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HNHome Network Lab
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Network design worksheet

Answer simple questions to create a first home-network plan.

Privacy: Inputs stay in this browser and are never stored or sent.

What is an AP?

AP (access point) turns a wired network into Wi-Fi for phones and laptops. A home router usually includes an AP, so no separate AP is needed when router Wi-Fi covers the home.

  1. Put the router outside metal cabinets, centrally and as high as practical.
  2. Check for weak Wi-Fi where devices are actually used.
  3. Add a wired AP only where coverage is weak.

1. Home and router

Approximate answers are fine.

Count bedrooms and studies separated by doors; exclude the living room.
Count active paths from the switch to wall outlets. A TV or PC plugged into one of these outlets uses that same path and is not counted again.
Cabinets, metal enclosures, and floors weaken Wi-Fi. Prefer a central, open, elevated position.

2. Wi-Fi coverage

A separate AP supplements router Wi-Fi.

Enter 0 if the router alone covers the home. Add APs only for dead zones caused by long layouts, thick walls, or multiple floors.
If adding APs, use central, open, elevated locations. Avoid corners, metal cabinets, and behind appliances.

3. Devices to connect

Enter 8 if unsure. The report separates the minimum required from a purchase recommendation with expansion room.
Count all wired TVs and PCs, whether they use a wall outlet or plug directly into the switch. This is used for address capacity.
Exclude TVs and PCs that use wall outlets. Example: enter 0 when three devices use three wall outlets; enter 3 only when all three have separate direct switch connections.
Count smart plugs, speakers, appliances, and similar devices.

If this is your first plan, stop here. Leave advanced settings at their defaults and create the report.

Open advanced settings — IP, VLAN, PoE, and UPS
Keep the default if unsure.
Count APs and cameras powered through Ethernet.
Enter 0 with no PoE devices; otherwise total their maximum draw.
Enter “None” if there is no UPS.
Keep the default if unsure.

No report generated yet.

PoE calculator · UPS calculator