ᐅ Are Ethernet ports still relevant today? Wi-Fi and wireless connections are the future!
Created on: 29 Jan 2020 21:06
B
Bauherr am L
Hello fellow cable enthusiasts and Wi-Fi addicts,
I already confessed in the SAT discussion that I consider coax outlets and satellite dishes completely outdated since entertainment is streamed nowadays, and I’m not planning to include them in our new build (more on that in the SAT discussion). But that’s not what this is about.
Right now, I’m trying to smartly distribute LAN duplex Cat 6a and Cat7 cable outlets throughout the rooms (1st floor: 2 kids’ rooms, kids’ bathroom, master bedroom, dressing room, master bathroom, hallway; 2nd floor: open living/dining/kitchen area, hallway, entrance area, guest restroom).
On one hand, I feel like none of the rooms really fit the outlets perfectly, like: “the desk could go here…” But what if the TV ends up in that corner instead?
On the other hand, I’m looking at our current devices and very few still have LAN ports: MacBooks, iPhones, tablets, or devices that have LAN options but mostly connect via Wi-Fi anyway, like Sonos, printers, TVs.
So the question arises whether LAN ports in rooms are still that important today. I’m not talking about the Wi-Fi access points, which of course should be connected via LAN in a convenient location, or special cases like PoE cameras and door intercoms. I’m mainly referring to the LAN outlets in individual rooms. Most end devices are mobile anyway, and the outlets will be in the wrong place 99% of the time.
I read (yes, I spent some time researching this) that the cost of LAN outlets is negligible. Well, if I install duplex outlets in all those questionable locations, the cost for switches and everything else adds up to a nice chunk.
I would be interested in your opinion on this. Since I am straightforwardly skipping any traditional TV (in our case only satellite would be possible) and the corresponding connections, wouldn’t it be consistent to also counteract the outlet overload regarding LAN?
Looking forward to your comments, thanks!
I already confessed in the SAT discussion that I consider coax outlets and satellite dishes completely outdated since entertainment is streamed nowadays, and I’m not planning to include them in our new build (more on that in the SAT discussion). But that’s not what this is about.
Right now, I’m trying to smartly distribute LAN duplex Cat 6a and Cat7 cable outlets throughout the rooms (1st floor: 2 kids’ rooms, kids’ bathroom, master bedroom, dressing room, master bathroom, hallway; 2nd floor: open living/dining/kitchen area, hallway, entrance area, guest restroom).
On one hand, I feel like none of the rooms really fit the outlets perfectly, like: “the desk could go here…” But what if the TV ends up in that corner instead?
On the other hand, I’m looking at our current devices and very few still have LAN ports: MacBooks, iPhones, tablets, or devices that have LAN options but mostly connect via Wi-Fi anyway, like Sonos, printers, TVs.
So the question arises whether LAN ports in rooms are still that important today. I’m not talking about the Wi-Fi access points, which of course should be connected via LAN in a convenient location, or special cases like PoE cameras and door intercoms. I’m mainly referring to the LAN outlets in individual rooms. Most end devices are mobile anyway, and the outlets will be in the wrong place 99% of the time.
I read (yes, I spent some time researching this) that the cost of LAN outlets is negligible. Well, if I install duplex outlets in all those questionable locations, the cost for switches and everything else adds up to a nice chunk.
I would be interested in your opinion on this. Since I am straightforwardly skipping any traditional TV (in our case only satellite would be possible) and the corresponding connections, wouldn’t it be consistent to also counteract the outlet overload regarding LAN?
Looking forward to your comments, thanks!
SteffenBank schrieb:
€190 per double socket just for cable pulling + cable? Just cable from the basement to the room, then install a socket there. The cable in the basement is simply a cable. Patch panel, network cabinet, switch installation, and testing is my responsibility.
S
SteffenBank31 Jan 2020 09:31Not really regretting it, everything actually works via Wi-Fi. My computer was connected to the network through powerline adapters. My previous TV in the living room wasn’t a smart TV, but the current one is, so now the powerline connection goes there and upstairs there is Ethernet wiring. At the moment, everything is surface-mounted. The cable trays are installed just below the ceiling, so they’re not very noticeable visually. However, when we redecorate, they will be moved inside the walls. The switch is mounted on the ceiling in the hallway. I will build a cover for it when I have time.
S
Stefan2.8421 Feb 2020 13:23Hello everyone, I have now read through several threads on this topic. Very interesting overall. But as usual, there are thousands of different opinions and viewpoints. My conclusion from all the posts I read is that, as with most decisions I make, I have decided to take a middle ground based on the opinions shared here.
I think it makes sense to install double outlets in every bedroom and living room. If you ever decide to rearrange the furniture, the access points might be a bit farther away. But having outlets in every corner just in case seems excessive to me. Since the router will be placed in the basement to cover the Wi-Fi needs there, I plan to have two additional ports for access points: one near the living area facing the terrace, and one in the attic to cover the upper floor. This way, the access point for the upper floor will also remain out of sight. I am also considering installing two outdoor cameras. Anything beyond that would be oversized for our regular needs. I assume even the solution I have in mind might be a bit over the top. But, as I’ve said before, you never know what might come up.
Yesterday, I was told that access points are unnecessary for a single-family home and that well-distributed repeaters are sufficient. But I’m not convinced by that. Of course, it will also depend on what the electrician charges, since I’m not very skilled in this area and will leave everything to the professionals. It might end up with just single outlets everywhere. We’ll see. Anyway, it’s great to find so many good ideas here.
I also realized that my general contractor included a telephone connection in every room. Who still needs that these days? I can cut that out then.
I think it makes sense to install double outlets in every bedroom and living room. If you ever decide to rearrange the furniture, the access points might be a bit farther away. But having outlets in every corner just in case seems excessive to me. Since the router will be placed in the basement to cover the Wi-Fi needs there, I plan to have two additional ports for access points: one near the living area facing the terrace, and one in the attic to cover the upper floor. This way, the access point for the upper floor will also remain out of sight. I am also considering installing two outdoor cameras. Anything beyond that would be oversized for our regular needs. I assume even the solution I have in mind might be a bit over the top. But, as I’ve said before, you never know what might come up.
Yesterday, I was told that access points are unnecessary for a single-family home and that well-distributed repeaters are sufficient. But I’m not convinced by that. Of course, it will also depend on what the electrician charges, since I’m not very skilled in this area and will leave everything to the professionals. It might end up with just single outlets everywhere. We’ll see. Anyway, it’s great to find so many good ideas here.
I also realized that my general contractor included a telephone connection in every room. Who still needs that these days? I can cut that out then.
Stefan2.84 schrieb:
Otherwise, I realized that my general contractor sold me a phone connection in every room.If that means a star quad on a TAE socket, then that's outdated—actually "modern" in 1980 when referring to a distribution box.https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
Stefan2.84 schrieb:
Yesterday, I was told that access points are unnecessary for single-family homes and that strategically placed repeaters are sufficient. But I’m starting to doubt that now.Anyone who uses repeaters either doesn’t really know what they’re doing or simply has no other option, for example in an older building.Since you’re in the favorable position of planning a new build, you have all options available. However, repeaters are not one of them.
Stefan2.84 schrieb:
Otherwise, I’m considering installing two outdoor cameras.What are you planning to monitor?Mycraft schrieb:
Anyone using repeaters usually has no idea what they are doing,Lack of knowledge is not uncommon among amateur electricians: no understanding of topologies, as long as it’s Cat 7 (terminated with unshielded "ISDN" type 8 connectors or even TAE sockets).https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
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