Cat 5e or Cat 6 cables for new wiring?

[seniorguy]

I am planning to wire up my house with data cables and coax. Should I go with Cat 6 cables instead of cat 5e cables? What do you think?

 

[Nutz]

You'll be future-proofing your home, and if you expect you'll run 1000BT one day you'll be all set. I recommend two drops--one for data and another for voice. If you happen to need another data port for some reason you'll have to line already run. If it was up to me, the lines at my house would be ran to dual RJ-45 jacks and then just use a RJ-11-->RJ-45 pigtail for my phones.

 

[ScottMac]

I went with Cat6. At least two runs to every location, with all locations coming back to a central closet. You may want to talk to the electrician about putting an extra power recepticle (20 amp would be nice) in the closet near the termination point as well, so you have the extra juice for hubs/switches/cable modems, etc.

Also have them run an extra pull to the box outside (at the phone demarc):It makes it a little nicer if/when you get DSL or possible other future services installed, and keep it separate from the phone.

Also do two runs of coax to each location. If you're using a DSS dish, having the extra coax is a real blessing, especially if you're looking at doing a Tivo (dual tuner). Also don't forget to have them pull a run or two of coax to the attic, in case you decide later to hang an OTA antenna (most areas are broadcasting some flavor of digital TV, and in 2006, they all have to).

If the budget allows, have them (at least) pull a run of four-strand fiber to each location (and one to the phone demarc or near it). Even if you don't terminate it, the future seems to be moving to the eventual use of fiber everywhere. The cost to pull all of the media is gonna be about the same as pulling one run, the media is not that expensive...termination is usually the big kicker cost-wise (labor and materials).

The other ssuggestion I'd offer up is to use standard panels, not the "Home Cabling" boxes with all the goofy inserts. They never seem to have the room or inserts you really want, and they're not generally available. If you go with a wall-mount rack and regular panels, the troubleshooting is much easier, it'll be much easier to upgrade, and parts are available just about everywhere.

FWIW

Scott

 

[nettech98]

<< ... and then just use a RJ-11-->RJ-45 pigtail for my phones. >>



You apparently don't realize that you can plug an RJ11 plug into an RJ45 jack without an adapter.

 

[Nutz]

One little caveat that some people are missing by installing 5e is that it can only handle 1000Base4 (using all 4 pairs). AFAIK 1000BT only works on CAT-6 & higher.

*update*

I did some more research on this. What I was saying only applies to 100BaseT (about the differences in signaling between T4 and TX). GigE is well defined in 802.3ab and should run A-Okay on 5e. Of course 6 would be better since it is less prone to attenuation and crosstalk.

 

[spidey07]

Question really becomes how much square feel we talking here? Run the best cable you can to all rooms. Way less expensive now rather than later.

In my house each outlet has four strands 50 micron fiber, four cat5 outlets, two RG6 coaxial. Each bed room has two outlets, gathering rooms have one every 10 feet. All of this is terminated into patch panels in the basement. Basically I (hope) have everything covered via structured cabling to last 10+ years.

ps - you can never have too many cat5 runs in a house, use them for ethernet, use them for phone. but you will use them. Don't forget about the kitchen.

 

[ScottMac]

And the balcony, patio, and bathrooms (like boil in the tub for an hour or so & watch your favorite movies). Maybe the attic too, so you can put your wireless Access Point up there....

OH! OH!!..and the garage...so you can set up a shop and watch "How Norm Does it" (you know, the woodshop/workshop guy)....or something to watch while fixing the car, or a jack for a phone...don't forget extra power in the garage too...a couple 20 amp circuits (and a 220 if you can get it) all on their own circuits.

Sounds silly, I know...but think of it as a potential selling point in the future.

(BTW: I have all of the preceding locations cabled, as mentioned)


FWIW

Scott

 

[chibimike]

Damn,

4 strands of 50 micron fibre to each outlet.
That is hardcore.

You could run a 2Gb SAN throughout your house.


mike

 

[swifty3]

I just finished networking my house recently. Just used 1 phone line, 1 coaxial cable, and 1 cat5e to each room, and then all back to a closet. really simple, and fast enough for my needs. decide what your needs r now, and in the future, and go from there. and, it's not that hard once you have the cables run to add more later. just use the existing cable as your fish tape, and pull the new ones through.

 

[swifty3]

You don't need a dedicated 20 amp circuit either. your router and modem won't pull more than a few amps total. Just find the closest wire and run an outlet (if u need one in the closet, or where ever) off of it. it's pretty easy to do yourself, but if u don't feel comfortable with it definetely get an electrician. it's surprisingly easy to get hurt or burn the place down. A circuit of receptacles is your best bet rather than one with lights in the ceiling, cause u have control over the load and usually stuff plugged in will draw less than overhead lighting, although it really depends. Just make sure any junctions are in a box, and make sure everything is grounded and all circuits are complete, and your good to go!

 

[ProviaFan]

Damn, you guys are making me so envious with all your neat setups with fiber cabling to every room and all that l33t stuff. Anyway, back to the point, Cat6 would be more future-proof but if all you want to do is 100mbps ethernet and cost is an issue then cat5e should be fine.