The Control Center

The network control center is the location of the switch, router, modem, and other equipment at the core of the network. All of the wiring that connects each outlet to the network converges at the control center. Common locations for a network control center (sometimes known as a wiring closet) include closets, utility rooms, and garages or basements. For a very small network (no more than five nodes), you could also consider placing the modem and router on a table next to one of your computers, but that might limit your opportunities for easy expansion of the network in the future.

If you plan to distribute audio, video, telephone, or home automation wiring around the house along with computer network data, your control center ...

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