Structured Cabling in your home – a (somewhat of a) Simple Plan
Let’s face it, we are almost reaching the millennium decade in two years away in 2010. As many people are entering the online world of technology, the various technologies are improving and demand for high speed internet access (by Cable, DSL, Satellite or Fibre to the Premises aka FTTP), many technology companies out there offer an easy way for computer systems to share files between computers and even an internet connection. In the past, you have to face a greater expense of rewiring your home to share all of your computers in one house.
Back then, Dial-up internet was the only method to go to the internet. You have to get used to the dial-tone as the modem dials your system to connect to the internet. Today, Broadband services such as Cable by the cable companies (such as Rogers, Shaw, Cogeco, Videotron, Comcast, Time Warner, etc.), DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) by the telephone companies (Bell, Telus, Aliant, MTS, SaskTel, Verizon, AT&T, Qwest, etc.) and even Satellite. Also coming to the internet marketplace, WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) and most recently, Fibre optic internet (aka FTTP or FTTN or FTTH, FTTC). Wireless networks at home are now becoming more popular. Back then we evolve from the 802.11b (11Mbps) standard to the 802.11g (54Mbps). Now we evolve to 802.11n (high speeds and greater distances unlike B and G).
Many companies out there offer structured cabling used in businesses and now they are available to be retrofitted throughout the home. New communities might offer things a little easier, but as for older homes – well it’s anyone’s guess because it presents a challenge. You have to budget the costs of retrofitting your house to benefit from the technology.
Currently the Category 5e (Cat5e) standard is the norm for structured cabling in networks. It is used for data and voice. As demand for bandwidth increases for networks, the new Category 6 (Cat6) is taking aim because it supports the Gigabit standard (1000Mbps or 1Gbps).
As for entertainment, you can have multiple outlets for telephone, TV and even video/audio systems throughout your home.
Most new home developments (notably Tribute Communities and Mattamy Homes) offer this feature for Video entertainment, home automation, Internet and many other uses relating to these.
As for the companies who are providing the structured cabling for the home, two companies Leviton and Pass & Seymour offer the best SOHO (Small office, home office) solutions out there. I have posted some books that you people will enjoy, complete with references to various websites offering structured cabling. I’ve posted a video on how to create a customized Cat6 cable (from TigerDirect). The video is listed below:
Changing gears, I would like to thank my pal Bobby for his own view on Simple Plan’s third album which is going to be released next week (on February 12th, 2008). If you want to preview the album, please do so at this link.
Books I recommend:
Building a Digital Home Entertainment Network: Multimedia in Every Room
CNET Do-It-Yourself Home Networking Projects
PC Magazine Home Networking Solutions
Websites:
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/category/category_slc.asp?CatId=436 – Network cabling kits from TigerDirect.
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/search.asp?keywords=tester&image12.x=0&image12.y=0 - Cable testers to make sure that all of your cables are installed correctly.
P.S.: In any project out there, it is important that you must wear the proper safety equipment to protect yourself from any unexpected surprises. If you do anything wrong, I am not responsible for damages and/or liabilities that may be caused. Use caution at your own risk.
