Home network plan: feedback and questions

[agunslinger]

Plan to Basic network to accommodate multiple room gaming locations and LAN to a couple TVs.

CURRENTLY:

1. Internet > DOCSIS3 Modem > Netgear AC3200 router
2. Spectrum business class internet (60 Mbps DOWN, 6 UP)
3. All hardware upstairs in 2 story home, downstairs fed wirelessly
4. Router LAN feeds 4 gaming computers upstairs
5. Router Wireless feeds 2 TVs upstairs and two downstairs.
6. Two downstairs TVs occasionally suffer lag and buffering.

PLAN:

1. Moving 2 upstairs gaming machines to basement
2. Feed LAN to basement and middle floor main TVs
3. Modem and Router stay upstairs where they are
4. Router LAN feeds 2 remaining upstairs gaming PCs
5. CAT5e run from upstairs router to new Basement switch
6. New basement switch LAN feeds 2 new gaming PCs and LAN feed to the 2 TVs (one basement, one middle floor)

Pending any warnings from you good people I only have two questions about this plan.

1. The easiest and most direct route for routing the LAN feed from third floor to basement involves dropping into the same small basement access area where the home electric service box is. In a perfect world I would put the switch in this same perfect space. But I assume its proximity to a house's main electric service box is a bad thing?
2. Any value to CAT6 in my situation? Cant imagine my needs requiring more than 5e.

All thoughts and opinions appreciated!

 

[Kartajan]

While a shielded Cat5/6 cable is designed to protect itself from outside interference, it isn't recommended to run them side-by-side to your electrical wiring. Typical is to run electrical down one stud and the Cat5/6 down a different stud.

You want to keep low voltage and high voltage separate so that stray nails, screws, and staples installed by less attentive individuals in the future can't puncture the cables and turn your low voltage wire into high voltage. There is always a chance some idiot is going to stick something electrically conductive where he ought not...

Cat 6 is only a good idea if 10GBE is potentially in your future, otherwise it is a waste of your dollar.

 

[agunslinger]

Thanks for the reply! I was afraid that would be the case with the proximity to breaker box. Its such a nice direct shot. Is there anythign I could run the table through conduit-wise that would protect it over that brief 10 foot run?

 

[Kartajan]

metal conduit that is grounded.. http://www.homedepot.com/b/Electric...t/Metallic/10-ft/N-5yc1vZbohlZ1z113dgZ1z117wb