I would like to build my own router (for homelabbing, learning, etc). I chatted online and spec'd out a PC type system, but decided not go that route since the wattage would be quite high. Then, I thought about something like a mini PC router box system with low wattage like the Protectli FW6C. But starting at $500 for no options, alot of people I spoke with said it was far too expensive for a beginner and recommended the overseas options from China (ie Aliexpress).

I was just wondering what your thoughts are on this regarding alternatives. But also, if you feel that the Protectli is just right for me, how would you spec out a complete build?

I was thinking of going with the base model where nothing is included except the case and then, purchase these options below since they should outperform the defaults on the product page.

16GB RAM:
https://a.co/d/iErXANm

mSata:
https://a.co/d/14oMbHW

SATA:
https://a.co/d/if6thWD

If you have a recommended absolute best wireless AP and switch to complete this build, please also share!

Here is my current system for reference (I probably need to upgrade soon, since I built this system around 2015-ish):

• Intel Core i5-4670 3.4GHz
• Asus Z87M-Plus
• Crucial 8GB DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) x4 (32GB)
• Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB, 1TB x2
• Corsair 350D
• SeaSonic Platinum Series SS-400FL2
• Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
• Dell U2718Q monitor
• Windows 10 Pro

Hopefully, this list is powerful enough to complete a number of (or all) of the tasks shared here by Sam:
Youtube Video

Thank you for any advice/guidance!

@StuartJordan - You were correct as I will be using the router as my main router instead of a traditional COTS router:
https://mangolassi.it/post/549470

My apologies that this wasn't clear in the OP.

I'm currently assembling a parts list for a build or two.

@StuartJordan - You were correct as I will be using the router as my main router instead of a traditional COTS router:
https://mangolassi.it/post/549470

My apologies that this wasn't clear in the OP.

I'm currently assembling a parts list for a build or two.

@Pete-S said in DIY router build:

No, you need a working internet connection first to build anything.

I have internet connectivity since I can always just connect directly via the modem.

Can you tell me more about the Intel NUC option, please? I'd just need a case, memory and SSD, yes? Any good sample builds that come to mind?

I'm still curious about the SBC option Sam mentioned and would like to fully look into that as well. I'm trying to read up on it now.

I think I should specified that my current router died a few days ago and that's one of the reasons I wanted to start with a DIY router. Because a few people said that I should not tinker on my network edge, I went ahead and bought a ASUS WiFi 6 Router (RT-AX3000) on Amazon. At the same time, others said that a DIY option can be around or a little more than a COTS router, so it's worth it to just go that route and dump the COTS router.

I bought the ASUS router yesterday on Amazon so it hasn't shipped yet and I was thinking if I can figure out my plan for the DIY router, then I could potentially just cancel that order asap. With that said, I'll continue below.

@scottalanmiller - Were you referring to something like this?
https://www.gateworks.com/products/industrial-single-board-computers/imx8-single-board-computers-gateworks-venice/

Or if using the Seeedstudio link you shared, then maybe this?
Sample complete SBC build:

• case
  https://www.seeedstudio.com/re-computer-case-silver-Metal-p-4750.html?queryID=4a6bb496c209d2c7042659d0861c8554&objectID=4750&indexName=bazaar_retailer_products

• SBC
  https://www.seeedstudio.com/recomputer-j202-carrier-board-for-jetson-nano-xavier-nx-without-power-adapter-p-5435.html?queryID=0ba8eda50666ba759b0864a45d89c174&objectID=5435&indexName=bazaar_retailer_products

• power cord
  https://www.seeedstudio.com/reServer-AC-US-p-5052.html

If not, could you spec out a complete build if you have a moment, please?

Also, regarding purchasing from seeedstudio, I must admit I'm quite nervous since the dropdown box for me only shows "CN warehouse" which means it would ship direct from China. My worries are risk about customer support if I receive a lemon, lack of documentation/user manual, shipping, etc. But if you meant the gateworks link, then it should be ok although the price isn't listed for their product offerings.

@krzykat - I considered a Qotom box, but was nervous about direct shipping from China as indicated above in my response to Sam.

@Pete-S - Are you referring to something like this?
https://metebalci.com/blog/home-lab-server-2022/

If so, this may be a bit much for me personally. The cost isn't a big issue even though this is expensive, but rather having to build an entire separate PC tower unit is likely not an option for me currently. My studio is less than 160 sq ft, so space is very limited here. Also, a server like in the link above would very likely consume a ton of wattage and my building only allows a certain amount of total wattage from each studio. This server would eat too much power unfortunately. But I can definitely return to this after I have moved into a new place (or ideally, have purchased an apartment/house). OR if you have a low wattage idea, then, nevermind what I typed above.

I would like to build my own router (for homelabbing, learning, etc). I chatted online and spec'd out a PC type system, but decided not go that route since the wattage would be quite high. Then, I thought about something like a mini PC router box system with low wattage like the Protectli FW6C. But starting at $500 for no options, alot of people I spoke with said it was far too expensive for a beginner and recommended the overseas options from China (ie Aliexpress).

I was just wondering what your thoughts are on this regarding alternatives. But also, if you feel that the Protectli is just right for me, how would you spec out a complete build?

I was thinking of going with the base model where nothing is included except the case and then, purchase these options below since they should outperform the defaults on the product page.

16GB RAM:
https://a.co/d/iErXANm

mSata:
https://a.co/d/14oMbHW

SATA:
https://a.co/d/if6thWD

If you have a recommended absolute best wireless AP and switch to complete this build, please also share!

Here is my current system for reference (I probably need to upgrade soon, since I built this system around 2015-ish):

• Intel Core i5-4670 3.4GHz
• Asus Z87M-Plus
• Crucial 8GB DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) x4 (32GB)
• Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB, 1TB x2
• Corsair 350D
• SeaSonic Platinum Series SS-400FL2
• Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
• Dell U2718Q monitor
• Windows 10 Pro

Hopefully, this list is powerful enough to complete a number of (or all) of the tasks shared here by Sam:
Youtube Video

Thank you for any advice/guidance!

I guess I should be good to go then because the current book I'm using now is listed on the MSPress site:
https://www.microsoftpressstore.com/store/microsoft-word-2016-step-by-step-9780735697775

Thank you.

Hello all! This is my intro post and a question all in one.

1. Here's my story so far.
2. What are the authoritative books to learn MS Office 2016? (ie Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc.)

From #1 above, you can see I'm focusing on:

• understanding the Mike Myers Network+ book (I've already read it completely) and
• successfully completing the tasks Scott Allan Miller listed here (I'm using RHEL 7.4)

For this thread though, I ask about Office 2016, because the spring semester starts up in about two weeks and I always use Word and Powerpoint during the semester so I thought why not try to become a master in their use. (especially Powerpoint!) So far, I have "MS Word 2016 Step by Step by Joan Lambert". Suggestions? Thank you!