Newbie Network Question - Cat5e cable

[BlackWasp]

Hi all,

I want to run a cat5 cable from my router upstairs to my wii downstairs.

Will this cat 5e cable be ok?
http://www.scoopdistribution.co.za/product_info.php?cPath=84_90&products_id=568

Also, do I just need a crimping tool like the one here to attach the plugs, or do I need another tool?
http://www.scoopdistribution.co.za/product_info.php?cPath=47_60&products_id=579

Last question, will I go for the rj45 cat5e modular plug or shielded cat53 plug.
http://www.scoopdistribution.co.za/index.php?cPath=47_58

Any advise would be appreciated.

 

[ponder]

Yes to your your questions.

There is however something I would like to mention. Solid cable is not actually meant to be used with RJ-45 plugs as it does not make for a secure connection when you crimp the connector, they are more designed for a crimping onto a patch panel or an outlet bot. That said it should however work & I myself am using a 25m one. The RJ-45 usually goes onto stranded cable or what scoop refers to as Flex but it is much more expensive.

Why don't you measure the distance you need and just have a long flylead made up by a local cable supplier like datanet etc. which they will also test. Just be sure to specify straight or crossover depending on your application.

 

[BlackWasp]

Thanks,

I am not sure of the cable length, and the connectors wont go through the wall with the cable, so I will have to crimp myself.

I saw this on the pcdirect site. Not sure if it is solid or stranded, but it is a different make and more expensive.
http://www.pc-direct.co.za/pCAT5E100S/CAT5E100S--Cattex-CAT5E-Cable---100M-5-Year-Warranty.aspx

Seems like a better cable?

Strange, they have the exact same cable for almost R100 more. I see the one says "F" and the one "S". Seems like the S is solid = cheaper.



http://www.pc-direct.co.za/pCAT5E100F/CAT5E100F--Cattex-CAT5E-Cable---100M-5-Year-Warranty.aspx

 

[Drunkard #1]

I've crimped more than my fair share of networking cables (especially since I'm not a networking technician), and my advice is to do it properly:

Buy that solid cat 5e, buy 2 surface mount boxes and some jacks for those boxes. Use pre made patch leads of appropriate length. You'll need a punch down tool to terminate the cable in the boxes. If you're going to be doing this often, and need odd length patch leads, get a roll of flex cable, some RJ 45 plugs and a crimper, otherwise just get pre made patch cables. I do, cause making them yourself is a pain in the arse. Don't use solid cable to make patch leads, and you'll be happier having both ends of your installation terminate in neat surface mount wall boxes; it looks better and you can change patch cables easily if one wears out.

Anyway it's free advise, so it's worth what you paid for it, but I made the same mistakes when I first started installing networks, and the above is my preferred method of doing things.

 

[Drunkard #1]

Thanks,

I am not sure of the cable length, and the connectors wont go through the wall with the cable, so I will have to crimp myself.

I saw this on the pcdirect site. Not sure if it is solid or stranded, but it is a different make and more expensive.
http://www.pc-direct.co.za/pCAT5E100S/CAT5E100S--Cattex-CAT5E-Cable---100M-5-Year-Warranty.aspx

Seems like a better cable?

Strange, they have the exact same cable for almost R100 more. I see the one says "F" and the one "S". Seems like the S is solid = cheaper.



http://www.pc-direct.co.za/pCAT5E100F/CAT5E100F--Cattex-CAT5E-Cable---100M-5-Year-Warranty.aspx

Scoop is ex vat. Also, it's in the Apple accessories section, so obviously is going to cost more, I'm surprised it's not cat 3 covered with a pearl white sheath for R 50/m.

 

[BlackWasp]

I've crimped more than my fair share of networking cables (especially since I'm not a networking technician), and my advice is to do it properly:

Buy that solid cat 5e, buy 2 surface mount boxes and some jacks for those boxes. Use pre made patch leads of appropriate length. You'll need a punch down tool to terminate the cable in the boxes. If you're going to be doing this often, and need odd length patch leads, get a roll of flex cable, some RJ 45 plugs and a crimper, otherwise just get pre made patch cables. I do, cause making them yourself is a pain in the arse. Don't use solid cable to make patch leads, and you'll be happier having both ends of your installation terminate in neat surface mount wall boxes; it looks better and you can change patch cables easily if one wears out.

Anyway it's free advise, so it's worth what you paid for it, but I made the same mistakes when I first started installing networks, and the above is my preferred method of doing things.

Thanks, really appreciated the advise. So, If I buy the ready made patch cables, I dont need the crimping tool, just the punching tool to terminate the solid cable in the box?

 

[Drunkard #1]

Thanks, really appreciated the advise. So, If I buy the ready made patch cables, I dont need the crimping tool, just the punching tool to terminate the solid cable in the box?

Correct. Apparently, there's a way to punch down the wires using a screwdriver, but I do so many of these that I just bought the right tool. For one or two it might not be worth it.

 

[ponder]

Correct. Apparently, there's a way to punch down the wires using a screwdriver, but I do so many of these that I just bought the right tool. For one or two it might not be worth it.

Eish, not advisable as it will open up the contacts. A Krone tool actually forces the cable through the contacts for a snug fit. It works around the contacts if I can put it that way.

 

[Drunkard #1]

Eish, not advisable as it will open up the contacts. A Krone tool actually forces the cable through the contacts for a snug fit. It works around the contacts if I can put it that way.

NOOOOOoooo! Don't butcher the contacts. I think the oke meant that you position the screwdriver blade just behind the contact. Probably not something you'd want to try without a bit of experience. Besides, these are 110 IDCs, which IIRC have a narrower slot than Krone IDCs, a screwdriver would be too big.