TP-Link VX231v Mounting Bracket

A bracket to neatly mount a TP-Link VX231x Wi-Fi 6 Modem Router inside a Hager VU36NW multimedia distribution box.

Before you comment: I don't use the Wi-Fi of this modem, it is turned off. I use a separate Wi-Fi Mesh system (TP-Link Deco Mesh) outside this box that is connected via Ethernet to this modem.

Print Guide:

• You can print it however you like. I've used default 2 walls and Gyroid infill.
• I recommend PLA+/PLA Tough or PETG. Regular PLA is too brittle because see below.

Installation:

• Each bracket is slided on the modem from the side. As the cutouts in the bracket are exactly fitted to the slightly bend design of the modem, the brackets will fit and stop sliding around 2cm from each edge.
• Each bracket is marked with an arrow on its outside pointing up, showing you which bracked goes on which side and which side is up.
   
• The clamps for the metal back plate of the distribution box have to be slightly bend to clamp onto the metal backplate (that is why regular PLA is not recommended).
• Dimensions:
  • The perforated metal backplates of the Hager VU36NW are around 95mm in height and around 2,2mm thick. The clamps should also work with backplates that are only around 92mm in height.
  • The distance from the metal backplate to the foremost point of the bracket is around 75mm. If you have at least around 75mm depth clearance between metal backplate and metal door, this mounting brackets will fit inside your distribution box.
  • The brackets are 80.3 mm in depth.

Background: 

For some unknown reason, German building regulations stipulate that telephone and Internet connections should be installed in a protected and shielded distribution box with a metal frame and metal door in the home.

Basically, this is a Faraday box that is also equipped with brackets by the manufacterer(!) to mount a modem inside this Faraday box. Welcome to bureaucratic Germany.

Issues:

1. The brackets provided by manufacturer of these distribution boxes are absolute garbage and break instantly.
2. Most default modems provided by the internet providers are just too big and wide to fit inside this standardised distrubution box.
3. Even if I yolo-cross-wire an Ethernet connection directly through the ethernet distribution bracket to an ethernet outlet outside this Faraday box and connect the modem there, I would get reliability issues.

Solution:

1. Get yourself a modern modem router like a TP-Link VX231x that is compact and actually fits inside this standardized box. (The VX231x can replace any ISP modem like Telekom Speedport, Fritzbox or Vodafone Easybox.)
2. Measure the living hell out of everything.
3. Design a custom bracket that allows you to easily remove the modem in case of network emergencies, therefore don't use screws.
4. Neatly mount your new modem inside this distrubiton box in accordance with the building regulations.
5. Return your 5 year old ISP modem, for which you probably still pay 5 Euros rent per month to your ISP.
6. Share it on Makerworld, include .step file.
7. ???
8. Profit (Karma I guess).