that if you harass them a bit they would change yours too. If it doesn't cost anything, why not? But I didn't notice any difference between the two.

The most commonly supplied TRUE DOCSIS modem is a "Thomson". But be aware that they don't support bridge mode and there is no point in having your own router if it isn't in bridge mode. In fact performance will worsen.

For the time being we still have the basic package we subscribed when we moved in : 15 / 1.5 I'm also trying to figure out the contract we need to negotiate with True (or other provider) once the renovation is over.

How many ethernet ports and WiFi access points on the data network?

How many IP cameras, NVR's and/or NAS drives on the CCTV network?

Did you still plan to keep the data and CCTV networks physically separate?

So far around 25 ports for the data network and 7 for the surveillance cameras. On the data network around 70% will be connected to something and 30% spare for future use