you can also setup a home network using a hub instead of a switch or router.

the difference is a hub is the cheapest, but least secure,it reads incoming data and broadcasts it to every computer on the network. a router reads destination ofincoming traffic and routes it to the computer that requested the data, and also has a firewall builtin.

A switch is the most expensive of the three and unneccasary in that their are built for large corporate networks, it's like having your newspaper engraved an a silver platter.

you also did not say if you are using premade or handclamped wires : those RJ-45 connectors can be a bitch to handle. did you test your cables with a cable tester?

i hope this was some help.