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Message
New construction home; networking questions; please help
Posted on 5/6/20 at 4:17 pm
Posted on 5/6/20 at 4:17 pm
So, I'm building a new house. Framing/plumbing/electrical rough ins are all done. Walls are still open and it's time for me to run some ethernet cable. But I've got some serious questions and I'm hoping the TD community can help me out here.
First, the things I know (or at least think I do):
1. I'm running Cat6 cables to every spot I intend on installing a security camera (PoE cameras).
2. I'm running Cat6 cable behind my television to hook my gaming console to. (I'm guessing while I'm there I should probably run multiple for future uses I don't currently see).
3. I'm running Cat6 cable to a small home office. Multiple drops there for hardwired connection to desktop/laptop and printer.
4. I'm running Cat6 cable to my "man cave" which is about 40 feet away from my house, but connected only by roofline via breezeway/carport. I have a connected desktop there that I use to run poker games, fantasy football drafts, etc. (man stuff).
5. All cables will terminate in a 4'x6' closet which is sort of centered on the house. This is where I will have my modem, router, security system NVR and monitor.
6. My television service is going to be through DishNetwork.
7. My cable internet service provider will be Charter Communications.
Questions:
1. Should I go overkill with the ethernet cable?
1a. Drop 4 lines behind TV?
1b. Drop multiple double ports in "man cave," just in case I move things around? During FF drafts, everyone wants to connect to the internet and wireless that far away from the house is unreliable and slow.
1c. Never had a television in my master bedroom, but maybe drop one there just in case?
2. If I make multiple drops at each location, it could end up being upwards of 20 ethernet cables coming into my "network closet." I'm ASSUMING (don't judge me here guys), that I need a "switch" or some sort of "hub" to plug all of these into, which then plugs into my wifi router?
3. Do I have any need for a "patch panel?" When trying to research future wiring my new construction home, I found a lot of people plugging into a "patch panel" and I guess I don't understand the difference between this and a "switch." Do I need both for some reason?
4. I learned about "access points" today for the first time. Can I make an ethernet run to my "man cave" and put an access point, like the Ubiquiti Networks Unifi 802.11ac Dual-Radio PRO Access Point, in there to get a good strong wifi signal for my card playing/fantasy football buddies?
5. If I can do that, can I run ethernet from the back of my wifi router to that access point? Will that work?
The way I'm envisioning this is:
Security camera ethernet runs all come into my network closet and get terminated in the wall in keystone jacks and then I run small patch cables from the wall to the back of the NVR directly (it's a 16 channel system for expansion reasons, but I will definitely have 8 cameras on it right away).
All other ethernet runs come into my network closet and plug into a hub/switch/patch panel thingamajig that then plugs into my router which is plugged into my modem....? Does that sound about right?
My wifi router will provide wifi access for the house and one ethernet run to the man cave for an access point there.
Any suggestion, guidance, advice, etc... would be MORE than GREATLY appreciated!!!!
Thanks guys!
*Post Edited*
Should I be running the coax behind my television and to where my modem will be? Or should I leave the coax behind the TV to DishNetwork and the coax to my modem to Charter Communications? If I run it, where do I run it to???
First, the things I know (or at least think I do):
1. I'm running Cat6 cables to every spot I intend on installing a security camera (PoE cameras).
2. I'm running Cat6 cable behind my television to hook my gaming console to. (I'm guessing while I'm there I should probably run multiple for future uses I don't currently see).
3. I'm running Cat6 cable to a small home office. Multiple drops there for hardwired connection to desktop/laptop and printer.
4. I'm running Cat6 cable to my "man cave" which is about 40 feet away from my house, but connected only by roofline via breezeway/carport. I have a connected desktop there that I use to run poker games, fantasy football drafts, etc. (man stuff).
5. All cables will terminate in a 4'x6' closet which is sort of centered on the house. This is where I will have my modem, router, security system NVR and monitor.
6. My television service is going to be through DishNetwork.
7. My cable internet service provider will be Charter Communications.
Questions:
1. Should I go overkill with the ethernet cable?
1a. Drop 4 lines behind TV?
1b. Drop multiple double ports in "man cave," just in case I move things around? During FF drafts, everyone wants to connect to the internet and wireless that far away from the house is unreliable and slow.
1c. Never had a television in my master bedroom, but maybe drop one there just in case?
2. If I make multiple drops at each location, it could end up being upwards of 20 ethernet cables coming into my "network closet." I'm ASSUMING (don't judge me here guys), that I need a "switch" or some sort of "hub" to plug all of these into, which then plugs into my wifi router?
3. Do I have any need for a "patch panel?" When trying to research future wiring my new construction home, I found a lot of people plugging into a "patch panel" and I guess I don't understand the difference between this and a "switch." Do I need both for some reason?
4. I learned about "access points" today for the first time. Can I make an ethernet run to my "man cave" and put an access point, like the Ubiquiti Networks Unifi 802.11ac Dual-Radio PRO Access Point, in there to get a good strong wifi signal for my card playing/fantasy football buddies?
5. If I can do that, can I run ethernet from the back of my wifi router to that access point? Will that work?
The way I'm envisioning this is:
Security camera ethernet runs all come into my network closet and get terminated in the wall in keystone jacks and then I run small patch cables from the wall to the back of the NVR directly (it's a 16 channel system for expansion reasons, but I will definitely have 8 cameras on it right away).
All other ethernet runs come into my network closet and plug into a hub/switch/patch panel thingamajig that then plugs into my router which is plugged into my modem....? Does that sound about right?
My wifi router will provide wifi access for the house and one ethernet run to the man cave for an access point there.
Any suggestion, guidance, advice, etc... would be MORE than GREATLY appreciated!!!!
Thanks guys!
*Post Edited*
Should I be running the coax behind my television and to where my modem will be? Or should I leave the coax behind the TV to DishNetwork and the coax to my modem to Charter Communications? If I run it, where do I run it to???
This post was edited on 5/6/20 at 4:30 pm
11
Posted on 5/6/20 at 4:23 pm to OneAyedJack
Network switches work well. Don't be afraid to use them. I would only run double cables to areas you might use something like an HDMI-over-ethernet adapter because they can require dual ethernet cables, I believe.
Posted on 5/6/20 at 4:25 pm to OneAyedJack
quote:
3. Do I have any need for a "patch panel?" When trying to research future wiring my new construction home, I found a lot of people plugging into a "patch panel" and I guess I don't understand the difference between this and a "switch." Do I need both for some reason?
A patch panel is just a manifold where you can land a cable on the back and plug another one in on the front for a continuous connection. So take a 24 port patch panel. You could bring in 24 cables from different spots in your house and terminate them all on a patch panel. Then, you connect from the patch panel to your network switch. If you are using 3 data connections in your house, you would just use short "jumpers" from the patch panel ports for those 3 cables and connect them to the switch.
Patch panels are almost completely for cosmetic purposes and cable management. They don't serve an actual purpose when it comes to data transmission.
Posted on 5/6/20 at 5:06 pm to OneAyedJack
quote:
4. I learned about "access points" today for the first time. Can I make an ethernet run to my "man cave" and put an access point, like the Ubiquiti Networks Unifi 802.11ac Dual-Radio PRO Access Point, in there to get a good strong wifi signal for my card playing/fantasy football buddies? 5. If I can do that, can I run ethernet from the back of my wifi router to that access point? Will that work?
Ethernet goes from the patch panel to the AP, or just directly from the switch to the AP if you don't use a patch panel.
Posted on 5/6/20 at 5:36 pm to OneAyedJack
quote:
1. Should I go overkill with the ethernet cable?
1a. Drop 4 lines behind TV?
1b. Drop multiple double ports in "man cave," just in case I move things around? During FF drafts, everyone wants to connect to the internet and wireless that far away from the house is unreliable and slow.
1c. Never had a television in my master bedroom, but maybe drop one there just in case?
IMO, no. I’d suggest running one coax and one Cat6 to each TV location. Multiple would be overkill unless you know somewhere you’ll need more than one (for example a cable to the TV and to a streaming device on/behind the TV). Even then, if you setup your wireless system properly, it will be fairly reliable and fast. Gaming would be the only thing I’d 100% say go wired.
quote:
2. I'm running Cat6 cable behind my television to hook my gaming console to. (I'm guessing while I'm there I should probably run multiple for future uses I don't currently see).
Will this be at the actual TV location or do you have a media cabinet/closet for this TV? Definitely have a cable for the gaming system and any streaming devices you plan to use. If in a cabinet with power, you could always add a switch here as well to connect multiple devices.
quote:
3. I'm running Cat6 cable to a small home office. Multiple drops there for hardwired connection to desktop/laptop and printer.
Similar to above, you could always add a local switch at the office location. Most of these devices can be run reliably from wireless, but I’d suggest at least 1 drop.
quote:
4. I'm running Cat6 cable to my "man cave" which is about 40 feet away from my house, but connected only by roofline via breezeway/carport. I have a connected desktop there that I use to run poker games, fantasy football drafts, etc. (man stuff).
I’d suggest installing an AP in this room. This will give you a strong wireless connection that should not crest any issues. If you would also use this room for gaming, run a drop where the gaming devices would be. In addition, some APs have Ethernet ports on them so you can expand locally if you needed to.
Just realized I got a little off on the explanation bs questions, but I’ll leave that above.
quote:
2. If I make multiple drops at each location, it could end up being upwards of 20 ethernet cables coming into my "network closet." I'm ASSUMING (don't judge me here guys), that I need a "switch" or some sort of "hub" to plug all of these into, which then plugs into my wifi router?
3. Do I have any need for a "patch panel?" When trying to research future wiring my new construction home, I found a lot of people plugging into a "patch panel" and I guess I don't understand the difference between this and a "switch." Do I need both for some reason?
You will need a network switch to cover at least all your connections. If you go with APs, you will also need a PoE switch. Ubiquiti makes one that works with their APs, but it’s not required.
The cameras don’t need to be routed through the switch, just plug them directly into the NVR. Or use a jumper if you want to spend the extra money to terminate to a Jack then have a patch cable. Patch panel was explained above and not really necessary. It would allow you to selective supply a connection to each room/location using a patch cable, vs plugging directly into the switch just keeps them always connected.
quote:
4. I learned about "access points" today for the first time. Can I make an ethernet run to my "man cave" and put an access point, like the Ubiquiti Networks Unifi 802.11ac Dual-Radio PRO Access Point, in there to get a good strong wifi signal for my card playing/fantasy football buddies?
5. If I can do that, can I run ethernet from the back of my wifi router to that access point? Will that work?
Access points or mesh system would be the best bet. Ubiquiti APs are not as user friendly, but they are a good product. It’s what I use and they work pretty well.
Posted on 5/6/20 at 5:57 pm to OneAyedJack
quote:
My wifi router will provide wifi access for the house and one ethernet run to the man cave for an access point there.
I assume you have a large house and if you want the best wifi coverage, you should plan on having an AP on every floor. Most of the Ubiquiti APs are designed to be ceiling mounted (the ufo looking ones) for optimal coverage. Though I've seen people put them behind couches, on desks etc and they still work fine. I'm using the Ubiquiti in wall APs which are smaller and designed to be wall mounted into a standard electrical box. I've got two of these per floor in my house.
Also, if you want good coverage outdoors; you should consider having an AP on your front & back deck/porch. Just pick a model that is outdoor rated.
BTW don't get the Ubiquiti UAP-AC-PRO. It's considered last generation and doesn't support MU-MIMO. Go for the UAP-nanoHD or UAP-AC-HD instead. Or if you don't want to ceiling mount go for the UAP-IW-HD or UAP-FlexHD.
https://help.ui.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012192813#3
https://help.ui.com/hc/en-us/articles/360008036574-UniFi-Access-Point-Comparison-Charts
This post was edited on 5/6/20 at 5:59 pm
Posted on 5/6/20 at 7:44 pm to OneAyedJack
I'm building right now, drywall starts tomorrow. I ran one drop to each location I wanted cat6. Decided one was enough, I can always add a small switch if I need more. I ran data cables to a few other locations, probably more than I will ever use.
I am planning to use Ubiquiti for my network and wireless, so I'm investing some money there, but it appears their equipment and wireless connectivity is tops.
I am planning to use Ubiquiti for my network and wireless, so I'm investing some money there, but it appears their equipment and wireless connectivity is tops.
Posted on 5/7/20 at 12:52 am to OneAyedJack
I appreciate all of the info guys!
So, after reading all of these comments, here is what I am thinking:
1. All of my PoE camera cables can run right into my equipment closet and be plugged directly into my NVR.
2. Only 10-12 ethernet cable drops throughout the house and man-cave (because I can add a small splitter at the source if more connections are needed)
3a. A router (not a wifi router) that has some PoE ports to support access points and enough ports to support 12 data cables.
3b. A router (not a wifi router), switch combo with the switch having enough ports to support 12 data cables and PoE capabilites.
4. One access point for my home (Unifi nano HD LINK)
5. One access point for my man cave (Unifi nano HD LINK)
My current setup in my apartment is a leased modem from cox communications (I'll have to buy one when we move) and my personal TP Link AC1900, LINK.
Now I'm looking for recommendations:
1. Modem recommendations?
2. Is my current router any good for what I plan on doing?
2a. If not, router recommendations?
3. Router recommendations if no switch is used?
3a. Router recommendations if a switch is used?
4. Switch recommendations?
Charter communications can offer 940 Mbps download speed for their internet service in case that matters.
I'm trying to make this a fast and reliable network so that everyone in the house and everyone in the man cave can all access the wifi seamlessly.
Recommendations on equipment and layout would be greatly appreciated!
Am I on the right track?
Thanks again!
So, after reading all of these comments, here is what I am thinking:
1. All of my PoE camera cables can run right into my equipment closet and be plugged directly into my NVR.
2. Only 10-12 ethernet cable drops throughout the house and man-cave (because I can add a small splitter at the source if more connections are needed)
3a. A router (not a wifi router) that has some PoE ports to support access points and enough ports to support 12 data cables.
3b. A router (not a wifi router), switch combo with the switch having enough ports to support 12 data cables and PoE capabilites.
4. One access point for my home (Unifi nano HD LINK)
5. One access point for my man cave (Unifi nano HD LINK)
My current setup in my apartment is a leased modem from cox communications (I'll have to buy one when we move) and my personal TP Link AC1900, LINK.
Now I'm looking for recommendations:
1. Modem recommendations?
2. Is my current router any good for what I plan on doing?
2a. If not, router recommendations?
3. Router recommendations if no switch is used?
3a. Router recommendations if a switch is used?
4. Switch recommendations?
Charter communications can offer 940 Mbps download speed for their internet service in case that matters.
I'm trying to make this a fast and reliable network so that everyone in the house and everyone in the man cave can all access the wifi seamlessly.
Recommendations on equipment and layout would be greatly appreciated!
Am I on the right track?
Thanks again!
Posted on 5/7/20 at 7:57 am to OneAyedJack
I ran 3 drops behind every TV in the house and one additional by bedside or where a desk might go. One in the kitchen and one to the workshop. Do I use them all, no, but wire is cheap and much easier than trying to do that later.
One example is my sons room. Ps4, switch, fire TV take up 3. If he ever has a smart TV, I just plug it in.
One example is my sons room. Ps4, switch, fire TV take up 3. If he ever has a smart TV, I just plug it in.
Posted on 5/7/20 at 8:43 am to OneAyedJack
I would run two CAT6 and one RG6 to each TV location. It gives more flexibility and in the event that a drywaller whacks a cable you have a backup.
This post was edited on 5/7/20 at 9:20 am
Posted on 5/7/20 at 9:26 am to OneAyedJack
quote:
6. My television service is going to be through DishNetwork.
7. My cable internet service provider will be Charter Communications.
Why go through Dish for TV when you have cable available?
On a related note: have you considered cord-cutting?
Posted on 5/7/20 at 10:24 am to notsince98
I also echo some of the other comments about running RG-6 everywhere you can right now too. Run it back to a central location.
I would also be sure to run two RG-6 cables outside so the dish and cable internet folks can connect there without having to punch holes and run through your house.
Also run a cat6 or two outside to the same location. If you ever have fiber in the future, they will install the fiber gateway on the outside of your house and run category 6 cable in to their router inside. This will also help save them time and keep your house looking nice and clean and you won't have to pay any extra cost to get the RG-6 and Cat6 run to the exact location you want them.
This networking closet might require a quadplex receptacle instead of a basic duplex.
I would also be sure to run two RG-6 cables outside so the dish and cable internet folks can connect there without having to punch holes and run through your house.
Also run a cat6 or two outside to the same location. If you ever have fiber in the future, they will install the fiber gateway on the outside of your house and run category 6 cable in to their router inside. This will also help save them time and keep your house looking nice and clean and you won't have to pay any extra cost to get the RG-6 and Cat6 run to the exact location you want them.
This networking closet might require a quadplex receptacle instead of a basic duplex.
Posted on 5/7/20 at 10:42 am to Bard
quote:
Why go through Dish for TV when you have cable available?
On a related note: have you considered cord-cutting?
I use Dish because I prefer them for a number of reasons:
1. Cost
2. Customer Service
3. Equipment
4. Dish has a service called "dish pause." We cut the cord for 7 months out of the year by placing our service on pause. I only watch football and I watch everything football, especially the NFL Redzone. When football season starts up, I start my service up with a simple text. When football season ends, I stop paying for my service for the next 7 months via the same simple text. I've tried all other options to get a reliable viewing experience for the NFL Redzone without success.
5. Dish is not Charter (huge +). I only use Charter for my internet service because I need high speed internet for online console gaming.
Posted on 5/7/20 at 11:00 am to OneAyedJack
quote:
5. Dish is not Charter (huge +). I only use Charter for my internet service because I need high speed internet for online console gaming.
Plus dish gives you proper HD as opposed to cable.
Posted on 5/7/20 at 11:00 am to OneAyedJack
Does anyone have any input/suggestions/advice on the equipment? Brand, model, compatibility, etc....
Switch vs Router?
Both?
Wireless router vs wired router with AP's?
Switch vs Router?
Both?
Wireless router vs wired router with AP's?
Posted on 5/7/20 at 11:16 am to OneAyedJack
Maybe it’s just me, but the world is going WiFi. Routers continue to get better. 5G is on the way. Certainly running cables now is a nice to have while the walls are open, but it will probably all be obsolete in the coming years.
Posted on 5/7/20 at 12:04 pm to HurricaneDunc
quote:
Maybe it’s just me, but the world is going WiFi. Routers continue to get better. 5G is on the way. Certainly running cables now is a nice to have while the walls are open, but it will probably all be obsolete in the coming years.
LINK
This^
And I'm a gamer too. Cables may drastically be reduced, but I don't think they will be obsolete in my lifetime...
But that's a different discussion, help me pick a router/switch and some AP's....
Posted on 5/7/20 at 12:08 pm to OneAyedJack
I'm guessing you'll need a cable modem. If so, get a DOCSIS 3.1 because it can handle Gb speed. Go with Arris for the brand. I don't know if you even need a router if you're using a switch and APs.
This post was edited on 5/7/20 at 12:09 pm
Posted on 5/7/20 at 12:40 pm to Brosef Stalin
quote:
I'm guessing you'll need a cable modem. If so, get a DOCSIS 3.1 because it can handle Gb speed. Go with Arris for the brand. I don't know if you even need a router if you're using a switch and APs.
Yes, I'll need a modem.
If my router does not have enough ports on it, I'm pretty sure I will need a switch. I am also pretty sure that you cannot go directly from a modem to a switch...
Posted on 5/7/20 at 8:08 pm to OneAyedJack
quote:
But that's a different discussion, help me pick a router/switch and some AP's....
Since you're thinking about getting Ubiquiti Unifi APs, then you should consider an Ubiquiti Unifi router and POE switch. The biggest advantage of Unifi is that the entire product line is managed from the same GUI controller. It gives you a "single pane of glass" to see and manage all the devices.
Also, you were asking if you needed a patch panel. When I moved into my new house; Phase 1 of my network build looked like the following. This is just a small 8 port switch; imagine a 24 port switch with 3 times as many cables.
Here is Phase 2 which is still in progress but much cleaner. The patch panel is the black panel numbered 1-24. Now all the cables plug into the back of it and then I can use short CAT6 cables to connect from the front to the switch. If you get a patch panel, get a keystone version. Much easier to deal with keystones than terminating cables into back of a patch panel.
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