Evidently, I can't pm until I have at least 10 posts here. I used to have an account with more posts, but it was on the old system and it's gone now. How much are you asking for the switch? Is tp-link a good brand? Never heard of it.
Also, what's the best way to finish up in the basement? Should I just put ends on the cables and run them directly into the switch? Or should I use keystone jacks and a wall-mount patch panel?
(edit: I read the installation sticky on the first page! cookie please.)
Thanks!
It all depends on what you want your hub to look like. A patch panel isn't necessary unless you move cables around a lot. Patch panels are used to reduce the wear on the connectors of long runs of cables, such as those that go through walls. It is a nice way to finish off a home network, but by no means is it necessary for a home network.
You should definitely use keystone jacks throughout the house, but running the cable directly into the switch in the basement is what most home networks do. I'd build channels in the ceiling of the basement to hold the wires up. You may also want to consider a 16 port switch. 8 ports may seem like a lot, but they get used up quickly. Plug in a NAS, internet, wireless access point, media center (possibly multiple runs just to the media center), 2 x computer, guest access, and such and you've burnt through those 8 quickly.
Also, if you do not have wall plates or easy access to the walls, then you can always use the floor mounted boxes. Simply drill a small hole to the basement through the floor, run your wires up, mount the box to the floor, and you are finished. Much easier than fishing them through the walls. This works well under desks or behind a media center, but not so well in areas where they will be obvious.
Monoprice 8 port switch:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10521&cs_id=1052104&p_id=7857&seq=1&format=2
They also sell CAT-6, keystone jacks, and other misc supplies extremely cheap. Their stuff is good quality.
