Home Ethernet Network Help

[concepthomes2]

I've hardwired my home with Cat6 cable to 11 jacks throughout the house. I've ran all the lines back to a central closet that will house a small network rack. From that closet, I've ran a Cat6 line and RG6 line to the exterior for the Spectrum connection.

Now, My assumption is that to make it clean and aesthetically pleasing, I should put a 24 port patch panel in and punch down those Cat6 cables to that patch panel. I'd then make up small patch cables and connect each patch panel port to its port on a 24 port network switch.

After that, I'd connect the modem to the network switch and that would provide the data connection to all of the ethernet jacks in the house. It makes sense in my head but I'm looking for some confirmation that it will work before buying all the equipment.

 

[Jeppo]

To me, that would be the professional way. Given I’m not a professional, I skipped the patch panel. I terminated the Cat6 cables and plugged them directly into the switch.

You ran those two cables to outside the house?

ETA: Nutcase that I am, I only have 4 empty ports on the 24 port switch. 😳

 

[concepthomes2]

To me, that would be the professional way. Given I’m not a professional, I skipped the patch panel. I terminated the Cat6 cables and plugged them directly into the switch.

You ran those two cables to outside the house?

From that network closet location, I've ran a cat6 and rg6 line to the outside, yes

 

[Jeppo]

From that network closet location, I've ran a cat6 and rg6 line to the outside, yes

Not sure I understand what the Cat6 will be used for outside. Won’t the Spectrum modem be in the closet?

 

[Car0linab0y]

Yes to the patch panel and jumper to the switch.

I presume you put wallpaper in the rooms to terminate the cat 6 to, with jumpers from wall to devices.

Did you run spares to each room? You can get dual socket wall plates so you have extra capacity without adding a hub or switch

 

[Catfish]

Terminate each cable at the patch panel yes.

Make your own patch cables... no. they are cheap in bulk on Amazon and not worth making yourself.

an ethernet line going outside from your network closet should be shielded cable with shielded ends and terminated in a grounded patch panel. else you risk zapping anything in your network when we get a storm.

 

[Shady Grady]

What will be providing routing, NAT (network address translation), and DHCP for client addresses on your network? Is the service provider's equipment performing these functions in addition to acting as a modem?

If not you will need a router between your switch and the modem. I also would recommend a firewall be it a separate device or router/firewall combo.

Also, what is going to be providing wireless connectivity?

I definitely would buy patch cables instead of making them.

 

[concepthomes2]

What will be providing routing, NAT (network address translation), and DHCP for client addresses on your network? Is the service provider's equipment performing these functions in addition to acting as a modem?

If not you will need a router between your switch and the modem. I also would recommend a firewall be it a separate device or router/firewall combo.

Also, what is going to be providing wireless connectivity?

I definitely would buy patch cables instead of making them.

So, I don't understand any of that. I am...but a layman.

Here's the closet:


From here, [1] cat6 runs outside for a future phone hardline for alarm and [1] rg6 runs outside for the spectrum cable connection. Also, all other cat6 runs go to their respective rooms. Each room has a double pull for redundancy.

I have no idea how to put a firewall somewhere for internet

 

[Jeppo]

I believe it’s likely that a Spectrum supplied modem will also do routing. I’d pass on their equipment and buy a separate modem and a router.

 

[Catfish]

isp equipment does everything, but not very well. A good home network looks a whole lot like a typical small office network. Drop in at the office one day and I’ll show you what we have. I basically duplicated it in my home and don’t think I wasted a single dollar by doing it.

the biggest issue I see with using your isp supplied gear is getting a good wireless signal throughout your house. Get the installers to put in some strategically placed ceiling drops and you’ll be able to put in really good wifi without too much trouble.