cabling

Ok, this is for you guys with a lot more cabling experience than I have. I went to this guy's house to set up a router and share two computers. I was told the house is wired for data and voice. Well, it was, I guess.
What I find is two telco 6 post punch-down blocks in the basement. The first block is labeled cat5 and I assume that is data. The second block is bridged to the first. This second block I assume is voice. Problem is, whoever did the installation ran dial tone to the first block, thereby running dial tone to the rj45 wall jacks. Actually, there is dial tone everywhere. I confirmed this when I plugged into the rj45 jack and killed the guy's dial tone.
I think this guy should have a patch panel, eliminating the "data" punch-down block. That way, I could put the router and cable modem near the phone stuff, and run patch cables from the router ports to the patch panel which would be wired to the wall jacks, appropriately labeled. This is the way it should be done, correct? Are there any other acceptable alternatives with the existing setup?
My other question is this: I noticed that not only were the jacks wired incorrectly (the cabler used pins 1,2,4 and 5), but that all the other "dead" wires were just left dangling. Shouldn't all these wires be terminated on both ends, or can you get away with leaving them loose like that? Any input would be appreciated. I'm probably going to have to tell the guy who did this how to do it properly, so I want to be sure I'm on the right track here. Thanks for any comments.

1. RE: cabling
lbyard Nov-28-01 06:59 PM
In response to message 0

I’ll bet its 66 block instead of a 110 block. 66 blocks are not rated for Cat 5 operation and should not be used for networks.
>This is the way it should be done, correct?
Not in my house. Just more stuff to break and add to the cost. I plug them directly into router/switch. Why do you need a patch panel or a punch-down block?
>My other question is this: I noticed that not only were the jacks wired incorrectly (the cabler used pins 1,2,4 and 5), but that all the other "dead" wires were just left dangling. Shouldn't all these wires be terminated on both ends, or can you get away with leaving them loose like that?
They are wired wrong (wrong pins) and perhaps with the wrong kind of wire and jacks. All eight wires should be connected to the jack and no wires untwisted for more than ½ inch. Larry

2. RE: cabling
mrwack Nov-29-01 01:00 AM
In response to message 1

Thanks Larry. You're right, it was a 66 block. I ended up talking to the electrician who did all the stuff and told him to terminate all the wires at the jacks...they were all color-coded, so he shouldn't have had a problem there. I told him cut all the cat5 going to the data punch-down and simply eliminate it.
I thought about just adding connectors to the cable ends and just plugging into the router and a daisy-chained hub or switch if necessary, but seeing as how the contractor who built the house apparently told the owner that he was all wired, I felt that he should be doing the job right, and it just seemed a little more professional to include the patch panel.
The owner of the house is really ##### at the contractor now, so I got some cabling guys I know to come in and put the patch panel in and test the drops. The contractor is going to eat the cost I think, so I guess cost isn't an issue here. Anyway, I learned some things I didn't know before, so it was a good experience for me. I really appreciate your input. Chris

3. RE: cabling
lbyard Nov-29-01 05:10 PM
In response to message 2

>…it just seemed a little more professional to include the patch panel.
Why? One does not add unnecessary components, cost, complexity, and potential problems to a network for esthetics. That would be unprofessional. Unless you have a 20-room plus mansion and wire every room including the closets and bathrooms, you do not need a patch panel and I do not recommend it. Larry

4. RE: cabling
mrwack Nov-30-01 03:46 AM
In response to message 3

I wouldn't call it a mansion, but this place is pretty huge. There's eight drops around the house, but I see your point. Chris