How to Set Up Your Home Network?

Overview

Network Installation Guide Overview

Planning

Before you buy anything, begin by planning out your installation. With more internet connected smart devices becoming common these days it will save you time an money to plan ahead to future proof your network. There are wired networks, wireless networks or hybrid networks with each having their own pros and cons.

Plan your home network

We would recommend a combination of wireless and gigabit Ethernet. This can be achieved using a wireless router with an integrated gigabit router (typically 4 port Ethernet router) or if more ports required, a combination of Ethernet switch (4 ports, 8 ports or more) plus in addition to a wireless router. This can be used as your main hub, and expanded (if required) by connecting further ethernet routers to achieve the number of ports required for your setup.

Further plan your installation method, think about the following:

Will you be running cable though the ceiling or under the house?

Where exactly will the cable run in these areas, it should not run adjacent to any power outlets or power cables.

Which rooms would you like to service with Ethernet data points?

Study (8 × data points) – central hub
Living room (4 × data points) or small 4 port Ethernet switch?
Bedrooms (1 × data point each)
Other – Al Fresco, Dining, Kitchen, etc.

Calculate the number of data points required, and thus the number wall plates, and size of router switch required to service those points.

Benefits of a Wired Network

More bandwidth, means more information, faster

Minimal interference, no obstacles (once installed).

Completely plug and play – no passwords, no logins required

High level security and restricted access; must be inside house and plugged in to access network.

Speed is only limited by the computer itself, or by the connection of the internet, the network will be the fastest communication factor in your home or office.

Amount of Cable Required

Select you position for the hardware to be located, the ‘network hub’

Measure out the amount of cable you will require for the installation. Buy the cable as one long length. Do not buy it in pieces.

You will require 1 length of cable per data point. You cannot join cables together.

Cables run from wall plate to wall plate, in a ‘Star Topology’. Note: CAT 6 solid core cable should be used for all backbone/hardwiring of gigabit networks.

You will also need to work out the number of patch leads required, and length at which they will be require to connect your equipment to the data point.

Hint: A cable tester can be handy at times to test that your wiring is correctly
and securely terminated at each end. Do not forget to purchase the router equipment from your local computer hardware outlet.

Installation Steps

Step 1

Once you have bought the equipment you need for your installation, you can begin by marking out the position of your wall plates, make sure they are nowhere near power outlets, our anything electrical, apart from being dangerous, you do not want to install cables near to any power outlets or power cables.

Step 2

Great care should be taken here. Steer clear of anything electrical, all power should be turned off at the switchboard before any work is attempted. If in any doubt whatsoever, call a professional trades person, like an electrician to help
you cut the holes in your plasterboard.

Step 3

Once you are satisfied with the positions cut the holes for each of your wall plates.

Step 4

Next, begin by installing your cable. It should be installed point to point. With one room being the hub containing the starting port for data points in the house, this is also where your router equipment would be placed.

Step 5

Terminate the cable at the rear of each wall plate.

Before you fix your wall plates test they are functional by one of these methods:

Use cable tester, connecting one end at hub, and the other end at designated data point, make sure each light flashes in order as expected.

After making sure the internet is connected to your router, and the router is connected to each of your wall plates at the hub. Use a laptop/notebook to test your internet connection at each data point.

Re-terminate any poor connections.

Step 6

Once each data point is fine, install all your wall plates. Your installation is complete. Connect your equipment to the wall plates using the CAT6 fly leads you have purchased. It should be known that stranded core CAT 6 cable is used for fly leads, as opposed to solid core, as used for the hardwiring.

How to Set Up Your Home Network?

Overview

Planning

Installation Steps

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