Cat 5 connectors / Makes connection sloweR?

Nov 20, 2000
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Would i be practically the same to save money and connect 3 cat5 wires with extension adapters than to just but a 30ft wire? I just want to make sure that these connectors will weaken the connection or not.

Thanks to whomever replies
 

ISH

Senior member
Oct 9, 1999
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Every connection between point A and point B will degrade your signal. However the signal degradation will be minimal. You may notice a small decrease in bandwidth, however a straight 30 foot cable will always be the better choice compared to the extensions.

 

cavingjan

Golden Member
Nov 15, 1999
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Is it cheaper to get 2 connectors or a new 30 ft cable? My experience has been that the difference in cost is only about $1 or $2 so I'd just get a new cable. I have two connectors at home and I don't see any major degradation but I do occasionally have the connectors not make solid connection and I lose the network connection completely. Granted this is with a laptop so things are being shifted around more than a regular desktop would be.
 

Mday

Lifer
Oct 14, 1999
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<< I have two connectors at home and I don't see any major degradation but I do occasionally have the connectors not make solid connection and I lose the network connection completely >>



the problem is the physical connection itself. a coupler would degrade performance, but not by too much, it's not like you get all 10mpbs or 100mpbs anyway ;-) good couplers are expensive btw, like $5 each or $10 if you can't find the right place. i highly recommend against using 2 couplers. it's just nuts.

you can get a 50 ft cable for $8 here
 

cavingjan

Golden Member
Nov 15, 1999
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Mday: I use two connectors on two different lines. Long story short: I have three cat5 runs that have been terminated into rj45 jacks instead of wall plates due to location and no place to mount cleanly and hide. So when I need those connections, I just pop them out of their hiding places and slap a connector and patch cable (or dongle for laptop nic) on them. I still have anothe 1000 ft spool of cable lying around to pull from when I need new cables but for hiding in these high traffic areas that are only used during lan parties at the house, this was the best solution.