Ethernet cable - can I just hang it with a staple gun?

[pete6032]

I live in an apartment where there are 563 other 2.4 and 5ghz wifi networks within range, so I'd like to do some wired networking, but I can't make any modifications to my place. I want to run a network cable up on the wall along the ceiling, can I just use a staple gun to put it in place?

 

[VirtualLarry]

This belongs in the Networking forum, but no, staples are bad for ethernet cable.

 

[Howard]

Only if it's held loosely. Pinching an Ethernet cable, especially one that handles gigabit or faster, will cause lossiness.

 

[IronWing]

I live in an apartment where there are 563 other 2.4 and 5ghz wifi networks within range, so I'd like to do some wired networking, but I can't make any modifications to my place. I want to run a network cable up on the wall along the ceiling, can I just use a staple gun to put it in place?

Use the staple gun to tack zip ties to the wall. Use the zip ties to hold the cable.

 

[Blain]

Powerline networking works well.

 

[skyking]

If you are really worried about making changes, I would not use a stapler for anything. Use some command hooks that are removable without any damage.

 

[CA19100]

I live in an apartment where there are 563 other 2.4 and 5ghz wifi networks within range, so I'd like to do some wired networking, but I can't make any modifications to my place. I want to run a network cable up on the wall along the ceiling, can I just use a staple gun to put it in place?

I was in your exact situation, and I used these self-stick cable tie mounts ($1.99 for 100):

http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=105&cp_id=10520&cs_id=1052006&p_id=5859&seq=1&format=2

They aren't Command adhesive, but when it came time to move, I just softened the glue with a hair dryer for ten seconds, and they came off without damaging the paint.


I paired them with some small zip ties ($0.38 for 100):

http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=105&cp_id=10520&cs_id=1052001&p_id=5756&seq=1&format=2


I used all that to hold up this 75-foot Cat 6 cable, which was only $10.25:

http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=102&cp_id=10232&cs_id=1023214&p_id=5032&seq=1&format=2


Worked like a champ!

 

[pete6032]

Powerline networking works well.

I've had mixed results with powerline networking depending on how the apartment is wired. Sometimes it works great, other times not so much. That will be the first thing I test, is to see how fast I can get over power line.

I was in your exact situation, and I used these self-stick cable tie mounts ($1.99 for 100):

http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=105&cp_id=10520&cs_id=1052006&p_id=5859&seq=1&format=2

They aren't Command adhesive, but when it came time to move, I just softened the glue with a hair dryer for ten seconds, and they came off without damaging the paint.


I paired them with some small zip ties ($0.38 for 100):

http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=105&cp_id=10520&cs_id=1052001&p_id=5756&seq=1&format=2


I used all that to hold up this 75-foot Cat 6 cable, which was only $10.25:

http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=102&cp_id=10232&cs_id=1023214&p_id=5032&seq=1&format=2


Worked like a champ!

Thanks! I will give that a shot if I can't get an acceptable power line speed.

 

[Aikouka]

This belongs in the Networking forum, but no, staples are bad for ethernet cable.

They make staples that have plastic guards with specific clearances. For example, here's a staple gun that does it ...or you can just use the hammered versions. Although, when I ran Ethernet in my apartment, I just used tape and taped it against the baseboards and such. It worked fine for me. My only gripe when taking it up was where I used wire guards on the floor. That double-sided foam tape was terrible to remove.

 

[SparkyJJO]

I have a staple gun designed for round cables like ethernet cables. It uses rounded staples. Works well, never had an issue with the cables I've stapled in place.