Cat 5e junction

[Heli-Tim]

I have recently built a house. I wired 7 runs of cat 5e and brought them all to a central location. I am looking for a junction box, or something similar that would allow 1 input and 7 outputs. Preferably one that doesn't require crimped ends. They won't all be in use at the same time of course. Any suggestions? I'm having trouble finding what I need!

[Alaric]

Something like this? https://www.digikey.com/product-deta...626-ND/4834935

Lots more possibilities here https://www.digikey.com/products/en/...tches-hubs/927

[Heli-Tim]

I may have to go this route. Ideally I was hoping to find a unit where I can connect the wires I internally. Not sure what it's called, but they use two "blades", and you press the wires down into the blades to make the connections.

[Kal Rubinson]

It is a punch-down block but you would probably be better served with a switch like this: http://us.dlink.com/products/busines...igabit-switch/

[Alaric]

If not, here's a start https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1T...=1511574146434

[Heli-Tim]

It is a punch-down block but you would probably be better served with a switch like this: http://us.dlink.com/products/busines...igabit-switch/

Is there a reason to use the network switch over The punch-down block(thanks by the way ). I figured since all the wall port connections were punch-down, it made sense to keep everything that way.

Alaric, thank you for the suggestions as well .

[Kal Rubinson]

Is there a reason to use the network switch over The punch-down block(thanks by the way ). I figured since all the wall port connections were punch-down, it made sense to keep everything that way.

I am not an expert on this but here's a discussion of what's what: https://ask.metafilter.com/85162/Ple...d-patch-panels

[Kevin P]

The punch down block and the network switch are two different things. A punch down block is used to connect the physical wires either to another set of wires, or to a set of RJ45 jacks. Then you'd use patch cables to connect the block to the network switch, which makes the network connections between the cables.

The other option is to crimp RJ45 connectors onto the ends of the cables in the utility closet and plug them directly into the switch.

Here's an 8 port punch down block: https://www.amazon.com/TRENDnet-Unsh.../dp/B003SSX1Q6 There are 16 port ones available as well, but if you only have 7 runs, you can get by with the 8 port.

Here's an 8 port Gigabit ethernet switch: https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Ether.../dp/B00MPVR50A

[Kal Rubinson]

Thanks. I had thought that but was not confident enough to say so.

[Heli-Tim]

Thanks guys . I guess It makes the most sense to buy a crimp tool and some connectors and just set up a network switch. I'm sure the crimper will pay for itself over time. I have approx 800-900 Ft of cat 5e left over. I'll probably make a few cables up over the years, LOL.