Questions for networking in new (temporary) home.

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MikeAqua

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#323726 7-Jan-2026 12:56

We're renting a house for 18 months, while we build our 'forever' home on a lifestyle block. I have a few questions that I'd appreciate some help with. Apologies in advance for not having photos. I didn't think to take any, and we won't have access to the property until Waitangi weekend.

(A) Modem-router location:

The ONT is a compact white chorus unit (Type 400 I think). It resides in an enclosure in the garage wall. The WAN cable runs from the ONT to a very small punch-down patch panel within the enclosure. It's a bar about six inches long, with half a dozen connections. According to the labelling, the connections are: -

Fibre - WAN from ONT
To Modem
From Modem
TV
TV Spare
[Unused]

Can someone explain what is going on here? Seems a clumsy way of doing things. I would have thought WAN could go directly to the modem and LAN could come back to the patch bar.

I have a compact modem-router (TP-Link M5) which will fit in the enclosure. So I'm thinking I'll connect WAN directly to that and then output from the M5 to the patch panel. I can then reuse one outlet wherever the modem is, and the TV Spare for M5 mesh units. I can add a switch here too, for other AV components.

Does that all sound OK?

(B) Home lab in attic:

The simplest and easiest location for my Homelab is the roof space above the garage. I can easily run a line from the unused port on the patch panel, and there is a storage attic up there with a stair hatch for access. However, I'm concerned about heat. I have 2 x NAS, a few RasPi's (HA, PLEX NAS, BitCoin, PiHole-Unbound), a managed switch and a UPS). All in a small rack with fans. Currently this setup lives in our garage which isn't insulated, and has a dark coloured metal roof. I haven't had any temperature issues.

There is some airflow in the roof space via gable vents. The property is in Blenheim and has a dark coloured metal roof. There is noticeable airflow in the roof space via gable vents. I was there on a day that was ~25C with a strong NW wind. The roofspace was warm but not unbearably hot. Is it likely to get too hot?

Mike

mrgsm021

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#3450559 7-Jan-2026 13:28

I'd go:

ONT > M5 > switch inside enclosure > patch panel as required when a port is in use, e.g. the other M5 mesh units around the house.

nitro

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#3450561 7-Jan-2026 13:29

Seen a few of these on new build MDUs in the past several years

Fibre - WAN from ONT - patch to #2 below
To Modem - For AIO routers (with WiFi) at the other end of this port (typically some common area, so WiFi is usable), then back to the cabinet to #3 below
From Modem - connected to router, fed back here to connect a switch to provide connectivity to other destinations reachable from the patch panel
TV - connected to switch
TV Spare - connected to switch
[Unused] - connected to switch

wellygary

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#3450570 7-Jan-2026 14:07

MikeAqua:

There is some airflow in the roof space via gable vents. The property is in Blenheim and has a dark coloured metal roof. There is noticeable airflow in the roof space via gable vents. I was there on a day that was ~25C with a strong NW wind. The roofspace was warm but not unbearably hot. Is it likely to get too hot?

I wouldn't stick electronics in the roof in Blenheim,

On the day you looked the strong NW was basically keeping it at ambient, when you get a hot calm summer day ( which are common in that part of the world) there will be little airflow and you'll likely see a much higher temp...

Given you are only there for a fixed period, I'd find a quiet corner (or cupboard near an outlet) and stick your gear somewhere in the habitable area (which is presumably able to be cooled)

MikeAqua

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#3450889 8-Jan-2026 22:02

nitro:

Seen a few of these on new build MDUs in the past several years

Fibre - WAN from ONT - patch to #2 below
To Modem - For AIO routers (with WiFi) at the other end of this port (typically some common area, so WiFi is usable), then back to the cabinet to #3 below
From Modem - connected to router, fed back here to connect a switch to provide connectivity to other destinations reachable from the patch panel
TV - connected to switch
TV Spare - connected to switch
[Unused] - connected to switch

Thanks, I don't recall seeing a switch in there. That's what has me puzzled. But I must be mistaken.

Mike

MikeAqua

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#3450890 8-Jan-2026 22:04

mrgsm021:

I'd go:

ONT > M5 > switch inside enclosure > patch panel as required when a port is in use, e.g. the other M5 mesh units around the house.

Thanks, much appreciated

Mike

MikeAqua

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#3450893 8-Jan-2026 22:09

wellygary:

I wouldn't stick electronics in the roof in Blenheim,

On the day you looked the strong NW was basically keeping it at ambient, when you get a hot calm summer day ( which are common in that part of the world) there will be little airflow and you'll likely see a much higher temp...

Given you are only there for a fixed period, I'd find a quiet corner (or cupboard near an outlet) and stick your gear somewhere in the habitable area (which is presumably able to be cooled)

Thanks. I think you're right, I'd be pushing my luck putting it up there. The trouble is, the fans are a little loud for anywhere in the house. Maybe I'll just put it on a stand in the garage.

Mike