Structured media enclosure

[TheChadWick]

I plan on getting one soon, and I started looking around at them and noticed they were kind of pricey. I'm wondering if I could just make one from wood. I mean I know I can, but when I goggled it I noticed no one had any picture's of one. Is using wood to much or a fire hazard? All I plan on having in my is a switch, possibly a modem. I'm using it more as a way to cover the hole in the wall from the cables.

 

[bill001g]

The ethernet is very low voltage and current so I doubt you could start fires with it. A switch or modem the problem would be more that the device fails because it overheated due to lack of air flow I doubt it would ever get hot enough to actually burn. You should have no issues as long a you have some kind of vent holes.

 

[TheChadWick]

Thanks for the reply. That's what I was thinking, but I wasn't sure since I never see anyone making they're own. I would definitely leave room for air flow, maybe add a small exhaust fan.

 

[bill001g]

Most switches tolerate heat pretty well. Even though they are not rated for it I know a number of people who have placed them in their attic which gets to well over 100 degrees in the summer.

 

[Ralston18]

Google "DIY router modem enclosure cabinet". (Where DIY means "Do It Yourself".)

Look at the images - you are very likely to find some good ideas as to how you can build or otherwise create an enclosure suitable for your needs.

Should easily hide the hole in the wall.

E.g. an old night stand with an open shelf below the top surface. Lots of ideas to be found and you may get some piece of furniture or other item for free or very low cost. Check local thrift stores, yard sales, family, friends, etc..

Ventilation is important so vent holes (per billg001) or some openness should handle air flows via natural convection versus the complications of an exhaust fan.

 

[failboat]

CPUs have been getting better and networking stuff has stayed at 1Gbs. Some of the new switches have low power features that save energy when there isn't activity. A lot of the new equipment doesn't even have fans. wood has very little r value, so it's not going to hold any heat. Don't buy/try to ground STP cables go UTP.