I really love watching Youtubers get into DIY networking.  I've done it somewhat, and I'm still learning whenever I watch new videos like this.  Really cool that you created your own custom enclosure.

Depending on what exact model your TP-Link is, you can flash it with OpenWRT, which will turn it into a L2 managed switch + VLAN aware AP allowing you to play around with VLANs on both your wired and wireless connections.

+1 for installing Openwrt onto the TPLink.

I can understand not wanting to take your only AP out of action though and Openwrt can be a bit of a learning curve, but once you use it - you won't want to use a commercial router/ap OS again (most of them are Openwrt under the hood anyway 🤫)

Bravo, well done. Beside hardware, is to code it. Not get anxiety attack, when someone on your laptop, enters your network. To have a talk with you, in a foreign language.

My Zimaboard is a workhorse and probably the best piece of my homelab I bought. Love the router you built with it!

Building your own is definitely the best way to go.

I've run pfsense a couple of times. It's satisfying running your own setup. I went back to a traditional router mainly because of the power draw but with all of the security concerns today I might have to slap another one together. Great video!

I think you would really enjoy flashing openwrt or ddwrt onto your tplink router. That gives it better security AND add functionality for Linux vlans so you can get extra use out of your older equipment. Of course nothing wrong with upgrading either. Just a thought

Enjoyable video and you've got a great start with the hardware you got.

As for me, I went with a generic x86 4 port PC before ram and storage went nuts also installed and used to sense for about 6 months.

I decided I just didn't need the endless settings and configurations that opnsense offered and wasn't looking for the networking education as much so bought a Unify UCG Router last December, also before they raised their prices ( dodged another bullet ) and have been using that since.

If I was younger and cared more, I would have stuck it out with opnsense but I'm not and I don't so Unify has been a nice middle ground for me between mass market routers and the custom home built opnsense router IMHO.

I can get the vlans set up and running without the learning part as it's kinda intuitive on the UCG box with the Unify software.

But, understood the opnsense route is the safest and more robust route and best wishes on your home networking journey!

Nice work on a cool project! Thanks for sharing!

I've have always use my own hardware as router for 10 years now.

I picked up a 1L Lenovo and a 4 port nic for this exact purpose. I just have to let the family know that the Internet will be down for a day...or two 😂

0:37 every normal home lab experience haha
Aside from that, amazing video. I'll try this when I get the time

Love your videos and the router itself nice idea

I didn't do the case, but I setup a Zima Board with 2G, flashed the eMMC with pfSense and add an additional 2 port NIC, because at the time, pfSense didn't like the nics on the Zima board. Once pfSesnse came out with 2.7 that fixed it. I have sence move the OpnSense because it updated more and have better features.

You need some vents for the air to leave the new box.

You can also try the TP-Link TL-SG105E 5-Port switch to add the VLANs and an used ruckus AP that has the unleashed firmware.

You can fix small fans to a heatsink by using self-tapping wood screws. I've been using M3 x 12mm. It's a much neater and professional looking finish. They're about £7 on Amazon for a box of 500-ish assorted sizes.

I literally just finished watching the video rogue waves and then this video plays next and has the exact same Japanese rogue wave picture in the intro!!!

that heat sink is more than enough for that nic card

love your videos.