Network/Reboot

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Taking notes for creating a new network as part of the Sudo Room Reboot, including upgrading to a bigger space!

Plan

In order to focus on good service and user experience, will plan to first deploy a "bootstrapped" wireless network, then plan and coordinate a proper wired network.

Phase 1: Bootstrapped Wireless Network

In this phase, the focus will be on wireless network service with one powerful wireless router, set up wherever the internet connection is. We'll extend the network by using wireless repeaters that have ethernet interfaces. We'll be able to take the broadcast network from the primary router, repeat it to other parts of the building with these repeaters, and ultimately connect switches to the repeaters' ethernet interfaces to extend the network throughout the building.

Wishlist

  • ~10 - Really nice wireless Access Points (APs) like the Ubiquiti Unifi UAP-Pro or better.
  • ~5 - Low-power gigabit switches

Plan

Turns out there are a few wireless devices available from Sudo Mesh that aren't very helpful for the Mesh/Firmware, so we can use them with OpenWRT for this purpose. Especially helpful are the Ubiquiti Bullet 2HP routers, which simply have just barely enough memory to be operational, but are ultimately not practical for Sudo Mesh's purposes.

Ubiquiti Bullet 2HP

  1. Reset router, following the instructions here: Mesh/WalkThrough#Bullet
  2. Install OpenWRT firmware, using this image: http://downloads.openwrt.org/attitude_adjustment/12.09/atheros/generic/openwrt-atheros-ubnt2-jffs2-64k.bin
    1. Unfortunately need to use an old version of OpenWRT ("Attitude Adjustment" 12.09) since the community has stopped supporting this device (too low memory).
  3. Configure as repeater
    1. Simplest option is to use the LuCI interface to add the existing wireless network as a "Client" and additionally add the Bullet router's own network as "Master", as shown in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rbsh2zxPnk
    2. (Optional) consider alternative methods for repeating a network listed below:
      1. Wireless Distribution System (WDS) http://wiki.openwrt.org/doc/howto/clientmode#wds.-.wireless.distribution.system
        1. WDS is possible with atheros chipset devices, but the internet-providing Access Point needs to be running OpenWRT as well.
        2. In case wired devices don't work with the current configuration (based on video above), will need to use this option in order to get desired result:
          1. "Any wired devices connected via Ethernet to the LAN ports on the remote client bridge device should now be transparently bridged into the main network over the wireless link."
      2. Routed Client Mode http://wiki.openwrt.org/doc/howto/clientmode#routed.client.mode
      3. Bridged Client Mode (brcm-2.4 only) http://wiki.openwrt.org/doc/howto/clientmode#bridged.client.mode.brcm-2.4.only
        1. Not compatible with Bullet router.
      4. Bridged Client Mode (with relayd) http://wiki.openwrt.org/doc/howto/clientmode#bridged.client.mode.with.relayd
        1. Compatible with Bullet router, but requires installing new dependencies, for limited memory device. May need to remove unused packages to make room for this—seems like it could provide better performance than the client/master solution.

Phase 2: Proper Wired Network

As soon as a basically functioning and stable bootstrapped wireless network is deployed, we will begin the next phase, deploying a proper wired network for the whole building. The emphasis will be on modularity, reliability, maintainability, quality materials, and forward-thinking design of the network that will definitively meet the practical needs of the building by providing ubiquitous network connectivity.

Once this network is functional, we'll simply add wireless access points to replace the bootstrapped wireless network.

Wishlist (in progress)

Note: If this 'wish list' becomes a reality will get us with a solid backbone network; for a good amount of years to come. Anyway, We are listing two racks, a 2 and 4 post racks. But, if $ is an issue then I suggest that we make the effort to get one 4 post rack with square holes. This 4 post rack would be able to handle switches and rack servers as well. Also essential, if chosen to have a CAT6A backbone, connectors, patch panels, cables should be CAT6A. Otherwise if one of those items is CAT5 or CAT5e, then the network will go for the lowest Category available. -Wiring Scheme to be used: T568B. -Sudo and all Omni Collective members participation is very welcome; ask/answer/suggest/comment/etc.

PLEASE READ: We got the racks, and some horizontal cable management parts. We NEED to review what way we are going in regards of cable, CAT5e? CAT6? CAT6A? At this point, Aug 05, 2014, I am okay either way: CAT6 or CAT6A. What this means is that this list below is not final, neither the vendor showed below. We should consider Leviton also, good and less expensive than Panduit.. Thanks, Daniel.


TOC

  • Switch Rack (We got it!)
  • Server Rack (Expected arrival Thu 2014.07.31 or Fri 2014.08.01)
  • Patch Panel for Switch Rack (2RU)
  • Patch Panel for Server Rack (1RU)
  • Category 6A Jack Modules
  • RJ45 Connectors
  • Mini-Com Surface Mount Box
  • Network CAT6A Bulk Cable
  • Network CAT6A Patch Cable
  • Vertical Cable Management Trays
  • Horizontal Cable Management Tray
  • Miscellaneous

Switch Rack: (We got it!)

    • Quantity: 1
    • Item: Panduit 2 Post Modular NET FRAMEâ„¢ Rack
    • Manufacturer: Panduit.com
    • Part Number: NFR84
    • Item details: Rack and Accessories
    • Price: $529.97
    • Accessories: Not included in price shown above, we need to discuss which ones should we getting.

Server Rack: (Expected arrival Thu 2014.07.31 or Fri 2014.08.01)

Patch Panel for Switch Rack (2RU):

Patch Panel for Server Rack (1RU):

Category 6A Jack Modules:

    • Quantity: 1 (Package of 24)
    • Item: Category 6A, RJ45, 10 Gb/s, 8-position, 8-wire universal Bulk Packaged
    • Manufacturer: Panduit.com
    • Part Number: CJ6X88TGAW-24
    • Item details: Details Here Installation Instructions Here
    • Price: $

RJ45 Connectors:

    • Quantity: 20
    • Item: 8-position, 8-wire modular plug, for use with 28 AWG, Category 6, UTP copper cable.
    • Manufacturer: Panduit.com
    • Part Number: SP628-C
    • Item details: Details Here Installation Instructions Here
    • Price: $

Mini-Com Surface Mount Box:

    • Quantity: 20
    • Item: Mini-Com® surface mount box accepts up to two Mini-Com® Modules. Includes built-in removable blank to add a second module. Dimensions: 1.06"H x 1.95"W x 3.65"L (27.0mm x 49.5mm x 92.7mm)
    • Manufacturer: Panduit.com
    • Part Number: CBX2AW-AY
    • Item details: Details Here Installation Instructions Here
    • Price: $

Network CAT6A UTP Bulk Cable:

    • Quantity: 1000 Feet
    • Item: Category 6A UTP Copper Cable
    • Manufacturer: Panduit
    • Part Number: CMP
    • Item details: Details Here
    • Price: $325

Learning more about CAT6A: How to select Cable by Panduit and Leviton CAT 6A Reference Guide (Very Good!) .

NOTE: We also accept CAT5e donations for non-backbone use.

Network CAT6A UTP Patch Cable:

    • Quantity: 24
    • Item: Category 6A UTP Copper Cable
    • Manufacturer: Panduit.com
    • Part Number:
    • Item details: 4'-6' Length
    • Price:

NOTE: We also accept CAT5e donations.

Vertical Cable Management Trays

    • Quantity: 2
    • Item:
    • Manufacturer: Panduit.com
    • Part Number:
    • Item details:
    • Price: $

Horizontal Cable Management Tray (We got some donated!)

    • Quantity: 1
    • Item:
    • Manufacturer: Panduit.com
    • Part Number:
    • Item details:
    • Price: $

Miscellaneous

  • Cagenuts and screws (We got them!)
  • Wire ties
  • A roll of Velcro
  • Anything else???

TOOLS: I have a set that we can use.

Questions/Answers/Comments

Date: Tue, 17 Jun 2014: I've not done the walk-through yet because of the somewhat restricted access to the whole building, so no photos.

1.- Based on the current equipment and envisioning the future of Sudo-SudoMesh(-Omni) what size room do we need?

2.- How is the potential room airflow?

3.- How is temperature of the room, now and during the Summer?

4.- Are there electrical outlets nearby?

5.- Do we have enough Amps in that area?

6.- If not, do we need to install a circuit breaker box with scalability?

7.- Room's accessibility?

8.- Security: Who and when people have access to it when no Sudoers are present?

9.- What type of racks, 2 or 4 of both size rack? or no this of rack? Someone mentioned a wall mount rack in the open?

10.- If 2 or 4 post rack, should we get CAT6A ready? This means that at least the backbone wiring, Patch panel, and connectors need to be CAT6A.

Questions from others fellow hackers:

11.- What do you think about Someone's suggestion of going for a wall rack instead Selecting a Wall Mount Rack?

12.- Can we find someone to bend chicken-wire into the tracks we need to hang from the ceiling?

SERVER ROOM UPDATES

2014/07/05:

Today Luis, Matt, and I did the walk in the building, and so far the only place that seems the most appropriate to have the server room is the room by the bar.

This area is the most ideal in the whole building because the air flow, temperature, electricity proximity, and also because it is where the Internet access enters the building.

Since this area is not is not part of the SudoRoom space, we will have to talk about it with the rest of the Sudo-Mesh group and the group approves it, then we would have to present the idea at our Omni Collective meeting for approval.

If approved by the Omni Collective, we would need to build:

  • A 2" or so high floor (two by fours and plywood would do, I believe.
  • A 55" x 65" cage with chicken wire walls and a door.

If this place is NOT approved by the OOC then perhaps we should consider building the Server Room in the SudoRoom Space. High temperature and noise levels are the main issues.

If others have ideas/comments/or want to be part of this process please jump in. You may contact Matt, Luis, or myself (Daniel).

SERVER ROOM UPDATE JULY 21, 2014 7:13AM

Hello all,

We finally concluded that the small stage that oversees the Sudoroom is where we'll put the Server Room. Yes, the area behind the SudoRoom sign. This particular area is full of wood and other stuff that needs to move out, so if you feel helping on this part of Sudo Reboot, please do.

If you have any questions or need more info on how to help please check with Marc, David, Daniel, or Jeremy.

SERVER ROOM UPDATE JULY 21, 2014 11PM

Awesomeness: Thanks David K, David ?, Jeremy, and Sally for your help. That was a lot of stuff that we moved!!

The area got 96% cleared up. We moved the 2 Two Posts Racks, and the improvised server cart holding three two Servers and a Dell Desktop.

If someone could clear up the rest of the stuff would be super! What is left? A black big cabinet, and miscellaneous stuff left on and around the shelf.

Many Thanks!

2014.07.30 Server Room Update!:

Switch Rack(s): We have installed some switches on one of the three donated racks.

Yes! We have a surplus of two switch racks. Please feel free to provide ideas on what should we do with them, so far we have the following ideas: a) Jeremy suggested that we should sell them, we can use the cash. b) I suggest that we keep one so we can install the spare switches and provide a managed switch reset/configuration workshop. And for the second one, I suggest, we offer it as a donation to other hacker space as a symbol of solidarity and sisterhood.

Chris, who is the one that donated those two switch racks, said that he is cool with whatever we decide.

Rack Switch:

It is on the way, and it is expected to arrive Thursday or Friday.

The shipping company said today that will call me to arrange delivery time, so we need someone to be here (Sudo) to receive it. - -Marc said he could receive it, but only after 5pm, is anyone else available at earlier time? If so, please let me know so I can provide you w the info that you may need.

Still Needed Items for a Server Room and Backbone Network CAT6A Ready:

  • 1 Patch Panel for Switch Rack (2RU)
  • 1 Patch Panel for Server Rack (1RU)
  • 24 Category 6A Jack Modules
  • 50 RJ45 Connectors
  • Network CAT6A Bulk Cable
  • Network CAT6A Patch Cable

Please let me know if you know of anyone that would like to donate any of the items above.

Many thanks!

Daniel

2014.08.02 Server Room Update

First at all many thanks to the one (forgot his name, sorry) that waited for the delivery on Friday, and to those that helped in the process of getting the rack up and going.

The rack server is up and going, but still needs the patch panels, cable, and the RJ45 modules. More details below. Anyhow, adding these accessories to the rack would make the rack wiring cleaner and easy to follow when the time of troubleshooting comes.

Items needed:

  • 1 Patch Panel for Switch Rack (2RU) = Price: $62.12

http://www.amazon.com/Panduit-CPPL48M6BLY-48-Port-Patch-Panel/dp/B008EKS86Q

  • 1 Patch Panel for Server Rack (1RU) = Price: $39.45

http://www.amazon.com/Panduit-CPPL24M6BLY-24-Port-Patch-Panel/dp/B0083R9PHG

  • 24 Category 6A Jack Modules = Price ?

http://www.panduit.com/heiler/InstallInstructions/N-COPN-511--REVD--ENG.pdf

  • Network CAT6A Bulk Cable = Price: $325

http://www.bestpricecables.com/blue-1000ft-cat-6-plenum-550mhz-premise-horizontal-bulk-cable-23awg.html

Thanks, and please let me know if you would like to donate any of the above items.

Daniel

Definitions

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