New Home, New Network Options

[acfpt]

Hello All-

I have just moved into a new home, and am trying to figure out how I am going to go about setting up a new home network. This might be a lengthy post because I have quite a few detailed questions.

Basics:

-I have Cat 5e and Coax running to all but one room where I want to establish a connection to the network (family room has coax only). Cat 5e is currently terminated for phone only (RJ11, not RJ45)
-None of the lines go to the same location in the room (Cat 5e and Coax usually on opposite sides of the room)
-I would like this network to support data transfer (accessing photos/videos on a NAS and backing up), video transfer (whole-house DVR system and/or media distribution via iTunes or similar), and be compatible with DSL and Cable television (providers are AT&T for DSL and Comcast for television)
-Both the Cat 5e and the Coax distribute from an OnQ box in my laundry room which is upstairs
-I will use wireless for casual internet use/printing/scanning to multiple computers

Here are the questions:
-Since Coax has Cat 5e beat by one drop location, would a MoCA network be the most appropriate choice? From what I have read, it would more than support the bandwith I would need for my purposes.
-Is it worth re-terminating the Cat 5e to RJ45 and converting it to an Ethernet system? I would only need one active phone jack to distribute a cordless phone system from a single base station. However, I don't have a drop at my main television, which means connecting a TiVo or similar via wireless.
-If I go with MoCA, which is what I am leaning towards, what equipment would I need to establish the network? I would initially need to attach a NAS to the network, the wireless router (Airport Extreme Dual Band), and allow 2 MacBook Pro's to attach to access the NAS and perform backups. The future would include at least 2 TiVo/DVR's

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[thiggins]

Convert the CAT5e drops to Ethernet as needed. Use MoCA only where you have to. D-Link, NETGEAR and Actiontec all make MoCA adapters:
Ethernet from your TV Outlet: NETGEAR MoCA Coax-Ethernet Adapter Kit Reviewed
More MoCA: D-Link DXN-221 & Actiontec ECB2200 Reviewed

 

[acfpt]

Tim-

Thank you for the information. Is there a particular reason why you suggest Ethernet over MoCA? I understand that the hardware is a larger $$$ investment up front, but it seems reliable enough.

Thanks again for the help.
Adam

 

[thiggins]

MoCA installation isn't always problem free. Splitters may have to be replaced and you may need to experiment to get high enough throughput.

Ethernet just works.