HOWTO: Build a Proper LAN with Copper Ethernet Cabling

Having a reliable LAN is an essential part of your Internet connection. Going for a wireless solution is fast to build (pretty much plug and use), but as everybody is running one nowadays, the 2,4 GHz band is getting crowded. It is possible to go 5 GHz which is less crowded, has more capacity and is less prone to be blocked by your household microwave oven sending noise to 2 GHz band.

The only real option is to use the wireless toys for mobile devices and tablets, but use old fashioned wired connections for real computers. The catch is, that it is pretty difficult to build and costs more than your average Wi-Fi access point.

Part 1: Planning

What is needed for LAN-build:

• Cabling:
• Lots of it! I rolled over 130 meters of siamese copper cable into my project.
• With siamese cable I get two Ethernet connections on a one cable.
• Patch panel:
• This is the other end of the line. Typically placed into server room or rack.
• Here is the one I got.
• RJ-45 wall sockets:
• This is where you connect your equipment into. I used twin-sockets for twin-cabling.
• The recommendaton I had was to go for LexCom 250 (apparently same as Actassi here). I couldn't use them in my project as they had very long delivery time. They were bit more expensive too, but I've gladly paid for them if only I had gotten any.
• I went for ABB FOT6208 which were easily available. I later learned, that they are not so handy to install as LexCom would be.
• Ethernet switch:
• That will distribute your LAN into every wall socket.
• Any gigabit ethenrnet switch will do, even the cheapest ones.
• I got a HP 1910-24G. It has management via web in it and a fan. When running, the fan makes noise, but I'm placing it in a dedicated room inside a rack, so I need it to function at all temperatures.
• (optional) 19" Rack:
• This is handy for the patch panel and switch. A small 4-5 U telco-sized rack will do.
• This is the one I got.
• Cable routing plan:
• An idea where you can route the cables and where to place the wall sockets.
• Lastly:
• Basic cabling skills and lot of enthusiasm.
• Typical environments will require drilling holes, cutting cables and combing the twisted pairs ouf of them.
• To hide the cables in rooms, I used plastic cord cover. On tight corners I drilled hole into it and used a screw. The cover I used is self-sticking, but I know from experience, that the glue won't stand the test of time. Ethernet cable is quite heavy for any sticker to carry. 

All that should cost less than 1k €.

Part 2: Implementation

I started by drilling couple of holes for the cable. Then I attached the wall sockets into drywall:

This is what my siamese cabling look like:

That's your basic 4 twisted pairs in a cable. In the middle of the cable there is a plus-shaped plastic filler. It makes the cable flex a little bit better. Ethernet cabling shouldn't have too tight corners anyway, but its different story to lure the cable through ceiling or wall if it doesn't give way at all. 

My sockets and RJ-45 connectors are ABB FOT6208 toolless:

It is quite easy to hook one up:

I used T568A pin-to-pair assignment. You can notice that from the connector pic. The colour coding of cables match the upper row at the connector.

My siamese cabling had text on one of them. It was possible to identify the other pair when connecting. See how it contains the amount of meters rolled out:

At the patch panel I have Krone connectors:

A specific tool is required to make the cabling stick:

Even though a single cable is quite thin, the connection is robust. This is how the patch panel will look like when all the pairs have been connected:

I always tested every connection before proceeding:

When confirmation was made, that the connection would work ok, it was time to put the wall socket together:

That was it. It was just about repeating the same thing for every cable and wall socket.

Part 3: Wrap-up

Was it worth it? Absolutely!

Now I have properly functioning gigabit Ethernet in every room at the house. It works so much better at high speeds than any Wi-Fi I've ever tested. 

A collegue really loved my home LAN. He said, that not all businesses have installation of that scale:
"The most overkill home LAN installation"
- Thomas C.