Home network set-up - different quotes

dunroving

Swithered whether this belongs in the Techie section, but this forum gets many more visitors so have put it here.

Am finally in my new house (booyah!), and getting various quotes for all sorts of work. Main initial jobs are rewire, satellite infrastructure, and Ethernet network. Here is how I would describe what I want:

Ethernet cabling to 3 BR (one port each), dining area (one port), and living room (one port for TV and two elsewhere).

WiFi "transmitter unit" (don't know correct term), one downstairs and one upstairs - to enable simply switching on WiFi on rare occasions (I want to avoid having WiFi in my house for health reasons, but recognise it will be necessary on occasions, e.g., guests staying with wireless devices). From bitter experience, you need a signal transmitter downstairs AND upstairs because the signal from one unit doesn't travel well across a whole house.

The three quotes I got described as below (pasted direct from quote).

#1: cat5e cables run to varoius points , outlets provided & tp link box (this person is an electrician with les experience of hardwired networking)
#2: x6 CAT5e cable points with wall sockets; x1 8 Port Network switch (in upstairs bedroom/office)
#3:1 x Patch panel in 2gang plate for network (in downstairs cupboard); 1x WiFi access point (lounge); 1x WiFi access point (BR3/office); 1x CAT 6 point [describes locations - all BR and kitchen]; 2x CAT 6 point [living room]

- can any of you kind people cast an eye over these descriptions in terms of things I need to pick up on (cat5e vs cat6? patch panel in 2 gang plate vs. 8-port network switch vs. tp link box?]

I know what I want, but am bamboozled by these different descriptions! Need to pick one (or even another person) soon, as all good trades people have several weeks lead time.

Thanks all!

OUNN

Is this somewhere you're going to be staying for a good while?

If that's the case, I would future proof things now and opt for CAT 6 cabling over the CAT 5. (if the costs aren't too far apart)

I've done pretty much the same in our house (and will be doing again shortly when we move). Things to think about,

The network switch - it's basically a small box which will divide an internet connection into the number of ports (6, 8 etc. 8 in your quote). While this is fine for basic use, you probably want the TV to be run on it's own connection rather than from the switch. Not a problem, you just run the cable to the TV port direct from the router, rather than from the Switch.

The third quote looks probably the best for what you're after, but, it's missing one of the ports you wanted in the lounge. Is the third quote itemised? Because if it is how much are the wireless routers adding to the quote? I only ask because you can get a wireless router quite cheap these days - and range extenders equally cheaply. So that part shouldn't be adding too much to your quote!

Is the network going in at the same time as the rewire is being done? it might be cheaper doing it this way. Our sparky ran the network cable and installed the wall ports for about an extra £600 while he was doing the rewire.
I have 1 in each bedroom (3), 1 or 2 in the kitchen, 3-4 in the lounge, and one in the hallway

System

Don't do single points, always do them pairs, cost isnt huge but you'll always find something else that needs plugged in at some point

dunroving

Thanks so far. Currently thumb-fumbling on my phone and will reply with further details when at my laptop.

fezster

Cat 5E will provide gigabit speeds.
Cat 6 will provide 10GB up to about 37m.
And Cat 6A will provide 10GB up to 100m.

In terms of future proofing, it depends on how far you want to go. The relative cost difference between the cable types is fairly small so I'd go with 6A personally. 10GB equipment is still very expensive and you may not ever require those speeds, but all depends on you and how long you plan on living at the property.

As said above, always run multiple cables to each location. The relative cost in material and labour is negligible, and if one fails, you always have backups. Plus you can then plug in multiple components to your network, without having to use an additional switch.

You need to ask what brand of Wifi access point is being provided, as they can vary in cost and quality massively. You may find that one access point may be sufficient - take a look at this for a good quality piece of kit: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B016K5A06C/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Keep in mind this is only a Wifi access point. You will still require a router to connect to your modem.

robatwork

CAT5e has been around since 2001

The only quote you should take seriously is quote 3 as they are the only one proposing CAT6.

Nobody should be using CAT5e for a brand new installation.

tacpot12

I would also enquire about how the installer will test the installation to ensure it meets CAT6 standards. An electrician will not normally have the test equipment to confirm that the installation is capable of supporting the higher bandwidths.

dunroving

This is all great advice thanks all. Have a day of plasterer and decorator quotes today so am stuck in the empty house with no WiFi but will respond later when at my sofa-surfing location!

FreeBear

As others have said, run multiple cables to each point and make sure both ends are clearly labeled. A single faceplate will accept up to two sockets, so double up even if you only plan on single sockets.

Also make sure network cables are routed well away from any mains cables. Reduces the risk of interference.

dunroving

Have snipped select text below in order to respond.

robatwork wrote: »

CAT5e has been around since 2001

The only quote you should take seriously is quote 3 as they are the only one proposing CAT6.

Nobody should be using CAT5e for a brand new installation.

Was asked the question by someone else, "What do you plan doing that requires cat6?" I generally would stream TV and movies to my television, and would occasionally have visitors also streaming similar content. I'm wondering (a) whether cat6 is a lot more expensive (is it just different cables? Or also different infrastructure?), and (b) what sort of use would cat6 benefit - online gaming? If (a) is yes, and (b) is yes, maybe I do just need cat5e(?)

tacpot12 wrote: »

I would also enquire about how the installer will test the installation to ensure it meets CAT6 standards. An electrician will not normally have the test equipment to confirm that the installation is capable of supporting the higher bandwidths.

I am trying to get #1 (electrician) to work wiith #2 (network speciialist), but he seems a bit reluctant - I think he thinks he is doing me a favour by keeping my costs down i.e., just one person doing the job. He is a highly-recommended electrician, and reasonable price, so would like to go with him for rewire and smoke alarms, but trying to get around his slight communication barrier ... he has worked with #2 before (#2 told me so - and he's willing to work with #1 ... )

FreeBear wrote: »

As others have said, run multiple cables to each point and make sure both ends are clearly labeled. A single faceplate will accept up to two sockets, so double up even if you only plan on single sockets.

Also make sure network cables are routed well away from any mains cables. Reduces the risk of interference.

Do you mean multiple electric cables to each point? I plan for all sockets to be doubles, and some to also have USB charging points. [my understanding is that the wiring for a faceplate with two "plug sockets" and two "USB sockets" is the same as for just two "plug sockets" - is that correct? Steep learning curve!]

Two Ethernet people have now said that interference from electrical cables is minimal as long as they aren't right next to each other (e.g., should be OK if in same channel, but a few inches apart). Guess I'll have to do some online research to look into this.

dunroving

OUNN wrote: »

Is this somewhere you're going to be staying for a good while?

If that's the case, I would future proof things now and opt for CAT 6 cabling over the CAT 5. (if the costs aren't too far apart)

I've done pretty much the same in our house (and will be doing again shortly when we move). Things to think about,

The network switch - it's basically a small box which will divide an internet connection into the number of ports (6, 8 etc. 8 in your quote). While this is fine for basic use, you probably want the TV to be run on it's own connection rather than from the switch. Not a problem, you just run the cable to the TV port direct from the router, rather than from the Switch.

The third quote looks probably the best for what you're after, but, it's missing one of the ports you wanted in the lounge. Is the third quote itemised? Because if it is how much are the wireless routers adding to the quote? I only ask because you can get a wireless router quite cheap these days - and range extenders equally cheaply. So that part shouldn't be adding too much to your quote!

Is the network going in at the same time as the rewire is being done? it might be cheaper doing it this way. Our sparky ran the network cable and installed the wall ports for about an extra £600 while he was doing the rewire.
I have 1 in each bedroom (3), 1 or 2 in the kitchen, 3-4 in the lounge, and one in the hallway

Thanks - don't know why this didn't appear in the previous multi-quote (maybe limited to three posts?)

The plan is that I'll be staying here until they carry me out in a box (I'm 61). I don't foresee me doing really techy stuff (but then have only just discovered streaming TV and movies on Amazon Prime, and love it!) If cat6 is much more expensive, it may not be worthwhile for me ...

Not sure I understand why "you probably want the TV to be run on it's own connection rather than from the switch." - what exactly is meant by a "switch" and why would TV need its own feed? [and why aren't the supposed experts pointing these things out to me?)

Unfortunately, quote #3 is almost double the others (not sure if the Ethernet stuff is double, because the quotes also include rewire, smoke alarms, and octo LNB satellite feed). They were by far the slickest operation and come highly recommended, but are eye-wateringly more expensive.

I'm hoping network cabling will go in at same time, or thereabouts, as the rewire. Either because they are being done by the same person/people (quote #3) or two sets of people working either together or one straight after the other, while the channels are already chased into the walls and floorboards are up on first floor.

I really don't want to work with WiFi extenders or power line extenders (past experiences not been great).

the_r_sole wrote: »

Don't do single points, always do them pairs, cost isnt huge but you'll always find something else that needs plugged in at some point

Yes, I only plan to have double power points.

fezster wrote: »

Cat 5E will provide gigabit speeds.
Cat 6 will provide 10GB up to about 37m.
And Cat 6A will provide 10GB up to 100m.

In terms of future proofing, it depends on how far you want to go. The relative cost difference between the cable types is fairly small so I'd go with 6A personally. 10GB equipment is still very expensive and you may not ever require those speeds, but all depends on you and how long you plan on living at the property.

As said above, always run multiple cables to each location. The relative cost in material and labour is negligible, and if one fails, you always have backups. Plus you can then plug in multiple components to your network, without having to use an additional switch.

You need to ask what brand of Wifi access point is being provided, as they can vary in cost and quality massively. You may find that one access point may be sufficient - take a look at this for a good quality piece of kit: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B016K5A06C/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Keep in mind this is only a Wifi access point. You will still require a router to connect to your modem.

I'm going with Virgin Media as they have optical to the house (not just the cabinet). Won't they supply the router? (Sorry, being a bit ignorant!)

My plan is to mainly just access internet via Ethernet ports (are you suggesting having double Ethernet ports in each location, because it isn't much more expensive - similar to having double power sockets?)cabling and only occasionally have WiFi turned on, if that makes a difference to the recommendations. There are health reasons why I'd rather not have WiFi bouncing around the house 24-7.