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martyb [soylentnews.org] writes:

As I consider an upgrade to how I get on-line, I thought I'd reach out to the SoylentNews community and see if I can draw upon the collective wisdom we have here.

I currently have a single Windows 7 Pro laptop that I tether (via Wi-Fi) through an LTE Android phone. I get sustained transfer rates of 200-650KB/sec. I'd like to step up to a cable ISP for the faster connection and for the much greater data cap (I'm limited to 5 GB/month). In the not-too-distant future, I'd like to get another computer or two running Linux and have those able to access the internet, too. Other future upgrades include a NAS for backups and maybe an inexpensive Wi-Fi tablet, too.

I subscribe to the Unix Philosophy of having tools that do one job and do it well. Then I can choose the best implementation that meets my needs. And, if need be, switch it out and replace it with something else.

Back in the 1980s when I bought my first real stereo system, there was a huge discussion at the time concerning which was the best approach: purchase an all-in-one system or buy separate components. Though initially less expensive, the downside of the all-in-one was that if something went bad, you could potentially lose the entire use of your system. If not at the outset, certainly while it was out for repair. So, I chose the component route and purchased a receiver, tape deck, and turntable. Over the following years it was a simple task to add on a VCR, CD player, and DVD Player. Over time, both the CD and DVD players were easily replaced with an improved model. I never regretted the decision to go the component route.

That leads me to thinking that I should get a setup of: modem --> firewall --> router --> computer(s).

I am VERY security conscious. I browse with Pale Moon and have installed these extensions: Adblock Lattitude, Better Privacy, Flashblock, NoScript, RefControl, Self-Destructing Cookies, uBlock Origin, and User Agent Switcher. Further, I have a custom HOSTS file that blocks many thousands of sites. That leads me to think that a separate firewall would be advisable.

Given my druthers, I'd prefer to run cables to each device for better security. On the other hand, I'd like to have Wi-Fi access for my phone and/or tablet. So, I'm thinking I'd need to plug a Wi-Fi access point into the router. Is that correct?

I don't stream video except for an occasional item on YouTube, so my sustained bandwidth needs are limited. I'm thinking that a 25 Mbps or so cable connection should be adequate, but I'd like to have the headroom to move up to 100 Mbps without issue. (The cost difference is prohibitive for the limited speed improvement.) On the other hand, I live near several city facilities (school, fire station) and there is talk of installing city gigabit fiber. (A neighboring city offers it at something like $80/month.) At that price, I'd go for the fiber, so I'd like to keep my options open for that possibility, as well.

Though I am technically savvy, I know that networking is not my bailiwick and I'd rather learn from your collective experience than re-invent the wheel. Does my conceptual view of "modem / firewall / router / computers" make sense? What devices would you recommend for each of these? Which would you avoid? What "gotchas" have you run into, that you didn't know you didn't know (i.e. unknown unknowns) when you got started?

So, here's your chance to brag about your home networking setup and share your experiences. I suspect the discussion might help someone solve a long-standing issue they have with their setup, and I'm hopeful I'll be able to avoid a few of my own!

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