Hi,

 

I am looking at a major extension / renovation and I am looking to have some wired data ports installed. I already have a proper data cabinet sourced (550W x 650H x 450D). I will have a patch panel 24 ports. I will have fiber by the time everything is done.

 

 

Primary use of the wired network will be

 

- to access reliably a NAS from 1-2 smart TVs and 1-2 wired computers, Panasonic Freeview recorder, maybe a Tivo if the home network feature will become available as un upgrade... The TVs of course have wireless but wired is better, right?

 

- one wireless access point somewhere in the house (the cabinet is in garage / basement)

 

- provision for future 3-4 security cameras with the associated recorder?

 

- Cabling and patch panel will be Cat5e rated.

 

 

The security cameras will require PoE, this being the easiest way - correct?

 

Ideally I am after an un-managed switch (simpler to install) not necessarily with 24 ports - say 12 or 16 should be enough.

 

 

Question 1:

 

do I really need Gigabit ports on the switch, or does the "fast ethernet" 10/100 meet the requirements for what I intend to do? The NAS includes a Gigabit ethernet port. If 10/100 is enough, these switches are cheaper and they can have the PoE built-in. I am not looking for a high end switch, these would be generally managed devices and I will easily get lost through the settings...

 

 

Question 2:

 

is it better to get the PoE feature as part of the switch from the beginning, or can I add a second (smaller) switch with PoE capability later? Will this complicate the network / setting addresses?

 

 

Question 3:

 

I can get one of these for a good price: Foundry Networks FastIron Edge X424

 

On paper it sounds good quality hardware, 24 ports Gigabit. It is managed though, and there is no PoE.

 

Should I grab it?

 

 

 

 

Many thanks in advance.