Home Network Planning... Need thoughts, ideas for improvements, etc...

[Kilamanjaro]

I am engineering a home network, well, for my home... Anyways, I got a preliminary plan here, and it looks like there will be no problems with it, but I thought I'd post it here in case there are any major network guru's present who could offer tips, changes, etc.

A combination of 10/100mbps and full duplex hardware, as well as category 6 ethernet cable, will enable the network to run at 200mbps, or approximately 25 megabyte's per second. BTW, dont even bother trying to tell me I will probably not need semething this fast, as currently our basement is unfinished (as in no walls, but it will be finished relatively soon) and I would like this network to last as long as possible.

Anyways, the connection to the net is ADSL, from my local provider, Telus. The next device is the 3com HomeConnect ADSL Modem, which would in turn lead to the router, a LinkSys BEFSR41 (a four port Cable/DSL router). From there it will branch out to probably three computers initially, with more possible. Each computer has a 10/100 full duplex LAN card made by either 3com, LinkSys, or D-Link.

Since I am actually running cable in the walls, well, ceiling of the basement, actually, I will also be putting in network jacks, instead of loose cables. Now, of course I will make sure to use jacks capable of serving cat6 cable well. However, can anyone mention any tips for installing the jack box, crimping the cable into the plug, and anything else relevent to the jack installation (as well as any problems with my network plan above)?

Oh, and I am unsure if the LinkSys router can handle that speed, as I've been hearing some complaints about it in just the past couple days... So any experience with that would be helpful too.

Thanks, I appreciate any input.

 

[Kilamanjaro]

*bump*

 

[cavingjan]

Sounds like you have a good handle on things already. Do yourself a favor and get a good punchdown tool to install the jacks cleanly. Just install either an electrical box or one of those phone jack mounts each place you want a network connection. My suggestion is to run at least one extra line to each network connection. You will use them. Maybe not in the next year but you will use them and since wire is cheap and the walls are open, it makes life easy. Just find a nice place to place the router and put a patch panel in thaqt location so you can easily change the configuration of the network. Currently I am using three of my cat5e runs for phone because I need them until I get dsl. Then I can easily convert them to regular jacks.

 

[Kilamanjaro]

Yeah, I plan to branch the network out from a central point... Ummm, I'll try to explain how its going to go...

3com ADSL Modem > Router (LinkSysy, probably)

The router then splits to my computer, and a future file/backup server for the family. As well, a cable plugged into the uplink port on the router (or a cross cable) will connect to a 5 port 10/100 full duplex switch. Throughout the house (except for that room, no need for sockets there) there will be 12 other sockets, which is perfect for either a 12 port patch panel, OR, 2 double gang phone jack type boxes each with a faceplate that has 6 ports on it. From there, the switch will be able to connect to needed ports, and another switch could be added for LAN parties (off of the one other open port on the router).

However, patch panel's can be expensive, and often require rackmount (a 12 port one would probably require 1U), which is even more expensive... But doing it with the 2 double gang phone boxes would be much cheaper, and probably work just as well... Would it work at all? I think it should, but...

Oh, does anyone know if the LinkSys router can handle 200mbps internal file transfer speed? Technically it should, but it is a relatively cheap unit...

Thanks.

 

[Russ]

<< as well as category 6 ethernet cable >>



Cat6 does not yet officially exist. Now, this would not necessarily be a problem were it not for the fact that vendors are selling a variety of cable using different approaches and &quot;calling&quot; it Cat6.

Once the standard becomes finalized, there is no guarantee that cabling purchased today will meet that standard.

Russ, NCNE

 

[Kilamanjaro]

Yeah, I know. I am unsure of which final manufacturer I will use, as each is kind of loosely calling stuff cat6 right now... I will probably pick the one closest to, or above, the predicted final specification.

 

[cavingjan]

I wouldn't worry about the rackmount for the patchpanel. This is residential and private so I think we can forgo a little bit of professionalism. We wired my house and a friend's house within a two month period. In my house I have a 12 port patchpanel that came with the mount (thank you Corky) that came from a company that was moving locations and left everything behind. The other house has a 24 port (I think and also was free from the same company for the same reason) that did not have the mount but with some wood, hinges, and some metal stripping, we had something together for mounting made up inside of 30 minutes and it doesn't look half bad.
I would consider a quick trip to the Home Depot and see if they still have some of that cat5e that they've been selling for $60 for a 1000 ft spool.
I never thought to use the a double or wider gang box with the front plates for this purpose. It should work but after installing a 6 plate unit already in the upstairs office, I probably won't do anymore because I thought it was a pain to work with. I still like to tye my ends in gamg boxes like that to prevent any accidental pulls from behind and dislodging the wires and there just wasn't the room I needed in a standard depth box for all those knots comfortably.

 

[xyyz]

something you might have overlooked... if you haven't please forgive me... I didnt read all the posts.

if you are going to run wiring in the walls... make sure the cable is plenum cable, or you can get in trouble later on.

plenum cable doesnt emit toxic fumes if ever burned, it's a building code standard that wiring that runs in buildings needs to be plenum type wiring.

 

[xyyz]

the linksys run 200mbps? It has a 100mpbs port(s)... I don't think anything will run that unless it's gigabit ethernet or something.

 

[Kilamanjaro]

Well, 200mbps is not gigabit ethernet though, thats the thing... Technically a 10/100 full duplex device should be capable of it... But I'm not sure if a cheap unit like the LinkSys BEFSR41 can handle it. However, it does have 100BaseTX fast ethernet ports. Now, as I understand it, the 10 and 20 mbp speeds fall under the 10BaseT category, and the 100 and 200 mbp speeds fall under the 100BaseTX area... So it should be able to handle it... Argh, I've got to ask around some more on this one.

Yeah, I'll most likely use Plenum cable.

Unfortunately, I dont have access to free mounts... I'm still trying to decide whether to make a type of rack mount thing, or to just use the two double gang boxes. I think I'll probably lean toward the boxes, as there is less clutter.

Thanks,

 

[KGB]

I am currently running an identical setup as you are proposing:

DSL Modem > Linksys Router > Home PCs (4)

All of the cabling is CAT5 and in the walls with jack plates for access.
The Linksys is in 100Mbit full duplex mode and the speed is very fast. I can transfer large (120MB) files in around 5 seconds from PC to PC (not bad).

The router is easy to setup and maintain and has worked flawlessly for the 10 months I've had it.
No complaints at all.

 

[Kilamanjaro]

Well, it should be able to handle it then... Because 120 megs divided by 5 seconds gives you 24 megs per second... Which is just one meg under what it would be if the cabling was absolutely perfect...

Hmm... How does normal cat5 cable manage to go at almost 200mbps?

 

[spidey07]

I'll have to interject here. There is no such thing at a 200 Mbs network and it has nothing to do with cabling. You are running 100 Mbs full duplex which conforms to any Category 5 cabling. When talking about a T1 you don't say that it's speed is 3 Mbs do you? It is a full duplex 1.5 Mbs connection.

As for the cabling, patch panels and jacks are cheap. There are nice wall mount racks for $30 or so, match that with a $40 24 port patch panel and you're all set. The way I see it you can provide 24 ports of cabling infrastructure for about $200.

CAT 5E is more than sufficient for a home application.

 

[Kilamanjaro]

Call it what you want, I dont care, I'm talking about the speed.

 

[LordOfAll]

Here is Siemens guide to standards, it might help you out.

Siemens

Speaking from experience here, use a patch panel, 6 gang boxes are a pain in the azz.

I have to say I am not a fan of the router and switch in one combo. I would get the cheaper router only unit and put the money saved into a larger, better switch. The &quot;speed&quot; of the switch you are talking about is refered to as the backplane speed or backplane bandwidth. For example, my SMC 24 port switch has a 2.7Gbit backplane. Plenty for 24 ports.

 

[Kilamanjaro]

Yeah, I've been checking out both Siemons and Hubbell, and have asked for their catalogues to be sent to my house. They should be here any day, actually.

Ah... So you reccomend the one port router with a better switch...? Didn't really think of that... Hmm. Another option, argh!

So two double gang boxes (each with a 6 port faceplate) would be a pain? How much so...? Because it might be worth it if I can pull it off cheaper.

Thanks,

 

[CBuxton]

I second the opinion to go with a single port router and a faster switch. You can get a 3Com SuperStack 3 Baseline 12-port switch for about $400. This would be a much faster switch than the linksys router and would speed up your internal network while making the linksys do routing only for internet traffic. What kind of a budget do you have? Check out Micro Warehouse for lots of networking supplies.

 

[bex0rs]

<< I can transfer large (120MB) files in around 5 seconds from PC to PC... >>




riight

 

[CBuxton]

One comment about &quot;200mbps.&quot; You will never get those speeds. Your connection is 100mbps, FULL-DUPLEX, which means that it would be able to send AND receive at 100mbps, so if you're simply copying a file off your server you would only get 100mbps of speed. This is also not possible due to protocol overhead, wiring, etc, etc. 100mbps/8 would be theoretically 12.5MB (megabytes) per second. You'd be doing excellent to get 9 or 10.

 

[Kilamanjaro]

Yes I know, so if I was sending and receiving at the same time it could possibly reach 25 megs per second (under best line, software, and hardware conditions).

Anyways, yeah, I've pretty well decided to go with the one port router with a good switch option.

Thanks all,

 

[R0b0tN1k]

No, you wouldn't. Haven't you been reading?

 

[Kilamanjaro]

You are an idiot, you know that?

I said under the best line conditions and best hardware conditions, its basically unattainable under normal conditions. Have YOU been reading?

 

[dukenukem]

Plenum cable is required for only one use, running in a Plenum. A Plenum is a central air distribution pathway. In a home this would be an A/C duct. Since you will be running your cable in the wall, not in a A/C duct you do not need Plenum cable.

In an office, most cable finds its way into drop ceiling or raised floor. Both are actively used in the air circulation process and this any cable placed there must not emit toxic fumes.

Save your money, use regular cable for home. PLUS it is MUCH MUCH MUCH easier to pull cut and crimp. Plenum cable is stiff and a real pain in the a** to work with. You will not be saving yourself from toxinc fumes because the miles of Romex in your house is standard insulation like the standard cat5.

Also note that it is 100 mega-bits per second or 12.5 mega-bytes per second as the max throughput. After overhead and bus, disk, cpu latency it will be somewhat less than that as a max real one way throughput.
In full duplex mode you could transmit and receive that rate at the same time(if your hardware could keep up).

 

[Kilamanjaro]

Ah, okay, thanks for the explanation about the whole Plenum coating thing... That makes sense now.

Yeah, I know my current hardware/software and current protocols will not be able to use the cable to its full potential, but at least its there for when my hardware/software can keep up with it.

Thanks,