Home Network :: Switch Need To Be Located Where Patch Panel Is

I am renovation my own house, and I have started to hard wire for the network/s, but I am also trying to incorporate so much more than any previous “wireless” setup I have had, well I am a bit confused to say the least.I would like to set up a home network and media server system which includes:Internet browsing (multiple rooms and wireless) File sharing, printer sharing, scanner etc� Music/Video sharing/streaming, TV etc.I have started wiring (we are renovating) with Cat5e, and have just replaced the old POTS (telephone) wiring with Cat5e and taken the individual telephone wires (including the incoming telephone cable) back to one central connection unit in a network patch panel. This has improved the speed of my DSL download connection speed from 1.2mbs to 6.2mbs�. unreal!, so that did get me a bit fired up!I am currently wiring data points (Cat5es from each room) back to the same panel, but to be honest I am not really sure where to go from there! Also, I have wired Sat cables back to this point ready to be connected to sat TV (dish) in case if we get it. This patch panel is in a small passageway that goes through to the garage from the house. It is conveniently located next to the mains board which I have just replaced. My original idea was to put any extra needed equipment in the same location, but looking at it, I think that I may have to think again, for there is little room. I have found a small alcove in the upstairs games room which has a shelf, and which could take any hardware, also it will be dust free (unlike the place leading to the garage). I can run as many cables as needed from this location to the patch panel, but obviously I would like to know how many, as I am not familiar with networking on this scale, my only other experience being wireless setups. For example, would the switch need to be located where the patch panel is, or else can it be on the shelf with the other stuff? (away from the panel), and the existing D-link 4 port router?? is this no longer required?Im presuming i will need an old PC or some sort of media storage device here too... no ideas with this either. Have tried asking three different computer stores, got three different answers...?!

Have I dropped a clanger wiring to the passageway, when infact any server/switch or whatever wont be in the same location?Also, I am planning on getting a MAC book, and would like to use this on the system sometimes (might not be relevant), just thought to mention. And, I was thinking of trying Linux, as I am fed up with all the windows problems�. But not sure if that is a good idea either.We have TVs in the (when its finished) media room, also three other areas, which I would like to get connected so that they will be able to get either TV or watch a film from storage� wow this is getting complicated� and if it matters I do have a PS3, which we only really bought to use as a TV storage system/recorder.