Good Network Kit and Good Price. What and Where?

[pm4345]

I may be finally getting into a little bit of Networking and would like to purchase a networking kit. What and who do you guys recommend?

What I am thinking of is:

1 box of Cat 5 Cable
1 Crimper
1 Tester
Decent amount of RJ45s
am I forgetting anything?

Should I expect it around $200?

[Joker1]

well if your doing any wiring inside walls etc you may want some wall jacks, you may also wish to invest in some conduit for running the cable along the wall. It usually comes with an adhesive strip on the back and simply clicks shut around the cable, it gives a really profesional look.

Then again you may not need these things if you cabling will end up in like a server room or other out of the way areas.

I think you can get a fair share of the stuff you need at www.Onvia.com, however if you can find it localy it'll probly be cheaper.

[bbtech6650]

and don't forget the hub or switch. Which one depends on your setup and budget. Remember a 10/100 switch can run at full duplex meaning that each node or port can send and recieve at the same time whereas a hub only supports half duplex meaning that comm can only travel in one direction at a time and is broadcast to all nodes.