While I still have some tasks to do this weekend, such as finding the optimal location to mount both the U7 and E7 access points, I am nearing the end of my full UniFi rollout, replacing my aging NIGHTHAWK mesh system. So, I figured it would be a good time before the final touches to document the network in a diagram, allowing me to better visualize areas of weakness and potential improvements. I decided to try using Microsoft Visio for this diagram, so be patient with me, as I haven’t utilized the program for this kind of task before.

First, I will share the diagram as seen in UniFi; while helpful, this often has issues, especially when using third-party switches (still using a cheap NETGEAR 24-port in my office). Ignore the DON-U7-Utility access point at the top, I unplugged it before leaving for work to run some tests). The U7, when online, is powered from the UniFi 48-port switch, so it would be located under it.

Next, we have a more detailed network diagram that I created. Unlike past diagrams I have worked on, I tried to visualize each room/floor in the diagram, as well as, for example, what devices are under the UPS’s protection. In past diagrams, I also included parts and devices that are not in use, which actually helped me quite a lot, so I think I will add that as well.

So, after getting this completed, I decided to feed this info into ChatGPT to better explain everything, look for improvements, and areas of potential issues. Here is what our robotic overlord had to say:

🏠 Network Overview

Your home network is structured around a centralized wired backbone that distributes connectivity to multiple network zones — the Front Door, Top Floor, Basement Living Room, and Basement Office — with both wired and Wi-Fi access points managed through the UniFi ecosystem.

⚙️ Core Infrastructure (Wired Backbone)

• Internet Source:
  The setup begins with an Xfinity 1200 Mbps cable connection, terminated at a Netgear Nighthawk CM2000 modem.
• Routing and Switching:
  The modem feeds into a UniFi Gateway Lite Firewall, which handles routing, NAT, and security policies.
  From there, traffic is distributed through a UniFi 48-Port PoE Switch, which connects to:
  • A patch panel for structured cabling throughout the home.
  • A UniFi Cloud Key for network management.
  • Several 8-Port UniFi PoE switches serving each local zone.
• Power Backup:
  A UPS powers key networking components (modem, firewall, Cloud Key, and main switches), ensuring uptime during brief power interruptions.

🌐 Network Zones

🏠 Front Door

• Equipped with a UniFi PoE Camera connected via a dedicated 8-Port UniFi PoE Switch.
• This setup provides local surveillance coverage for the entrance.
• My notes: 6 open PoE ports for future expansions.

🧓 Top Floor

• Features a UniFi E7 WAP, powered by a PoE++ adapter, serving Wi-Fi to the upper level.
• Supports devices like “Grandpa’s PC” and printer.
• The PoE++ power adapter likely provides sufficient current for the 6 GHz and high-gain radios in the E7.
• My notes: 5 open PoE ports for future expansions.

🎮 Basement Living Room

• Contains entertainment and media devices (TV, Xbox) connected to a UniFi 8-Port PoE switch labeled “Dean.”
• Ensures low-latency connectivity for streaming and gaming.
• My notes: 6 open PoE ports for future expansions.

💻 Basement Office

• Functions as the core wired workstation zone.
• A NETGEAR 24-Port Non-PoE switch connects non-PoE devices such as:
  • NAS and file servers
  • HUE Bridge
  • Label printer
  • My notes: 12 open PoE ports for future expansions.
• Several UniFi PoE Cameras and WAPs are powered via PoE+ adapters.
• A UniFi 8-Port PoE switch on the desk powers your main PC, laptop, and cameras — giving full gigabit performance for work-from-home reliability.
• My notes: 4 open PoE ports for future expansions.

📡 Wi-Fi Network

Wi-Fi coverage is distributed through:

• UniFi E7 WAP (Top Floor)
• UniFi U7 In-Wall WAP (Basement Office)

These access points deliver seamless dual/tri-band coverage across the property, supporting all connected wireless devices such as:

• Smart TVs, Roku devices, and Chromecasts.
• Smart home IoT (Google Nest cameras, Alexa devices, Grizzl-E EV charger, etc.).
• Multiple laptops, tablets, and phones.

This layout ensures both strong coverage and device segmentation between family zones and smart devices.

📈 Why This Diagram Matters

Network diagrams like this are crucial because they:

• Visualize complexity: Help you understand every connection and dependency.
• Aid troubleshooting: Quickly isolate issues in power, PoE negotiation, or IP conflicts.
• Simplify upgrades: Makes it easier to add or replace hardware.
• Support documentation: Essential for insurance, IT audits, or support calls.

🔍 Potential Improvements

Here are a few optimization ideas:

1. Simplify Power Delivery

• Consider consolidating PoE injectors — you have multiple PoE+ adapters that could be replaced by a single larger PoE switch to reduce clutter and improve manageability.

2. Thermal and PoE Load Balancing

• Since your UniFi E7 WAP shows reduced performance on PoE++, verify switch temperature and available power budget.
  A dedicated PoE++ switch port might perform better than an external injector.

3. Network Segmentation

• Introduce VLANs (IoT, Work, Guest, Cameras) to isolate devices, improve security, and reduce broadcast noise.

4. Redundancy and Monitoring

• Consider adding a secondary UPS for the basement PoE switches.
• Enable UniFi Protect / Network alerts for power loss or temperature spikes.

5. Wi-Fi Optimization

• Adjust transmit power and channel assignments between the E7 and U7 WAPs to minimize overlap.
• Enable band steering to push capable devices to 5 GHz or 6 GHz.

🧠 In Summary

Your network is a well-planned hybrid of UniFi and standard switches, with robust PoE-based infrastructure, centralized control, and extensive Wi-Fi coverage. The design demonstrates strong scalability and thoughtful zoning, ideal for a high-demand smart home with heavy media and work-from-home requirements.

Closing Remarks (and a LOL)

It is interesting to hear AI’s take on the network. While it didn’t really give me any information that I didn’t already know, some of their improvements make sense, such as created more VLANS to separate each type of device. At the moment, the only related change I have made was to merely create a separate 2.4G Wi-Fi network just for the Nest Cameras, as I found UniFi doesn’t work with them too well. I am looking forward to this weekend where I will move the U7 and E7 to their permanent positions once I figure out the best placement!

Oh, I almost forgot about the LOL. As a test, I asked ChatGPT to remake the network in a (its words) more professional manner. Yeah, I think you can already tell what a disaster that will be but give it a look. I think it is safe to say my job is secure for a bit longer!

Let me know if you have any suggestions!