Newbie to Netwroking ethernet

[adnup]

Hello everyone!
I've just decided to link all of my computers via ethernet instead of wireless. Why?, becasue of signal issues on the other side of the house. My plan is to run Cat5e from wireless router to a 8 port switch and then split that into two runs for each of my three kids rooms(one for computers and one for video game), one into garage for future computer controlled christmas light display and one to my future home theater pc.

router - PC4
!
switch
! ! ! ! !
PC1,PC2,PC3,HTPC,Garage

My questions are:
1. do you guys have links for the best prices on Cat5E cable, connectors etc.
2. Are there differtent types of cables? inwall, horizontal, vertical etc?
3. Will this set up work? I'm looking at less than 50' from router to switch, then less than 20' to each computer.

Thanks in advance ADNUP

 

[vipergg]

No all you need is good quality cat 5 cable to wire your house at the distances you are talking. you setup should work fine . I assume your router will be doleing out the addresses.Make sure you get a switch for your breakout point and not a router. If done right a wired setup will always work better and is inheritently safer also .

 

[adnup]

Yes my router will be doleing out the ips. I plan on getting a switch and not a router. Are there any good links for what I need? I have found a few with what looks like some good prices.

thanks for a quick answer

 

[techcontroller]

http://deniz.com/cgi-bin/cisco/DSDH27351.html?mv_pc=00013

- Cat5E

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...T315441&SRCCODE=GOOGLEBASE&CMP=OTC-GOOGLEBASE

- RJ-45 Connectors

http://www.microbarn.com/details.aspx?rid=100368&source=froogle

- Crimper for the RJ45

These are just some quick finds that I went to Froogle.com for. I am sure you can find better deals, but I don't purchase many of these items myself. These are links for cable, RJ45 connectors and a crimper.

Using Froogle (for simplicity) will find you an 5 port switch which will work for what you plan to do.

 

[johnilu]

You probably know this, but just in case, you might need to consider that when linking the two communications devices you will need a crossover cable, mdix, or other such method to cross transmit to receive between the two communications boxes.

Most modern or higher end hardware will do this for you, but it is not always the case. Many times on lower end hardware you only need to push a button on the uplink port.