Hi All,

I just wanted to share my love/hate relationship with Structured Media Panels. I've done about 30 installs so far and a few cleanups.

A couple of reasons I love them.

1. Pre-fab design allows for clean installs
2. Easy to add components/modules.
3. It increases the value of the home.

Reason I hate them:

1. I've found that going over 8 data drops is a pain since you have to add multiple network switch modules. Why don't manufacturers make bigger density network switches(16 ports+) for their panels?
2. There is no easy way to mount DSL and cable modems and/or an associated Network Router.
3. Even though you can achieve a very nice clean and professional look, I've found making changes to these things are a pain. My motto is that once it's in..don't touch it.
4. This hate reasons actually deals with Builder installers who put these things in. The panels usually aren't implemented correctly and cables and just run within the panel without any cleanup or finalization. Really ugly pics I could show you guys.
5. While it seems that the cross connects are a nice addition...to me I think I'm doing double work instead of just using a regular 110 block