CAT 6 Questions

[NaiMan]

what's the difference between UTP Solid Cable and UTP Stranded Cable. which is better? i see that both are about the same price.

 

[spidey07]

solid is solid and is used for runs where the cable doesn't move much. Like between a patch panel and a jack.

stranded is for patch cables that move/get bent.

rule of thumb - never make your own patch cables or crimp ends on a cable, especially cat6. spec for cat5, 5e, 6 is you can have 90 meters of solid cable between patch panel and jack and then 5 meter patch cables between active equipment (switch and NIC)

 

[NaiMan]

since i'm looking to wire my house with Cat6, I should get solid cables from the gigabit switch to my wall jacks...then get stranded cables from my wall jack to my computer?

rule of thumb - never make your own patch cables or crimp ends on a cable, especially cat6. spec for cat5, 5e, 6 is you can have 90 meters of solid cable between patch panel and jack and then 5 meter patch cables between active equipment (switch and NIC)

I shouldn't make my own cable ends?

 

[spidey07]

no you shouldn't unless you have a 5000 dollar tester to make sure they are good. Even then it's a bad idea because everytime you move the cable or plug/unplug it gets weaker.

Just use solid cable in your home with a patch panel on one end and a jack on the other. Then use purchased patch cables (they're cheap) between the patch panel/switch.

 

[NaiMan]

hmm...

this is more difficult than i expected. I thought it was just a matter of crimping wire ends and connecting them to switches and computers.

is it neccessary to have a patch panel? even if I'm planning to only use about 4 ports...those things are pricey.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: NaiMan
hmm...

this is more difficult than i expected. I thought it was just a matter of crimping wire ends and connecting them to switches and computers.

is it neccessary to have a patch panel? even if I'm planning to only use about 4 ports...those things are pricey.

Just use jacks on each end then. That's really all a modular patch panel is - a metal frame that you stick jacks into.

just FYI - 90% of all network problems are cable related, so not skimping on this part means your network always works and performs well.

 

[NaiMan]

Thanks Spidey

 

[Emulex]

be sure to get the stuff that doesn't catch on fire. We had to redo an entire NOC because if a power wire heats up and the cat5/6 is near it and catches on fire, firemarshall bil wont be happy.

i forgot what it is but its just smart. I am guessing you will not be running all new conduits so this may apply to you. Use the fire resistant stuff