Hello,
I am currently considering the main distribution panel.
Framework conditions: SAT (14 cables) and LAN (18 cables) will be installed throughout the house, distributed across the basement, ground floor, and upper floor. The main distribution panel will be located in the basement.
I would like everything to be neatly organized. So, the cabinet should house all SAT cables including the multiswitch, all LAN cables on the patch panel (?), as well as the router/modem. I was offered a main distribution panel with 2 multimedia fields because apparently one is not sufficient. The additional cost of 1,500 EUR gross surprised me, and now I wonder if this solution is unnecessary luxury.
At first, I only see the advantage that the multimedia field includes a patch panel where the LAN cables are connected, and if I forgo multimedia extensions I would need a 24-port switch. I found various models with 1 Gbit for around 100 EUR. The multiswitch must be purchased additionally in both cases.
How have you solved this? If I factor in the switch cost, there are still 1,400 EUR extra for better organization. Am I making a mistake in my thinking? I am more inclined to build a separate cabinet for SAT, LAN, and modem.
Also, the prices for room thermostats and roller shutter controls surprised me a bit.
Net prices:
Simple roller shutter control = up/down switch = 75 EUR
Programmable roller shutter control / astro function = 200 EUR
Simple room thermostat = dial from 0 to 5 = 100 EUR
Room thermostat with digital display = 220 EUR
We do not want to give up the programmable version for the roller shutters, but with the price difference, the simple version of the thermostats will have to suffice.
This is more of an aside; my main interest is your opinion on multimedia equipment in the distribution panel.
Thanks and best regards!
I am currently considering the main distribution panel.
Framework conditions: SAT (14 cables) and LAN (18 cables) will be installed throughout the house, distributed across the basement, ground floor, and upper floor. The main distribution panel will be located in the basement.
I would like everything to be neatly organized. So, the cabinet should house all SAT cables including the multiswitch, all LAN cables on the patch panel (?), as well as the router/modem. I was offered a main distribution panel with 2 multimedia fields because apparently one is not sufficient. The additional cost of 1,500 EUR gross surprised me, and now I wonder if this solution is unnecessary luxury.
At first, I only see the advantage that the multimedia field includes a patch panel where the LAN cables are connected, and if I forgo multimedia extensions I would need a 24-port switch. I found various models with 1 Gbit for around 100 EUR. The multiswitch must be purchased additionally in both cases.
How have you solved this? If I factor in the switch cost, there are still 1,400 EUR extra for better organization. Am I making a mistake in my thinking? I am more inclined to build a separate cabinet for SAT, LAN, and modem.
Also, the prices for room thermostats and roller shutter controls surprised me a bit.
Net prices:
Simple roller shutter control = up/down switch = 75 EUR
Programmable roller shutter control / astro function = 200 EUR
Simple room thermostat = dial from 0 to 5 = 100 EUR
Room thermostat with digital display = 220 EUR
We do not want to give up the programmable version for the roller shutters, but with the price difference, the simple version of the thermostats will have to suffice.
This is more of an aside; my main interest is your opinion on multimedia equipment in the distribution panel.
Thanks and best regards!
B
Bieber081525 Oct 2016 10:32Addendum: We only have satellite TV connected centrally directly at the dish (multi-LNB?). From there, the cables run straight to the devices; there is no satellite access in the utility room/meter room. However, we only have 4 satellite connections anyway.
An LNB supports up to a maximum of 8 cables; beyond that, you need a multiswitch. Basically, the LNB functions like a router, and the multiswitch acts like a switch.
Now, after your explanations, I understand what you mean. Thanks! I’d rather build a cabinet for the network myself.
Now, after your explanations, I understand what you mean. Thanks! I’d rather build a cabinet for the network myself.
B
Bieber081525 Oct 2016 11:41sirhc schrieb:
I’d rather build a cabinet for the network myself. I did the same. Make sure to plan the required space, and of course, the network cables need to terminate there. That means the network cabinet will be just as fixed in place later as an electric meter cabinet or a heating circuit distributor cabinet.
In practice, it worked like this for us: I provided the cabinet and patch panel, the electrician installed both (secured the cabinet to the wall) and terminated the cables. Everything else was done by myself afterward.
Next to the meter cabinet, I still have 2 meters (6.5 feet) of "free wall" where the cables can be bundled and terminated. I will take care of the rest later.
After your explanation, I also consider a patch panel unnecessary. I can connect the ends of the "long cables" directly to the switch instead of creating a "female end" through the panel and then using many short cables to connect the patch panel and the switch — or am I missing something?
After your explanation, I also consider a patch panel unnecessary. I can connect the ends of the "long cables" directly to the switch instead of creating a "female end" through the panel and then using many short cables to connect the patch panel and the switch — or am I missing something?
Yes, you have a misconception. The installation cables are rigid and quite difficult to feed into the distribution boxes, etc. Not to mention crimping the necessary connectors onto them, which you ultimately need anyway, since the switch only has ports.
The path of least resistance and also the most cost-effective is:
Installation cable ---> Patch panel ---> Switch
The path of least resistance and also the most cost-effective is:
Installation cable ---> Patch panel ---> Switch
B
Bieber081525 Oct 2016 13:08Our electrician reported that for small installations with maybe five network cables, he terminates the installation cables with connectors (crimps) at the ends. This way, a patch panel is not necessary. However, as mycraft points out, 18 LAN installation cables already form a quite thick and rigid bundle. It is highly recommended to create a clear distribution point using a patch panel.
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