Home Network Cat6a

reilly · 5 Jul 2021 at 19:31

Currently undertaking some home renovations so have the opportunity to run network cables in the walls. Total of 4 runs with a maximum length each of 10-20m. I think Cat6a will be the best option, while they won't run next to electrical cables through the whole run they do come close in some points. All cabling will be internal too.

Looking to future proof, is Cat6a the best option? If so are there any 'brands' of cable I should go for, or should I pick up the best value 100m spool I can find? Same with keystones are they all 'the same'?

Armageus · 5 Jul 2021 at 19:34

Cat5e will be absolutely fine for those short distances

turbot1984 · 5 Jul 2021 at 19:38

reilly said:
Currently undertaking some home renovations so have the opportunity to run network cables in the walls. Total of 4 runs with a maximum length each of 10-20m. I think Cat6a will be the best option, while they won't run next to electrical cables through the whole run they do come close in some points. All cabling will be internal too.

Looking to future proof, is Cat6a the best option? If so are there any 'brands' of cable I should go for, or should I pick up the best value 100m spool I can find? Same with keystones are they all 'the same'?

Given its gonna be there a while go Cat 7A+ as not hugely more than 6a.

Armageus · 5 Jul 2021 at 19:44

turbot1984 said:
Given its gonna be there a while go Cat 7A+ as not hugely more than 6a.

Cat 7A+ isn't even a thing.

Cat 8 would be an actual future proof cable, but it's pointless when either Cat6 or even Cat5e will cover the network speeds required over the short distances specified

Hyburnate · 5 Jul 2021 at 20:04

I propose you go Cat6, U/UTP.

At those distances you'll get 10G in ideal situation and you dont need the shielding of 6A.

Ignore Cat7 requirement as per the above and Cat8 is ludicrous as per above.

Cyber-Mav · 6 Jul 2021 at 18:35

Cat 10 is available too from alixpress

Armageus · 6 Jul 2021 at 21:09

Cyber-Mav said:
Cat 10 is available too from alixpress

Which again isn't an actual "thing"

bledd · 6 Jul 2021 at 21:23

If you're redoing walls etc, then go cat6 (no need for cat6a).

I'd you're hiding along skirting board and ducking in and out between things, then go cat5e.

Cat5e is still good for 10gb if under 60metres.

If you want full badass future proof,then go single mode fibre.

WJA96 · 6 Jul 2021 at 21:41

bledd said:
If you want full badass future proof, then go single mode fibre.

Quoted for truth. 100Gbps+ capacity and that's only limited by the available QSFP adapters.

Hyburnate said:
I propose you go Cat6, U/UTP.

At those distances you'll get 10G in ideal situation and you don't need the shielding of 6A.

And this is what you actually want.