DIY Home Network Shelf: Part 1 Setup
Tired of a tangle of cables and gear sliding around? This simple plywood shelf gathers your modem, router, bridges, and switch into one organized, accessible panel.
What you’ll get:
- A sturdy plywood base with rubber feet
- Clean device layout secured with cable clips
- A starting point for tidy cable management
Tools & Materials
Cut and Prep the Base
Start with half-inch sanded plywood. Rip it to fit your space; above-fridge installs benefit from a compact footprint. Add rubber feet to raise the panel so cables can pass behind without rubbing the surface.
Tip: Dry-fit every device before drilling. A quick mockup helps catch clearance issues at edges and trim.
Mount the Power and Core Devices First
Center the Belkin surge protector so cable lengths reach comfortably. Keep the Spectrum modem near the Eero router to minimize the patch run between them. Place the Netgear unmanaged switch so short patch leads can fan out to your Apple TV, Sonos, and bridges.
Warning: Leave airflow gaps around each device. Tight clusters trap heat and make service harder.
Fast, Accurate Mounting
Most boxes include keyhole slots. Use painter’s tape to capture hole positions, mark with a Sharpie, transfer to the plywood, then drill pilot holes. Drive in short screws and test-fit before final tightening.
The Eero router lacks mounting holes. Velcro works well for a semi-permanent hold; align the feet and use two strips. It’s removable if you ever swap hardware.
Cable Control Now, Detailing Later
Use cable clips to anchor power bricks and keep Ethernet runs parallel. Keep bends gentle and plan a path to the surge protector that avoids crossing signal lines where possible. Hole covers and a Dremel are handy if you decide to pass cables through the board in Part 2.
Final takeaway: A simple plywood panel, smart layout, and a few clips turn a messy pile into a reliable, serviceable home network foundation. Finish the cable paths and polish in Part 2.
