[NTLUG:Discuss] LAN Planning

[Aaron Goldblatt]

I need some suggestions for designing a LAN I want to put into my 
(new, as in still-smell-paint new) house.

Objective:  Most of the computer equipment will be centered in a 
bedroom, but one computer won't be in that bedroom, and it is 
necessary to connect that computer to the LAN.

CURRENT SETUP:

I have two physically independent networks, one running 10.x.x.x, 
one 
running live IPs.  The live IP one runs 10BaseT.  The 10.x.x.x runs 
100BaseT.  The private network is used for things like local IMAP, 
SMTP relay, and NFS.  The public network is used to connect to 
the 
net without the hassle of a proxy.

All wiring lays on the floor and is a trip and choke hazard.  I have 
a very small baby and I'm trying to clean things up some.

DESIRED SETUP:

Looking for suggestions.

Functionality requirements, notes and questions:

1) A single physical network is nice but not strictly required.  The 
private side network must run 100meg.  The hub on that network is 
a 
3Com 100BaseTX hub with a couple of fiber inputs.  It will -not- 
switch down to 10 megabits.

2) Easy to wire.  Patch panel optimal.  It can go in a closet.

3) Easy to expand to additional ports.  Big patch panel?  (How 
many 
ports would be good?  This is a 4br 2150 sqft house.  I want ports in 
at least three bedrooms, and possibly the formal living room which 
we're turning into a library.)

4) The Internet connectivity will be coming through some sort of 
10BaseT port, either an Ascend Pipeline 50 or 85, or some kind of 
xDSL modem/router thing.  This means that a proxy is necessary 
unless 
we go with two physical LANs.

5) Money is an object, but plenum cable is absolutely required.  
Please tell me where it can be found at the price-performance 
sweet 
spot.  :)

6) In that same line of thought, does somebody have a punchdown 
tool 
I can borrow, or know where can I get one for not-a-lot?  Will also 
need wall plates, wall plate pop-ins, male RJ45 ends, and a 
crimper.

7) If we locate a wiring closet in one of the bedroom closets, what 
can be done to make the hole in the ceiling pretty?  Just leaving an 
empty hole isn't a good idea.  Would piss off the wife major bad.

8) Is there a standard color pattern for wiring in a house?  When 
I've built cables, I've done it like this (hook facing away):

LEFT
Orange-White
Orange
Green-White
Blue
Blue-White
Green
Brown-White
Brown
RIGHT

9)  There is a lack of telephone jacks in this house (only one in the 
kitchen and another in the master bedroom).  I know it's certainly 
possible to run landlines on the unused CAT5 pairs; is it wise?  
Should I simply drop new line?

10) For each faceplate I was planning two RJ45 ports, each with it's 
own 4 pair lead.  Should I simply consolidate them and go for using 
all four pairs, forgetting for the moment the landline issue?

11) Wiring closet in the bedroom closet, or in the garage?  Garage 
is 
not AC'd (obviously), which is my only major concern about putting 
it 
there.

IN THE ALTERNATIVE, should I simply forget wiring the walls and 
go 
for the 802.11x solution for the one computer not in the bedroom?  
If 
I do, I'll have a number of walls to go through, all sheetrock.

This is a brand new house.  I don't want to do this half-assed by 
just running Cat5 through a hole punched in a common wall, but I 
don't want to spend a fortune on it either.

Floorplan, for your enjoyment, is at 
http://www.goldblatt.net/floorplan.png (450k).  The office will be 
"BEDROOM 4," and the wiring closet will be in the closet for 
"BEDROOM 
4."  The location of the non-office computer is unknown at this time, 
but let's assume less than 100 wire meters including patch cables.

The "library" referenced above is on the floorplan as "LIVING."  The 
real living room for everyday use is labeled "FAMILY."

Your experience is appreciated.  :)

ag