Home Network Configuration Step 3 (Cables)
The third step is to select the cables you need.
One room or whole house?
Even if you want a wireless network, you will still need CAT5
cables from your cable/DSL modem to the router/access point - this
cable may be included in the package, but be sure to check that.
For one room only, you can probably get away with some standard
Ethernet cables running along the panels or something like that.
If you want to wire up the whole home, I would recommend you do
that exactly like they do in small offices. Install wall-mount RJ45
connectors in all the rooms you want to have network access in. Then
run individual CAT5 cables to a central location, where you place a
small patch panel. In the patch panel you connect the
router/switch/hub to the active ports, so you have an easy way to
change the configuration of your network if you rearrange computers
etc.
If you are building new or remodeling your home, my
recommendation is to install plastic tubes in wall/ceiling for
pulling cables - so in case you want to upgrade the network some
day, that can easily be done by pulling new cables in the same
tubes.
My Recommendations
One Room
Whole House
Warning: The Outpost.com links below does
not work until they pay their bills! I don't know if they are in
trouble after Fry's bought them, but apparently they don't pay on
time.
1) Roll(s) of CAT5 cable (get 350ft or 1000ft depending on
the size of your network/house).
FastCA5e Bulk
TPremise Cable, UTP, Solid, 1000' Roll
2) Wall-mount RJ45 connectors (one for each network location
in your home). I think these are ugly, but that's what you get from
being spoiled with european contemporary styling. Remember you need
the actual RJ45 connector for terminating the cable also.
Belkin 1 port
RJ45 faceplate
3) Small patch panel (with enough plugs to terminate all
your cables and maybe a few spares). This may be useful:
Unicom Cat 5,
12 Port RJ-45 Vertical Patch Panel
4) Plastic tubes for installation in new wall/ceiling.
Buy this from your local Radio Shack, Home Depot or other home
construction store. Fry's Electronics may also be a good source
(they are now merged with Outpost.com, so you may be able to order
everything on the web). The pictures above are from Outpost/Fry's,
but their affiliate program with linkshare is no longer working -
maybe they did not pay on time or something? Be careful when
ordering from them on the web.
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Step 2 - NIC's - Proceed to
Step 4 - Accesories >>
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