Discover how a compact setup with Unifi gear and Raspberry Pi can streamline your home network
When I first dove into setting up my mini rack setup, I wanted something compact but powerful enough to handle all my home networking needs. What I came up with is a tidy system that punches well above its weight, featuring some impressive gear and a touch of DIY spirit.
What’s in my mini rack setup?
The heart of my setup is the Unifi cloud gateway fiber. This device acts as the main entry point for my internet service, specifically tuned to work smoothly with my fiber connection. On top of that, I included a Unifi switch 2.5G PoE, which helps with both fast wired connections and powering devices directly through Ethernet—pretty handy for keeping the wiring neat.
I also added a couple of Raspberry Pi 4 units to the mix. These little machines are incredibly versatile, running everything from lightweight servers to network tools. They’ve been great for experimenting and adding specific functionalities without needing more bulky hardware.
Of course, I couldn’t overlook storage. That’s where the Synology DS218 comes in. This NAS (Network Attached Storage) device is perfect for backing up my important files and streaming media across the network without any hiccups.
The ONT on top — why it matters
You might notice there’s an ONT (Optical Network Terminal) perched on top of my rack. This little device is a requirement from my ISP, essentially translating the fiber optic signal to something my router can understand and work with. It might seem like just another box, but it’s a crucial piece of the puzzle.
Why smaller is better sometimes
I keep a media server on the side as well, but it’s too large to fit in the rack. This setup keeps my main network gear compact and organized, which makes troubleshooting and upgrading much easier. Plus, it looks pretty streamlined!
Final thoughts on a mini rack setup
Building a mini rack setup like this has been a rewarding project. It’s straightforward to assemble with off-the-shelf components, and it delivers solid performance for a variety of tasks—whether it’s smooth web browsing, powering smart home devices, or serving media.
For those thinking about giving their home network a boost, I’d say start simple. Focus on quality gear, like the Unifi cloud gateway and Synology NAS, and add devices like the Raspberry Pi to customize your setup. There’s plenty of support and tutorials online to guide you through:
And don’t forget—the right mini rack setup can make all the difference in keeping your gear tidy and your network humming along. Just a few thoughtful choices, and you’ll have something that works for you, not against you.