I would run Cat6A not cat 5E. At least 5 runs to each room. I would run the largest reasonable gauge cable and have each rooms receiver in a closet along with the networking gear. I’d future proof running 2 fiber runs to each room.

Last week

Hire someone/a company who is skilled at low voltage wiring.

I could theoretically have done all of it myself, terminating the cables really isn’t that difficult. I got the equipment and set the equipment up. But I did not run the actual wires, and watching them do it. I know my strengths, they saved me days worth of work. And I wouldn’t have done as good or clean of a job. They should be able to help you with AP placement as well.

A good rule of thumb is, everything that can be hardwired is hard wired. If you think you will need more ports, add them now. If you need. 2 ports at a location, make it 4 or 5. Now is the time to do it. Run fiber to the locations that will require the opening of walls should you need to run more lines. If you are setting up an out door AP or location, run fiber to the exterior wall, connect it to a switch, then use the switch to connect it the device to the network.

I would go with a full unifi stack for the hardware, I think it’s the best bang for the buck hardware for this purpose. If you hire an A/V company, they may want to use Araknis, because of your home automation and Sonos, but I have no experience with it.

Make sure the network closet has adequate ventilation.

All your runs come to a patch panel. You want cat 6 or Cat6A depending on home size. pure Bare copper. If anyone recommends CCA, ignore them and find another contractor. A good UPS is a must.

Here’s what I would do.

Router: I like ubiquiti, so UDM SE.

Switch: I’d go with a 48port Poe switch probably at least pro version. Connect this switch to the UDM SE via the SFP+ port.

AP’s:

I’d go ceiling mounted AP’s. Tons of people like the U6 pros.

Your ISP gateway/modem should be in the same spot as the above.

Use Cat6A and fiber if you want to future proof, not Cat8. Also run more Ethernet than you think you will need. If you need 2 in a spot, run at least 4 unless you are absolute that you will not need more. Utilize fiber on the run for the outdoor AP and then connect that AP to a Poe switch. This protects your main equipment from an electrical surge coming from the outdoor AP. Your exposure is the AP and the switch you use to power the AP.

Make sure your networking closet is well ventilated, has dedicated power(at least 20 amps, maybe have a 20amp line and then something more so you can utilize a higher VA UPS. Then install a UPS. And plug everything networking into the UPS.

I can’t tell you about your AP placement as I’m not in your house.

Yes you should

Why wouldn’t you spend 30 more and get the latest and greatest from Costco?

Talk to your landlord. If my tenant came to me with this, I’d absolutely say ok providing I had veto power over the contractor and ultimate say over the design of the network(ie where the patch panel for the drops are). Adding Ethernet connectivity to a house in 2023 imho adds value.

If you need 26 ports you need a 48 port switch. I have an online UPS, that is loud so I don’t hear the switch unless I toggle the fan to high and I’m right in front of it. Closing the closet door muffles the sound enough.

I went with Cat6 I’m sorry I didn’t go with Cat6A.

1. fiber is absolutely worthwhile.
2. In my experience you can have the fiber brought to your hub, but your provider likely isn’t going do that for you. You will need to call them for the Fiber, and then have someone else run it, then call them back to terminate it(again based on experience)
3. Whether mesh works for you is a decision for you. It doesn’t pay for me, in my environment. I’d have paid 3K for the latest net gear mesh system. When I could invest the same 3K in a much more prosumer system with a top of the line router/switch/AP. But you have to make that decision.

I personally don’t like the UDR. I think it’s a woefully underpowered device. Because I feel anyone who learns the GUI and system is going to grow out of it and end up in a more powerful device. I think it fits more in the “I need to put something in my parents house that I can manage easily remotely.” It also caps at 700mbps.

But lots of people like them. I’d say it’s split 50/50 maybe 70/30 with people who feel similarly to myself. And those who like/enjoy them.

I absolutely love unifi though. If you’re willing to learn it, I say go for it. But I’d go router, switch, APs, over the UDR.

Imho it’s the best price to performance. Router in their lineup.

Whatever Asus AX88 flavor is out now.

Do it.

I really really like unifi. I suggest it to everyone. But I just think the UDR was a bad release. It has its purpose, but I’d say you want to steer clear of it. It’s 199. The UDMP is $279. I think you will grow out of the UDR very quickly.

UDMP(today it makes sense over a cloud key and a UXG lite), a Poe switch, try one or two AP’s and see if that works. I think the U6 pro(probably two would be all you need, but it’s hard without seeing the environment) would work well for you. I would run Ethernet to these locations and then scale up.

As much as I absolutely despise the UDR because I think it’s underpowered. It might be a good option to wet your beak. But I think you’ll quickly grow into a more powerful device, especially because you want to tinker.

What’s your house size and construction? How many rooms?

What’s your use case?

What’s your technical skill and are you willing to learn hardware?

I’m sure you’re not going to achieve your result for 1000 if you don’t already have your desired Ethernet runs.

Look at your environment. I’m sorry I went with CAT 6 for 2 of my runs. They are my longest at 156 feet. And fluke tested to 5gbps. I am in a very warm humid environment.

I’d say if you can splurge for the Cat6A I would for piece of mind. If not, Cat6 should do.

I think it is.

Yeah my AV guy blames Apple for it. He wasn’t and doesn’t use crap… ever. And for whatever reason the Apple TVs prefer those ultra high bandwidth cables. At least in my environment.