I was browsing Newegg the other day, and as usual, I looked over the daily specials. Unlike most times I go to Newegg, this weekend, as with other businesses, the Independance Day Weekend Sale was in full force. I’ve been wanting to create a fast local network with some nice wall brackets/plugs. Currently, I already have a decent wireless/wired network, but it’s very sloppy and slow (wires are strewn on the floor, and even traipse several stories down stairs). Lo and behold, Newegg had a sweet deal on an 8 port gigabit, D-Link switch ($41!). So my plan is to find some network cable, wall brackets, and some network tools and build a sweet network! I’m planning on two ports upstairs, two downstairs, and two in the basement. The last two ports will go to the wireless router and a Network Attached Storage. A what? It’s a standalone device that soley serves as a place for Doug and I to backup our files and keep media files that every computer on the network can access. A fast network is absolutely necessary for this! The big problem will be laying the network cable. I have several options available me: keep stringing the cable along the floor hoping no one trips over it, I can have it go outside then back into the rooms I want to wire, or go up into the attic then down into the walls. I think the last one is the most viable and will look professional becase the cables will be out of sight. However, this is the attic we’re talking about, and I’ll have to start this project early in the morning when it’s relatively cool. Well, I’ll update everyone when I start working on this!