can you use a network cable as a modem cable? (modem to wall)

[phlip]

where (in the UK) can you buy around a 20-30 metre modem-wall cable (phone line cable? not sure what to call it).

I've seen a Belkin network cable here, Cat 5 Patch Cable 30M Mfr code: A3L791B30M-BLKS.

The connectors seem the same as those on a modem and wall socket, would it be possible to use it as a modem cable instead?

 

[John]

Yes

 

[phlip]

excellent, cheers

 

[Woodchuck2000]

Yes

Eh???
No you can't!
The connector's are completely different, and the cable isn't designed for analogue transmission (though it may still work if you were to remove the ends and put the right connectors on.
The belkin cable has RJ45 connectors, you'll need one with RJ11 connectors.

Your best bet is to go to any of:
Homebase,
B&Q,
Dixons,
Currys
etc...

And pick up a telephone extension lead. A 30M one can be had for about £20.

 

[DeRusto]

If it is all you can find that is suitable, it will indeed work for phone transmissions. This is considering the fact that you replace the larger RJ45 connectors with RJ11 phone jack connectors..

But, as Woodchuck2000 has noted, it is relatively easy to find an actual phoneline of this length that should do the job better.

 

[John]

Originally posted by: Woodchuck2000

Yes

Eh???
No you can't!
The connector's are completely different, and the cable isn't designed for analogue transmission (though it may still work if you were to remove the ends and put the right connectors on.
The belkin cable has RJ45 connectors, you'll need one with RJ11 connectors.

Your best bet is to go to any of:
Homebase,
B&Q,
Dixons,
Currys
etc...

And pick up a telephone extension lead. A 30M one can be had for about £20.

The title of this thread:

can you use a network cable as a modem cable? (modem to wall)


The answer is yes.

 

[John]

Originally posted by: DeRusto
If it is all you can find that is suitable, it will indeed work for phone transmissions. This is considering the fact that you replace the larger RJ45 connectors with RJ11 phone jack connectors..

But, as Woodchuck2000 has noted, it is relatively easy to find an actual phoneline of this length that should do the job better.

30M = ~90ft

It is a lot easier to locate a ~100ft cat5 cable than a phone cord of that length IMHO.

 

[Woodchuck2000]

The title of this thread:
can you use a network cable as a modem cable? (modem to wall)
The answer is yes.

So I can plug a network cable with RJ45 connectors on both ends into the RJ11 on my modem and the BT Socket in the wall? Cool, it'll save on cabling in the future

It's much harder to find RJ11 + appropriate crimp tool and BT Plug + appropriate crimp tool than it is to buy a telephone extension kit that can be found at any hardware store.

 

[Woodchuck2000]

BTW, computer stores in the UK suck in general. Walking into my local 'PC World' and finding a 30M cat5 cable at a semi-reasonable price is highly unlikely.

 

[phlip]

would this work?

It's a Belikin Modular Patch Cord - RJ11/RJ12 ( 30.3m) aparently, but it says RJ11/RJ12? on the spec both the connectors are stated as RJ11.

 

[Woodchuck2000]

Your link doesnt appear to work, but I'm assuming that you're looking at the product with QuickLinx ID: 20VSWS (enter it into the quicklinx box on the Dabs homepage to check.)

That will work, assuming that it includes an RJ11 -> RJ12 adaptor as well (the name seems to imply that it does.)

 

[phlip]

thanks.

what's the difference between an RJ12 connector and an RJ11 one? is the RJ12 the BT looking phone socket one..?

 

[Woodchuck2000]

RJ11 is the american style telephone jack as found on your modem.
I believe that RJ12 is the official standard for BT type connections.

 

[DeRusto]

Originally posted by: John

Originally posted by: DeRusto
If it is all you can find that is suitable, it will indeed work for phone transmissions. This is considering the fact that you replace the larger RJ45 connectors with RJ11 phone jack connectors..

But, as Woodchuck2000 has noted, it is relatively easy to find an actual phoneline of this length that should do the job better.

30M = ~90ft

It is a lot easier to locate a ~100ft cat5 cable than a phone cord of that length IMHO.

You may be right that it is easier to find 30M of cat5 cable than phone cord, but I said it was relatively easy..and that can be relative to anything

Actually, I said that because I picked up one about that length at Wal-Mart..it even came on a spool