Do I need round or flat RJ45's for this cable?

[MichaelD]

Link to cable.

I will be ordering CAT5e/350MHz rated ends...but they come in two flavors; for flat and for round wire. Which connector for this wire, please?

 

[nightowl]

You will want to get the ends for round cable. The flat ends are for the grey satin wire that is commonly used to connect phones to thier wall jacks.

 

[MichaelD]

Thanks Nightowl; I appreciate your help and the clarification as to what end is for what.

 

[spidey07]

Michael,

Are you planning on crimping RJ45 ends on that nices CAT5e cable? I'd seriously reconsider if I were you as it is very unlikely you'll get CAT5e performance if you do.

All you need is some jacks and a patch panel and you're all set!

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: spidey07
Michael,

Are you planning on crimping RJ45 ends on that nices CAT5e cable? I'd seriously reconsider if I were you as it is very unlikely you'll get CAT5e performance if you do.

All you need is some jacks and a patch panel and you're all set!

*hiding under desk like child*

Um...yeah, I was.

Here's what I plan on doing, you please tell me if I'm doing it correctly.

Run CAT5e from wall plates with CAT5e keystones to punch down panel. Then, use pieces of CAT5e with 5e ends to make pigtails to go from patch panel to switch.

Is this correct? How would you do it? The switch will be mounted in a rack right underneaththe patch panel, if that helps.

 

[spidey07]

Michael,

You've got the jacks and patch panels right. Way to go!

But on the actual patch cord side I'd recommend going with some purchased patch cables instead of making your own with solid wire. Remeber how we talked about the advantages of solid core cable and patch panels? Doesn't move and makes for a reliable and flexible cabling.

The patch cords often move and get changed as you reconfigure your network making stranded cabling the choice here. Not only that but it is very difficult to make a CAT5e patch cable that will actually meet CAT5e specs...so we may see you posting later saying "my network is slow".

Read the bottom sentence on your link up there. "recommended for patch panels and wall jacks"

 

[MichaelD]

Thanks Spidey07. I will do just that. Have a good day.