Best external network cable?

Prophet · 16 Jun 2022 at 15:12

I bought a 100M roll of external CAT5 a few years ago and it does the job but it's awful to work with. Stiff and easy to snag outer protection.

Does anyone know of a decent flexible cable I could use primarily for CCTV, but in time to rewire my home LAN from the loft to rooms via outside walls.

Thanks

Sparx · 16 Jun 2022 at 15:19

Kenable's Cat6 external stuff worked spot on for me over the years, used it a few times.

50m - https://www.kenable.co.uk/en/networ...-reel-utp-50m-black-008536-5055383485369.html
100m - https://www.kenable.co.uk/en/networ...reel-utp-100m-black-005790-5055383457908.html

Prophet · 16 Jun 2022 at 15:23

Perfect, thanks Sparx

Caged · 16 Jun 2022 at 15:47

The outer protection is always going to be a bit stiff, it's the nature of the cable.

BUDFORCE · 17 Jun 2022 at 14:59

Sparx said:
Kenable's Cat6 external stuff worked spot on for me over the years, used it a few times.

50m - https://www.kenable.co.uk/en/networ...-reel-utp-50m-black-008536-5055383485369.html
100m - https://www.kenable.co.uk/en/networ...reel-utp-100m-black-005790-5055383457908.html

Second this, I recently did a home network install and used these guys.

Sharpedge · 19 Jun 2022 at 16:27

About to install a 35m run of network cable to share the full fibre speed from the entry point on one side of the house to the upstairs opposite side. Reading loads about shielded cables. Have no idea how to ground the cable (float) as the cable will be direct from router to pc. Will I get away with running unshielded waterproof uv protected cat6?

Armageus · 19 Jun 2022 at 17:44

Never had a problem with CCS external cat5e

Done 100s of runs with it at work, and much easier to work with than cat6/6a.

External Cat5e UTP Solid Cable (Reel) | Cat5e Cable

Connectix Cabling System Enhanced Category 5 Solid External cable is the ideal solution if you have to run your cable from building to building. Suitable

www.cablemonkey.co.uk

Participant · 19 Jun 2022 at 18:05

Sharpedge said:
About to install a 35m run of network cable to share the full fibre speed from the entry point on one side of the house to the upstairs opposite side. Reading loads about shielded cables. Have no idea how to ground the cable (float) as the cable will be direct from router to pc. Will I get away with running unshielded waterproof uv protected cat6?

My personal view on this is that in 99% of standard domestic applications, what you propose will outlast you by a factor of about 20. I.e. that will be fine.

Sparx · 19 Jun 2022 at 20:21

Sharpedge said:
About to install a 35m run of network cable to share the full fibre speed from the entry point on one side of the house to the upstairs opposite side. Reading loads about shielded cables. Have no idea how to ground the cable (float) as the cable will be direct from router to pc. Will I get away with running unshielded waterproof uv protected cat6?

Just grab the cable I already suggested to OP, it's external rated. Don't bother with shielded you don't need it.

I used it for a few CCTV cameras and some standard ethernet runs around my old house externally. Had the cable in situ for 5 years just clipped to the wall - no problems whatsoever, or signs of damage/degradation.

WJA96 · 20 Jun 2022 at 06:03

For surveillance cameras there is zero point going faster than CAT5e because almost all of them run at 100Mbps anyway so if you’re concerned about cable stiffness, CAT5e is significantly easier to work with. Just buy external grade and you’ll be fine.

bledd · 20 Jun 2022 at 22:47

Armageus said:
Never had a problem with CCS external cat5e

Done 100s of runs with it at work, and much easier to work with than cat6/6a.

External Cat5e UTP Solid Cable (Reel) | Cat5e Cable

Connectix Cabling System Enhanced Category 5 Solid External cable is the ideal solution if you have to run your cable from building to building. Suitable

www.cablemonkey.co.uk

Yup, this is what we use too. Installed miles and miles of the stuff