Network Gear

Requirements:

• VLAN support
• Remote firmware flashing, Ideally without physically being there.
• Remote un-bricking with a dongle such as the Ubiquiti M series.

We make some use of vlans in our network. For example they allow separating the Staff and Public networks, but mainly vlans allow us to put multiple networks on one access point. This enables us to use the same hardware for several wireless networks thus saving money.

Routers

Currently we are using inexpensive Watch guard XTM 5's with CPU and RAM upgrades.

Previously we used mini-itx systems with one or more GigE ports for router hardware, and pfSense for the firmware. A Linux based router would probably be preferred, but there is nothing that comes close to pfSense right now, and FreeBSD is said to be faster at packet switching than Linux at the moment.

We may also look into something like the Qotom J1900 4 core 4x intal lan build 10 watts.

Switches

We have been using old commercial grade vlan capable switches for our core switches in the hub and warebarn, and perhaps we will also add one at main camp though it would be overkill. At the periphery of the network we use whatever junk switches we can find. Currently we use only the cisco 3548 switch but we may upgrade to the Dell 3048 or 3448.

• Cisco WS-C3548-XL-EN
• Dell Powerconnect 3448

See SwitchConfig for notes on configuring.

Note when selecting switches its good to consider the Total Switching Capacity, and Maximum Forwarding Rate and compare that to the number of ports it has to see if it has a non-blocking backplane.

Ubiquiti Over-voltage Protection

On most ubnt devices there is a voltage suppressor, or zener diode often marked D900 that becomes a crowbar when too much voltage is supplied. The markings on a PicoStation 2HP for this diode is some characters that approximate "CH" maybe in Russian, followed by 848 or 843, and a date code like GEZ.

In this thread they talk about possible replacements: http://community.ubnt.com/t5/NanoStation-and-Loco-Devices/NS5-fried-48v-instead-of-12v/td-p/17084

Such as: P11844 GEX, #836 GEX, SMCJ24A, SMCJ22, or a 24V 1A Zener.

• SMCJ24A is NTE 71J2173
• SMCJ22A is NTE 06R1978
• Diode 1N5359B

"Just ensure the power is transient-free and stable in the range of 11-22vdc."

Here is a data sheet: http://www.fairchildsemi.com/ds/SM/SMCJ24A.pdf

Up load pictures!

Cat 6

• http://www.avalive.com/Comprehensive/RJ45P-6/117657/productDetail.php?utm_source=googleBase&utm_medium=feed&utm_content=RJ45P-6
• http://www.newtechindustries.com/ez-rj45-cat-6-connectors/

Battery Hardware:

Note it would be nice to find some 6 AWG female disconnects, but you can use 10 gauge if you solder them. We would typically use 6 AWG ring terminals in these sizes: 3/8", 5/16", and 1/4" plus small gel cells at 3/16".

-- ClifCox - 18 Jun 2013