New network design

platypus

platypus

platypus

Caporegime
Joined
25 Jul 2003
Posts
40,456
Location
FR+UK
We're in the process of building an extension, and part of it will include a new wiring job, so I'm in the network planning stages.

Just posting for advice and things to consider/look out for.

I'm planning Cat5e to a few of the existing rooms, and all of the new rooms will have a network port (or 2) wallplate connected to a patch panel in the utility room in the extension.

I'm running two cables to every hard point just in case of failure.

Everythings running off Ubiquiti gear, the APs I have will run off PoE, and the cameras I intend to put in will also run off this.

Any thoughts gratefully received.
 
Personally I think running spares is a waste. Just run them in a way that makes them replaceable. Could put then in trunking or tubing.
 
I like the idea of running spares not necessarily to guard against failure but because of not knowing now why you might need them later. There's an awful lot of solutions that can run over Cat5e that you wouldn't want on the same infrastructure as your network. Off the top of my head I can think of HDMI extenders over long distances but who knows in the future.
 
Sounds good, I'd be tempted to put 4 ports in where you'll be having TV stuff and next to your PC, saves having to use a switch if you run out of ports on the wall.
 
BigT said:
I like the idea of running spares not necessarily to guard against failure but because of not knowing now why you might need them later. There's an awful lot of solutions that can run over Cat5e that you wouldn't want on the same infrastructure as your network. Off the top of my head I can think of HDMI extenders over long distances but who knows in the future.
Click to expand...
I was considering HDMI runs (or extenders) to then put all of our media equipment in the utility room as well, but then thought its just unnecessary expense. Plus, at some point in the future, we'll probably get a 4k telly (ie when 16k is the norm :D), and I don't know how future proof they are. Probably ok but again its the expense. I can't find any wall box HDMI extender kits that don't cost a fortune (eg a quick search shows £99 for a 50m extender kit!)

Maybe we'll go the trunking route as @bledd suggests, we've virtually a complete blank canvas so anything is on the table - trunking of course adds to the overall cost though.

My PC is going in a new office upstairs, so I don't really mind having a switch there, but as we're doing this new I think the wall ports are easier/look nicer @Glanza so yeah will go for that.

I think the thing is we don't plan on being in this house for ever, so something like Cat6 just isn't worth the expense for me.
 
So I've been thinking of a redesign of the network, unfortunately after everything has gone into the walls. Partly my own fault, but its mostly the missus' fault for wanting to move things around.

At present everything was designed to be switched in the utility room:
BERbUHm.png

(Purple box = cabinet, pink box = master socket).

Now there is a double run of cable up to the loft; my thinking is to just put a switch in the cabinets place and then run everything up in the loft out of the missus' way. Since the master socket is yet to go in, I could ask for it to go directly into the loft.

Or am I better off just putting my foot down and having the cabinet where we'd originally planned?
 
What's the 'everything' that'd be moved to the loft?

The main problem with lofts is that they can be stupidly hot in the summer which isn't great for active electronics.
 
That was my main bone of contention.

PoE switches, router, modem, firewall. All having the potential to run warm. The advantage of the loft I suppose is I could put some active cooling in and vent it directly outside I suppose.
 
Aye she's wanting to change the layout of things though that makes it difficult to get my cabinet in. I think I'll just tell her where to go :p.









and then apologies profusely and tell her its the only way.
 
platypus said:
That was my main bone of contention.

PoE switches, router, modem, firewall. All having the potential to run warm. The advantage of the loft I suppose is I could put some active cooling in and vent it directly outside I suppose.
Click to expand...
Something to consider is I've found it does vary from loft to loft. I'm running kit up there and it's placed as low down as I can get it and it's quite a big open space with the top of the apex being about 8ft so there is quite the temperature variation between standing up and crouching down to said networking equipment.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom