Connecting Ethernet Outlets in Apartment to Main Panel

[jaredster]

Hi there. This is probably a simple problem, but I can't figure out it.

I moved into a pretty new apartment which has a main panel at the front door. The ethernet outlets are apparently already connected at this panel.

Right now I have the modem and the PVR in the living room, but I want to plug the ethernet from my computer to my bedroom wall outlet.

Do I need to buy another component and some more cables to get it all hooked up?

I was going to connect the modem directly to the main panel (the "Suttle 8-port box) but I wasn't sure to which slot, and I would also need the white cable wire connected too.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Here's an image of my front panel and my modem/PVR:
https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B09lvi_yhN8dczZ0NnctdnMtZG8&usp=sharing

 

[Fardringle]

You need a router. It looks like there are currently 3 ports wired into the data portion of that patch panel so a router with 4 LAN ports should be adequate. Make it a wireless router if you also want to have wireless connectivity in the apartment. Connect the WAN/Internet port of the router to the modem. Connect the ports labeled 1, 3, and 5 on the lower part of the patch panel to LAN ports on the router. The corresponding wall ports in the rooms of the apartment will now have Internet access assuming everything is wired properly.

 

[jaredster]

Thank you so much!

The Linksys E1200 Wireless N300 802.11B/G/N Router is on sale, so I guess I'll go buy that.

 

[sdifox]

Does the coax into the cable mode come from the main panel as well? If so, move cable modem/router there and just use patch cable to connect the panel ports to the ports on your cable modem/ router.

 

[jaredster]

Yes, the white wire for cable also come from the main panel.

That's what I tried first. I connected the incoming white coaxial cable into my modem, and then an ethernet patch cable from the modem to positions 1 on the wall panel, and it didn't work. I also tried 3 and 5, and in fact, all of them, but no ethernet signal on my computer upstairs.

I also tried plugging into the ethernet-looking slot up top beside Line In, but that didn't work either.

 

[sdifox]

Yes, the white wire for cable also come from the main panel.

That's what I tried first. I connected the incoming white coaxial cable into my modem, and then an ethernet patch cable from the modem to positions 1 on the wall panel, and it didn't work. I also tried 3 and 5, and in fact, all of them, but no ethernet signal on my computer upstairs.

I also tried plugging into the ethernet-looking slot up top beside Line In, but that didn't work either.

So a direct line to the cable modem/router from yiur computer works but not through the patch panel? That points to faulty wiring.

 

[jaredster]

The modem itself worked when connected directly to the patch panel via the coaxial white cable (I got Wi-fi on my phone).

But after that, connecting an ethernet patch cable from the back of the modem to the ethernet connectors on the bottom of the panel (1, 3, 5, etc.) did not bring the internet to the upstairs ethernet outlet.

 

[sdifox]

The modem itself worked when connected directly to the patch panel via the coaxial white cable (I got Wi-fi on my phone).

But after that, connecting an ethernet patch cable from the back of the modem to the ethernet connectors on the bottom of the panel (1, 3, 5, etc.) did not bring the internet to the upstairs ethernet outlet.

But it works when you connect your computer directly to the cable modem?

 

[jaredster]

Yes. When I brought modem up to bedroom and ethernet directly connected from modem to computer, it works fine.

 

[sdifox]

Then it's the in wall wiring the issue. Either the ports are not labelled properly or broken.

 

[sdifox]

Try the other wall ports and see if any works.

 

[jaredster]

I just got a few more ethernet cables, and the other two wall ports (to the living room and the guest room) work. So it must be the electrical connection to the bedroom then.

The wall socket has always been finicky (the ethernet connector on the outlet often pushes right into the wall - it doesn't stay in place)... I've removed the panel and plugged the ethernet in directly, and it's still not working. I hope it's not a huge fix.

I guess I should get a router anyway.

 

[sdifox]

I just got a few more ethernet cables, and the other two wall ports (to the living room and the guest room) work. So it must be the electrical connection to the bedroom then.

The wall socket has always been finicky (the ethernet connector on the outlet often pushes right into the wall - it doesn't stay in place)... I've removed the panel and plugged the ethernet in directly, and it's still not working. I hope it's not a huge fix.

I guess I should get a router anyway.

You don't need a router. What you need is redone jacks. I do't know if it is both ends so it is easier to do both. Watch some youtube videos on how to do the sockets. Fairly simple really.


Example
http://www.monoprice.com/product?c_id=105&cp_id=10513&cs_id=1051309&p_id=5379&seq=1&format=2
http://www.monoprice.com/product?c_id=105&cp_id=10517&cs_id=1051704&p_id=7075&seq=1&format=2http://www.monoprice.com/product?c_id=105&cp_id=10517&cs_id=1051703&p_id=6726&seq=1&format=2

 

[jaredster]

Thanks for the help!

Is it a good idea to get a router for security?

 

[sdifox]

Thanks for the help!

Is it a good idea to get a router for security?

Your cable modem has a router I think. Check the manual

 

[jaredster]

Good point. It's a Cisco Dpc3825, so a modem and router in one.

 

[sdifox]

Good point. It's a Cisco Dpc3825, so a modem and router in one.

I dont think they make a cable modem with access point but no router and firewall :biggrin:

 

[pcm81]

I dont think they make a cable modem with access point but no router and firewall :biggrin:

I believe sidefox is correct. Looking at the picture it looks like patch pannel is just a pass-through, so you need to connect modem to a WAN port of the router and routers LAN ports to RJ45 jacks in the patch panel. In theory that should give you internet in the rooms if the cabling is not broken.

 

[QuietDad]

As a cable subcontractor, I'm sure that modem is a router, just check the back. If there is 4 ethernet ports on it, it is. If there is 4 ethernet ports on it and I was doing the install, I would put a two way cable switch in front of the three way in the cabinet. On lead would go to the three way and one to the modem that I'd put into cabinet. Then jump three of the modem ports to the ports in the cabinet. House is wired. As for the bad jack, since it's an apartment, the landlord/property manager is the first person I would call explaining the failure. They may deal with it, call the cable company or tell you your on your own. All depends.
If you want wireless, you can just stick an access point in any of the jacks in the house your not using. Hiding an access point in a metal cabinet never ends well.

 

[jaredster]

Thanks. I have a two-way cable switch, so I have moved it down to the main patch panel. I've called the developer to get the handyman to look at the bad jack so hopefully, it can be fixed. I also just got a router from a friend who has an extra, so I guess I'll use the existing one as a "bridge" (I think that's what it's called) in the metal cabinet with ethernet connections to the three rooms plugged in, and then connect the wi-fi router in the guest bedroom where I don't have a computer. Hopefully that will work.

 

[sdifox]

Thanks. I have a two-way cable switch, so I have moved it down to the main patch panel. I've called the developer to get the handyman to look at the bad jack so hopefully, it can be fixed. I also just got a router from a friend who has an extra, so I guess I'll use the existing one as a "bridge" (I think that's what it's called) in the metal cabinet with ethernet connections to the three rooms plugged in, and then connect the wi-fi router in the guest bedroom where I don't have a computer. Hopefully that will work.

Make sure you turn off the router part on the one your friend gave you.