Has anyone created a wired data network via unused telephone wires (CAT 5e wires)?
 

Has anyone created a wired data network via unused telephone wires (CAT 5e wires)?

Yes. It works as expected - very well.

Whole house network
 

Just did this and changed out phone plugs for network and very happy with the results. Phones can use RJ45 if you want it to also.

Can you explain how you did that or who you used? Our new house has no Cat5 outlets at all. One would think that in 2013 all houses would have Cat6

Thanks

Question, why a wired network? Why not wireless? It's a lot more convenient. You can go anywhere. You can place equipment anywhere.

Yep.

You should consider powerline ethernet adapters. Cheap, blazing fast and extremely reliable.

When you are streaming a lot of data on multiple devices it is best to have those devices hard wired for top speed. Wireless is fine for your laptop but if you are watching Netflix videos in more than one room you might not have enough bandwidth. Wireless is limited in bandwidth speed. I like having a wired jack at all TV locations.

How about this? 802.11ac

Roundup: high-speed 802.11ac Wi-Fi routers | ZDNet

Your cake and eat it too? It's almost gigabit speed, wireless to boot.

I'd second the advice of Tom with TheVillagesAV. The powerline adaptors are cheap and use your home wiring expand the speed of your wireless network. Very good investment.