A Deep Dive into Home Networking: Mapping Reveals Hidden Issues

Understanding the complexities of home networking can be a daunting task. After years of haphazard upgrades, an individual recently embarked on a comprehensive mapping of their home network. This effort aimed to identify the root causes of persistent connectivity issues while streaming services like Netflix. Through a combination of software tools and hands-on investigation, they uncovered a range of problems that had previously gone unnoticed.

The decision to map the network stemmed from ongoing frustrations with inconsistent service. With devices constantly being added and removed, the individual suspected that virtual machines (VMs) from their home lab might be contributing to the chaos. Many home automation tools, while useful, only provide partial data, particularly in dual-stack networks that use both IPv4 and IPv6 protocols. By utilizing a combination of router dashboards, physical inspections, and Wi-Fi scanning tools, the individual was able to gain valuable insights into their network’s performance.

Identifying the Challenges of Home Networking

One of the primary revelations was that assumptions about device performance were often misleading. The individual acknowledged that despite advocating for network monitoring, they had not been diligent with their own setup. The home lab environment was frequently changing, introducing new devices and applications without proper oversight. This lack of organization led to intermittent issues that had been difficult to diagnose.

Using the Eero mesh network system, the individual was able to identify connected devices but found gaps in information regarding their managed switch and the specific VLANs in use. By accessing the switch’s management pages, they confirmed most devices matched the Eero’s list, apart from a few lingering virtual machines that had been removed. Keeping track of all devices became crucial to maintaining network visibility.

Physical connections were also a point of concern. An inexpensive cable tester revealed a loose connection within an in-wall run, which could have caused significant issues when adding another access point. The tester’s ability to check Power over Ethernet (PoE) connectivity proved invaluable for ensuring that all devices received the necessary power.

Mapping Wi-Fi Performance and Client Devices

Once the wired connections were addressed, attention turned to the Wi-Fi network. The goal was to identify areas with poor signal strength. The individual employed NetSpot, initially on a mobile device for a quick overview, followed by a detailed scan using a laptop. The results provided a heatmap of signal strengths across the home, allowing for targeted optimizations.

The analysis revealed that while channel overlap was minimal, issues often stemmed from specific client devices rather than the network itself. For instance, a recurring problem with a Pixel 9 Pro disconnecting from Wi-Fi was traced back to difficulties in transitioning between mesh nodes on different floors. This issue highlighted the importance of device firmware updates, as it was a manufacturer-related problem rather than a deficiency in the network setup.

The home lab, primarily utilizing Proxmox for virtual machine management, also emerged as a source of complications. Leaving virtual machines running without oversight led to conflicts with the DHCP controller. Adjustments to the maximum transmission unit (MTU) settings and other configurations introduced additional challenges, demonstrating that virtualized resources require careful management to avoid disrupting the overall network.

In conclusion, the mapping process proved to be an enlightening experience. By dedicating time to understand the intricacies of their home network, the individual not only addressed existing issues but also gained insights into potential future problems. For anyone managing a home network, undertaking similar mapping exercises can reveal hidden challenges and lead to a more efficient and reliable setup.