[food]

Hi, I was thinking about cabling up my house for a gigabit wired network because of insane wireless interference. I'm talking maybe twenty networks, In excess of the number of channels available anyway. There's an easily accessible channel where some defunct TV cable is running that I can use, however part of it runs externally. The maximum distance a single cable would need to travel would be around 40m but for a few meters it would need to travel with the house's virgin cable.

I'd love some help as I've read up on the subject but am still a little confused. For a start which type of cable should I get? I heard that a cat6 installation is easier to botch up so I was leaning towards cat5e. Secondly, I only need three total cables (one to each room) so do I need a splitter or can I just mount three RJ45 sockets on the wall and connect them to the router with patch cables? (plenty of ports on the router available) Thirdly, apart from sockets, the cable spool, screws, screwdriver etc what other tools do I need?

Plus any other issues I've completely missed.

[dq46]

Originally Posted by food

Hi, I was thinking about cabling up my house for a gigabit wired network because of insane wireless interference. I'm talking maybe twenty networks, In excess of the number of channels available anyway. There's an easily accessible channel where some defunct TV cable is running that I can use, however part of it runs externally. The maximum distance a single cable would need to travel would be around 40m but for a few meters it would need to travel with the house's virgin cable.

I'd love some help as I've read up on the subject but am still a little confused. For a start which type of cable should I get? I heard that a cat6 installation is easier to botch up so I was leaning towards cat5e. Secondly, I only need three total cables (one to each room) so do I need a splitter or can I just mount three RJ45 sockets on the wall and connect them to the router with patch cables? (plenty of ports on the router available) Thirdly, apart from sockets, the cable spool, screws, screwdriver etc what other tools do I need?

Plus any other issues I've completely missed.

While Cat5e can support gigabit speeds, Cat6 is certified to handle gigabit Ethernet. Of course end-devices need to be able transmit and receive at Gbit if you want/need end-to-end Gbit. Not sure who told you about Cat 6 easier to 'botch up' - from a physical perspective should be little difference although Cat 6 standards do dictate 'bend-radius' constraints (google that for more info).

You could home-run (to your DSL/cable router) but as I understand it each feed will be treated as a distinct connection (i.e. gets it's own IP address) - not sure if you plan to share files (e.g. video, pics etc) or connect to a DNLA setup. Search DNLA and see what it might offer you and design your network setup as needed.

[food]

The bend constraints were what I was getting at. I was told if I kinked the cable it wouldn't work and that cat5e was more forgiving in that respect. It'll essentially have to make 4 90 degree turns. Also, I read that cat6 doesn't play nicely when running with other cables and realistically I need to take the same cable path to avoid my neighbors complaining of untidy external wiring.

Yes, each connection does need a discrete IP address and I have all the inter-device connectivity I want at the moment. I'd just like everything but portables to be wired up to avoid the rubbish wireless. It's reliability I'm after more than anything.

I still could use some help on tools, I read that I would need a cable crimper? Also, do I need a special type of cable since It'll be running externally?

[dq46]

(Max) Bend Radius of Cat6 is typically 4 time width of cable (4 x 6mm) - you should be okay with a curve (as distinct from a 180 degree turn if you get me).

You will need a crimper for RJ45 connector and an understanding of the correct pin-outs for CAT6 (or 5e). Use the standard 568B ( CAT5e / CAT6 Patch Cable Pin Out)

You will also need a RJ45 Jack (to plug your patch cable into) and matching faceplates (1, 2 or 4 port).

Generally speaking you should keep data cable seperate to electrical cable but they can live side by side within reason a centimeter or two and you should be okay. If your mounting cable on the exterior then some PVC conduit may provide sufficient weather proofing.