Network cables in house

[tk149]

Cables2.jpg

Cables1.jpg

This is located in the basement of my house next to the fusebox. There are RJ45 jacks throughout the house. Assuming they're connected to these ends, how would I go about setting up a home network?

I'm a novice, speak to me using short words.

 

[ksheets]

You could get something like this
http://www.tigerdirect.com/app...EdpNo=294186&CatId=208

Then get some punchdown jacks (they snap into the panel)- the jacks will have the colors labeled and you just punch down each color cable accordingly into the jack. Then just run ethernet patch cables into a switch and youre good to go.

Otherwise, if you know how to make Ethernet cables, you could just crimp RJ45 ends onto the cables and hook them into a switch.

 

[kevnich2]

It looks like those cat5 cables were installed as phone cables judging by how all the wires are twisted together. Kind of a shotty job if you ask me though. I'd take some wire cutters and cut them all back, then punch all the separate cables into a punch down block.

 

[spidey07]

You'll have to see how the other end (RJ45 plugs) are wired. Should be 568a or 568b (google will tell you more on these). Then as suggested just punch down the other ends of the cable you have pictured. You might have to cut the cables back some because you'll need to maintain that twist in the wire pairs right up to the punchdown/jack.

It looks like an electrician did those, they normally botch the entire thing up.

 

[tk149]

Thanks for the responses, everyone. Is my understanding correct?

Option 1:
Buy the Keystone Jack Patch Panel linked by ksheets, and I'll also need:
- punchdown jacks
- punchdown tool
- more network cables

Option 2:
Crimp RJ-45 ends onto the cables. I have crimped a few network cables before.

Is there any advantage to either option?

In either case, I will still need to buy a switch? A friend offered me a spare router (WRT54G) - will this work? I only need about 3 or 4 of the jacks working.

I already have a DSL connection hooked up to my wireless router upstairs. How would I incorporate this into the home network?

 

[spidey07]

Use keystone jacks. Any switch will work, the wrt54 would be fine, just disable DHCP on it and use patch cables to plug into your jacks. Your router would be on the other end of the inwall cables.