Extending my home network

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gedc

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#82572 2-May-2011 12:54

Hi guys

Have been running a home network from my dynalink 1025w for last couple of years. Given we( kids ) appear to have adopted a whole host of ethernet compliant devices I've just realised i'm a few short with regards lan ports to plug into.The 1025W is wireless and although it works fairly well I've had instances around the house where it drops out mid job so am keen to stay hard wired.

I currently have the router / modem plugged into the wall and my main desktop PC is plugged into LAN 1. The other 3 Lan ports are now full with PS3, xbox, laptops etc around the home.

I was thinking of putting a powered 16port switch in the loft and running everything from that via ethernet and install wallplates into each roome and then using one cable from the switch into Lan1 on the 1025W.

Is it as simple as that?

Thanks again

Ged

timmmay

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#464464 2-May-2011 13:11

That sounds like a decent plan to me, but running all those cables and putting in the panels will be a heck of a job!

Unless you have high bandwidth needs i'd suggest you try wireless with a newer WAP, mine works fine for web browsing, downloads, etc. The only thing I need wired for is my TV/PS3 system, wireless just couldn't keep up with fast scenes in standard def movies and had no hope with high def. That may be because the PS3 isn't very good at wireless, but even using another WAP as a client didn't really help much.

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Virgil

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#464472 2-May-2011 13:33

Hi Ged

That is exactly what I did, and don't regret it for a moment. Set up a 24-port patch panel in your chosen location (I was generously allowed tho bottom portion of a linen cupboard) and run internal cables from there to wall ports in each room.

Run at least 2 cables to each point, even if it seems overkill now you never know when you will appreciate the extra port! It takes zero extra time and a few extra cents for great futureproofing. For the same reason, use Cat 6 cables and connectors if at all possible.

From there anything is possible. You could move the router and telecom jack point into the loft as well, creating a tidier desk area. If it interests you, you could set up a Windows Home Server up there as well, automatically backing up all your boxes each night. All out of sight and out of mind.

Good luck with it!

Cheers

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Ragnor

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#464476 2-May-2011 13:43

Sounds like you are on the right track, have a look at the TCF Premises Wiring guidelines, the one you want to probably have a look at is "Are you wiring for a smarthome?"
http://www.tcf.org.nz/premwiring

cyril7

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#464557 2-May-2011 16:50

Be ware of putting a switch in a loft (I presume you mean ceiling space), if its above the insulation in the ceiling then the temperature on even a modest summer day can soar into the 50s and fry your switch.

other than that go for it.

Cyril

michaelmurfy

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#464562 2-May-2011 16:58

I have got our house wired up with Ethernet (with Phone) in each of the rooms, then got all the equipment installed in the patch cupboard in the garage. This works well since I have got a central splitter in there, from there goes to my ADSL2+ Modem + the rest of the house with a WAP + 24pt Switch in there providing wireless + ethernet to the rest of the house.

The great thing with this is I have got a couple PoE (power over ethernet) wireless extenders at each end of the house since it's a rather big house.

It didn't cost too much, since got it when the house was getting built, but surely I don't regret it (2x TiVo's + server in one of the rooms + all the computers through the house) - If you need faster access to the server there are 24 ethernet jacks around the house to plug straight into.

Bliss. Do it!

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Dratsab

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#464570 2-May-2011 17:05

cyril7: Be ware of putting a switch in a loft (I presume you mean ceiling space), if its above the insulation in the ceiling then the temperature on even a modest summer day can soar into the 50s and fry your switch.

other than that go for it.

Cyril

I'd be a little wary of putting the modem/router up there for the same reasons and also if you need to reset it for any reason, you want it to be handy :-)

Virgil is spot on saying Cat6. A little more along the lines of future proofing - if you're going to be pushing (or thinking of pushing) HD signals through your network, you may also want to consider using a gigabyte switch to ensure you've got plenty of bandwidth.

timmmay

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#464584 2-May-2011 17:53

I had a temperature gauge in my ceiling all summer, it never reached 40 degrees. Still it's not a great environment for electronics, with the heat and dust. Buy a decent quality one and you may have better luck.

Zeon

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#464589 2-May-2011 18:02

I would recommend somewhere like the garage and preferably on an external facing wall as well (will make fibre installation much easier). Even better may be to get close to your current copper entry point but Garage seems to be the way. You don't want to go in the roof as its gonna get crazy hot up there!

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wreck90

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#464749 3-May-2011 09:05

Look for a switch with a lifetime warranty...eg, hp procurve 1410. Maybe netgear too?

I bought an el-cheapo switch which recently fried for no apparent reason.

Wish I'd spent a little extra now.