Ethernet cabling and switches

What's the best practice with respect to Ethernet cabling and switches?  At 
what point do you cable a homerun instead of switch, upon switch, upon switch? 

We'll soon be adding one thin client and one Zebra label printer to 11 final 
assembly lines and we need to run network drops.  The printers will be a 
critical component of the assembly lines;  if a printer is not working, the 
entire assembly line will shutdown. It's been suggested that we buy some cheapo 
$20 four port switches and put them at each line and use an existing drop to 
connect the switch.

The alternative is to run two home run Ethernet cables from a switch cabinet 
located on a post in the assembly area to each assembly line.   But we'll have 
to buy a 24 port switch and add a patch panel panel.  

Thanks,


M.I.S. Department
ECHO, Incorporated
www.echo-usa.com