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HomeRack Mini Rack Build

Based on geerlingguy/mini-rack#4

Rack

Current Hardware Inventory

Compute Nodes

  1. Raspberry Pi 5 + NVMe HAT (Web Server)

    • Role: Web server
    • Storage: NVMe SSD
    • Power: USB-C

  2. Raspberry Pi 5 + NVMe HAT (Home Server)

    • Role: Home server
    • Storage: NVMe SSD
    • Power: USB-C

  3. FriendlyElec CM3588 Plus NAS (NAS)

    • Model: CM3588 Plus 16GB
    • Role: Network Attached Storage (NAS)
    • OS: OpenMediaVault
    • RAM: 16GB LPDDR4X
    • eMMC: 64GB
    • Storage: 3x 1TB SSD (SATA)
    • MicroSD: SanDisk Ultra 32GB Class 10 UHS-I
    • Power: 12V 4A Universal Adapter

Networking

  • T-Mobile 5G Home Office ODU (FWA Antenna)
    • Primary internet connection
  • ASUS RT-AC1200G+ Wireless-AC1200 Dual-band Gigabit Router
    • Model: RT-AC1200G+
    • LAN: 4x Gigabit ports
    • WAN: 1x Gigabit port
    • WiFi: AC1200 (2.4GHz 300Mbps + 5GHz 867Mbps)
    • Power: 12V 2A (24W)
  • Ubiquiti USW-Lite-8-PoE - 8-Port Gigabit Managed Switch
    • 8x Gigabit Ethernet ports
    • 4x PoE+ ports (802.3at)
    • PoE Budget: 52W total
    • Management: UniFi Controller (cloud or self-hosted)
    • Power: 802.3at PoE or DC adapter
    • Fanless, silent operation

Power

Power Strategy: USB-C Centralized Power

USB-C PD Hub Approach

Power everything from a single high-wattage USB-C PD hub connected to UPS.

Power Requirements:

  • 2x Pi 5: ~30W each = 60W
  • CM3588 NAS: 48W (12V 4A via USB-C PD trigger or adapter)
  • Network switch: ~15W (check USB-C compatibility)
  • 5G Antenna: ~20W (verify USB-C option)
  • Total: ~140-150W

Recommended Hub:

Benefits:

  • Single AC cable from UPS to hub
  • Cleaner than AC PDU + multiple adapters
  • More efficient (GaN technology)
  • Compact mounting behind rack
  • Easy cable management

Considerations:

  • Verify CM3588 supports USB-C PD 12V trigger (or use USB-C to barrel adapter)
  • Check if switch has USB-C option (or use small AC/DC adapter)
  • May need USB-C to barrel jack cables for some devices

Missing/Needed Items

Network & Connectivity

⚠️ IMPORTANT: T-Mobile Antenna is PoE-Only Powered

  • Your antenna: FWA-ED309B (Vistron NeWeb) - Ethernet connector ONLY
  • Power: 802.3at PoE+ (standard, ~25.5W) via Ethernet
  • Currently using T-Mobile's PoE injector/router (want to replace)

Port Requirements:

  • 5G antenna (PoE, WAN/internet source)
  • 2x Raspberry Pi 5
  • 1x CM3588 NAS
  • Total: 1 PoE WAN + 3 LAN ports minimum

Router Options:

Option A: UniFi Dream Router 7 (UDR7) (~$279) ✅ RECOMMENDED

  • UniFi Dream Router 7 ~$279
    • 4x 2.5GbE ports: Multi-gig for all devices
    • 1x 802.3af PoE port (15.4W) - powers your antenna natively!
    • WiFi 7 integrated (better range/speed than WiFi 5/6)
    • Coverage: ~1,750 sq ft
    • 10G SFP+ WAN port (future-proof)
    • No separate PoE injector needed!
    • UniFi management (cloud or local)

Option B: MikroTik hAP ac² + PoE Injector (~$85 total)

  • Router: MikroTik hAP ac² ~$60
    • 5-port Gigabit: 1 WAN + 4 LAN (plenty for your needs)
    • Dual-band WiFi: 2.4GHz (300Mbps) + 5GHz (867Mbps)
    • WiFi Range: ~30-50ft indoors (mount outside rack)
    • Issue: Only 24V passive PoE (incompatible with antenna)
  • Required: TP-Link TL-PoE160S 802.3at injector ~$25
    • Place between hAP ac² WAN port and antenna
    • Small, can mount behind rack

Option C: Keep T-Mobile PoE Injector + Basic Router (~$60)

  • Use existing T-Mobile PoE adapter
  • Any WiFi router with 4+ LAN ports
  • TP-Link AX3000 ~$60
  • Simpler but keeps extra power brick

Option D: Minimal Budget - Keep Existing Setup (~$25) 💰 CHEAPEST

  • Keep your current T-Mobile router (already have antenna + PoE)
  • Add small switch for mini rack devices
  • TP-Link 5-Port Gigabit Switch ~$15
  • OR Netgear GS305 ~$20
  • Run single Ethernet from T-Mobile router to switch in rack
  • Perfect starter setup - upgrade router later when budget allows
  • WiFi stays on existing router (separate from rack)

Option E: ASUS RT-AC1200G+ (You Already Own This!) (~$0) ✅ FREE UPGRADE

  • Use your ASUS RT-AC1200G+ router with T-Mobile PoE injector
  • Setup:
    • T-Mobile PoE injector → 5G antenna (internet source)
    • PoE injector data out → ASUS WAN port
    • ASUS LAN ports: Pi 5 #1, Pi 5 #2, CM3588 NAS (+ 1 spare port)
  • Benefits:
    • Better WiFi than T-Mobile router (AC1200 vs basic router)
    • Gigabit ports for all devices
    • More configuration options (QoS, DDNS, VPN, etc.)
    • Can use USB-C PD trigger cable for 12V power (cleaner cable management)
  • Mounting: Place behind/beside rack for optimal WiFi coverage (not rack-mountable)
  • Power: 12V 2A (24W) - use USB-C PD 12V trigger cable from hub
  • No switch needed - router has 4 LAN ports (perfect for your 3 devices)

Recommendation: Start with Option E (free!), upgrade to Option A later if you need 2.5GbE/WiFi 7

  • Native 802.3af PoE output - clean single-cable solution
  • WiFi 7 + 2.5GbE ports future-proof the build
  • Premium UniFi ecosystem (expandable)
  • Worth $194 premium for integrated solution
  • Budget option: Option B saves $194 but adds PoE injector

Power Distribution

  • High-wattage USB-C PD hub (150W+ total, 4-6 ports)
  • Short USB-C cables (6-12")
  • USB-C to barrel jack adapters (if needed for NAS/switch)

Mounting Hardware

Cables

Sizing Considerations

Rack Space (U)

  • Pi mounting: 2U (if using DeskPi bracket)
  • CM3588 NAS: 1-2U (verify NAS kit dimensions)
  • Network switch: 1U
  • 5G Antenna: External or top mount
  • UPS: External or bottom shelf
  • Total: ~4-5U minimum

Power Budget (USB-C Centralized)

  • Pi 5 (each): ~27W actual, 30W allocated
  • CM3588 NAS: 48W (12V 4A via USB-C PD)
  • Network switch: ~15W (USB-C or small adapter)
  • 5G Antenna: ~20W (verify USB-C compatibility)
  • Total: ~140-150W from USB hub
  • UPS runtime: ~1.5-2hrs at full load (288Wh / 150W)
  • Hub requirement: 150W+ multi-port USB-C PD

Network Topology

Devices to connect:

  1. 2x Pi 5
  2. CM3588 NAS
  3. 5G Antenna (via PoE from router)
  4. Router WiFi for wireless devices

Total wired ports needed: 3 (2 Pis + NAS) + 1 uplink to router

Phase 1: Use ASUS RT-AC1200G+ (Option E - RECOMMENDED START):

  • Connect T-Mobile PoE injector → 5G antenna → ASUS WAN port
  • ASUS LAN ports → Pi 5 #1, Pi 5 #2, CM3588 NAS (direct connections)
  • Mount ASUS behind/beside rack for WiFi coverage
  • Power ASUS with USB-C PD 12V trigger cable from hub
  • Total cost: $0 (you own everything)
  • No switch needed!

Phase 1 Alternative: Minimal Budget (Option D):

  • Keep T-Mobile router where it is (antenna + WiFi)
  • Run single Ethernet from router to mini rack
  • 5-port Gigabit switch in rack
    • Port 1: Uplink to T-Mobile router
    • Port 2-4: Pi 5 #1, Pi 5 #2, CM3588 NAS
    • Port 5: Spare
  • Total cost: ~$15-25 for switch only
  • Upgrade router later when budget allows

Phase 2: Premium Setup (Dream Router 7):

  • Dream Router 7 PoE port → 5G antenna (internet source, powered via PoE)
  • Dream Router 7 LAN ports: Pi 5 #1, Pi 5 #2, CM3588 NAS (2.5GbE each!)
  • WiFi 7 included for wireless devices (~1,750 sq ft coverage)
  • Mount router outside/beside rack for optimal WiFi coverage
  • No separate PoE injector needed

Alternative (hAP ac² + PoE Injector) - Budget:

  • hAP ac² WAN port → PoE injector → 5G antenna
  • hAP ac² LAN ports: Pi 5 #1, Pi 5 #2, CM3588 NAS (+ 1 spare)
  • Saves $194 but adds extra device

Mounting Strategy

Option A: Minimal Stack (Recommended)

  1. Bottom/Front: Pi nodes + CM3588 NAS (2U custom shelf)
  2. Bottom/Rear: WiFi router (behind rack, no U space)
  3. External: 5G antenna (desk/wall mount), UPS (under rack)
  4. Total: 2U only

Option B: Premium Rackmount

  1. Bottom: MikroTik RB5009 router (1U rackmount)
  2. Top: Pi nodes + CM3588 NAS (2U bracket/shelf)
  3. External: 5G antenna, UPS
  4. Total: 3U

Price Estimate

Owned

  • Rack: ~$110
  • Pi 5 (x2): ~$160
  • CM3588 NAS kit: ~$300-400
  • 5G Antenna: (varies)
  • UPS: ~$200

To Buy

Option E - ASUS RT-AC1200G+ (Start Here - You Own It!): ✅ RECOMMENDED

  • USB-C PD 12V trigger cable for ASUS: $10-15
  • Mounting hardware: $100-150
  • USB-C PD hub (150W+): $100-120
  • Cables + adapters: $30-50
  • Additional spend: ~$240-335
  • Total project: ~$1,010-1,335
  • Saves $15-20 vs Option D (no switch needed!)

Option D - Minimal Budget:

  • 5-port Gigabit switch: $15-25
  • Mounting hardware: $100-150
  • USB-C PD hub (150W+): $100-120
  • Cables + adapters: $40-60
  • Additional spend: ~$255-355
  • Total project: ~$1,025-1,355

Option B - Mid Budget:

  • WiFi router: $85 (hAP ac² + PoE injector)
  • Mounting hardware: $100-150
  • USB-C PD hub (150W+): $100-120
  • Cables + adapters: $40-60
  • Additional spend: ~$325-415
  • Total project: ~$1,095-1,415

Option A - Premium:

  • WiFi router: $279 (Dream Router 7)
  • Mounting hardware: $100-150
  • USB-C PD hub (150W+): $100-120
  • Cables + adapters: $40-60
  • Additional spend: ~$519-609
  • Total project: ~$1,289-1,609

Next Steps

Recommended Path - Using ASUS RT-AC1200G+: ✅ START HERE

  1. ✅ Use your ASUS RT-AC1200G+ router (already owned!)
  2. Keep T-Mobile PoE injector for antenna
  3. Order USB-C PD 12V trigger cable for ASUS (~$10-15)
  4. Verify CM3588 NAS supports USB-C PD 12V or get USB-C to barrel adapter
  5. Confirm T-Mobile antenna PoE requirement is 802.3af (15.4W max)
  6. Measure CM3588 NAS kit dimensions for mounting
  7. Choose USB-C PD hub (150W+ with 4-6 ports) - UGREEN 200W recommended
  8. Order mounting brackets, cables
  9. Connect: T-Mobile PoE injector → Antenna → ASUS WAN port → LAN ports to devices
  10. Mount ASUS behind/beside rack for WiFi coverage
  11. Plan cable management strategy

Alternative: Minimal Budget Path (If Not Using ASUS):

  1. Keep existing T-Mobile router + antenna
  2. Order 5-port Gigabit switch (~$15-25)
  3. Run single Ethernet from T-Mobile router to switch in rack

Future Upgrade (When Budget Allows):

  • Replace ASUS + PoE injector with Dream Router 7 (integrated PoE + WiFi 7)
  • OR keep ASUS and add Dream Router 7 as access point for WiFi 7 coverage

Detailed Dimensional Analysis

Rack Space Available (DeskPi RackMate TT)

  • Total: 3U = 5.25" height
  • Width: 10" (254mm) internal
  • Depth: 8" (203mm) usable

Component Dimensions (Verified)

Bottom Layer - 1U (1.75"):

  • 2x Raspberry Pi 5 + NVMe HAT
  • Each: 3.4" × 3.5" × 1" tall
  • Side-by-side: 7" × 3.5" × 1" (fits in 10" width ✓)
  • Mounted on: GeeekPi 1U shelf

Middle Layer - 1U (1.75"):

  • CM3588 NAS Kit
  • Estimate: 7" × 5" × 1.5-2" tall
  • ⚠️ Need to verify actual height!
  • Mounted on: GeeekPi 1U shelf

Top Layer - 1U (1.75"):

  • ASUS RT-AC1200G+
  • Size: 7.5" × 5" × 1.5" tall
  • Fits with 3D printed bracket ✓

USB-C PD Hub (fits under/behind shelf):

  • See comparison below
  • Mount location: Under NAS shelf or on side rail

T-Mobile PoE Injector:

  • Size: ~4" × 2.5" × 1.5"
  • Could fit on side/back of rack frame!
  • Alternative: Keep external

UPS (Too Large - Must Stay External):

  • Allpowers P300: 9" × 5" × 8"
  • Location: Under/beside rack

Can Everything Fit Inside?

YES! With careful mounting:

  • 3U for devices (all fit ✓)
  • Hub mounts under shelf or on side rail ✓
  • PoE injector could mount on rear frame ✓
  • Only UPS must stay external ✓

USB-C PD Hub Comparison (Most Compact Options)

Option 1: Anker 735 GaNPrime 65W (MOST COMPACT) ✅ RECOMMENDED

  • Size: 4" × 3" × 1" (102mm × 76mm × 25mm)
  • Ports: 3x USB-C (2×65W, 1×30W)
  • Total: 65W max
  • Price: ~$50
  • Pros: Smallest footprint, perfect for tight spaces
  • Cons: Need 2 units for full power (130W), or accept reduced power
  • Mount: Velcro under shelf or side wall
  • Link: Amazon

Option 2: UGREEN 100W 4-Port (COMPACT + ADEQUATE)

  • Size: 4.1" × 2.8" × 1.1" (105mm × 72mm × 28mm)
  • Ports: 2x USB-C (100W, 30W) + 2x USB-A
  • Total: 100W shared
  • Price: ~$60
  • Pros: Good balance size/power, single unit
  • Cons: May need to reduce device power slightly
  • Mount: Velcro under shelf
  • Link: Amazon

Option 3: Satechi 165W 4-Port GaN (POWERFUL BUT LARGER)

  • Size: 4.3" × 3.5" × 1.3" (110mm × 89mm × 33mm)
  • Ports: 4x USB-C
  • Total: 165W shared
  • Price: ~$120
  • Pros: Plenty of power for all devices
  • Cons: Larger footprint, higher cost
  • Mount: Fits under shelf (barely)
  • Link: Amazon

Option 4: UGREEN 200W 6-Port (MAXIMUM POWER)

  • Size: 4.5" × 3" × 1.3" (115mm × 75mm × 33mm)
  • Ports: 4x USB-C + 2x USB-A
  • Total: 200W shared
  • Price: ~$100
  • Pros: Most power, 6 ports (future expansion)
  • Cons: Larger, heavier
  • Mount: Under shelf or side rail
  • Link: Amazon

Power Requirements Analysis

Device          | Required | With Margin
----------------|----------|-------------
Pi 5 #1         | 27W      | 30W
Pi 5 #2         | 27W      | 30W
CM3588 NAS      | 48W      | 50W
ASUS Router     | 24W      | 25W
----------------|----------|-------------
TOTAL           | 126W     | 135W

Recommendation by Priority:

Budget + Compact: Anker 735 × 2 = $100, 130W total

  • Smallest size, mount one under each shelf
  • 130W total (slightly under requirement, but workable)

Best Balance: UGREEN 100W = $60, single unit

  • Adequate power if devices don't peak simultaneously
  • Very compact, easiest mounting

No Compromise: UGREEN 200W = $100, single unit

  • Plenty of power + expansion ports
  • Still fits under shelf or side mount

Recommended: UGREEN 100W ($60) or UGREEN 200W ($100)

  • Both fit inside rack easily
  • 200W gives more headroom and future expansion
  • Single unit = cleaner than dual Anker setup

Notes

  • Verify Pi 5 NVMe HAT compatibility with mounting bracket
  • Check if CM3588 NAS kit includes rack ears
  • ⚠️ CRITICAL: Measure CM3588 NAS actual height (affects 2U fit)
  • Consider active cooling if stacking tightly
  • Test UPS runtime under actual load before production use
  • T-Mobile antenna: FWA-ED309B (Vistron NeWeb) - PoE-only powered, requires 802.3af/at
  • ASUS RT-AC1200G+: 3D print 1U bracket for rack mounting
  • ASUS can be powered via USB-C PD 12V trigger cable for cleaner cable management
  • USB-C PD 12V trigger cables: Amazon search ~$10-15
  • PoE Injector: Consider mounting inside rack on rear frame (saves external clutter)
  • Dream Router 7 has 802.3af PoE (15.4W) - verify antenna requirement ≤15.4W
  • If antenna needs >15.4W (802.3at/25.5W), use hAP ac² + 802.3at injector instead