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Network design worksheet

Answer simple questions to create a first home-network plan.

Privacy: Inputs stay in this browser and are never stored or sent.

What is an AP?

AP (access point) turns a wired network into Wi-Fi for phones and laptops. A home router usually includes an AP, so no separate AP is needed when router Wi-Fi covers the home.

  1. Put the router outside metal cabinets, centrally and as high as practical.
  2. Check for weak Wi-Fi where devices are actually used.
  3. Add a wired AP only where coverage is weak.

Two common apartment wiring-cabinet layouts

Both methods start from the same ISP modem/ONT. The difference is the router location and whether two living-room wall cables carry the incoming and return paths. The cabinet is the cable hub, not necessarily the best Wi-Fi location.

Method 1 · Small router for the wiring cabinet

Full path
ISP modem/ONTSmall cabinet router WAN portRouter LAN portCabinet switchActive room cables · living-room AP (wired backhaul)
  • It assigns internet addresses to home devices and manages the whole connection. Separate equipment in the living room can provide Wi-Fi.
  • Use AP mode or wired-backhaul mesh for the extra living-room or bedroom unit.
  • Check size, power, cover clearance, heat, and ventilation in the cramped cabinet.

Method 2 · Living-room router with two cable paths

Incoming path
ISP modem/ONTLAN-LAN couplerWall cable to the living roomLiving-room router WAN
Return path
Living-room router LANSeparate living-room wall cableCabinet switchRooms
  • The LAN-LAN coupler is a passive female-to-female adapter joining the ISP modem/ONT LAN output to the wall cable going to the living room.
  • The two living-room jacks must be independent cable runs, and the return path must have all eight conductors terminated for data.
  • Cables ① WAN and ② LAN return are transport paths, so do not count them under “wired wall outlets to use” below.
  • Before repurposing a phone jack, disconnect it fully from the phone distributor and confirm there is no telephone voltage.

Caution: ISP routing, IPTV/phone wiring, and eight-conductor termination vary by home. Photograph and label everything, then verify one cable at a time.

1. Home and router

Approximate answers are fine.

Count bedrooms and studies separated by doors; exclude the living room.
Count active paths from the switch to wall outlets. A TV or PC plugged into one of these outlets uses that same path and is not counted again.
Cabinets, metal enclosures, and floors weaken Wi-Fi. Prefer a central, open, elevated position.

2. Wi-Fi coverage

A separate AP supplements router Wi-Fi.

Enter 0 if the router alone covers the home. Add APs only for dead zones caused by long layouts, thick walls, or multiple floors.
If adding APs, use central, open, elevated locations. Avoid corners, metal cabinets, and behind appliances.

3. Devices to connect

If you do not know the port count, leave the default at 8 and continue. The report separates the minimum required from a purchase recommendation with expansion room.
Count all wired TVs and PCs, whether they use a wall outlet or plug directly into the switch. This is used for address capacity.
Exclude TVs and PCs that use wall outlets. Example: enter 0 when three devices use three wall outlets; enter 3 only when all three have separate direct switch connections.
Count smart plugs, speakers, appliances, and similar devices.

If this is your first plan, stop here. Leave advanced settings at their defaults and create the report.

Open advanced settings — IP, VLAN, PoE, and UPS
Compare all three modes
Unknown / needs confirmation
Check the separate router WAN IP and the ISP gateway admin page to identify NAT and DHCP ownership.
Bridge (bridge)
The ISP device passes the public IP to the separate router, which handles NAT, DHCP, and firewall duties.
Router
The ISP gateway handles NAT and DHCP. A second routing device can create double NAT; consider AP mode or bridge mode.
Keep the default if unsure.
Count APs and cameras powered through Ethernet.
Enter 0 with no PoE devices; otherwise total their maximum draw.
Enter “None” if there is no UPS.
Keep the default if unsure.

No report generated yet.

PoE calculator · UPS calculator

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