by C Patterson

Created on: November 30, 2009

A home network allows multiple devices to communicate sharing information and resources. A wired network is built by running cabling throughout your home to connect your computers, printers, and any other networked device to a central switch. Once the network is installed files, resources, printers, and Internet connectivity can be shared between multiple computers. Building a wired home network can be done by someone with a little research, the right parts, basic skills, and time.

The first step in building a wired network is planning where your equipment will be located. Decide the location for your current and potential computer equipment. Each of these rooms will need a network drop to connect to the network. Decide on a location for your network switch. This should be located in close proximity to your Internet connection and will be the place where all the network drops terminate for connectivity. Finally, look at the construction of your residence and plan the paths for each cable run. Attics and basements are good paths for installing cabling between rooms. Check existing cable TV and telephone cabling paths as these could be reused for the network cabling including consolidating the network jacks within the same wall plate.

Once the planning is complete develop a parts list for the wiring installation. Parts needed for installing a home network can be found at most home improvement stores. Category 5 network cabling is a good choice for home use and comes in varying lengths based on your needs. Network faceplates and inserts are generally modular and allow cable, phone, and network to be consolidated in a single faceplate. Determine the number and makeup you need based on your cabling plan. Cable termination tools may be required depending on the faceplates and inserts used but are readily available with the other parts.

Running the cabling will take some time, may require additional tools, and patience. Every room requiring network connectivity from your cabling plan will need an individual cable run from it to the network switch location. Your previous planning on cable paths will help when it comes time to actually pull the cable. Additional outlet locations may require holes in the walls and cable fishing to transition from the attic or the basement into the wall. Once each cable is labeled and pulled, terminate the cable based on the faceplate and insert instructions on each end. This should give you a network outlet in each room and a multi-port outlet at your network switch.

Wiring a home network is within the reach of homeowners who feel up to the challenge. The installation does require some basic skills, planning, time, equipment, and patience. Once the wiring is installed equipment can be added as needed to support your needs.

Learn more about this author, C Patterson.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.