[Project] 'Server Room'

[redrat]

Hello,

Currently i own a PC only, but planing on building a multimedia server, and eventually creating a complete home network. And while thinking about where to put the server i came up with this:
I have about 1 square meters of space, that is door closed, and its a closet sort of space (apartment's height). I'd like to have the server there (with the master switch, UPS and whatever else is needed). AND i also like the idea of having my PC there too (out of my sight)!

Now the reason of opening this thread:

My PC is setup for Eyefinity, will eventually use eyefinity 3x1 + 1 setup (4 screens @ Single Link DVI).
If my PC would be in the 'server room' i will need to extend all the cables, and this is the problem for me. I need about 10-12 meters of cables for all my peripherals and i am concerned about signal loss over this lenght:
- 4x cable for single link DVI signal
- 2x USB 2.0 extension cable for mouse and keyboard
- 1x 'front panel' audio connectors (i believe the length here can be simply extended with 2-2 wires without loss of signal)
- 1x power switch extension (i believe this is also doable by simply extending the 2 wires)
- USB 2.0 and 3.0 extensions (maybe hubs) for some sort of 'front panel' to allow other devices to be connected at my desk.

The questions i have (found many answers and i am not sure which to trust)
- How can i have no signal loss for DVI over 10-12 meters? The questions also stands for USB 2.0 and 3.0 extensions cables.
- Having 2x USB 3.0 ports, if i connect a usb 2.0 hub to one of them, will all the ports be able to run at full speed at the same time? (given i use external HDD, a USB stick and an external optical drive)

Thx

 

[PTNL]

The questions i have (found many answers and i am not sure which to trust)
- How can i have no signal loss for DVI over 10-12 meters? The questions also stands for USB 2.0 and 3.0 extensions cables.
- Having 2x USB 3.0 ports, if i connect a usb 2.0 hub to one of them, will all the ports be able to run at full speed at the same time? (given i use external HDD, a USB stick and an external optical drive)

For the "out of sight" computer usage, you'll need to look for extenders. These devices sit at each end of a Cat5 or Cat6 cable, and handle the data transmission over ethernet. At that point, you'd only have to run a bunch of Cat5 or Cat6 lines.
Sample of Tripplite extenders

For the USB hubs, I'd expect the communication between devices would go as fast as the slowest channel in the link. As long as the 2.0 hub doesn't sit between the 3.0 hubs and your machine, then anything you plug into the 3.0 hub will go at (or as best as the device can do) that speed.

And seeing that you're just starting off, go with Cat6 for your wiring.

Few other thoughts:
1. Is sound-proofing the closet walls possible?
2. How will airflow move into and out of the closet?
3. Consider sound generated by the devices, in addition to the heat generation.
4. Other than the PC, what other devices would, or could, be attached to the network?
5. Is there any need for segregating parts of the network?
6. Consider mounting a thick sheet of plywood to a closet wall to give more points for wall-mounting devices.
7. Stay away from the various "media center" boxes at the home improvement stores.
8. What will your power needs be? Consider running a dedicated circuit to the closet from your electrical box. Definitely hire a licensed and bonded electrician to do this -- that is, if you're not one.
9. Look into UPS systems for the machines. At least a small one for the network equipment, such as switches, router, modem, etc. But it's better to put them all on UPS systems.
10. What is the dimensions of the closet? How does it sit in comparison to the room it is attached to? You may be able to put a small rack cabinet in there.
11. Is this a home you own, or are you limited due to rental/condominium rules?


Good luck with the build. Pics are always appreciated.

 

[beautypc]

great idea im going to keep my eye on more info

 

[redrat]

Few other thoughts:
1. Is sound-proofing the closet walls possible?
2. How will airflow move into and out of the closet?
3. Consider sound generated by the devices, in addition to the heat generation.
4. Other than the PC, what other devices would, or could, be attached to the network?
5. Is there any need for segregating parts of the network?
6. Consider mounting a thick sheet of plywood to a closet wall to give more points for wall-mounting devices.
7. Stay away from the various "media center" boxes at the home improvement stores.
8. What will your power needs be? Consider running a dedicated circuit to the closet from your electrical box. Definitely hire a licensed and bonded electrician to do this -- that is, if you're not one.
9. Look into UPS systems for the machines. At least a small one for the network equipment, such as switches, router, modem, etc. But it's better to put them all on UPS systems.
10. What is the dimensions of the closet? How does it sit in comparison to the room it is attached to? You may be able to put a small rack cabinet in there.
11. Is this a home you own, or are you limited due to rental/condominium rules?

I will do my best to answer these questions.

But first of all: this is a long term project i am working on. The apartment is mine, but i do not live there yet. The flat is in process of renewal, and this will probably take 1-2 months. The reason i am asking this now is because when it comes down to the electrical network, i want to be able to hide these cables within the walls already, so when its finished all i have to do is mount the hardware.

The layout of the apartment is like this:

And now to answer the questions:
1. It may be possible however i do not wish to do it, as my PC is quiet, and the server i will build will probably be quieter.
2. As shown on the plan above, there is a vent hole that can fit a 200mil fan. Also this room is the coldest part of the apartment, even in the summer, its somewhat in the middle of the building. So i will only have the 200mil fan to outtake air from the room to the hallway. (Hopefully, the neighbors will not complain about it )
3. The sound of everything should be low enough to pass unnoticed behind a closed door.
4. I plan on having: A home server PC (maybe a small monitor too), my PC, the router, a gigabit switch, my printer (as i will be rarely using it, connected to the server as shared) two UPS units (one for the server and one for my PC - i don't know yet on which UPS i will keep the router+switch)
5. I do not understand the question as English is not my native tongue (Maybe put it in simpler context?)
6. I haven't decided yet on the layout of the room itself, but i was thinking a shelf system might be ideal.
7. I plan on building the server myself, also set it up myself, nothing will be bought 'ready'
8. I believe about 500-600W will be used from the two connectors i plan on putting in there. I wish the server to be as low power consumer as possible, and my rig has a 700w psu, but its only using about 400-500w in full load i think. I do not plan on having a separate circuit; will be shared with the kitchen and half of the living room. If there are problems the ups units should provide enough cover the IT equipment.
9. As stated at point #4, i will have 2 UPS units.
10. its about 1 square meter, and 2.5meters high, layout is as shown on the above plan.
11. It is my apartment, but its in the process of renewal, so not yet living there. So basically i can do whatever i want

 

[Spudsdude]

5. Is there any need for segregating parts of the network?

Think of it as some computers on one network (like 192.168.0.1/24) and other computers on another (like 10.10.10.1/24). This could also be done with them on the same broadcast segment (i.e. all of the computer IP's start with 192.168.0.xx) and a firewall/router/high end switch.

Alot of folks here like to put the wireless part on a whole different network then the wired network. So if someone gets into the wireless they are limited as to what they can do.

 

[redrat]

Alot of folks here like to put the wireless part on a whole different network then the wired network. So if someone gets into the wireless they are limited as to what they can do.

Thanks for explaining #5. I understand now, and at start i didn't want to do this, but by reading what you wrote i will reconsider, and enable wireless on another network (i just have to figure it out how to do so ).

Regarding the original question, using these triplite extenders (or any brand for that matter) is the only way to run 1080p image @ 60hz on a 10m length cable?

 

[PTNL]

5. I do not understand the question as English is not my native tongue (Maybe put it in simpler context?)

Think of it as some computers on one network (like 192.168.0.1/24) and other computers on another (like 10.10.10.1/24). This could also be done with them on the same broadcast segment (i.e. all of the computer IP's start with 192.168.0.xx) and a firewall/router/high end switch.

Thanks to Spuds for clarifying. And I will try to word things clearer and more plainly... Though your understanding of English is quite good!

Thanks for explaining #5. I understand now, and at start i didn't want to do this, but by reading what you wrote i will reconsider, and enable wireless on another network (i just have to figure it out how to do so ).

Separating and isolating wireless traffic on another network can be done, but I would suggest to get a powerful wifi device that supports wireless restrictions on the device. For example, I use the Netgear WNDR3700 which supports multiple wireless networks. To me, this seems better for your build of a small home network with a limited number of devices.

Regarding the original question, using these triplite extenders (or any brand for that matter) is the only way to run 1080p image @ 60hz on a 10m length cable?

It's not the only way to do it, as you can buy some long HDMI, DVI, USB, etc. Usually these are powered devices, where they either have a power cord at one end of the cable.

However, running those thicker cables would be more challenging than Cat6 -- especially when you get into cutting holes in wood or metal to route wiring. You also have to ensure the wire holes are large enough for the connector to go through, too. (The DVI connector requires a very large hole to be made.) There's also the chance that the maximum length for the powered cables may not be long enough, when you think about routing the wires through the walls and ceiling.