Need Advice on Building a Network

[compunerd632]

Hi, we are building a network so we can share our upcoming cable modem service. I'm doing 100BaseT Ethernet and it seems that the general consensus here is that Home Depot is the place to get cable. I was there and saw the cable, but I didn't see and RJ-45 connectors. Their wall jacks are like $5 a piece plus another $2 for the wall plate, and they had a crimper for around $36. First question, are these good prices? And second, where is a good place to buy some RJ-45 connectors?

 

[Dyngoe]

Hi,
Wall plates and jacks vary in price. I have seen it as low as $1 a plate and .$25 for a jack. These are not average prices. How far do you have to network? I just picked up 25' cable for $7 with connectors. If you're distances aren't that far, you could simply run bable along the wall until your network is up and running. THEN run cable through the wall. It doesn't appear like you have a line checker and if not, I would stay away from in-wall cable at first. So, my suggestion:
1. Buy pretested cable
2. Get LAN up and running
3. Run cable in wall to one PC at a time. (Check,Check, Check again)
By this point you will be well versed in networking and you will already know what a good price is and what a bad price is. Best of luck. Also www.homepclan.com
As Always,
D

 

[Scarpozzi]

You can get RJ45 connectors at Staples or Office Depot these days... They're starting to carry that stuff more often.

 

[Khaos]

I'd have to agree with Dyngoe, unless you just want to know how to make cables, it's easier to buy pre-made ones. These are usually tested before they're sold, so there won't be any problems with them. I can't even tell you how many cables I messed up when I first started making them. Cut, strip, crimp, test, ARGH!! Cut, strip, crimp, test, ARGH!!!

 

[Garet Jax]

Khaos,

I am impressed with your restraint in not using some more colourful words then ARGH!

 

[Khaos]

Oh, they were much more colorful, but they also went on for about 3 days and I didn't want to tie up everyone reading my colorful language!!

 

[spidey07]

LOL

#*^&#%(*^, darn wire, *&W#$*&, DOH, @(*#)@, OUCH, @)&%@#$