SOHO Network: Build Your Smart Office

“Paul, I’m WFH today. Let’s hop on a brief online call in 15 minutes to sync on the project adjustments. Are you available?”

You’ve probably said something similar — this is a classic example of a SOHO scenario. To truly understand SOHO networks, we need to start from the beginning: in the early days, SOHO networking was still in its infancy.

Ⅰ. What Is SOHO Network ?

SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) refers to networking solutions tailored for small businesses and home offices, providing essential connectivity services. These solutions deliver core connectivity functions, including internet access, local file sharing, printer sharing, and basic data transmission. With a compact architecture, flexible deployment, and cost efficiency, SOHO networks are well-suited for individuals, small teams, and micro-enterprises.

The evolution of SOHO networking began in the 1980s, expanded with the rise of the internet in the 1990s–2000s, and matured during the 2010s with advancements in wireless and cloud technologies. The 2020 global pandemic significantly accelerated SOHO adoption, establishing it as a mature networking segment.

Typical SOHO networks support 1-10 users, extendable to 20 in low-demand scenarios. The actual capacity depends not on user count but on the total number of connected devices and bandwidth requirements of active network services.

Ⅱ. Why SOHO Network

Given the matured SOHO network market, what continues to drive its expansion?

First, in terms of technology:

The availability of widespread high-speed internet, affordable enterprise-grade hardware, and cloud-native office suites—such as Microsoft 365—forms the technical backbone of modern SOHO environments. These tools enable fully functional remote work through nothing more than a standard browser and a reliable internet connection.

Second, in terms of cost:

SOHO networking eliminates expenditures related to dedicated office space, offering a financially viable model for startups, freelancers, and small businesses.

Third, in terms of societal impact:

Remote work lessens dependence on commuting, promotes geographic flexibility beyond dense urban areas, and contributes to a more balanced integration of work and personal life.

Ⅲ. How to Set up a SOHO Network

1. SOHO Network Diagram

2. Necessary Components

The following devices are typically required to build a SOHO network. The actual network size and functionality will determine the specific type and model of equipment needed.

Ethernet switches: Provide device interconnection and data communication within the SOHO network. Key selection factors include port count (commonly 4–8) and data transfer speed. Unmanaged switches are often preferred, as SOHO environments generally lack dedicated IT support.

Router: Acts as the gateway between the SOHO network and the internet. Recommended models should include basic security features such as encryption, authentication, and firewall protection. Port availability is another selection criterion.

Wireless AP (Access Point): Provide wireless connectivity for mobile devices like laptops and smartphones.

Terminal equipment: End-user devices including desktops, laptops, printers, IP phones, and smartphones. Wired devices require Ethernet cables for network access.

Ethernet cables: Used to physically connect wired devices. Star topology is common in SOHO networks due to its simplicity, scalability, and ease of management, making it well-suited for home offices or small businesses with limited networking expertise.

Note: In SOHO environments, uninterrupted power supply (UPS) systems are generally not deployed. Devices rely only on their internal power supply units (PSUs). As a result, any power outage renders the network inoperable.

Solution: Deploy a small commercial UPS. The PSU provides the standard power input for the device, while the UPS acts as an emergency backup during power fluctuations or outages. Their functions are distinct, and depending solely on the built-in PSU is insufficient to ensure service continuity.

Ⅳ. Security for SOHO

Network security is paramount in SOHO scenarios, even in home settings. Basic protection can be implemented through the following measures:

1. Network Access Security
   • Use WPA3 (or at least WPA2) for Wi-Fi.
   • Set strong passwords for terminal devices to prevent unauthorized access.
2. Perimeter Protection
   •   Firewall: Configure the router’s built-in firewall to block unnecessary ports and restrict external threats.
   •   VPN Access: Use VPN for remote connections to avoid exposing internal services directly to the public internet.
3. Terminal and Data Security
   • Device updates: Keep router firmware, operating systems, and applications up to date to address vulnerabilities.
   •   Antivirus and EDR: Deploy antivirus software or basic endpoint protection, even in small SOHO environments.
4. Power and Physical Security
   • UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply): Prevent work disruptions caused by power outages.
   • Device placement and access control: Position routers and switches securely and limit physical access to prevent tampering.

Ⅴ. How does CX102S-8GT-M-SWP support SOHO?

Why is the Asterfusion switch suitable for SOHO scenarios? The following aspects provide an explanation:

Physical configuration:
Equipped with 8 PoE++ downlinks ports and 2 × 10G uplinks ports, the switch delivers high-speed connectivity and supports future requirements such as connecting to a 10G NAS; Its compact form factor (44 × 215 × 310 mm) makes it suitable for deployment in space-constrained environments.

Cost advantage:
As a white-box switch, it offers high cost efficiency while maintaining enterprise-grade functionality. When paired with Asterfusion APs and routers, the entire SOHO network can be centrally managed through a unified controller, ensuring both visibility and operational simplicity.

Security:
Supports port isolation and MACsec encryption, enabling secure point-to-point protection between device ports (e.g., between a computer and its connected switch port).

Future expandability:
Provides strong uplink performance and is pre-installed with AsterNOS—an enterprise operating system based on SONiC. It supports comprehensive Layer 2 and Layer 3 features, ensuring continued reliability even as network requirements evolve.

For SOHO scenarios that require strong data security, stable high-bandwidth transmission (e.g., audio/video files), or isolated working environments, deploying this switch together with an Asterfusion AP provides an optimal solution.

For scenarios requiring higher performance, CX102S-16GT-M-SWP and CX102S-16GT-DPU-M-SWP are recommended. The latter features two Marvell OCTEON TX2 CN9130 DPUs, providing improved network efficiency and overall performance.

Ⅵ. Q&As

Q: Is SOHO LAN or WAN?

A: SOHO is typically a LAN (Local Area Network) deployed in a small office or home office environment. The scope of a LAN is limited, covering small, specific areas such as a house, apartment, or small office. In contrast, a WAN spans a broad geographic range, extending across cities, countries, or even the entire globe. Thus, the two concepts can be easily distinguished by their scope.

Q: What’s the difference between SOHO and enterprise network?

A: A SOHO network is essentially a micro-scale, simplified version of a campus network. The golden rule for SOHO deployment and product design is: “Make the most of the built-in features while keeping costs low.” The main differences compared to a full-scale campus network lie in scale, cost, functionality, and configuration complexity.

Q: Can I access my small office/home office network remotely?

A: Yes! By setting up a Virtual Private Network (VPN), you can securely access your small office or home office network resources from anywhere. Using a router or device with a visual interface makes VPN setup and management much easier.