multiple cable runs vs just using a network switch?

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theobrandt

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#133534 25-Oct-2013 12:47

I.m going to put in some ethernet runs about the house to take advantage of the new UFB install happening next week!
I am getting my electrician to quote on it- and the price is probably reasonable- $225 for 100m of CAT6 ??
anyway- as the longest run (20m) is to the TV, it did make we wonder if I may as well just do one run of CAT6, and then should I want to network the bluray and tv and magic box etc etc, I could just pop an unmanaged network switch on the end by the tv? would there be lag or speed problems because of this.

i.e. cable from router/patch panel under the house to ethernet outlet. cable from outlet to TV. and then if required using a switch to add other devices with the TV- but putting the switch between the single outlet and the devices??? this would mean 20 m vs 80 m (I think 4 is plenty)

cheers Theo

Zeon

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#921624 25-Oct-2013 12:51

Would strongly suggest NOT doing that. Remember you can use cat6 for other things like HDMI, PoE all kinds of things.

In 10 years time i wouldn't be surprised if nearly all house lighting runs off cat6/whatever it is then with more to follow.

Also means you can centralize your network and AV gear in a single place for better distribution.

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trig42

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#921633 25-Oct-2013 13:07

What he said.

It will work fine with a switch, but having more cable in the walls will future proof you a bit.
One possibility is that you could get the electrician to run a couple of cables, or one cable plus a draw wire so you can add more in later if you need them.

jnimmo

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#921654 25-Oct-2013 13:44

It shouldn't take much extra time to do two or three CAT6 runs instead of just one - cable itself isn't expensive but the labour is. Definitely worth doing a few at once :)

theobrandt

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#921656 25-Oct-2013 13:50

thanks all- think I'll stick to a multiple run- and probably DIY- there's plenty of info on geekzone regarding how to do that!

timmmay

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#921764 25-Oct-2013 16:06

I have one run plus a switch, it works fine.

hsvhel

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#921768 25-Oct-2013 16:12

^^Second that, i have a switch in behind the TV. All works well but if you can, a draw wire is a minimum.

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RunningMan

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#921769 25-Oct-2013 16:14

If you are going to the effort of installing 1 run, then install a couple more, even if you don't terminate them right now. The cable cost is cheap compared to wanting to put more in at a later date (unless you have an easy cable path with draw wires).

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richms

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#921838 25-Oct-2013 18:32

Who knows what might happen to liven up a second ufb port for entertainment services like sky etc so run multiples. Don't forget games consoles etc as well.

Richard rich.ms

DarthKermit

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#922388 27-Oct-2013 11:03

Either run multiple cables or have conduit installed to allow for extra cables in the future. Don't lock yourself in.

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webwat

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#922542 27-Oct-2013 17:07

Assuming you can pull more cables through with an existing draw wire can suprise you when it snags on something inside the wall, and you don't know until you try to pull a bundle of cables with it.

Best to leave the compromises for later when you find you need more connections than expected. The little switch might be ok for existing stuff, but might not be sufficient for the next TV or whatever else shares the outlet later on. The next generation of HDTV video could need a faster link or would make other network traffic laggy -- its not so compatible with gaming etc through a shared network link. I think the normal recommendation is 4 cables to the main TV (where you might have Sky or a media player etc) and 2 cables everywhere else if theres more than just a phone or wifi by itself.

Time to find a new industry!

richms

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#922561 27-Oct-2013 17:42

I would say the 4 is enough for networking, if you are starting to think about HDMI over cat-5 then another 4 would cover that, 2 for each way to a centralized splitter if you are using the cheaper 2 cable adapters.

Also keep in mind that HDMI over cat-5 will be no good come 4k time, that will be way too high bitrate for a passive adaption and will probably need more advanced stuff and probably cat6 or whatever comes after that. So keep those runs open for new cables to be pulled. Perhaps it will be some form of fiber or similar. Holes are cheap to make, one cat5 in each to use as a draw wire in the future and you should be good to go.

Richard rich.ms