IT & Networking — The Braking Zone
Hands-on network groundwork for a racing simulator arcade focused on low-latency and reliability. Delivered structured cabling and a proposed VLAN/QoS design with partial configuration and testing.
On-Site
Consulting
Groundwork
Note: VLAN segmentation and QoS were designed and partially set up; full deployment was deferred at the owner’s request.
Client
The Braking Zone (Arcade)
Location
Springfield, OR
Engagement
19+ hours on-site
Date
July 2025
Challenges
- Build a wired backbone for multiple sim pods with minimal jitter.
- Keep race sessions responsive while guest Wi-Fi is active.
- Segment operations vs. sim traffic using VLANs and basic firewalling.
- Document a plan that’s scalable and easy to hand off.
Approach
- Terminated and tested Cat6 runs; assisted with structured cabling layout.
- Drafted a VLAN design (Ops, Sims, Guest) with port map for HP ProCurve.
- Performed partial configuration on OpenWRT (DHCP scopes, base firewall rules) and ProCurve (sample VLANs, tagged uplink).
- Benchmarked latency/jitter under light load to validate the baseline.
Project Environment
Early stage photo of the arcade floor during cabling work and layout planning.
Status: Groundwork complete; full VLAN/QoS rollout planned but paused by client. The configuration and port/VLAN plan are ready for future activation.
Outcomes
Wired-first backboneCat6 drops in place, labeled & tested
Segmentation planDocumented VLANs + port map for Ops/Sims/Guest
Ready to scaleStep-by-step runbook for full deployment
During preliminary tests, sim traffic showed stable performance on the wired baseline; QoS/VLAN effects remain to be validated in a full rollout.
Technical Appendix
Completed
Partial
Planned
Cable Plant
Cat6 terminations, continuity & labeling
Switching
HP ProCurve — VLANs (sample), trunk/access, port notes
Routing
OpenWRT — DHCP scopes, base firewall policy
QoS
Priority classes for sim traffic
Wi-Fi
Guest SSID with isolation
Validation
Ping jitter + iperf baseline (light load)
Need reliable networking for an experience venue?
From cabling to VLAN design and OpenWRT tuning, I can deliver clear documentation and incremental rollouts that fit your timeline.