[ale] Home Wiring (was Re: cat5)

[Irv Mullins]

On Monday 14 January 2002 03:09 pm, ;Michael wrote:

> I believe that what you have suggested here is what I am looking
> for. However, as I am green on the art of networking "nuts and bolts",
> could you suggest a site which I could visit to learn more? In particular,
> assuming that I go with the solution which you provided, I would need to
> learn:

Start here:
http://www.stg.brown.edu/~sjd/wiring/CAT5-wiring.html

> *) What is a 66 block, 110 patch panel? (Will these have enough ports for
> my house? Are they what I want? How many ports on each of them? etc.)

If your house was big enough so you needed more than one 66 or 110 block, 
you wouldn't be doing the wiring yourself - we'd be calling you "Yer 
Hignness" or "Mr. President", and wiring it for you.

> *) What all would I need to purchase? (ie, patch panels, racks to mount
> the panels on, crimping tools, aux power sources, etc.)

Punch down tool ($50) 110 blade ($15) crimp tool ($20) 
There's no need for power, except to run your hub, which no doubt 
came with a "wall wart". Add a bunch of RJ-45 plugs and jacks, you'll 
ruin a few until you get the hang of it.
I wouldn't bother with a rack, just fasten a square of plywood to the 
wall, and screw the stuff to it. You might need a cable tester if it doesn't 
work right ($25 - up).

> * Is there a "proper" or "better" way to splice the cat-5 into these
> panels? If so, what is that method? Is there a good source of
> documentation for doing so? Does such documentation normally come with the
> panel being purchased?

Yes. In addition, there is a proper way to connect and a proper way to 
route the wire, and even a proper way to _bend_ the wire, all of which are 
important if you're running 100 Mb. 
10Mb is more forgiving.

> * Do certain panels work only with certain faceplates? If so/not, why
> (not)?

Buy all the parts at one place, different brands don't necessarily 
interchange.. Also, you may find some bargain jacks and stuff, but be sure it 
is really CAT-5, not CAT-3. .

Regards,
Irv Mullins

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