Cat5e or Cat6?

oHUTCHYo · 17 Aug 2011 at 17:09

I've got a guy coming to my home tonight to see how best we can route a single cat5e or cat6 cable from my Virgin 50MB Superhub upstairs to our lounge downstairs, where we have the TV, Xbox 360 and WDTV Live. I've also just ordered a 3TB WD My Book Live NAS. I'll most likely put in a Gigabit switch so the Xbox 360 and smart TV can also benefit from the NAS/low latency gaming.

I'm aiming for Gigabit, to ensure I've got enough throughput to the WDTV Live for streaming 1080p Bluray. From what I've read, cat5e should suffice, which I can get free from work.

I cant seem to understand what advantages cat6 throws in to the mix, I keep reading about frequencies and more reliable transfer etc. Seriously though, will cat5e do the trick?

To emphasise, I'm not installing wall sockets or anything fancy, just a discreet single cable direct from router to gigabit switch through a 'hole' somewhere in the house

bremen1874 · 17 Aug 2011 at 17:34

For Gigabit Cat5e will be fine.

Does any of the equipment you're wanting to connect actually support Gigabit?

oHUTCHYo · 17 Aug 2011 at 17:44

Strictly speaking, no. Apparently the WDTV is 10/100. The laptop is Gigabit, as is the router and NAS. Not sure on the Xbox 360.

Am I however right in saying though its best to simply have a Gigabit network, with the appreciation that some devices will simply max out at 10/100, where other devices will take advantage?

bremen1874 · 17 Aug 2011 at 17:49

No harm having Gigabit, the switch will cost more but they're still reasonably cheap.

oHUTCHYo · 17 Aug 2011 at 17:50

Thanks mate, much appreciated. Just need to cross my fingers I can find a 'clean' method of routing this cable through the house!

bremen1874 · 17 Aug 2011 at 17:56

It can be easier to run the cable externally (I've got two of them). There was a recent thread about it.

oHUTCHYo · 17 Aug 2011 at 21:06

Hes just been for a quick look before he starts it next week. Its going external then back internally

Just need a Gigabit switch now :confused:

mi9tchy · 17 Aug 2011 at 21:15

i got a TP-Link TL-SG1005D Switch - 5 ports for 13quid which does the job

oHUTCHYo · 17 Aug 2011 at 21:48

mi9tchy said:
i got a TP-Link TL-SG1005D Switch - 5 ports for 13quid which does the job

Thanks, went for that one, lots of good reviews for such a cheap switch

bremen1874 · 18 Aug 2011 at 01:19

G4ORCE said:
Hes just been for a quick look before he starts it next week. Its going external then back internally

Consider using external grade cabling if you can, although standard cable will probably be okay.

oHUTCHYo · 18 Aug 2011 at 07:15

bremen1874 said:
Consider using external grade cabling if you can, although standard cable will probably be okay.

Thats what the guy said, as it it would otherwise crack in the UV/weather. Thanks for the heads-up though