Routers/Modems/Switches inside Structured Cabling Cabinet - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

gury · 02-20-2009, 10:47 PM

I hate trying to fit this stuff inside a cabinet. I like the snap in modules, but I've never had any luck with the routers and switches i've found. How are you LV guys stuffing these things in your cabinets and making them look neat? (if you have pics, that would be great)

And by the way, I'm doing a 4000+ sf house next week. I didn't do the pre-wire. The electrician had it done before I got there and he ran all the drops to the basement. He wants a wireless router, but I'm pretty sure putting in the basement isn't going to hit the upstairs bedroom very well. Any suggestions?

crazyboy · 02-21-2009, 03:55 PM

I hate those structured media cabinets!! Some modems and routers have holes in the back of them to hang them on screws. I thought the cabinets usually had an option for a switch module. If so why not use that and just place the modem/router on the bottom of the cabinet or

Kgmz · 02-21-2009, 05:02 PM

I usually use Leviton panels. Leviton makes some different brackets that you can attach things to that line up with the holes in the panels. Just pop the push pins in or out to install or remove. They also have a bracket that mounts in the panel that comes with velcro straps to secure something that may not have mounting holes like some cable modems.

I usually mount the modem in the panel which has the surge protected power outlets mounted at the bottom. And then use a Leviton Router/Gateway with 4 ports, and then a Leviton switch 5 or 8 port if that is all I will need. If more ports are needed than I get a 16 port switch and then mount with one of the Leviton brackets. I also use the Leviton panel extended that sticks out of the panel about a inch or so. It has vents in it so some air can circulate through the panel.

And if you need more ports or get into a place with media servers, then you are better off with a wall mount rack cabinet like this one below.

mdshunk · 02-21-2009, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gury

The electrician had it done before I got there and he ran all the drops to the basement. He wants a wireless router, but I'm pretty sure putting in the basement isn't going to hit the upstairs bedroom very well. Any suggestions?

Yes, I've been up against that a few times, and a wireless repeater is the solution. Some manufacturers call them a wireless range expander.

The last wireless access point I put in I was able to mount on the ceiling of a linen closet (since it was central in the home) above the door. I got power to it with a pair of power over Ethernet baluns so that I didn't have to install a receptacle.

Kgmz · 02-21-2009, 10:09 PM

Forgot that part of your question the "mdshrunk" answered above.

We do the same thing, but we call them a wireless access point. And hardly ever use a router with the wireless built in.

OnQ Legrand makes a nice ceiling mount access point that uses power over ethernet. Have also use some made by Alcatel/Lucent, Symbol/Motorola, Dlink.

And a surprising great setup that is reasonably priced if you need a few access points or up to 24 is from Dlink. It is called called a smart switch and is used with their smart access points. The switch and access points are all ready for power over ethernet with the switch prividing the power. The switch has 24 standard ports with PoE, 2 gigibit copper/fiber ports, 2 gigabit uplink ports.

BuildingHomes · 02-22-2009, 04:00 PM

You can use structure panels to contain the wiring and the modules and then on a backerboard next to the panel you can screw the modem and router. Run a few runs of cat5 in the wall and come out a hole next to each device. You can screw a power bar to the wall and neatly route all your wiring.

Or even better, put in a second panel and keep all those gimmicks in there

As for wireless, you can do the extender, or if they want to be cheap, add another couple of routers with the routing and DHCP turned off. I've done this a number of times for people.. just gotta make them understand that they will have to change to a different WAP if they move their laptop in the house.

And yes, burrying APs in closets are a good idea. We just wired a house that way, ethernet in a closet on each floor.

J F · 10-05-2009, 12:53 PM

Donavan · 10-15-2009, 09:07 PM

You can use a larger antenna. There are multiple options that I am working on right now

Inner10 · 10-16-2009, 10:05 PM

Wireless repeaters are quick and easy but they have a nasty habit of grabbing zigbee signals and other RF triggers and repeating them. I hate adding any source of trouble.

Start with a decent router, not a WRT54G, get a decent SOHO router. Add on a separate AP such as a Netgear (good value for the money) or a Pakedge or Linksys; then add a Luxul amplified antenna. Your teeth may glow but boy does the coverage kickass.

amsmt · 10-22-2009, 10:10 PM

The wireless router can exist anywhere you have a data connection in the house, and some have 4 ports so you could put one in an office possibly... then connect CPU and anything else you need to the wireless router.

Julio · 10-25-2009, 11:01 PM

I have a wireless router in my house and it works fine from every room. Even some rooms with no basement the signal still comes in good. Hope it works out for you.