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I already confessed in the SAT discussion that I consider coax outlets and satellite dishes completely outdated since entertainment is streamed nowadays, and I’m not planning to include them in our new build (more on that in the SAT discussion).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!
lastdrop7 Dec 2020 14:32
I would drill the holes. After all, they are supposed to remain there for decades...
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Stefan2.84
7 Dec 2020 14:35
I wanted to look for alternatives to drilling to avoid the issues with reinforced concrete. Of course, there are suitable drill bits for that, but if possible, why not use adhesive? I would then use the same principle to stick the smoke detectors to the ceiling instead of drilling everywhere.

Upstairs, there will be a single layer of drywall. It is possible to use the right anchors there as well, but I would prefer a simpler solution here too.
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nordanney
7 Dec 2020 14:46
Stefan2.84 schrieb:

I would then stick the smoke detectors to the ceiling using the same principle instead of drilling everywhere.

I would (and have in the past) always do it that way. As simple as possible.
rick20187 Dec 2020 14:47
Definitely drill. The access points (APs) from Unifi as well as other manufacturers come with a mounting plate. You attach this plate to the ceiling.
The APs can then be easily installed and removed.
Mycraft7 Dec 2020 14:47
Based on what all the adhesive pads and similar products leave behind, or what happens to Powerstrips after several years, I consider drilling holes to be the simplest method for securing such items.
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Stefan2.84
7 Dec 2020 15:04
Now there are supporters for both solutions, and I will probably end up choosing the wrong one 🙂
So please give me a recommendation for a suitable reinforced concrete drill bit. I failed on the weekend with a lamp installation because I couldn’t find a spot without rebar.......