ᐅ Are Ethernet ports still relevant today? Wi-Fi and wireless connections are the future!
Created on: 29 Jan 2020 21:06
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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I already confessed in the SAT discussion that I consider coax outlets and satellite dishes completely outdated since entertainment is streamed nowadays, and I’m not planning to include them in our new build (more on that in the SAT discussion).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I already confessed in the SAT discussion that I consider coax outlets and satellite dishes completely outdated since entertainment is streamed nowadays, and I’m not planning to include them in our new build (more on that in the SAT discussion).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!
Stefan2.84 schrieb:
Now I’m a lot wiser. Very nice. Thanks.
At first, I would rather not use the Fritzboxes as access points for aesthetic reasons. I’ve already gotten used to using Ubiquiti Unifi as access points.
The FritzBox or a similar router that supports DECT would go in the basement, hoping the signal reaches the upper floor. But since the second access point is meant to be placed out of sight in the attic anyway, another FritzBox could be an option there. The important thing is to run the appropriate cables to the right locations first.
However, I’m facing the usual problem when you have no experience and are working with a general contractor. They offered "telephone connections" in every room. As I’ve learned, I don’t need that. Now I have to wait for the additional cost for the necessary network cables. I’ll need to discuss this with the electrician. Since the electrician will be making the chases for the telephone connections anyway according to the delivery scope, they could also install conduits to keep the cost neutral. I’ll handle the rest. Normally, you can’t go wrong with the Unifi access points, and above all, they can be powered via PoE, so you don’t need a power outlet nearby. I would reconsider placing the access point in the attic. I would install it on the ceiling of the upper floor instead. First, that’s where most devices are located, and also it avoids having to transmit through a ceiling. Additionally, the antennas of the Unifi access points are designed for ceiling mounting.
For the telephone, I would test whether the FritzBox’s DECT works throughout the entire house. The FritzBox probably should not be placed in the network cabinet. Alternatively, there is the Gigaset GO box, which you can connect to the LAN, and the DECT phones register there.
In terms of effort, aside from the network outlets for the access points, I would always use double outlets. It’s one more cable running through the same conduit, and a double outlet doesn’t require more space than a single one.
S
Stefan2.8426 Feb 2020 12:54hanse987 schrieb:
Additionally, the antennas of the Unifi access points are designed for ceiling mounting. That’s a good point. Noted, thank you. Then it will go in the hallway on the upper floor. Although the ceiling to the attic is not a concrete ceiling. I’m still considering whether to place it on the wall or the ceiling. Whatever is easier to implement and looks better.
hanse987 schrieb:
The FritzBox probably must not be placed in the network cabinet. That makes sense as well. Also noted.
hanse987 schrieb:
In terms of effort, I would always use double network outlets except for the ones for the access points. One network outlet for the access point? I thought I would just have the cable come out of the wall/ceiling and then connect the access point via PoE?!
Stefan2.84 schrieb:
A network outlet for the access point? I thought I would just let the cable come out of the wall/ceiling and then connect the access point via PoE?!?!A keystone jack on the cable coming out of the ceiling at that spot is sufficient.hanse987 schrieb:
The average age of gamers in 2018 was 36 years. Of the total number, 28% were 50 or older. At Christmas, I spent some time in a GameStop in the city. The age of the customers was not surprising, but when young girls were deciding whether to buy Call of Duty or Far Cry, even I realized that I have gotten old.
Gaming is no longer just a nerdy hobby. I have teenagers in my family who are into gaming, and their attitude toward it today is very different from what it used to be.
S
Stefan2.8426 Feb 2020 14:17Mycraft schrieb:
One keystone at the cable coming from the ceiling at that point is sufficient.Ok. ThanksMycraft schrieb:
One Keystone jack in the cable coming from the ceiling at that point is sufficient.However, you should still install an in-wall box to conceal the Keystone module and the short patch cable inside.
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