Cabling!

[firehawk]

OK, this is slightly odd but hope someone can help here.

for a business (small business), what is the termonology called where you can have network sockets plugged into the wall and have it connect to the network/internet?

furthermore - how do you do this? what companies can install this and how much would it cost?

[simonmpoulton]

Generally speaking you have CAT5 or CAT6 sockets installed in the wall with appropriate cabling and each socket runs to a device known as a switch (either managed or unmanaged). You have one switch in each respective room with network cabling joining them up and you also have one or more server machines which provide internet and networking which are also wired in.

[firehawk]

thanks.

so say for example if I had a wireless router (which is ADSL, for arguments sake lets say its a SKY service) - what is required to do what I am asking in terms of having the "network socket in the wall" so people can plug in their computers and gain access to the net via that router?

also - what companies can do this?

[simonmpoulton]

Putting aside the fact that its against skys T&C's to use SKY broadband for business use. If you just need 4 sockets you would get some CAT5e or CAT6 cable and 8 sockets.
You'd fit 4 sockets next to the router and run 4 patch cables into these 4 sockets from the 4 ports on the router. Those 4 sockets would then be wired to the 4 other sockets in there respective locations. If you needed more than 4 sockets you would have to run a patch cable from the router to a network switch with the right number of outlets and just increase the number of sockets appropriately.
As for actually laying the cable that depends on where it has to go, to run it through the walls it usually involves cutting multiple holes in the wall to run the cable through to the right location and then patching them up, you can also use trunking and surface lay it along skirting boards etc and then just run it into the wall where the socket needs to be.

I dont know of any companies that do this a quick google search should yield answers. Personally all the cabling work i've needed has been done by myself (I see no point in paying someone for it)

[sbarkeri]

Simon gave a pretty in-depth description, however they are very easy to fit, I have about 6 fitted in each room in my house. To connect the sockets you just use a CAT5/6 cable with the connectors stripped of each end then wire each end up to the socket. The sockets I've got use the same IDC connectors that you find in NTE5 sockets however some will just use screws.

[firehawk]

thanks!

i know that it is it against SKY's T&C's - but was just trying to use them as an example which leads me to the next question - what decent ADSL providers are suitable for business use? do sky not have a business section?

[RUNITDIRECT]

You won't find any network outlets that use screw connectors-all will be IDC (it's impossible to have the cable as short as is required with screw connectors). Where abouts are you? We install structured cabling(the term used for CAT5e/CAT6 etc). DIY would be easy if you are pretty handy-we can supply everything you need. By the way, you do not have a switch in each room-ALL cabling should wire to a central location (to a patch panel). If for any reason any horizontal run would be over 90M in length THEN you have multiple switches joined by either CAT5e(low bandwidth requirements) or fibre optic.

These are the kind of modules you install.

[firehawk]

Hi Runitdirect

basically its for a client of mine - im the IT guy that is doing everything but mainly software development - and because they asked me to do a technical audit and because they are moving to a new office, thought I would have this facility. they are based in London - next to ealing broadway/chiswick

[simonmpoulton]

To answer your earlier question UKonline are skys business internet provider.

[RUNITDIRECT]

Hi Runitdirect

basically its for a client of mine - im the IT guy that is doing everything but mainly software development - and because they asked me to do a technical audit and because they are moving to a new office, thought I would have this facility. they are based in London - next to ealing broadway/chiswick

OK, London would not be feasible for us on anything smaller than 1000 outlets I'm afraid. If you are up for DIY feel free to contact us. Do they have a phone system? It makes sense to have that on the CAT5 too. How many outlets do they need? It also makes sense to DOUBLE this for future requirements.