| Integrated
home systems may include all or any of the following:-
* Video sources to various rooms using display
equipment from TFT, Plasma, Projection and PC connectivity.
* Audio distribution of CD based music, digital radio, digital
TV broadcasts from terrestrial and satellite broadcasters,
cable and increasingly over the internet.
* Data connections for the use of home networked computers
access to the internet through broadband, ISDN and satellite
Security control of cameras, recording devices and access
control.
* Control of lighting, heating and other domestic services
(cookers, washing machines and more)
The central core of any system is not the
nature of the equipment used but how that equipment is connected
to a central command and control centre. The cabling systems
employed will determine whether future advances in technology
are going to be available to the house owner without recourse
to expensive re-wiring or installation of new control systems.
The first principle is to use a central hub
and send a set of cables to each of the destinations - sending
to a single destination and then looping or splicing to the
next one brings into play a multitude of future problems of
connectivity and reliability ; a single fault at any given
point will affect everything further down that chain. A central
hub ensures there is one point of reference for fault location
and that each distribution point is not reliant on another's
operation.
Video connectivity at a single point is often
via scart, RF, DVi or similar connection. Using a central
video source; be this DVD, satellite box or other video player,
transmission via any of the above cables causes problems of
bulk, cost and loss of signal over a long run. Video connectivity,
when distributed throughout a single dwelling, is best served
using high quality co-ax cable such as RG59/u runs as a composite
signal. For the ultimate video connectivity, signals should
be sent component (YUV) but this requires 3 cables to each
point of use.
Data transmission for computer connectivity
to the internet is best achieved using a Cat5e cable system
back to a central router/hub. This enables all computers to
share internet access for web, email and outside communications.
Telephone systems should also be connected
using another Cat5e cable network which ensures systems are
again routed back to a central point and then to the outside
world.
Audio distribution from a central CD server
to each room using digital cable running line level signals
to local amplifier speakers will enable any one of 4 million
channels to be selected: classical music for the parents,
heavy rock to Kevin the Teenager and Steps to the Little Princess
with good old Terry Wogan to the kitchen. Additionally it
may be preferable to run the amplification centrally using
a zone amplifier: this can then send the audio direct to the
speakers at the desired destination.
Should you wish to distribute computer video
signals this can be done using VGA cable which is bulky and
expensive. However, connectivity may be better achieved using
a Cat5e network which enables data and audio to be encoded
and sent down a much thinner and cheaper cable to each destination
point.
Fibre optics may be used but have serious
cost implications and physically for multiple channels the
cables have minimum bend radii which often are difficult to
achieve in a domestic environment. The advantage is that future
connectivity is assured, but will require third party trained
personnel for set-up and maintenance thus adding to potential
costs.
Wireless networks are feasible though despite
claims to the contrary are not 100% secure so putting your
security system or sensitive computer connection on a wireless
connection may provide flexibility but does expose a weak
link in the system which the determined could break into.
To provide maximum flexibility it is a good
idea to run a cable from the central command point to each
room where control is required for each of the following elements:-
* 1 x RG59/u for video - transmit
* 1 x RG59/u or 1 x Cat5e for video receive from security
CCTV
* 1 x Cat5e for computer network
* 1 x cat5e for telephone (four lines possible per cable)
* 1 x cat5E as a control wire (increasingly this will become
a common control protocol for lighting, heating and new equipment
- fridges, cookers, washing machines will doubtless have PC
chips within a few years, some already do)
* 1 x Cat5e for future expansion
* All cables to be bunched and sleeved enabling a single pull
through at first fix
* Cables terminate in a recessed wall panel with the appropriate
cable sockets.
* Cable runs to be pipe encased for future access.
* 1 x fish wire per run - separate to initial first fix bundle
(enables future cables to be pulled through)
* In a two storey house cables are best run from ground floor
to first floor and run through void between ground and first
floor and then run up/ down walls to required points.
* Central command point should be located within the main
fabric of the building this can be in a utility room, basement,
a garage can be used but security may be an issue. With this
infrastructure in place the system may then be added to and
configured without limit to the number or type of devices
used, providing the room in question does have a patch panel.
Category
5 cable | How
to Build a Cat5e Cable |
CATching
Up with CAT-5e Audio Systems
Setting
Up Home Multimedia Systems |
Cabling
Your Home for Computer Network |
Cat5e
for High Speed Networks |
Is
Your Cable Able?! | Setting
Up Home Multimedia Systems |
