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3 Messages
Home LAN
When we built our house in 2002 we put (4) Cat 5 outlets in different parts of the house. There is a 'structured wiring' box adjacent to our current Xfinity modem / router. The Cat 5 wires originate at the structured wiring box and are plugged into a now 18 year old Leviton 10Base-T Network Hub. Until now we have never used any parts of that 'network'. I would like to start using it with my internet ready stereo and possibly other devices. I assume that Leviton Hub is way outdated. To begin using this network is it as simple as running Cat 5 cable from the Xfinity modem / router to a 'LAN switch' to feed those outlets? If so, is there a specific 'LAN switch' that I should buy?
darkangelic
Gold Problem Solver
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2K Messages
5 years ago
@EG is correct.
However, depending on your use, those CAT5 cables might still be usable providing you upgrade that obsolete hub. Stereo systems or other audio streaming applications don't require a lot of bandwidth, so even a Fast Ethernet Switch (10/100 Mbps) will help a lot. Gigabit switches are pretty much standard now so I'd suggest getting one of those, as they're not much more expensive than Fast Ethernet, plus, if those CAT5 cables turn out to be CAT5E, you'll have gigabit speeds.
These are what I have for my home LAN:
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EG
Expert
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110K Messages
5 years ago
Don't know what speed tier you subscribe to but Cat5 cable is going to limit your speed capability to 100 Mbps. And that 10Base-T hub would limit you to 10 Mbps.
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jf21
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3 Messages
5 years ago
Thank you for the reply. I think our Xfinity plan (Super Triple Play) includes 964 MBS internet. The Cat 5 wiring is already in the walls, so I don't anticipate changing that. The Leviton Network Hub was put there 18 years ago, so I assumed it needs to be replaced. What should I replace it with, and can I then just connect it to the Xfinity (Arris Group TG3482G) voice and data modem? Even though the limiting factor will be the Cat 5 wiring, wouldn't using the wired network for my 2 home theater receivers improve their performance? Thank you!
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jf21
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3 Messages
5 years ago
Thank you also for the reply. I have 4 exsisting outlets that were installed when the house was built. I would like to add 4, possibly 5 more, so I plan on installing Cat 6 wire for those. I will be updating the switch. If you see any additional problems / issues please let me know. Thank you.
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