What do I need to run a network in the walls of a new home?

Question

My family is going to move into a new home that is being built now. My father is the electrician and I would like to run a network through at the same time. What supplies do I need to purchase (for ethernet jacks, cutting wire, etc.)? What are good websites where I can get this stuff?

No, Wireless is not an option.

Answer 1

Just use a wireless router...it's easier.

Why is wireless not an option? That's ridiculous.

Answer 2

You don't need to run cat5 cable through the walls. You can buy a $180 kit that turns your house's AC powerline into a network. You don't need to worry about it while you're building your house except that socket wiring must all meet at a singular breaker panel or extended together using a junction box. You just plug the kit and satellite into the AC wall socket and and plug cat5 cables from the kit into the router and PC and away you go.

This one from Dlink is $180 and comes with the "router" and one satelitte at has 200Mbps bandwidth. For each other device you will need another satellite (and fortunately not a whole new kit). You still need a wired standalone router for IP distribution.
http://www.dlink.com/products/?sec=1&pid=533

Satellite
http://www.dlink.com/products/?sec=1&pid=561

There are cheaper ones from netgear but have lower bandwidth (85Mbps but is more than you need).
http://www.netgear.com/Products/PowerlineNetworking/PowerlineEthernetAdapters.aspx

I'd recommed the netgear ones cause they have built-in 4 port switches so you need less satellites if you have more than one PC in a room. Remember, you still need a wired (or wireless router with WiFi disables) to get internet on every computer.

Answer 3

Wireless is definitely the way to go. Just get a router than uses the N standard. Then make sure you have wireless cards in each machine that also support that standard.

The N standard travels farther and goes through walls without too many problems. It's a lot easier and cheaper than running CAT5 cable everywhere.

Answer 4

http://www.howstuffworks.com/home-network.htm

I suggest using a wireless set up. It is cheaper and easier. Nothing more perfect. I only see running cable being smart becuase its faster (Remember Wired is always faster than Wireless) But you can connect mulitple computers wirelessly just like wired, and its less hassale. Belkin offers great, cheap routers and receivers.

Answer 5

I would read up on what is involved in doing something such as this. there will be coding regulations youll need to adhere to as well. So read up a little so you'll know exactly what you need to get. you may just as well have someone come out and put it in for you if the walls are still open, may be just as cheap.

Answer 6

http://store.cablesplususa.com/networking-infrastructure-bulk-cable.html they should have everything you will need, do not use wireless if this is new construction, and you have the access to install the cables, a wired network is faster more reliable and more secure.