Home networking

[ChrisGeo]

Hi

I just wanted to ask which of these two I should be getting for modem-router cables. The cables will be placed in the attic so it might pass some metal conduits containing power.

One
Two

 

[paul5186]

Neither, you want shielded.

But... normal non shielded will work.

 

[carstensdj]

Hi

I just wanted to ask which of these two I should be getting for modem-router cables. The cables will be placed in the attic so it might pass some metal conduits containing power.

One
Two

They both appear to be UTP, so would be much of a muchness. Either will work. However, if you're passing along power cables i'd personally look at using FTP (Shielded) cable instead for that backbone. It's not much more per meter and can make a big difference in network quality and carrying big loads of data efficiently.

Also, if you not using switching and routing equipment capable of speeds higher than 1Gb/s then you could look at using CAT5e instead of CAT6. It would shave a little off the cost. Perhaps see how CAT5e FTP price compares to CAT6 UTP...

 

[ChrisGeo]

Can you recommend any sites that sell FTP either in 5e or 6 in 20m lengths?

 

[carstensdj]

Can you recommend any sites that sell FTP either in 5e or 6 in 20m lengths?

The places I buy from all require the person to have a registered account with them. Cannot remember off the top of my head what all the various prices are, but if memory serves me correctly, I pay in the region of the following:

- CAT5e UTP: R3.80/m
- CAT5e FTP: R4.20/m
- CAT6 UTP: R4.70/m
- CAT6 FTP: R5/m

As i say, those are rough prices... I reckon if you went to a normal computer store, they would charge you around R6/m for Cat5e FTP plus the cost of the RJ45 plugs on the end, which are a few rands each.

 

[sajunky]

Also, if you not using switching and routing equipment capable of speeds higher than 1Gb/s then you could look at using CAT5e instead of CAT6. It would shave a little off the cost. Perhaps see how CAT5e FTP price compares to CAT6 UTP...

^This. If going above Gigabit Ethernet you should chose Cat6A cable. Not a Cat6, it is older standard (before Cat5e).

Whether shielded or unshielded, it depends on your environmental noise, neccessity of putting down multiple cables in the same conduit and whether your equipment support shielded sockets. In home, in general better stay with unshielded.

EDIT: A flat Cat6 cable looks to me suspicious. I wouldn't buy anything from such company.