help with cable install

beachBOYken · 30 Jan 2017 at 16:32

Hi

Need some advise on best way to run network cabling to a new area in my house.

I would like to move my desktop computer to another room as well as my router.

I have VM broadband and have the superhub is in modem mode in the front room along with my router.

is it best to install wall patch boxes or is there a better way?

Im really unsure how I go about moving my router and how I install the cables I need to reach the superhub.

In short I need to run more cables to a new room, should I use wall socket network panels or run the cat cables direct?

peterwalkley · 30 Jan 2017 at 16:48

Its a trade off between how neat a job you want and the effort you want to put in.

What's on your floors ? I've been able to run cables in the small gap between the carpet gripper strips and skirting board so its all buried under the carpet, and then just 'pops' up to a hole I could drill just above the skirting board to get into the adjacent room. The 'entry' point hidden behind the TV with all the other cables and 'exit' behind other furniture.

Junction box is overkill unless you are talking about burying the cables behind the walls. Just run to a network switch for the room.

thenewoc · 30 Jan 2017 at 16:54

It's best to run solid core Ethernet between a central location where you'd put a patch panel and each room where you'd terminate the cable in pattress boxes with network faceplates attached. I'm defining best as most professional, neatest long term solution if you want it to be an asset to the property.

You have 3 options off the top of my head for the router;

1. keep the all in one router you have next to the existing modem.

2. replace router with something like a Ubiquiti USG which only acts as a router but this is because this option is tied with improving wifi by using separate WAP's.

3. install a couple of Ethernet ports next to the modem and connect the WAN port from the modem to one of these. In the patch panel location you can use a patch cable between the port on the patch panel that corresponds to the modem connection and connect this patch cable to the WAN port of a rack mounted router or just wall mount something like the Ubiquiti USG near the rack.

It depends how handy you are at DIY as there's no really easy way to route cable, that's why if you do it you should put plenty of sockets in so you never have to revisit pulling cable.

You can also get cable conduit style skirting boards which could help but it depends whether you just want sockets on one floor, throughout the house becomes more complicated as it means routing cable through partition walls or cupboards to traverse floors or if your happy with forgoing some physical network security you could use some external grade Ethernet and route via the outside of the property and have a switch on each floor.

beachBOYken · 30 Jan 2017 at 17:14

Thanks both.

I was thinking maybe get a 3/4 panel network box and run that from the front to where I need to place my pc and router.

Most devices in my house use wifi but I would like to position my router to give a better signal throughout.

Is it ok to have the hub which is in modem mode connected to a network wall socket and then the same for my router the other end, wasn't sure if this needed a direct cable connection, I think thats option 3.

thenewoc · 30 Jan 2017 at 17:30

beachBOYken said:
Thanks both.

I was thinking maybe get a 3/4 panel network box and run that from the front to where I need to place my pc and router.

Most devices in my house use wifi but I would like to position my router to give a better signal throughout.

Is it ok to have the hub which is in modem mode connected to a network wall socket and then the same for my router the other end, wasn't sure if this needed a direct cable connection, I think thats option 3.

Not sure what you mean by 3/4 panel network box?

Option 3 is in effect a WAN connection when done like that but using some solid core Ethernet between the wall sockets and patch cables each end to complete the connection.

If you only use an all in one router it should be positioned where most wifi usage takes place if you want the best speeds. Speed drops off over distance so the all in one router is a compromise as to whether you want it where it's going to be most useful in terms of speed, in particular for 5G or you trade speed for being able to hopefully make a connection at the fringes of its range by moving it more central.

beachBOYken · 30 Jan 2017 at 17:44

Sorry yes option 3 is what I may do.

I meant a wall socket with 3 or 4 connections, not sure I will do that though.

Can you get double wall sockets?

beachBOYken · 30 Jan 2017 at 17:47

delete

bremen1874 · 30 Jan 2017 at 17:48

You can buy double sockets. You'll need to run one cable per socket.

beachBOYken · 30 Jan 2017 at 17:50

bremen1874 said:
You can buy double sockets. You'll need to run one cable per socket.

if i need more connections at the end I don't have the router and dont want to run more cabling is there some kind of ethernet port extender box I can get?

neodude · 30 Jan 2017 at 17:54

Yep, it's called a switch.

bremen1874 · 30 Jan 2017 at 17:55

Could you knock up a quick diagram showing what you're trying to achieve? Preferably before and after versions.

You just need to show Virgin hub, router and the wired devices.

beachBOYken · 30 Jan 2017 at 18:35

bremen1874 said:
Could you knock up a quick diagram showing what you're trying to achieve? Preferably before and after versions.

You just need to show Virgin hub, router and the wired devices.

Not got time tonight now, I will try and draw a diagram next weekend after work.

I really just want my router central in the house instead of stuck at front by the TV where VM have installed everything.

I don't want to add any access points either.

cheers

bremen1874 · 30 Jan 2017 at 19:07

Moving the router is simple. You just need to extend the existing connection from it to the Virgin hub.

If you currently have any wired devices in the lounge you'll need to run another cable back from the LAN side of the router. You can connect multiple devices to this by adding a switch.

beachBOYken · 31 Jan 2017 at 09:41

May leave moving the router for now but I may install some cabling for a later date just in case.

I'm guessing cat 6 module wall plate sockets are the way to go now, instead of cat5.

Also are there any regulations to follow when laying cat 6 cable under floorboards?

bremen1874 · 31 Jan 2017 at 11:17

Either Cat5e or Cat6 will be fine. There's still plenty of life left in Cat5e and it's a easier to deal with.

No regulations as such to worry about (from a domestic diy point of view). The usual rules will apply if you're notching or drilling beams. Just keep some separation between your cables and any existing plumbing and mains wiring.