Basic Network Help

Hey guy my parents are getting some work done in the house which gives me a chance to get my room wired with Cat5e cable instead of using the damn wireless network.

All I want to do is get a cable from my room to the Linksys router (running Tomato firmware) downstairs, It would prob need about 10-15m of cable I reckon (obv I'll measure it first).

What I don't want to do is just have the wire just dangling out the side of a wall or the floor so what would I need to make it look like a phone socket would? Apart from the obvious faceplace and backplate.

Thanks.

Deleted. I didn't read the OP. :embarrassed:

You will need an RJ45 keystone, back box and facia, network testing kit and a BT Punchdown tool. I would run more than one while you have the opportunity.

I just networked my entire house during a recent re-wire, it was relatively painless. Just make sure you read up and view some videos on youtube etc on how to wire a socket using a punchdown tool and you're good to go!

Use Cat5e cable. You'll need a module for your room and preferably at the other end at the router, rather than terminating with an RJ-45 plug straight into the router.

You'll need a punch down tool to wire up each wall socket and then two patch leads off each module. I'd stick to the B wiring standard if I were you. I wouldnt advise making your own patch leads....I found this near on impossible to get right!!!!

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/10030/...let-Kit-Single

http://www.screwfix.com/cats/A331844...ng/Patch-Leads

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/61767/...unch-Down-Tool - Can be had for around £5 elsewhere

Just to add.

Never just run 1 cable length. Run 2 just incase.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jay

You will need an RJ45 keystone, back box and facia, network testing kit and a BT Punchdown tool. I would run more than one while you have the opportunity.

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Do you mean run more than one cable? Whats the benefit in doing that?

Ok so I've got the following in a cart at screwfix.com:

Cat 5E Cable 50M Beige Reel - £20.42
IDC Insertion Tool - £8.39
Philex RJ45 Module Outlet Kit Single x2 - £11.42

Is that everything I'll need?

you run more than one becuase in the event that one cable has a fault at some point you always have a backup

And a pull cable :)

Forget the network testing kit, it's only an A to B run, just do it an make sure it works.

Oh and run CAT6, for that length it's cheap as chips.

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Originally Posted by daniel_owen_uk

And a pull cable :)

Forget the network testing kit, it's only an A to B run, just do it an make sure it works.

Oh and run CAT6, for that length it's cheap as chips.

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Whats the benefits of using CAT6 over CAT5e?

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Originally Posted by Guppy

Whats the benefits of using CAT6 over CAT5e?

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People will claim CAT6 is futureproof but I'd still stick with CAT5e, especially as you're building a home network.

If you plan on doing massive amounts of data transfer where speed is of the essence and you have the equipment to support it, go for CAT6 otherwise CAT5e will support gigabit ethernet, is cheaper and easier to run.

CAT6 is only really good if you expect to have a lot of RF in the area

But is the cost difference enough to not do it?

Whilst I am not saying CAT6 will give you lots of advantages it is superior, and what the cost difference? A couple of quid?

Stick with CAT5e - really no point in looking at CAT6 (and then only in an office environment). Other option is look at using Homeplug adapters.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Guppy

Do you mean run more than one cable? Whats the benefit in doing that?

Ok so I've got the following in a cart at screwfix.com:

Cat 5E Cable 50M Beige Reel - £20.42
IDC Insertion Tool - £8.39
Philex RJ45 Module Outlet Kit Single x2 - £11.42

Is that everything I'll need?

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Looks it to me. The module will have some brief instructions on how to wire them, just make sure you follow the same standard at each end. B is by far the most common so stick with that.

It really is very easy to wire up the modules, shouldnt take more than 10mins to do both once everything is in place. Ensure you punch the wires right down into the module and try not to flex the plastic sides as this will affect the connection.

Keep the pairs twisted right into the module. The more you untwist them, the slower the connection.

http://www.symatech.net/568a-and-568b-wiring-standards

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mufa

thnx..
are there any cheaper alternative around?

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Cheaper than what?

EDIT: Forget that, I see you're just shooting out posts all over the place for some odd reason, nothing to see here, move on.

I paid 18p for my insertation tool, just buy a plastic one, for two sockets (well I would fit 4).

http://www.revealcable.co.uk/acatalo...s.html#aAA3699

http://www.play.com/PC/PCs/4-/3518885/Cat5e-Single-Socket-RJ45-Ethernet-Network-Face-Plate/Product.html?ptsl=1&ob=Price&fb=0&&_$ja=tsid:11518|cc:|prd:3518885|cat:Networking

(that's a single mind)

Can be had much cheaper than prices quoted.

Go to a nearby electronics store, they will cut you some cat 5 for a couple of quid (I have spool of 300M that cost less than £30).

since you are doing the networking for you room. Why not just do a proper network design to wire the whole house. and you can set up a smart home before you know it. I am sure your parent will be impressed on what technology can lighten their daily lives.

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Originally Posted by singdollar

since you are doing the networking for you room. Why not just do a proper network design to wire the whole house.

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Brilliant!

Some good advice and some not good advice so far.
Cat6 is a major pain in the bum to run at home without kinking the cable - the inner sleeve is just too stiff. Run cat5e, you'll be dead before you exceed it'[s bandwidth with 1 run! Definately run 2 cables just incase!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Go here http://www.swhowto.com/ and find out everything you need to know about wiring a network in your home.

Go here to buy you stuff www.toolstation.com


http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Elec.../sd2745/p64596 double RJ45 wall socket £5 (you'll need 2, one for each end of the run)
pattress box 38p
patch cables from 63p

Cable has become more expensive in the last few years due to the price of copper, see if you can find a local computer store who are willing to cut the length you need from a reel otherwise ebay is the best place to get cut lenths if you don't need a whole box.

Buy a punchdown tool, http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Elec.../sd2745/p40716 , as the plastic one use ones are terrible and will cause you problems. You should be able to do the whole job for less than £50 no bother.