Small Network..

[ejoech]

hey everone. I want to begin by saying that I've read just about every topic pertaining to this subject and I've learned a LOT over a few hours..lots of great info on these forums..and thanks to everyone who contributed.

So, anyway. I need to network a house. The rooms are already wired with CAT5E...and they all come into a closet.

However, there will only be 6 computers in the entire house. I would like some room for expansion, though.

So, I've basically gathered the following information..but I still need some help. I have all the tools needed, and know how to do each task..but I'm just uncertain to exactly what equipment I need to purchase.


I plan on buying a patch panel. Most likely a 12 port, as shown here..

http://www.pcwebshopper.com/12porcat5pat.html

Instead of getting that, though, should i get this? :

http://www.pcwebshopper.com/min12porpatp.html

Since it includes a bracket..otherwise I would need a wall mount, correct?

I thought I could get a rackable switch and put it under the patch panel..but they seem to be pretty expensive. I thought I could go with an 8 port router/switch which would be cheaper, but I wouldn't be able to expand as much if I wanted to.

So I guess I'll have to purchase a 12 port patch panel...12 port switch...small router(nat box)..the brackets to hold the switch/patch panel up....patch cables..etc.

Is there a cheaper solution? Thanks a lot for the help..I appreciate it!!

 

[faZZter]

Why not just get an 8 port switch from say Newegg for like 27 dollars and a use it with the router of your choice? Seems thats all you really need....

 

[ejoech]

if i'm gonna do that, why not just get a 8 port router/switch? I was looking for more of a 12 port router/switch, but it seems that they don't make them..

 

[ScottMac]

Given the option, you're always better off going with a panel, then using patch cables to connect the switch.

The cabling "in the wall" is solid-conductor; it doesn't take a lot of flexion to reduce the performance ... and if you break it, the chances of pulling another cable in (without a lot of grief) is slim. Panels are easier to terminate properly if you're new to cable handling.

Panels also look better and give you more options for setting up the closet.

Go for a modest panel and a 1-4 unit wall-mount rack or rolling cabinet. If you don't have other rack-mount equipment, you can put a shelf in the cabinet.

Good Luck

Scott

 

[faZZter]

Originally posted by: ejoech
if i'm gonna do that, why not just get a 8 port router/switch? I was looking for more of a 12 port router/switch, but it seems that they don't make them..

Because you can get this (GIGAFAST ETHERNET 8 PORT SWITCH EZ800-S) switch for almost free after rebate (tax shipping) and you could get by on a four port router no prob......and they are cheap too.

I mean are you gonna be re-doing these connections all the time at your house changing things......doubtful. I just think a patch panel is overkill but if money doesnt matter then go for it, wouldn't cost that much more.

 

[ejoech]

Ahh I see what you're saying. That sounds pretty good. So then I could have 12 effective connections, right?

 

[StraightPipe]

I have that 8 port switch (mentioned above) plugged into my 4 port router. I needed extra ports so I just added the switch, works great. it was free after rebates! (it had 2 on it at the time)

now I've got 5 PC's 1 MAC, and a playstation 2 on there, all splitting one DSL connection, works great, I love DSL!

I was going to buy a spool of cat5e and crimpers, but i ended up just buying some nice premade cables from KinkClee, good service, and very helpful (i accidentally ordered a bunch of xover cables, and he wasnt able to refund because I had already opened the bundles, but he helped me get a bunch of xover couplers really cheap.)

edit: if you can find a 12 port router it would be more effiecent (and a tad quicker), plus less messy (the back side of my desk looks like a spiderweb)

 

[ejoech]

yea it doesn't seem like they make 12 port routers..

 

[faZZter]

Yeah.....well you'd use one port for the uplink right, so in effect you'd have 11 free ports to use.

I ordered one of those switches too seeing it was almost free......time to redo my house with hard wired connections to almost everything and back off the wireless. I need to find a good place to get the boxes and wall plates and everything.....do it right this time.