The network is accessed at various multimedia outlets installed throughout the home. Each outlet contains a series of jacks and connectors for plug and play connection of phone, computers, TVs, VCRs, DVDs, and stereo systems.

RJ45 jacks are the ports for connecting phone and data devices to the network system. RJ45 jacks are wired to a universal pin/pair assignment standard (standard T568A). This configuration allows any size telecommunication plug to be used with the jack. For example, your 4-pin phone plug can be inserted (and will fit) into the 8-pin RJ45 jack. That phone jack can then be removed and an 8-pin Ethernet data line plug can be inserted once the jack has been reconfigured at the distribution box.

F-connectors are threaded terminals for connecting video equipment to the system. F-connector fittings on coaxial cable ends simply screw onto the terminal.

Binding posts are the terminals for tying an audio system into the network. The posts are color coded for polarity. Red of “+” is used to signify positive terminals, and black or “-“ for negative terminals. Crossing polarity may cause the speakers to be out of phase, in which case the sound will lack some of its bass.

Multimedia outlets can be tailored to the specific needs of the room in which they are located. Outlets in a home office could contain a dedicated RJ45 jack for each phone, fax, and modem line to allow each device to send and receive data more efficiently.

Accessory options are available with all network wiring systems, though most will require a specialized distribution module. The most common are video cameras sized to fit in 4” x 4” gang boxes for a closed circuit television system and recess mounted stereo speaker systems for multi-room audio system with volume control in each room.

Assessing Needs
When assessing your network system needs, it is always a good idea to install more than you currently think you will use. Routing extra cables and wire to large appliances, such as furnaces and refrigerators, will make it easier to add future home automation features. Extra outlets in rooms will let you connect new telecommunication devices to the network.

Two standard grades of residential cabling installation currently exist.

Grade 1 is a generic cabling system that meets only the minimum requirements for telecommunication services. Each multimedia outlet is provided with one 4-pair UTP cable (minimum category 3, category 5 recommended) as a voice/data line, and one 75 ohm coaxial cable as a video line.

Grade 2 installation meets the requirements for basic, advanced, and multimedia telecommunication services. Two 4-pair UTP cables (minimum category 5, category 5e recommended) are routed to outlets, for one voice line and one data line, as well as two 75-ohm coaxial cables (one input and one output) for video lines. Grade 2 installation standards also suggest two-fiber optical fiber cabling for future applications, though this is entirely optional.

Installing multiple Grade 2 outlets in various locations of a room is recommended, especially in entertainment areas and the home office.

Determining Locations
A home network system is designed to be installed in a star topology, where all cables and wires are distributed from one central point, the distribution center. The center should be installed in an accessible, central location (such as a basement or utility room) and near the demarcation point, NID, or service entrance. Easy access to the distribution center will not only simplify the current installation, but also simplify future alterations to the system. The central location will make cable lengths less likely to extend past their recommended routing length (295 ft.).

Low-voltage cable and wire routes should be carefully planned. Making sketches and routing maps will save time and help determine the best possible path with the least number of turns and bends.
The living room, home office, bedroom, entertainment room, recreation or game room, and den are obvious places for multi media outlets. But outlets in rooms such as the kitchen, bathroom, laundry and utility room, or at large appliances, will help ready your home for future conveniences.

When determining outlet locations within a room, consider the needs of that particular room. Home offices will benefit form multiple phone and data lines for Internet access on the computer. Plan for these outlets to be mounted alongside a 120-volt receptacle to centralize computer connections.

Preparing Multimedia Outlets
Multimedia outlets are installed much like electrical receptacles, though the connections do not need to be contained in a box. The outlets should be mounted at the same height as receptacles, according to local code.

Extension brackets allow multimedia outlets and electrical receptacles to be place side by side. The location of the 120-volt receptacle/switch box will always determine the height and location of the bracket. Make sure to choose the correct bracket for the outlet type to be installed. Some manufacturers offer specialized alignment tools for lining up the extension brackets with the existing electrical box.

For retrofit installations, hollow backed gang boxes or 4” x 4” gang boxes are used to prevent damage to cables and wires due to bending or twisting.

Everything You Need

Tools: Level, screwdriver, wallboard saw.
Materials: Extension brackets, hollow-back boxes, wallboard screws.

Starting at $120.

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