Home networking cable

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

I have run several CAT6 cables from a location in the attic to various places in my house. Underneath the location in the attic is a closet that I plan to put networking equipment. The closet is accessible inside the house and next to the garage. I've seen some people cut a hole in the wall for the cables to go through and use a grommet for a better look. I wonder what can we do if we would like to "seal" the hole so that it does not allow air/dust/bugs to enter the living space from the attic. Since the closet is next to the garage, I wonder if I can use a patch panel that is flush mount to the closet wall instead of to a rack. I can punch the cables to the patch panel in the other side of the closet wall in the garage. So, in side the garage, I can seal the surround of the patch panel to make it air tight. Does it sound like a plan? Thank you!

Featured Answer

wdccruise

7 years ago

The best thing to do is to attach a piece of plywood to the back wall of your closet. Attach your network devices to the panel: most modems, routers, switches, power strips, etc. have holes on the back that allow them to be hung. Route the network and power cables between devices and to the patch panel. Here's a simple example.

For the patch panel itself, buy something like this Dshot 12 Port UTP 10 inch Cat6 network Wall Mount Surface Patch Panel and attach it to the plywood. Attach the network cables from the jacks around your house to the rear of the patch panel.

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Comments (6)

Tony Stevens
7 years ago
Why not use install electrical boxes with cover plates and cat6 sockets for a finished look?
Tony Stevens
7 years ago
I’m certainly no tech-head, but have you looked into WiFi mesh?
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Patricia Colwell Consulting
7 years ago
Really we have network all over our house all wireless.
Bruce in Northern Virginia
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
When you pass multiple cables through a framed wall or ceiling, its common to install and secure PVC pipe as a chase through the drywall, and then use a flexible cap or grommet on one or both ends of the PVC pipe. If the cap is made of soft, but thick rubber, you just push the cables through the hole (or holes) and it self-seals around the wires. My preference is to have the pipe extend far enough up so its clear of the attic insulation and very easy to see if you want to access the cables.

For Cat 6 runs that go down into the wall for jacks in your rooms, you should make sure the drilled hole is spray foamed around the wire, both for fire protection and to stop air infiltration.

Bruce
Thomas Tzeng thanked Bruce in Northern Virginia
Steve J
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Similar to what Lawrence mentioned above, I installed this in my basement. I used a slim rack mount with keystone jacks so they could be replaced later on if needed. I also used a vertical rack below it to mount my power strip, switch, and ups to power my phone and network in case the power goes out. You could certainly slim this up even further, but I didn't want to cramp anything, and had plenty of space (max depth is about 8" with the 1u cable organizer just below the patch panel.

Hinged 2U Rack for patch panel

Vertical Wall Mount for the larger equipment

Patch Panel
Thomas Tzeng thanked Steve J