Generic vs name brand patch cables

[Mucman]

Here's the dilema. A network facility has been wired up with namebrand CAT6, done professionaly.
Installation of the network equipment is going to be taking place so it's time to purchase some patch
cables. Some of the infrastructure will be utilizing gigE.

After pricing out the difference, the namebrand patch cables (NORDX/CDT) were 300% more
expensive than the generic patch cables. The purchase is going to be very large so the difference
in cost could be used elsewhere (better hardware for the servers). The noname brand CAT6 is
certified.

If they are both certified CAT6, I am assuming that performance should be similar. Or is that assumption
totally wrong? Since we are dealing with patch cables, they are easy to replace unlike the structured
cabling. So if the life of a generic cable is shorter, it can easily be replaced. What are the reliability issues
involved in this?

 

[Garion]

I've never seen the worth of "name brand" patch cables. I've had about the same failure ratio with nearly all the patch cables (save the high rate of failure on the handmade ones) I've bought, both ultra-fancy and ultra-generic.

The only caveat is that some of the more expensive cables have some features, like cable boots. If you're the type that strings cables and has to pull a lot of 'em out and move them around a lot, boots are invaluable. If you are going to plug them in and leave them there, normal cheapies are fine.

If you look around, you can get some AMAZING deals on cable - Check Hot Deals and also FatWallet - People there occasionally find some out-of-this-world buys.

- G

 

[WobbleWobble]

You can buy boots for your homemade cables y'know.
You need to slip them in before you crimp both ends.

 

[amdskip]

Originally posted by: WobbleWobble
You can buy boots for your homemade cables y'know.
You need to slip them in before you crimp both ends.

He's in a real environment where commercially produced cables are the only way to go. You don't have room for a homemade cable to fail.

 

[ScottMac]

The only issue I see would be if the installed cable plant has a warranty similar to Lucent / Avaya: They require all Avaya end-to-end to guarantee the certification.

You can probably use the lower cost cables everywhere, but you should proabably have at least a small handfull of the same manufacturer's jumpers, just in case there's ever a question of certification. That way you can do end-to-end with that manufacturer's cabling (including jumpers) to demonstrate that there's an issue.... it could save you some time in finger pointing.

I agree with Garion; I've had cable failures with pretty much every major vendor's patch cables; it's just the nature of the beast ... that's what they are there for (take the flex / abuse).

Good Luck

Scott

 

[spidey07]

The whole 10 year warranty and guarntee is a "nice to have" but would anybody ever use it?

I wouldn't worry about brand name cables but I would worry about having a wiring standard using only a few manufacturers. You'll have lab and field tests of the different horizontal cables/jacks/patches documented and know their performance.....or at least you "should." Demand test results of the link and channel including patch cables on both ends.

That way you have on record your cable scans and can see if any of the links/channels are close to the edge on any of the specs.

 

[Mucman]

Thanks for the assistance guys! You rock

 

[lobadobadingdong]

(save the high rate of failure on the handmade ones)

I've never made a cable that failed with the exception of those that were physically abused, you must not be doing something right.
On the other hand for relation to this thread, who would want to make hundreds of cables for a large network? I just order 20 extra or so of what I need to make up for any bad cables when I need to go bulk.

 

[Mucman]

Originally posted by: lobadobadingdong

(save the high rate of failure on the handmade ones)

I've never made a cable that failed with the exception of those that were physically abused, you must not be doing something right.
On the other hand for relation to this thread, who would want to make hundreds of cables for a large network? I just order 20 extra or so of what I need to make up for any bad cables when I need to go bulk.

Have you ever hand crimped stranded cables (with the proper RJ45 jacks) that were even certifiable Cat5?