Home networking - loft mounted switch

Johnmcl7

I'm completely baffled by some of the posts here particularly people recommending wireless as much as possible who claim to design corporate networks. Wireless networks are fine for convenience and mobile devices but the OP is quite right to be going with a wired solution where possible, it's a much more reliable and consistent connection which requires little configuration or updating if the wireless network settings are updated.

Routing everything to a single switch keeps it simpler to manage rather than having switches dotted round the place and I don't think 24 ports is excessive if putting everything onto it (TV's consoles, Sky boxes, consoles, printers etc.). I would agree with the recommendation to keep the cable routing separate from mains power if possible just to reduce the chance of problems.

John

Johnmcl7

Yes, it's a HOME but so what? The advantages of a wired over wireless are still the same, I'd never choose or recommend a powerline/wifi solution if a wired solution is available as it's very much a second rate option and given the OP has specified a 24 port switch it doesn't sound like a powerline/wifi solution would adequately meet their NEEDS. Been there, done that and use as much wired ethernet as I can, there's plenty HOME uses that benefit from wired ethernet particularly online gaming where latency and consistency are extremely important.

You seem to be basing all your recommendations on your own personal use which is clearly radically different to the OP.

John

I_have_spoken

TBH, that sort of 'node 0' topology may make sense for a new build when you also use two cores from the CAT5 for PSTN phones and also installing a LoftBox to manage distribution of satellite, DAB/FM into rooms.

In that situation you can also inject power for POE devices such as cameras. And you'll certainly want a patch panel and not just wire each cable run direct to the switch.

I feel even if you go through the considerable aggro of pulling cables and chasing wall-boxes there will be 'hot spots' where there won't be enough wall ports and you'll still end up with unmanaged 8-port 1Gb switches behind the AV/home theatre set-up etc.

If it was me, I'd try the latest generation of 2-port Gigabit Powerline devices and some cheap gigabit switches in the lounge, games room etc. and put other bits and bobs on 2.4/5Ghz wifi

Node 0 panel for a home network, also with AV distribution.

onomatopoeia99

(Text removed by MSE Forum Team)

I'm an advocate for running multiple cat5e / cat6 cables to each room and back to a patch panel to do the job properly. As I redecorate each room in my house I'm installing ethernet cable as part of the refurbishment process,