Best place for patch panel

[stanwan]

Hi all knowledgable folk. I'm about to commence wiring in a cat6 network to my home. Initially I was thinking about using a downstairs cupboard. Problem is that there is a dogleg route to get to it via the floor of the above bedroom. 36 cables routed through the master bedroom isn't appealing to SWMBO.

Option 2 is to terminate all cables at a patch panel in the loft. This would require me to rig up a switch and power source in the loft.

Any comments or suggestions?

[bobda]

stanwan said:

Hi all knowledgable folk. I'm about to commence wiring in a cat6 network to my home. Initially I was thinking about using a downstairs cupboard. Problem is that there is a dogleg route to get to it via the floor of the above bedroom. 36 cables routed through the master bedroom isn't appealing to SWMBO.

Option 2 is to terminate all cables at a patch panel in the loft. This would require me to rig up a switch and power source in the loft.

Any comments or suggestions?

Why use CAT6? CAT5 for home use is far easier to work with (and cheaper). Unless you're planning on editing or running high bandwidth multi-layer data of course...

[VEX]

Cat6 may be harder to work with but it is far better for the HD video transmitters and receiver kits you can get. There is basically a bit more space to squeeze it all down the one cable!

Do you have any space in the middle of the house, first floor? A cupboard, over stairs etc.

Lofts can get to hot quite quickly for electronics.

V.

[stanwan]

VEX said:

Cat6 may be harder to work with but it is far better for the HD video transmitters and receiver kits you can get. There is basically a bit more space to squeeze it all down the one cable!

Do you have any space in the middle of the house, first floor? A cupboard, over stairs etc.

Lofts can get to hot quite quickly for electronics.

V.

There is an airing cupboard in the middle of the house next to the stairs - bit too hot for the electronics. Our architect may be getting us to to demolish the wall anyway to make the upstairs landing more free flowing.

Another idea is use one of the master bedroom wardrobe cabinets for the patch panel and switch hub. My main concern is getting the cables to the patch panel without excessive kinks or bends if it has negotiate a path/cutout in the wardrobe...


Here's the floor plans:

[NorthDave]

I wouldn't put it in to the master bedroom due to potential noise from switches and routers....

Put it in a non habitable area. The loft doesn't sound a bad option to me after all you will probably only make changes very occasionally.