Wiring new home network?

alexoc

alexoc

alexoc

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14 Nov 2008
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I'm hopefully buying my first home in the next couple of months and wanting to setup a home network that has some future proofing to it. Last time I was looking it seemed sensible to run 2/3 cat5e cables to each room as they are pretty flexible what you can do with them going forwards...

It looks like cat6 is really cheap now so I guess no reason not to use that.

All my duties will be for wired internet points / home server / networked audio / raspberry pi ect basic home uses.

Does anyone have any recommendations on anything else I should consider running whilst I'm making a mess of walls and floors ?
 
The only downside of Cat6 is that it's a bit thicker, and also less flexible. Not a showstopper, but it does make it a bit more difficult to work with.

Only you can decide how many and where the network points should be. Just install as many you sensibly ever can see a use for. The actual hardware isn't that expensive.

Hopefully you'll have a nice central location to run the cables back to.

It's much nicer to terminate everything at a patch panel rather than just leaving trailing cables and crimping plugs on.

Make sure you install network points near your telephone master socket.
 
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Use CCS (Connectix) cat6 modules, patch panel made by CCS and cable made by them.

This is what I use in work after testing around 8 different brands.

We've never had a CCS module fail, have installed over 600 of them.

NetStoreDirect sell everything you'll need
 
As bledd has said........I have just done my house with CAT 6 and got all my stuff from net store direct it all worked first time every time and it's been the best thing I have ever done in the house.

No waiting for large files to move over the network :)
 
10Gb switches, nics are very expensive so whilst future proofing is good you just need to realise there is no benefit to cat6a from a consumer pov.

If you have the room then go cat6a and install runs to the ceiling at each story in a centralized point in your home for wireless access points. Consider runs for CCTV outside the home also.

If you are staying there for 5 years or less then stick with cat5e as it is slightly cheaper but much more flexible.

Don't forget to buy a cheap label machine, they do wonders for your sanity because not all of us can afford a Fluke networking instrument. :p :(
 
Twirlywoos said:
10Gb switches, nics are very expensive so whilst future proofing is good you just need to realise there is no benefit to cat6a from a consumer pov.

If you have the room then go cat6a and install runs to the ceiling at each story in a centralized point in your home for wireless access points. Consider runs for CCTV outside the home also.

If you are staying there for 5 years or less then stick with cat5e as it is slightly cheaper but much more flexible.

Don't forget to buy a cheap label machine, they do wonders for your sanity because not all of us can afford a Fluke networking instrument. :p :(
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Not sure I'd bother with Cat6a at the moment, maybe when PoE continues growing as it has better heat dissipation but it is constantly becoming a smaller cable so I'd hold off currently.

I'd use Cat5e or Cat6 doesn't really matter, Cat5e is much easier to run in.
 
bremen1874 said:
It's a panel with multiple network ports you terminate the cables to.

Often discussed on this very forum if you search.
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That much I'd gleaned but why use one? Does it slot into the wall like a power plug and all the network cables in your wall terminate there? And you then use patch cables to hook up to your network switch?
 
Bluecube said:
That much I'd gleaned but why use one? Does it slot into the wall like a power plug and all the network cables in your wall terminate there? And you then use patch cables to hook up to your network switch?
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A patch panel is just a tidy way to terminate the cables. They allow you to have a lot of cables in a compact area. You do need a rack cabinet or bracket to mount the panel to (19"). Assuming your switch is of the correct size you can mount it to the same bracket.

You can just use faceplates at both ends of the cables. If you're only running a limited number of cables is can be a good option.

You also have the option of crimping plugs onto the ends of the cables and plugging them in directly. It's not pretty but it works.

Do whatever suits your situation and preference.
 
I'm thinking maybe some HDMI but cat5e/6 can carry that easily enough.

Are you having an AVR for home theatre,if so run some cables for the rear speakers to where you'll want them.
 
I think running a few HDMI comes in handy too. Run either cat5e/cat6, i'd probably just use cat5e. Excel is also worth a look its very good quality kit.

If your running 8 or less i'd just socket each end. Running them to under the stairs/loft or garage are usually good spots.
 
is it worth running hdmi and cat5e or can the cat5e cable be converted to hdmi ends? or go via a convertor?

I guess I'm asking is there an holy grail of cable that is the most flexible for most jobs?
 
You can run HDMI over Cat5e, Cat6, etc.

You'll need active hardware at each end. Some need two cables to work, others get away with a single cable.

Installing HDMI cables would be cheaper.
 
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