Using patch cables from router to rooms....

[shingletingle]

I'm considering running some ethernet cables from my router to the other various rooms of my house but without creating the typical ethernet jacks on the other end. In other words, the idea is to simply run a patch cable from the router to another room and connect to a PC or a switch.

The longest of the runs would be no more than 100 ft. I've seen 100ft cat5e and cat6 cables for sale at monoprice.

I don't see a problem with it. To me, it's just connecting longer cables to the router than you typically would.

 

[boomerang]

It will work, but keeping them out of traffic patterns, from getting stepped on, chewed by pets, etc., is nearly impossible. My prediction is you'll be replacing them frequently. CAT cable does not hold up well to abuse.

 

[shingletingle]

Originally posted by: boomerang
It will work, but keeping them out of traffic patterns, from getting stepped on, chewed by pets, etc., is nearly impossible. My prediction is you'll be replacing them frequently. CAT cable does not hold up well to abuse.

Actually, that wouldn't be a problem. I'd still have them running through the walls. Just trying to simplify the process.

 

[drebo]

If you're running them through the walls anyway, why not punch them down to keystones on either end? It doesn't appreciably increase the cost of the installtion, however, it does make it more aesthetically pleasing as well as increases the life of the installed cable.

 

[xSauronx]

Originally posted by: drebo
If you're running them through the walls anyway, why not punch them down to keystones on either end? It doesn't appreciably increase the cost of the installtion, however, it does make it more aesthetically pleasing as well as increases the life of the installed cable.

:thumbsup:

besides, by the time you run the cables, adding a box and punches isnt much more time, and itll be done the right way.

 

[ScottMac]

Why not do it the right way? The physical pulling of the cable is the same (use solid core for the "in the wall" part).

Terminate them in category-rated jacks, and buy some patch cables.

If you do it the way you describe, this is what will happen: *something* will happen to the end of the cable (chair rolls over it, dog/cat eats it, someone gets drunk (you know how your friends get) and trips over it, stretching it beyond limits and killing the already flaky (because it's a really long patch cable) connection ..... and you'll end up pulling it again, then it'll get damaged again, the you'll pull it again ...

If you put it in the wall with a good jack, then worst thing that can happen is they trash a patch cable and a jack ... much easier (and cheaper) to repair and replace.

In this case, it's actually easier to do it the right way, and there are additional benefits over doing it the way you have described.

Good Luck
Scott