Which Ethernet Cable Type?

Guitarman0

Guitarman0

Guitarman0

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I am looking to run an ethernet cable outside my house from my router to my room which is about 20m but I am getting confused with the terminology. I have read that cat5e is all I need (as oppose to cat6) but do I need to get a 'patch' cable or a 'crossover' cable?

Also, I would like to split the signal so I can use it for 2 computers. What would I need for this? (and have you guys got any product recommendations?)

Cheers
 
You only need CAT6 if you want to run Gigabit speeds.
Although CAT5e will usually run Gigabit OK in small scenarios.

However, you really should buy proper "armoured" or "outdoor" type cable.
It has multiple sheaths to protect it. Usually, the inner "core" has a plastic sheath around the wires, which has a foil sheath wrapped around it. The outer sheath is a UV resistant plastic material and will help a lot over time against perishing from UV rays from the Sun, etc.

You could use normal CAT5/6 type cable, but it may degrade fairly quickly because of weather conditions.
I would recommend using the proper type.

The terminology of "patch" (straight-through) or "crossover" means that the plug is wired either with a straight pin-out or the TX & RX are "crossed"
Usually, crossover cable is only used to connect 2 PC's directly together *without* the use of a hub/router/switch
Straight-through cable is used *with* a hub/router/switch.
I wouldn't worry about this anyway. Just get "Straight-through" or "Patch" as it's also called.
These days, all network devices use auto MDI/MDX which means they "sense" & change to whichever pinout they need, determined by the cable.
It's only an issue if you're using *really* old equipment.

As for "splitting the signal" you could terminate at a wireless AP, given that the clients have wireless, and let them connect over that. This isn't the best option, imho (Interference, signal/speed loss, etc) Also, if you wanted to go that route, you probably wouldn't be asking about running CAT5 anywhere anyway! ;)

Or, use a switch (again Gigabit type if needed) - Plugging in your external cable and then run some normal "indoor" CAT5/6 cable from the switch to the PC's.

You could use a router, but that's a little more involved, so best to go into that *if* you choose to go that route :)
Hope that helps a little!? :)
 
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as said, if u plan to use the cable permantaly, then its best investing in some proper outdoor cable to protect it better

when i was at uni, we just ran normal cat5e outside to each room, but then it was only up temporarly for a year

as for splitting, are the 2 computers in the same room, ie u have the router in one room and the 2 computers in another ?

if so, the simplest way is to just get a small switch, u plug the cable from the routrer into the switch, then the other 2 pcs into the switch as well


the "patch" cable usually just refers to a standard cat5e cable with connectors
u could also buy the bare cable, and put the connectors on yourself. Althou if you dont know what ur doing, prolly best just buying a patch cable.

crossover cable is simlar, but it has some if its wires crossed over, this is used to connect multiple switches together, or connection 2 pcs together without having a switch.
basically the send and receive wires are crossed over, so the send from one end goes into the recieve at the other end.

most switchs now are autosensing so crossover cables generally arn't needed anymore

finally, make sure the cable is long enough, as its not usually a good idea to try to splice 2 cables together to make them longer, u can get couplers to do it properly, but they aint usually cheap.
 
I don't think Cat 6 cable is that much more expensive than Cat 5e and it is thicker so may withstand outside conditions better. Cat 6 bend radius is a little larger than cat 5 so be a bit careful if you go round 90deg brick walls.

Andi.
 
Thanks for the info guys, it was really useful. Well, I have bought a 25m cat6 cable (as that was all that they had) but unfortunately I bought it before I read this post as I needed it today and had to leave the house earlier than I though I would. The one I have bought is a standard cat6 cable (i.e. not armoured) but it is pretty well sheltered so hopefully it won't be a problem. It was quite cheap so if after a year it quits out on me I will buy a proper armoured one.

With regards to the switch, does this look ok?
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=NW-011-TP&groupid=46&catid=1626&subcat=

EDIT: I have just had a brain wave and I am using my netgear homeplug as a 4 port switch (I am no longer using any other home plugs in the house). That is £15 saved :)

Cheers
 
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paradigm said:
Rubbish. You'll still get up to around 100m with CAT5e running gigabit.
Click to expand...


CAT5e will run Gigabit.
CAT6 is *certified* to run Gigabit.

Cat6 advantages over CAT5e are mainly 200MHz bandwidth vs 100MHz, respectively, and a higher signal to noise ratio.
High bandwidth operations, such as streaming media, etc, will benefit from CAT6, as CAT5e is topping out at Gigabit, whereas CAT6 has bandwidth to spare.

But, saying that CAT5e will only run at 100mbit rate is rubbish.

Look up IEEE 802.3ab - also known as 1000baseT. All 4 pairs are utilised for Gigabit.
A new standard, 1000baseTX, was attempted, designed to use 1 pair in each direction, but with 1000baseT saturation, the hardware didn't take off.
Most hardware stating itself as 1000baseTX is incorrectly specified. It's simpler though than stating "10/100baseTX & 1000baseT compatible"
 
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Snograt said:
I think you're at cross purposes. Paradigm was saying that CAT5e will carry gigabit but at cable lengths of up to 100 metres.
Click to expand...

Ah, OK! I apologise if I misread:)

By "small scenarios" I didn't mean short cable runs - I meant "small networks" i.e. you don't have video streaming for 50+ clients simultaneously, etc!
Higher demand/volume/bandwidth = CAT6 > CAT5e - that sort of thing....
 
Cat 5e stp (Shielded Twisted Pair) for outdoor use will do you.

Cat 6 wouldn't really benefit you in this case as its just a small home network but it is a better cable.
 
STP is only useful where you're running the lines next to power. I'd just advise not running network cabling beside power cables in general.

There are a few kinds of outdoor cable, but the kind you want for running on the outside of your house is just plain PVC jacket CAT5e.
The UV resistant stuff is fine but with the cold weather in the winters, it won't last as long.
If you're like me and you don't like going up ladders get the PVC stuff. :)

Edit: No need for Cat6a, besides the issue of termination which is very flakey for us untrained folk. :)
 
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