Cable for networking
 

Hi,

I had a previous thread on here about whether to go wireless or wired networking on my two computers. I believe I will go with the wired network. Now my new question is which cable I should get? I did not know there were so many different kinds of Cat5 cable. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Planemech

Re: Cable for networking
 

Really, different versions of Cat5 cable? Maybe different manufacturors, but they're all the same.

Just get the cheapest one you can find.

I'm surprised no one answered this one earlier than I did.

EDIT- Make sure what ever one you end up getting has the proper connectors at the end that you can plug into your hardware. Don't get the kind on the spool, that has no connectors at the end.

Re: Cable for networking
 

Unless you are going to connect to PCs, two routers etc you need a straight cable, not crossed.
Shielded or unshielded doesn't really matter unless you have a lot of interference where you live, like a high voltage line or something.
And, unlike what marvinmatthew says, the quality of the cable differs from manufacturer to manufacturer, so unless you are really low on money, go for one of the more expensive cables and you will most likely gain some speed and reliability.

Also, why not go for a cat6? It's only slightly more expensive and is the "next generation" of cables and will not require you to upgrade for many years. If you still wan't a cat5, make sure it's cat5e, and not the older cat5.

Re: Cable for networking
 

I think what he means is CAT5 and CAT5e. Maybe crossover and straight through.

Re: Cable for networking
 

go with a Cat 6 system so you can network your phones ie intercome system extensions to diff rooms of the house works grate in offices so why not make the leep to the home front.


ok on a real note WiFi is at the point now ware it si as fast as a cat5 line (unless it is a gigabet network then hay)

Re: Cable for networking
 

So FN_lewrbm69 are you saying I should reconsider and go with the wireless?

Planemech

Re: Cable for networking
 

well Cat5 is grate if u want to keep it cheep and low cost. but wifi now is up to 108mbit a Cat5 can fo to 1000mbit+ but as u go past gigabit lines for a house it starts to add up u can WiFi 2 desktops with wifi cards and a wireless router bout about 300USD and u can cat5 fo aobut 100 total thats if u need a router.

Re: Cable for networking
 

Use Cat5E if you want to keep things relatively cheap, or Cat6 if you have money to burn and need a faster transfer rate. If so, make sure you have a Gigabit NIC, switch and/or router or it'll be capped at 100mbps. (Or even 10mbps, if you have a really crap switch.)

As for shielded cable, if you don't live underneath a high-voltage pylon then you won't need it.

Re: Cable for networking
 

What is the difference between crossed and straight through? Also when I said different types I was talking about there are some with connectors that are gold plated and there are some that are blue cable, grey cable, black cable etc.

Re: Cable for networking
 

As far as I know colour is just colour. Gold is highly conductive and therefore gives a better connection than most other materials, hence why it is used in a lot of cabling.

Crossover cabling is for when you are connecting a device of one type to a device of another type, eg a PC to a router. Straight through is for two devices of the same type, eg a PC to a PC. The only difference is that the wires on the sockets are in different places.