Question Network infrastructure in new house

[pashbe1]

Hello everyone,

I recently bought a spec house that the builder was off loading. I mention that because I had no input into the construction or equipment. While I was poking around in the laundry room I found this behind a panel. There is a part of me that hopes that you guys can confirm in the positive that I can hook my modem up to the incoming cable end, connect the modem to the switch looking component with an ethernet cable and boom internet around the house? Is that how it works?

Thanks in advance!

 

[VirtualLarry]

Well, that "LeGrand" box says "Telephone", so don't get your hopes up too much.

If they used Cat5 or Cat5e (or Cat6/6A, though that would be rare these days), then you could potentially re-punch them down to an ethernet block, and run those ports to a switch and uplink that switch to a router, presumably connected to a modem or whatnot to ISP service entrance nearby. If they're all home-run wiring from each room to the media closet.

 

[mxnerd]

You need to re-punch those cables into a ethernet patch panel like what VL has said, also wall jacks in each room. Find a pro to do it for you.

 

[sdifox]

Depends on how the wiring is done. Even if it is cat 5e or cat 6 they could have spliced it to multiple rooms. You need to do a trace first to figure out wiring map.

The coax however is for sure one run to one wall connector. Unless you are planning to run a tv in every room, you should be able to use at least one run per floor with moca extender. That is the backup plan.

You should be able to diy the patch panel setup. Just watch a bunch of videos on youtube. Paying someone is of course easier.

 

[SamirD]

It all depends on the wiring--if each one of those telephone wires were 'home run', which I believe they are based on the number of wires matching the coax, and if the termination on each end followed tia 568a or 568b (or even just the wires in the right place regardless of the color), you might just be lucky enough to simply unplug them from the black box and plug them into a switch and have your network done.

If this is a new house and the wiring was done with some competence, I'd say your chances are 50/50 that you can plug into a switch and it work.

 

[KentState]

Just remove the wall plates in the rooms and see if a single ethernet cable is run to the outlet. The house I purchased way back in 2004 was wired that way. They only punched down a single pair for each run so I just had to punch the other pairs and add a patch panel in the basement.

 

[JackMDS]

You can start with something like this so you can map all of the cable conundrum.

https://www.amazon.com/TRENDnet-Ethernet-Accurately-Configurations-TC-NT2/dp/B0000AZK08/

 

[pashbe1]

Hello everyone and thank you for taking the time to think about this and respond.

Yes, the cables are all home runs! We don't cable TV so the cable in is purely for internets. I don't have the necessary technical know how to visually look at the connectors and discern the difference, however I will do a simple test by plugging one end into the modem and the other into a device. If they don't connect then everything else is...up to a professional to sort out.

What made me think this was possible despite the box saying "telephone" was the thought that who the heck does wired telephone anymore?

Yes, I certainly will do some more research on google and youtube. For this type of question I come to these forums first. Its not lazy, its a compliment. What am I asking Youtube and Google "How to repunch cat5 for ethernet"?

 

[sdifox]

Hello everyone and thank you for taking the time to think about this and respond.

Yes, the cables are all home runs! We don't cable TV so the cable in is purely for internets. I don't have the necessary technical know how to visually look at the connectors and discern the difference, however I will do a simple test by plugging one end into the modem and the other into a device. If they don't connect then everything else is...up to a professional to sort out.

What made me think this was possible despite the box saying "telephone" was the thought that who the heck does wired telephone anymore?

Yes, I certainly will do some more research on google and youtube. For this type of question I come to these forums first. Its not lazy, its a compliment. What am I asking Youtube and Google "How to repunch cat5 for ethernet"?

you won't be able to test until you replace the phone jacks in the rooms with ethernet jack and terminate the panel end into a panel or ethernet connector.

jack in room

patch panel

cheap tool

JacobsParts RJ45 RJ11 Network Cable Tester CAT5 CAT6 LAN Patch Cable Testing Kit: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

JacobsParts RJ45 RJ11 Network Cable Tester CAT5 CAT6 LAN Patch Cable Testing Kit: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

www.amazon.com

more function but I don't think you need this

Wire Tracker, ELEGIANT RJ11 RJ45 Cable Tester Line Finder Multifunction Wire Tracker Toner Ethernet LAN Network Cable Tester for Network Cable Collation, Telephone Line Tester, Continuity Checking: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

Wire Tracker, ELEGIANT RJ11 RJ45 Cable Tester Line Finder Multifunction Wire Tracker Toner Ethernet LAN Network Cable Tester for Network Cable Collation, Telephone Line Tester, Continuity Checking: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

www.amazon.com

 

[KentState]

Not saying that it's the right way to do it, but some builders use RJ45 in the wall, but only bunch down the middle pairs. May only need to do something in the panel.

 

[SamirD]

Hello everyone and thank you for taking the time to think about this and respond.

Yes, the cables are all home runs! We don't cable TV so the cable in is purely for internets. I don't have the necessary technical know how to visually look at the connectors and discern the difference, however I will do a simple test by plugging one end into the modem and the other into a device. If they don't connect then everything else is...up to a professional to sort out.

What made me think this was possible despite the box saying "telephone" was the thought that who the heck does wired telephone anymore?

Yes, I certainly will do some more research on google and youtube. For this type of question I come to these forums first. Its not lazy, its a compliment. What am I asking Youtube and Google "How to repunch cat5 for ethernet"?

Telephone can run on ethernet wire, so it makes sense (if they weren't lazy) for them to just terminate it for ethernet. Yes, the easiest test will be to simply try to connect two different ethernet ports together and see if they link (link light lights up). If it does, then you might be home free right there.

Otherwise, I wouldn't even bother with wasting too much time on this unless you really want to learn it. re-terminating 7 jacks and 7 rj45s can be done by a pro in under an hour, so that's going to actually be the cheapest way to get it done. And you don't need a patch panel as you would lose the flexibility of using a line for phone if you wanted to (since you already have that installed).

Once the cabling is sorted out, plug everything into the router/switch (or buy one if need be) and you should be gigabit everywhere.

 

[SamirD]

you won't be able to test until you replace the phone jacks in the rooms with ethernet jack and terminate the panel end into a panel or ethernet connector.

jack in room

patch panel

cheap tool

JacobsParts RJ45 RJ11 Network Cable Tester CAT5 CAT6 LAN Patch Cable Testing Kit: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

JacobsParts RJ45 RJ11 Network Cable Tester CAT5 CAT6 LAN Patch Cable Testing Kit: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

www.amazon.com

more function but I don't think you need this

Wire Tracker, ELEGIANT RJ11 RJ45 Cable Tester Line Finder Multifunction Wire Tracker Toner Ethernet LAN Network Cable Tester for Network Cable Collation, Telephone Line Tester, Continuity Checking: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

Wire Tracker, ELEGIANT RJ11 RJ45 Cable Tester Line Finder Multifunction Wire Tracker Toner Ethernet LAN Network Cable Tester for Network Cable Collation, Telephone Line Tester, Continuity Checking: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

www.amazon.com

This is wrong. If there's rj45 terminations in the rooms and the wiring followed tia 568a/b (even if not the colors), there's already ethernet cables ready to go. And for 7 ports, I wouldn't bother with a patch panel--just plug them into the switch/router and be done with it.

 

[sdifox]

This is wrong. If there's rj45 terminations in the rooms and the wiring followed tia 568a/b (even if not the colors), there's already ethernet cables ready to go. And for 7 ports, I wouldn't bother with a patch panel--just plug them into the switch/router and be done with it.

rj-11 jack <> rj-45 jack

 

[SamirD]

Not saying that it's the right way to do it, but some builders use RJ45 in the wall, but only bunch down the middle pairs. May only need to do something in the panel.

I don't think this builder did that as the ends at the panel are full terminated. It's a 50/50 shot that it's the same at the jacks, but I leaning towards them being terminated too--and not only that, but to ethernet spec--which would be awesome for the op!

 

[sdifox]

I don't think this builder did that as the ends at the panel are full terminated. It's a 50/50 shot that it's the same at the jacks, but I leaning towards them being terminated too--and not only that, but to ethernet spec--which would be awesome for the op!

looks like it's this

10x8 Combo Module RJ45 with RJ31X | A/V Modules | Structured Wiring Enclosures | Audio/Visual

The 10x8 combo distributes up to 4 incoming telephone lines (RJ45) to 10 locations, and 1 GHz video to eight locations. The innovative mounting bracket includes a detachable platform for the coax splitter, allowing easy access to all termination ports

www.legrand.ca

no idea what the other end looks like. Maybe he has to look at the room plate.

It is entirely possible he is already wired for ethernet.

 

[SamirD]

Here's what I would do--put a dumb switch in the panel and power it on. Move all the rj45s from the black box to the switch. Go to each room with a laptop and see if I get a link light. Note where I do and do not get a link. If I don't have a link anywhere, open up a jack and see if all the lines were terminated. If so, call someone to re-terminate. If not all the lines were terminated, call someone to re-terminate.

Once the cabling is fixed, repeat the test and then go from there once all jacks test correctly.

 

[mxnerd]

Yeah. Like all others have said, OP actually doesn't need re-punch the cables in his laundry room. Patch panel does makes it looks neat. Definitely need to check wall plates see if it's punched down for ethernet. If not, either do it yourself following videos or just find a pro. It's a one hour job.

 

[Eric Fazekas]

I think you have your answers about your network. On the other hand, if I were you I'd also be happy to have the simple access to the interior centralized cable distribution. I did this in my house that I had built. It has allowed me to do a couple of things.

I am not a cord cutter so I still have cable (Spectrum), but I also have a digital antenna. I took the coax off the digital antenna and ran it back to this central location. If the cable goes out, I replace the "In" coax (center in your case) from Spectrum with the coax from the digital antenna. A couple of settings changes on the TV and we're still watching TV until the cable is restored.

To take this one step further, since Spectrum (and I think all cable providers now) have gone digital and require converters at the television, I've set up other splitters so my two TVs with converters get the feeds from Spectrum and the other TVs (office, guest rooms, garage) get feeds from the digital antenna.

Something to consider.

 

[pashbe1]

Good morning everyone who has responded to this question and thank you again, your effort is appreciated. I now know way more than I really wanted to.

Spectrum came out and got the internet plugged in so I was able to test. All of the outlets are ethernet, and home runs. So I plugged the modem into the main inlet shown in the OP and connected it to a switch (not that telephone box pictured in the OP), plugged all of the RJ45 cables into it and sure enough there is now internet at the outlets. I don't need trad phone so no loss there, and same with cable.

Of course the two rooms that I want to turn into offices don't have RJ45 outlets in them, but those I feel competent enough to do. Just need to get it done before the true Florida heat sets in. A couple of years ago I was installing ceiling speakers in a crawl space in June an nearly died. Heat exhaustion set in and I was too weak to fight through all of the framing, ducting etc.. didn't have my phone on me and was seriously considering just falling through the ceiling to save myself, lol.

Thanks againj!

 

[VirtualLarry]

All of the outlets are ethernet, and home runs.

Nice!

A couple of years ago I was installing ceiling speakers in a crawl space in June an nearly died. Heat exhaustion set in and I was too weak to fight through all of the framing, ducting etc.. didn't have my phone on me and was seriously considering just falling through the ceiling to save myself, lol.

Not so nice! Glad that you made it through that!

 

[SamirD]

Good morning everyone who has responded to this question and thank you again, your effort is appreciated. I now know way more than I really wanted to.

Spectrum came out and got the internet plugged in so I was able to test. All of the outlets are ethernet, and home runs. So I plugged the modem into the main inlet shown in the OP and connected it to a switch (not that telephone box pictured in the OP), plugged all of the RJ45 cables into it and sure enough there is now internet at the outlets. I don't need trad phone so no loss there, and same with cable.

Of course the two rooms that I want to turn into offices don't have RJ45 outlets in them, but those I feel competent enough to do. Just need to get it done before the true Florida heat sets in. A couple of years ago I was installing ceiling speakers in a crawl space in June an nearly died. Heat exhaustion set in and I was too weak to fight through all of the framing, ducting etc.. didn't have my phone on me and was seriously considering just falling through the ceiling to save myself, lol.

Thanks againj!

Thank you for the update! Glad they were all home runs and all went smooth.

If you don't want to worry about running wires again (and any flashbacks to that very scary moment of your life ), and have coax in those other 2 rooms, pick up 3 moca 2.0/2.5 units for a quick and easy full gigabit solution. Put one in your wiring closet and connect it to the switch and your coax splitter (which needs to be moca compliant if it isn't already), and then connect the other two moca units in the rooms and within minutes you'll have full speeds--no mess and no fuss.

 

[pashbe1]

Wait, what? moca? That sounds a lot easier that trying to run more wire. I looked it up on Newegg. As I understand it, if my router is MOCA compliant, I can run an ethernet connection between it and the adapter. Then from the adapter to the coax splitter and connect the coax cables from the rooms where I want to supply internet to the splitter. Then in those rooms connect the MOCA adapter to the coax cable and connect the adapter to the device with a ethernet cable.

Those MOCA adapters are pricey!

 

[mxnerd]

Ethernet wiring will cost you more than $120 per drop.

 

[Hans Gruber]

Good morning everyone who has responded to this question and thank you again, your effort is appreciated. I now know way more than I really wanted to.

Spectrum came out and got the internet plugged in so I was able to test. All of the outlets are ethernet, and home runs. So I plugged the modem into the main inlet shown in the OP and connected it to a switch (not that telephone box pictured in the OP), plugged all of the RJ45 cables into it and sure enough there is now internet at the outlets. I don't need trad phone so no loss there, and same with cable.

Of course the two rooms that I want to turn into offices don't have RJ45 outlets in them, but those I feel competent enough to do. Just need to get it done before the true Florida heat sets in. A couple of years ago I was installing ceiling speakers in a crawl space in June an nearly died. Heat exhaustion set in and I was too weak to fight through all of the framing, ducting etc.. didn't have my phone on me and was seriously considering just falling through the ceiling to save myself, lol.

Thanks againj!

I remember years ago putting in ceiling speakers. Was in the attic myself. If you are in a hot area always bring either an axe or machete when in unfamiliar territory. A good utility knife is your best friend up in the attic.

 

[SamirD]

Wait, what? moca? That sounds a lot easier that trying to run more wire. I looked it up on Newegg. As I understand it, if my router is MOCA compliant, I can run an ethernet connection between it and the adapter. Then from the adapter to the coax splitter and connect the coax cables from the rooms where I want to supply internet to the splitter. Then in those rooms connect the MOCA adapter to the coax cable and connect the adapter to the device with a ethernet cable.

Those MOCA adapters are pricey!

This is correct except nothing has to be moca compliant unless it connects directly to the moca coax. Otherwise, literally anything that's ethernet can work with them since moca is simply ethernet over coax.

Ethernet wiring will cost you more than $120 per drop.

And Moca is cheaper than that with moca 2.5 endpoints (1Gbps port) at $60:

Product Page | goCoax

www.gocoax.com

And you'd only need 3 of these, so under $200 for everything.