Building new secure home network without Xfinity’s lousy security

Hello, I’m looking for any help, suggestions or advice on rebuilding my home network with the devices I’ve chosen. In the past I used to just use a cable modem and ASUS gaming router. Then recently I’ve been using only the XB-8 modem/router combo from Xfinity but the security just isn’t there. A cpl years ago I played around with different network makeups using a Firewalla Gold and then also tried using a Sonic Wall in another setup. I hated the Sonic Wall. It was way too complicated for me. I liked the FWG much better with having the app and more visibility but for a while had to go back to renting a device from Xfinity. Now, I’m prepared to rebuild but I need any help that can be offered as I’m computer knowledgeable but my IT skills are lacking even with all the research I’ve done over the years. My setup will look something like this: Xfinity Gigabit plan - NetGear CM2050V - FWG Plus (recently purchased) - Wireless Access Points (For my purposes, I’ve chosen 3 TP-Link EAP660 HD | Omada WiFi 6 AX3600 Wireless 2.5G Access Points - 1 in the center off the house and the other two at the opposite ends of the house). I realize I may need a switch or two at some point but that’s the exact reason I’m asking for help. My experience with switches is limited but I also have never used a FWG in a setup like this. My goal is to have full coverage high speed Wi-Fi and lots of segmentations using VLANs (another area where I’m quite green). I won’t be using the FWG+ ports for Ethernet connections to devices except maybe my desktop. This is mostly going to be a Wireless network with many devices connected into many segments. And the devices like my PS5 that work much better with an Ethernet connection will most likely go through a switch first. I thank anyone in advance who can direct me in the correct way to build this network either with their experience or by linking to similar setups for good info. Any and all comments, questions and/or criticisms are welcome and will helpful. Thank you again. Much appreciated. -John

Firewalla

May 01, 2023 16:56

If you don't want to mess with a lot of things, I'd suggest netgear managed switches, they shouldn't cost that much.

David Rothenberger

May 01, 2023 18:51

I have Comcast and the same Netgear modem as you.

In the past, I've had problems with getting an IP address from Comcast. They will recommend that you unplug your modem for a little while and then plug it in again to resolve the issue. This didn't work for me. The only thing that did was to factory reset the Netgear modem. Something to keep in mind if you have similar issues.

Fitzgibbon, John

May 01, 2023 19:53

Is there any specific model? And do you think I would need more than one? I was looking at the
MokerLink 8 Port 2.5 Gigabit PoE Switch, 8 x 2.5G Ethernet Ports, 8 Port PoE IEEE802.3af/at, 120W, Compatible with 10/100/1000Mbps, Unmanaged Fanless Wall Mountable Network Switch.

May 01, 2023 20:00

Yeah David. I've already had that same exact problem many times before. There's no fix but to factory reset but isn't it the fastest cable modem out there at 2.5GBs?

Building new secure home network without Xfinity’s lousy security

Comments

Didn't find what you were looking for?