Odd in that it creates a lot of micro-IDF's.
I have a client that is a school. They've asked me to make a proposal to over-haul the school's network - everything.
The TCS used in the Academy pulls 4 CAT5e to the classes where a hub/switch is deployed. Wiring this way is cheap but uses more hardware (expensive).
For my customer, I'm looking at using custom made, 12 station Cat5e cable bundles with approperate terminated ends so they plug into patch panels quickly (lowers onsite labor). Cost is about $2~$3 per foot + $50 for the ends. Patch panels are extra. The idea is to trade hardware expense (hardware that can fail) with cabling. Plus, all hardware is located at the MDF/IDF.
If I go the route of the TCS, I need a secure enclosure, a switch w/ GigE Uplink, and a GigE port back at the MFD/IDF - for each classroom.
If I use my molded cable to pull 12 or 24 CAT5e from the MDF/IDF to the classrooms (35 rooms per building), I can eleminate the GigE switch needed in the MDF/IDF to aggregate all the 35 room's GigE uplinks. This would also put everything (workgroup & enterprise servers, switches, etc) in one location.
My questions are:
1. Which is the best method to go?
2. If my molded cable is the best way, I was going to terminate each bundle to a patch panel in the classroom. Then, I'd use patch cords to connect to another patch panel that terminates at the workstations. This is because the student's desk postitions are altered each year (teachers) and I'd rather not cut my bundled cable. I'd rather re-terminate individual cables at this point. However, this wiring scheme isn't "blessed" officially - that I am aware.
Thank you,
Travis
