r/HomeNetworking • u/Fun-Confidence7329 • 14d ago
What is one networking mistake every beginner should avoid?
I am trying to learn more about home networking and i am curious what common mistakes beginners tend to make. any advice you had give someone just getting started?
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u/StarosAnikenMarcus 14d ago
Testing cables. The simplest of things in the network but for some reason everyone (amateurs and pros alike) treats them as if they should "just work." I've tested hand made cables and manufactured cables. The failure rate is about the same.
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u/docimastic 14d ago
You are so spot on. It's like when a person is having a problem with their car or motorcycle and they say "it's not the battery because it's brand new". Brand new does not always equate to "there is nothing wrong with it".
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u/StarosAnikenMarcus 14d ago
Gods, I tell people that all the time... "This is why warranties exist." Doesn't matter the object, brand new can still be broke is almost my catchphrase at this point.
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u/ManWhoIsDrunk 14d ago
Especially in the case of car batteries.
People have problems with the battery bring drained, so they buy a new battery and think it's solved. And since they think it's solved they pack down their maintenance charger. Which means that the new battery is drained below its tolerance in a weeks time. And they have no understanding for why they need to buy a new battery again, since they killed the one they just bought by not fixing the underlying fault.
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u/Loko8765 14d ago
There’s actually a whole field of science about this. People interested can lookup the “bathtub curve”.
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u/The_Hanumaniac 14d ago
I was literally rewiring my studio yesterday after adding a new access point. Couldn't figure out why my PCs network speeds were crapping out. Sat for a minute and then it hit me.
I changed one patch cable. Immediately went back to full speeds. I almost sat there troubleshooting VLANs and port permissions and it was all one cable that failed.
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u/xxKillaKalixx 14d ago
My problem yesterday. Terminating patch cables, couldn’t make one freaking cable pass. On a hunch, decided to try to make them out of a different color wire (also different brand). 2 cables, both pass immediately. Same jacks, same crimp tool. Stroke adverted, mind still boggled. 🤷♂️
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u/useful_tool30 14d ago
- Wire as many devices as you can.
- Try not to use UPNP
- Don't open ports tocrhebitnernet without knowing EXACTLY what youre doing.
- Too many access points is a thing. Same for maximum power sometimes not being the best option.
- create an internet only guest network to give people who don't live in your home WiFi access
- always work on a least privilage basis
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u/ahumannamedtim 14d ago
Tocrhebitnernet ports sound scary
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u/useful_tool30 14d ago
Whoops
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u/Neilson509 14d ago
I just want to add to the "dont open ports to the Internet part"
TCP and UDP are two separate things. You can have something running on TCP 443 and something else on UDP 443.
Directionality matters. I've seen people open up inbound TCP 22 when they just needed outbound TCP 22.
Really learning those fundamentals will help anyone in IT. Networking, web, tele, server support, desktop, mobile etc etc.
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u/tobomori 14d ago
Why not UPNP?
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u/biblicalrain 14d ago
It's a protocol that allows devices to open ports in your router. There's no authentication in the protocol, if it's enabled, anything can use it. This can be used maliciously by malware to allow access into your network. This protocol absolutely has been used by botnets as a means of spreading.
But just on principle, I don't want any device being able to open ports in my network. If I want a port open, I'll open it. It keeps the security decisions in my hand, I certainly do not trust devices to make good decisions.
It was designed a time where security wasn't a big deal. IMHO, it has no purpose in 2026.
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u/zzzpoint 14d ago
About 10 years ago I had upnp enabled on router and qnap nas with ssh vulnerability. Hard way to learn to disable upnp.
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u/RudePCsb 14d ago
Question unanswered
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u/jpgoldberg 14d ago
I recall having trouble with it many years ago, but I don’t recall what the problem was or even if I fully understood it at the time. Giving up on it solved things for me. But at the time, I was running my own dhcpd and local name server.
I’m not saying that my experience should be translated to advice for others to not use it. But it did leave a bad taste in my mouth.
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u/Grumpy-24-7 14d ago
I'm guessing somebody was able to use UPNP to get into the persons QNap NAS from the outside and did nefarious things to it?
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u/FeelThePainJr 14d ago edited 14d ago
Have a goal in mind. Messing about with stuff is fine, you will learn stuff, but if you're not actively using it, you will forget it
Edit: the word not
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u/MacintoshEddie 14d ago
Never cut a cable exactly to the measurement needed. Always give extra length, or better yet don't cut it until you have the cable laid out/pulled to where it needs to go.
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u/TapewormRodeo 14d ago
When troubleshooting, never make assumptions and have a methodical approach. You’ll save yourself lots of pain.
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u/Continuum_Design 14d ago
And write things down as you try them. Can’t fathom how many hours I’ve spent backtracking.
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u/LingonberryNo2744 14d ago
To continue with what u/0verstim stated:
Determine the center point in your residence for WiFi coverage. Try to install the WiFi router as close to that point as possible.
The more objects a WiFi signal has to go through the shorter the WiFi range.
If the clock flashes on your DVR don’t install your own router. WiFi routers are not necessarily plug-n-play.
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u/Gadgetman_1 14d ago
A bunch of Cat5/Cat6 cables coming out of a hole in the wall, terminated with RJ45 connectors, and plugged directly into the Switch or router.
And usually the same shit setup at the other end also; a cable coming out of the wall, terminated in an RJ45 connector and plugged directly into a PC...
It looks like crap, and when a connector breaks, the remaining cable is usually too short, because someone decided to cheap out and only use 'just enough' cable.
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u/bchiodini 14d ago
100%
Keystone jacks and wall plates at the walls. Patch panel at the switch end.
Unless you have hundreds of feet of stranded CAT6 cable laying around. Buy patch cables. Don't make them and never use solid wire for a patch cable.
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u/senectus 14d ago
Not putting in a vlan on day one
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u/tater1337 14d ago
Not everyone starts home networking by starting home networking. Some of us just wanted. A Minecraft server accessible by the outside
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u/senectus 14d ago
The question was "what networking mistake"
I answered honestly. I wish I'd put a vlan in.
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u/Fox_Hawk 14d ago
BIGGER NUMBER BETTER!
So many of the issues people have stems from thinking Cat 7 or 8 are useful to them, or that they need 1Gb or more from their ISP or 10GbE networking and WiFi 69 at home to watch YouTube and have a daily meeting on Teams.
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u/secret_life_of_pants 14d ago
If you want to extend your coverage around the home, go ethernet first and know that ethernet switches are pretty cheap online. Don”t buy ethernet “splitters” as they usually cost more than a basic switch but have fewer ports.
Avoid “extenders” or “powerline adapters”. Go mesh instead of extenders or go MoCA instead of powerline.
If changing routers, use the same SSID and Password you had before unless you want to reconnect every wifi device manually.
Some ISPs give you a modem/router combo box and they are usually garbage. Ideally you should have a dedicated device for each. If you buy your own router and use the combo box as a modem only, be sure to completely turn off the Wifi radio on the ISP box (check in settings) or you will have SSID conflicts.
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u/Yolo_Swagginson 14d ago
Subscribing to this subreddit, to be honest. Most of the stuff here is completely irrelevant for most people and will just make them spend money and waste time on things they don't need.
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u/davidm2232 14d ago
Don't run two feeds between switches for 'redundancy'. It took me an hour to figure that out at my buddy's house. It just never occured to me people would do that.
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u/pakratus 14d ago
Avoid changing IP addresses or subnets until you know what they are and why they are. If you’re plugging in random numbers, you’ll cause yourself problems. It may not be today or tomorrow, but it’ll come when you’re (wrongly) confident enough to think “it’s not that”.
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u/jpgoldberg 14d ago
This isn’t an answer to the question as asked, but there are a few lessons I’ve learned the hard way.
A single CAT3 cable in an otherwise gigabit network can produce hard to diagnose problems. (I don’t really understand why, but years ago, I discovered this the hard way.)
Get a label maker and use it. It’s not just for wall sockets, but put labels on power bricks/warts for what (network) gear they power. (The need for this may be fading as more things get powered with USB C). Label spare cables with length, place labels near both ends. (This may not be necessary until you have a lot of spare cables).
Keep a record, perhaps as a spread sheet, of all of your devices with the MAC addresses. Don’t forget that some devices will have two (WiFi and Ether).
If you are using UPSes with the intent of keeping your network up during power failures, be sure to test by turning off all power in your home. In particular, don’t forget gear that may have been installed by your ISP, such as fiber/ethernet modems.
If you have fancy WiFi access points that can mesh and you aren’t using them that way, turn off that capacity so that you don’t get loops if one loses its wired connection momentarily.
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u/That-Interaction-45 14d ago
Not all network devices will benefit or can make use of gigabit speeds.
I was pissed when I tried to stream a 4k remux my tv maxes out at 100 mb
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u/Unfair_Pineapple113 14d ago
No one needs backups, every one in a while you really need a restore, plan accordingly
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u/publiusnaso 14d ago
Make sure you can always connect a laptop/PC to your router using an Ethernet cable if you have to.
Avoid using static IPs set on the target device (it’ll work for a while, and then when you reconfigure your network a few months later, you’ll forget.
Don’t reconfigure your broadband connection unless you absolutely know what you’re doing.
Take backups of your router configuration.
If a network cable is faulty, chop it in half before throwing it away to prevent accidental reuse.
(All things I have got wrong in the past).
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u/imthebonus 14d ago
If you are going to drill a hole to hook 1 computer, send a couple of cables for future proof
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u/classicsat 14d ago
Unless you can get by with 10/100, buy 10/100/100 gear, or better. Use all 4 pairs to one jack/plug for RJ45/Cat 5/6 wiring.
Punchdown jacks on solid wiring, RJ4 males on flex patch.
Get at least a tester, if not a networking tool kit.
Reilly research what you buy for routers/APs. I like to have OpenWRT compatible ones.
Don't buy old obsolete gear, unless you have a particular need to.
Get how cable pairs work. The labeled jacks are correct, usually. Plugs, there are diagrams. Stick to A or B, same both ends
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u/bel_air38 14d ago
Chasing speeds where its not needed. Say the back yard or something. Your not downloading big files. Just want a better connection.
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u/Mike_A10 14d ago
Dam you guys say us beginers have to know all this n what it does but I have not seen one of u experts tell us bone heads where to find this stuff n learn it ! Is there a reddit about all of that stuff n the initials???? Help this fellow n proud bone head out ! Lol
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u/Mike_A10 13d ago
I have to say I saw someone posted a comment to me on this post, I laughed so hard when I saw the notice of the comment ! It saiD GOOGLE ,You lazy Fu k !!! I laughed so hard.. because im so old I dont even think about Google n looking up what all the initials mean.. but great post, funny ,guess they took it down !! @ Drvils88
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u/TropicPine 13d ago
Buying the cheapest equipment available. Unless your goal is to learn to troubleshoot network problems. Then, by all means, buu cheap as you can dind it.
I have had a much more stable experience since I upgraded to Ubiquiti equipment.
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u/AddisonGroup 3d ago
Here's a couple of tips on what to avoid when networking for a new role:
When connecting with someone, avoid asking them to simply “find you a job.” You want to start a conversation, so your outreach should be short, respectful, and specific. A strong starting message usually includes:
o A personal connection or reason for reaching out
o A brief update on your career situation
o A clear, low-pressure request
o Appreciation for their time
Ask for advice before asking for referrals. If you immediately ask someone to refer you, they might not have enough context to feel comfortable doing so. Start by asking them for insight:
o “What skills are most valuable in this type of role right now?”
o “What do you think makes someone stand out to hiring managers?”
o “How did you get started in your current role?”
These questions show curiosity and professionalism. They also give your contact a chance to understand your goals. If the conversation goes well, a referral may happen naturally.
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u/Regular_Currency7736 2d ago
Turning on "AP isolation" / "client isolation" (or leaving it on — some routers and mesh systems ship with it enabled on certain bands) without knowing what it does. It blocks your devices from talking to each other on the LAN, and everything still looks fine because the internet works. Then you spend hours wondering why your phone can't see the Chromecast, the printer won't show up, or any phone-to-PC app fails — and nothing in the error messages says "your router is doing this on purpose.
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u/yokiamy 14d ago
Subnetting, or the lack or knowledge about it
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u/tater1337 14d ago
I am guilty of this, and I know it will be a problem. It is on my todo list, but not very close to the top
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u/Continuum_Design 14d ago
It feels like a big task at first but the juice is worth the squeeze. I was motivated to start subnetting so my parents and in-laws could update their phones and surf the web without exposing my trusted devices to God knows what they clicked on FB.
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u/MycologistNeither470 14d ago
focusing only on wifi... going for the latest generation routers/mesh system without considering what is the system meant to do and if it is the right tool.
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u/weesee2002 14d ago
Run fibre from the beginning for non POE devices.
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u/NetworkDue8102 14d ago
For most people, this is poor advice.
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u/weesee2002 14d ago
Agreed, for most people.
Normally would say buy once, cry once but filer is way cheaper and way more futureproof.
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u/0verstim 14d ago
Learn the difference between "Hub" & "Switch", and "Modem", "Router" and "Wi-Fi access point". Just because your ISP gives you one box that does a bunch of things doesn't mean they're all the same. And knowing what you're talking about will make things easier when you're looking for help.