An idea occurs to me: Let's say you have a computer under a desk or some place close but inconvenient to access. Could a remote "front panel" of sorts (power/reset switches and HDD activity/power led) set up in a more convenient place? My idea: front panel headers -> keystone jack -> Cat5 -> keystone jack -> respective switches/leds The switches and leds could be in a little project box or even built into a desk. Is there a flaw in this idea?
No. Should work OK. Cat 5 has the right number of conductors for power/reset/leds. This project has switches for two PC's as well as optical drives. I can't remember how long the cables were, at least 1500mm. All worked well.
all would be fine. i made such setup for son's PC. 1 cat5 2 meters for buttons and leds and same cat5 for 2 usb 2.0 extenders. but i just solder wires - no rj45 connectors... buttons/leds/usb at box from Lego made by son