Home Networking: Cat5 Installation

~Divine~Wind~

~Divine~Wind~

~Divine~Wind~

Can't type for toffee
Don
Joined
14 Jun 2004
Posts
17,536
Location
Newcastle U/T
Just a few Q's before I run the cables.

I have faceplates/wallboxes and keystones, assuming I just follow the color coding on the keystones?

The ones I have are labelled A/B, I'm assuming you just wire up A one side and B the other?
jack1.jpg

jack2.jpg


I have faceplates that hold 4 keystones and was thinking of running 4 cables to each room, 8 to the sitting room beside TV. I have a patch panel ready also and a small switch. Is there any point in running 8 to beside the TV or if I connected a hub/switch here also would 4 runs be enough?

Also what cables do I need from the faceplates? Straight or crossover?

Also any tips/pointers before running it all?
I have a cable tester ready and Will be testing each cable when punched.

I'm hoping a reel will be enough if not will order another, was only £35 or so.
LSOH purple sleeved stuff. should be fine yeah?
 
No, you need to match A to A. (or B to B) They are the 2 different wiring standards. You just want standard patch cables. If you have gigabit, there is zero requirment for crossover cables. Try not to run them alongside power cables. Though it will probably be fine!
Why 8 to the TV? 4 would be enough. TV, Sky, game console, PC?
 
PhillyDee, which do I use then A or B? or as long as its all the same doesnt it matter?
All Network cards are gigabit yeah, however dont think the switch or router (generic sky jobby) are so speeds will be limited.

New TV will be smart so connection for that, HTPC,xbox,sky, and was thinking of getting a PS3 at some point so would need another.

Thanks Griff I already have the images, just wasn't sue which I needed for the faceplates.
 
PhillyDee said:
Why 8 to the TV? 4 would be enough. TV, Sky, game console, PC?
Click to expand...

PhillyDee: Don't forget the blue ray player, av receiver, both of mine have DNLA functions, I only have 6 outlets, so 8 isn't excessive.

Just has a count up & I could actually use 10.:eek:
 
Last edited:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TIA/EIA-568#Wiring

Not sure if plugging an ethernet into the port thats wired as the T568A standard would cause an issue if you wired it up as the T568B standard.....thinking about it though probably not as the pins are still paired the same just the core colours are different.

Might be worth installing CAT6 as thats good for 10Gbit (or more?) as i think CAT5e is good for 1Gbit generally.....you know how fast things move on! We are already looking at 100Mbit+ internet connections for example and SSD's will be replace mech hard drives as the years go by.
 
Extra ports are always useful for future expansion. For example if you ever want to use only VOIP phones in your house you could easily set aside 1 port in each room for that use. Where as if you don't have any spare ports where you may want a phone then that means additional switches and cables. Better to have too many than too few.
 
A or B makes no odds as long as YOU know what you used.

Use B though, far more common practice.

Be careful when running cable, no kinks or risking damage (E.g. - if it's not coming through a run hole freely, don't hang yourself from it :p)

When going around corners use nice gradual turns, not harsh right angles. Avoid running parallel to power lines if you can. If you are using cable clips then use the right size and when knocking in be careful not to hit the cable or nail them in too tightly that they compress the cable itself.

Leave enough surplus at either end to allow for a mistake or 2 when punching down. Use a proper IDC punchdown tool, not the crappy plastic things.
 
~Divine~Wind~ said:
PhillyDee, which do I use then A or B? or as long as its all the same doesnt it matter?
All Network cards are gigabit yeah, however dont think the switch or router (generic sky jobby) are so speeds will be limited.

New TV will be smart so connection for that, HTPC,xbox,sky, and was thinking of getting a PS3 at some point so would need another.

Thanks Griff I already have the images, just wasn't sue which I needed for the faceplates.
Click to expand...

As long as you follow the same standard all the way round, it wont matter which one you make.. Hell could make up your own (although I dont recommend this :p).
 
Most of it is long straight runs, goin under floorboads and dropped down thru the walls so not too many tight turns.

So in each room I'll have a little 4 port faceplate, gonna be a large amount of faceplate at the other end all in one room tho lol
 
I terminated all my cables in the loft to a Cat 6 patch panel & gigabit switch, then dropped a cable down into a cupboard to the Draytek 2750N.
 
cheechm said:
If you end up running HDMI over Cat5e then you can't run it through hubs, and for HDMI and IR sends you'd need 2 separate runs.
Click to expand...

This is a key point - if you are thinking of using HDMI over baluns etc, then do not terminate the wires, just hide the extras behind skirting etc - as baluns dont like to go through plus/keystones/wall plates/patch leads etc - they almost need a direct connection

R

Mehul
 
I think the A can be used for phones as well? The B is more common however it makes no real difference wether you chose A or B as long as you stick to it throughout the network.

I have just started to wire up my house with cat5e and I have used 568A throughout, got 6 sockets fitted so far in the living room, just another 2 to do in that room and 4 for the spare room/office. Much better to fit more than you need to save the hassle of fitting more wires at a later date!

Dave
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom