How to organise modem and network video recorder?

[Vismay]

Hi everyone,

I’m currently setting up my home network and could really use some advice. Right now, I’ve got my modem/router sitting on top of a wheelie bin (photo below for reference!) next to the NBN connection point inside my garage.

I plan to tidy things up and also add a small NVR (for CCTV cameras), but I’m not sure the best way to mount everything neatly and safely.

What I’m trying to achieve:

• Wall-mountable or shelf solution for a modem/router + NVR
• Clean cable management (preferably no dangling cords)
• Good airflow for heat
• Must fit in the small corner near the NBN box (photo attached)

Questions:

1. Should I go for a floating shelf, cabinet, or a small wall-mount rack (e.g. 6U)?
2. Any specific Bunnings products you’d recommend for this?
3. How do I best secure power boards and hide wiring without blocking airflow?

Open to DIY if it’s not too complex.

Thanks in advance for your ideas!

Cheers,

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Vismay,

There's no one single solution to this problem, but considering you would only have a small NVR and a modem, I think a simple floating shelf would be a good option. 

It wouldn't be enclosed, so there would be plenty of airflow, and you could add trunking or a variety of different Cable Covers & Wraps to the wall for some simple cable management and concealment.

You could then use a D-Line Large Black Cable Tidy Unit to house your power board.

Allow me to tag @R4addZ, @Dave-1 and @CSParnell to see what ideas or safety considerations they have.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[Dave-1]

Good Afternoon @Vismay 

Maybe a couple of 200mm width shelves is what I am thinking, A NVR can be stood on its side to take up less width. You could go the route of a cabinet but this open shelves will allow free flow of air, is tidy and I would mount the shelves to the left or right with all the cables heading in the same direction back to the network points and powerpoint just to keep it tidy.

I would have the shelves at head height, so you can work on them if needed but so theywont get bumped. Resetting something where you need a stand is a pain

I had my NDB installed in my linen cupboard, And yeah ventilation can be a problem but if it keeps up I will install a nice grill on the door.

I have a patch panel, NBN terminal, router and now an IKEA box in there and it really dosnt get too warm.

Dave

[R4addZ]

Hi @Vismay 

The professional way to do this would be to install a rack like this...

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/264570608874?_skw=wall+mounted+rack+4ru&itmmeta=01JZMF7E3SRMXJWHW9KV43KE...

as it isn't just the NVR that will be in there, there also needs to be a patch panel for all the cables to terminate on. I would also consider cabling for wireless access point/s in the house as if you put the router in a metal box like this, it will reduce the range of the wifi. You can also buy shelves to fit in this if your NVR isn't rack mountable. One thing to keep in mind though is the useable depth of the rack as the rails are set back to allow space for patch cables at the front and many a job that I've been on, they have bought equipment deep enough to just fit in and not accounted for the power (kettle type) plug sticking out the back of the equipment.

You can also get rack mount power rails that are usually bolted to the rear uprights like this

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/274178642781?_skw=rack+power+rail&itmmeta=01JZMG4R942X7P8BVEP4CRBH4X&has...

But you could just get away with a 4 way bunnings power board.

[R4addZ]

Hi @Vismay 

More along the DIY point of view, You can also buy rack rails. So if you wanted an open rack, you could mount two shelves the right vertical distance apart and then screw or bolt rack rails to the shelves and then mount your equipment on those see here.....

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/124194504747?_skw=rack+rails&itmmeta=01JZMMBKG85VSJ8QJQYXR8Z2H6&hash=ite...

You would buy the rails a bit bigger than the size you want, to give you some overlap to modify into a fixing. You could even do this in a cupboard of your own making if you wanted. The reason I lean towards this or a rack is that the patch stips of sockets are all with this type of mounting (although there is a smaller size available if you are stuck for space but they may work out more expensive).

[AlanM52]

Hi @Vismay,

I have been here before many times and when it's all done the people requesting assistance will sometimes comment... I didn't realise I was opening can of worms. For now put aside the shelf and modem thing and bear with me while I ask some questions and maybe even floor plan sketch and if  single or double story.

Having said that looks like we are off to a good start.

That wall plate with 2 x RJ45's is impressive!

I doubt that the NBN guys installed that, very likely done by a trained cable person and thinking there should be more network points around the house. Do you know where the garage network points goto and the location(s) and... are there other network points around the house.

(You may not need a shelf to support the modem)

Let's turn our attention the CCTV system - this is important.

Are you planning to purchase a typical 4/8 channel DVR with cameras and camera cables.

If so the DVR usually needs to be in a central location so the camera cables make it to the cameras often mounted on eve corners.

This is also a good location for the modem and improves wi-fi coverage.

All the cables use the same access point into (or from) the roof - maybe linen or storage cupboard.

Come back if you wish to further discuss...

Cheers

[CSParnell]

@JacobZ @Vismay 

Excuse the cable mess but you know what they say those that work in the industry always have the most messy installs in their own homes haha 

 Thats what I'm using.

8 port Switch, LaCie HDD, Deco Mesh System, Eero NBN Router, Swan DVR. Nothing fancy just what I need to get the job done and hold the gear up and away from being damaged