Cat6 wired network, patch panel and switch query

I have worked out I will need 52 CAT6 connections (26 double sockets).

I believe they will need to go into several patch panels. I thought about buying one of these:

http://www.trendnetdirect.co.uk/tc_p48c6_cat6_48_por...

and one of these:

http://www.trendnetdirect.co.uk/tc_p16c6_cat6_16_por...

only because they are gigabit ethernet capable.

I know there are cheaper alternatives (e.g. three of these:http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/24-Port-Dynamode-Patch-Panel-CAT6E-19-Rackmount-1U

However, my understanding is that this is only 100MBs.

QUESTION 1: Should I get the much cheaper version for the home (as my router is unlikely to be a gigabit one or are we likely to be getting these in the home)?

I was then going to connect the patch panels to three of something like this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0036DRHHC/ref=asc_df_B00...

QUESTION 2: Do I need a managed switch or will unmanaged switches be okay?

I was then going to connect these three switches to the broadband connection.

QUESTION 3: Is there anything else I am missing?

That is just a patch panel not a switch or router.... It will not affect your ethernet speed and you will get 1gbps through if if your connected through a switch capable of such speed

1: Cat6 will support gigabit speeds if terminated correctly. Cat5e can normally support gigabit speeds, unless there is interference, or the cable run is particularly long.

I'd go for the cheaper option.

2:Do you need a managed switch? What functionality do you think you would need a managed switch for?
Unless you have a specific need for the features of a managed switch, or are hoping to upgrade to needing a managed switch, an unmanaged switch will do fine.

3:I can't think of anything off the top of my head, but I don't know what your set up is going to used for.

At home I have used Cat5e with around 44 terminations. I get gigabit connections on that.

I don't like 48 port patch panels - they are difficult to wire and move - use two 24 port ones instead. They take up the same space and will cost less for two than one 48 port.

Do you actually need all 52 ports? Can you squeeze it down to say 46 (or less) - you will need one for the router input and possibly one for a WAP.

If so, have you looked at 48 port switches? Then you will not need to connect the two together - with loss of two further ports.

http://www.misco.co.uk/applications/SearchTools/item...

If you can afford it when you are routing cables through your house go for cat7 or cat7a. I use cat 6 faceplates and rj45 plugs and an unmanaged gigabit switch. I have no problems with data speed and completely future proofed.

Edited by cobb1809 (Wed 04-Aug-10 23:25:00)

go for cat7 or cat7a.

Most businesses I know still have Cat5e run when cable runs are being installed rather than Cat6.

Cat5e will still be good for a lot of years yet and anything higher is just wasting money.

After all, the primary use is for router sharing and how long will it be before we see 1Gbps to the home in this country!

The OP asked about network, patch panel and switches. No mention of an Internet connection.

For local area networking it is well worth considering the better cables.

If you want to have Gigabit network. Then your cables, swtiches and routers needs to support Gigabit including your PCs ofcourse. Patch panels dont affect your network speed. Unless the cable between the patch panel ports and sockets is used non gigabit. However, I would always advice ppl to get two switches rather than more ports in one. Because any thing could happen to switch. They usually the same price, in other words 24ports would be certian price but double that will be double the price.

In reply to a post by Anonymous:

Patch panels dont affect your network speed.

Not true...for example if you use Cat6 spec cable with Cat5e spec patch panels then you will not be able to use the additional capabilities of the cable.

To the OP: We may be able to give better advice if you could go into a bit more detail why you are doing all this, and whether 1Gbps is mission critical.

You should be able to get 1Gbps on Cat5e on reasonable distances but if this is highly important (let's say in simple terms you may have 1 file server and 51 workstations), it may be clever to use Cat6 for the server.

Wikipedia gives good information on the distances you can achieve 1Gbps with Cat5e an Cat6.

Patch panels can indeed affect the performance if not terminated properly, as with anything, and as JonRennie said if you use Cat6 cable you also must use Cat6 8P8C plugs and Cat6 patch panels to ensure you are achieving the specification.