Network Equipment Appropriately Secured: Emulating the Ideal for All Network Hardware, Like a Cable Modem
Modern Home Network Gear Gets a Rack Makeover
In the world of home networking, the traditional desktop setup is giving way to a more organized and streamlined approach. Enthusiasts are increasingly turning to rack-mounted solutions for their routers and cable modems, transforming their home network infrastructure into a professional-looking setup.
One such example is the Arris cable modem, which has been given a custom 1U 19" rack mount case. The original plastic case of the Arris modem is easy to dismantle, making it ideal for installation in a professional rack enclosure. The front panel of the modified Arris modem is professionally cut and laser etched, appearing as if it were original. Inside, a PCB and a light guide for its LEDs can be found. The modification was carried out by The Eccentric Workshop.
For those seeking a similar solution for their router, the TP-Link ER605 offers a dedicated 3D-printed 1U modular rack mount designed specifically for it. This 3D-printed mount is compatible with standard 19" racks, allowing flexible placement in a rack setup.
However, many modern consumer Wi-Fi 7 routers, such as the Asus RT-BE96U, TP-Link Archer BE800, and Netgear Nighthawk RS700S, do not natively come in rack-mountable form factors. Enthusiasts can still integrate these devices into racks by using custom or third-party rack mount kits or 3D-printed mounts, as demonstrated with the TP-Link ER605.
If native rack-mount devices are required, business-class routers and modems designed for rack installation are available, though they tend to be more expensive and less "home" oriented. For typical home routers and modems, custom mounting solutions like the ones mentioned above are currently the practical path.
When it comes to organizing and mounting these devices in a home environment, high-quality rolling network racks or server racks with proper ventilation and mounting screw compatibility are recommended. Options such as the Ktaxon and Riveco 12U racks provide good ventilation and accessibility for mounting network gear.
In summary, for those looking to upgrade their home network setup, consider the benefits of rack-mounted solutions. Whether it's a custom-made case for your Arris cable modem or a 3D-printed mount for your TP-Link ER605 router, the possibilities are endless. And with rolling network racks or server racks, you can keep your network gear neatly organized and easily accessible.
[1] The Eccentric Workshop. (2022). Modified Arris modem with custom 1U 19" rack mount case. [Online]. Available: https://www.eccentricworkshop.com/arris-modem-custom-1u-19-rack-mount-case/
[2] Ktaxon. (2022). 12U Wheeled Rack. [Online]. Available: https://www.ktaxon.com/products/12u-wheeled-rack
[3] Riveco. (2022). 12U Open-Frame Server Rack. [Online]. Available: https://www.riveco.com/12u-open-frame-server-rack-black
[4] TP-Link. (2022). TP-Link ER605 Router 3D-Printed Mount. [Online]. Available: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4916464
The custom 1U 19" rack mount case for the Arris cable modem, developed by The Eccentric Workshop, demonstrates the incorporation of data-and-cloud-computing technology into home network gear, as it includes a PCB and a light guide for its LEDs.
For those who wish to add a router to their rack-mounted home network setup, a 3D-printed modular rack mount like the one designed for the TP-Link ER605 can be an ideal solution, allowing seamless integration with standard 19" racks.
