Cat5e vs Cat6 data cabling. Installation cost?

[Selfierank]

I've got a question for you data cabling experts and wondered for my wife's office they have around 10 computers, a switch and router connected to some sort of internet/wan connection.

Two questions:
What's the cost difference between installing Cat5e and Cat6 and whether it would make any difference if they were to install that into their small office? Like would cost outlay the technology for what they are needing it for? She's just in a Realestate office located in Brisbane, Australia and use their computers and network for surfing listings, e-mails and other internet use I'm guessing.

Also, my other question is there any cabling standards for say installing data cables in Brisbane? I was wanting to attempt to run these data cables myself, if I purchased the tools and cable if possible to try save her boss some money, also can you list the tools (data/network) related tools I might need in order to do that for her. Reason I ask, is that I'm at home looking after our two kids and she's the only one working, so I wanted to show some appreciation.

 

[Fardringle]

The cost difference between 5e and 6 is very small. Definitely go with the 6 unless there's a good reason not to. However, if you are doing it yourself and don't have experience running cables, that might make the 5e a better option since it is a bit easier to install as it is not quite as strict about making sure there isn't loose/untwisted wire at the punch down points and the cable is (sometimes) thinner and easier to bend around corners and in tight spaces.

I can understand wanting to do it to make a contribution and to save some money, but if not done right it could actually cost a lot more to hire someone to go in and fix any problems that come up later due to improper cable runs and terminations...

 

[DragonBorn]

I agreed with Fardringle, there is a very small difference between Cat5e and Cat6. Going with Cat6 (or higher) is a good idea if you want to be future proof.

Regarding installation cost I am not an expert but don't try to install them if you don't have at least a basic understanding of how this is done.

 

[Selfierank]

Thanks guys, my wife's boss actually received a quote from some local data cabling company located here in Brisbane and they actually wanted around $4,400 (inc GST) which is goods and service tax. to install 14 Cat 5 cables and a patch panel in a cabinet. I thought that was way too expensive and thought that I'm actually pretty good with my hands as I was in a building trade before I could do it. I'll have to weigh up some costs on material and make a rough judgement on whether it's worth doing myself or not. Surely, not $4,400 dollars though. I'm in the wrong business.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Yeah go with the cat6. Even if you don't install it to spec, worse case scenario it's just not going to do 10gb but it will do gigabit fine. It's not really any harder to install anyway.

If you can source cat5e for super cheap then that will work fine too, but if you're buying, may as well do cat6. Ensure the keystones are cat6 too, at very least.

It's really not needed to go cat6, but the amount of work is the same and cost is very negligible so may as well just do it.

 

[azazel1024]

Thanks guys, my wife's boss actually received a quote from some local data cabling company located here in Brisbane and they actually wanted around $4,400 (inc GST) which is goods and service tax. to install 14 Cat 5 cables and a patch panel in a cabinet. I thought that was way too expensive and thought that I'm actually pretty good with my hands as I was in a building trade before I could do it. I'll have to weigh up some costs on material and make a rough judgement on whether it's worth doing myself or not. Surely, not $4,400 dollars though. I'm in the wrong business.

Wow. How hard is the job? A more typical cost is in the $80-120 range per drop. That should range around $1000-1500 (in the US anyway).

From what I have found, the folks charging 2-4x that kind of price are typically doing it because

1) they don't typically do the work
2) there is something unique about the installation that is going to require significantly more time to do the installation
3) they just don't really want to do the work so they'll quote really high

Granted, you probably won't find an electrician, security system company, data installer who will come out and do a single drop for just $80-120, that is more the going rate if you are doing several with probably a minimum cost in the $200-300 range.

From a lot of experience running network cables, except for rather unique jobs (like single story on concrete slab, block walls, etc.), something like a whole house where you are running 14 seperate drops might be a 2 day job for 2 people to do. That is maybe 30-40 work hours between the two gents which means a labor rate of probably $100+ an hour, because the materials for all of that is maybe $400.

I'd consider myself pretty well paid, but I don't make no $100+ an hour.

 

[BeeBoop]

I had this done to my home and I was quoted at about 100$ per wall. The electrician can fish hook two or three down the same hole. How is your office space designed? Is it just one large room with open cubicals which means you're trying to run wires in the floor?

From my understanding, Australia will pay a lot more per product and service than the Americans. Usually double the price I believe.

 

[PhIlLy ChEeSe]

I've got a question for you data cabling experts and wondered for my wife's office they have around 10 computers, a switch and router connected to some sort of internet/wan connection.

Two questions:
What's the cost difference between installing Cat5e and Cat6 and whether it would make any difference if they were to install that into their small office? Like would cost outlay the technology for what they are needing it for? She's just in a Realestate office located in Brisbane, Australia and use their computers and network for surfing listings, e-mails and other internet use I'm guessing.

Also, my other question is there any cabling standards for say installing data cables in Brisbane? I was wanting to attempt to run these data cables myself, if I purchased the tools and cable if possible to try save her boss some money, also can you list the tools (data/network) related tools I might need in order to do that for her. Reason I ask, is that I'm at home looking after our two kids and she's the only one working, so I wanted to show some appreciation.

You would save nothing, over the cost of paying someone who does cabling all day and will guarantee there work. Over you trying to drop a wall with a cross beam, having to stop run to the hardware store. Buy a 6 foot hole drill...................If time does not matter and you can do a decent job, I guess. You have a tester to test the cables? How will you drop the walls? Patch panel? Not sure on the regulations in your country.

 

[azazel1024]

Well yes, if you run in to issues or have no idea, it could cost a lot in time or money. I wouldn't say I am a professional probably only having run a couple of dozen wiring circuits and maybe 50-60 LAN drops total between my houses and helping friends and family with different network and electrical projects, but for the most part it isn't that hard for typical stick frame construction to run wires, especially if you have a little creativity. Half the time I can do runs without having to patch any drywall, especially if there are unfinished areas nearby.

Otherwise it is just completely impossible to do without having to drill through walls to fish.

Why do you need a tester to test the cables? A laptop with an ethernet port and a gigabit switch do just a fine job. Bonus points for two laptops so that you can transfer files between to verify speed.

 

[Selfierank]

You would save nothing, over the cost of paying someone who does cabling all day and will guarantee there work. Over you trying to drop a wall with a cross beam, having to stop run to the hardware store. Buy a 6 foot hole drill...................If time does not matter and you can do a decent job, I guess. You have a tester to test the cables? How will you drop the walls? Patch panel? Not sure on the regulations in your country.

Yes, you are right. I've done some research into just the parts alone and have come up with that given, I don't currently work as a communications contractor I am most probably going to come across issues with the installation, eg. down walls or through their ceiling so I've worked out that
1. 10~ wallplates are roughly going to cost 14 dollars each with the Cat5e connector installed = $140
2. Patch Panel will cost me $75
3. Cabinet will cost me $140
4. Box of Cat5e cable will cost $100
5. Probably take 3 days for me ~give or take (who's going to look after my kids?).

I've done some research online and can't seem to find any companies for installation of data cabling brisbane area other than those contractors. And going off what azazel1024 said they would probably fit into the price bracket of an average installation cost. Given my limited experience I think I'll give this a miss and leave the cabling work to professionals. I told my wife's boss I'd look into it for her with no promises, so thank god for that.

I do love my kids, but damn I miss working. My wife's a really good estate agent and good at her job, I cannot tell her to quit as the kids will be older in 1 year and will start heading to pre-school. Thanks anyway guys.

 

[RadiclDreamer]

I usually pay close to $300 per drop including materials, drive time and assuming a full 300ft run. When doing budgets i assume that price always knowing it wont be over that.

 

[brshoemak]

Why do you need a tester to test the cables? A laptop with an ethernet port and a gigabit switch do just a fine job. Bonus points for two laptops so that you can transfer files between to verify speed.

Because he's paying good money to ensure the runs are good - not just that a link light comes up. Plus the costs to rip everything out to do right would be ridiculous. Do it right, do it once.

Also, especially with all this talk of "future proofing" the only way you'll get the large benefit over CAT5 is to make sure the CAT6(A) is terminated to spec, which is (A) not easy (B) requires a device that can certify the runs, not just check for continuity.

Try at all costs to use a low voltage expert, otherwise you'll likely get the 'electrician special' where the cables are stapled like romex and it's treated as such - I mean wires are wires, right?

 

[StrangerGuy]

This question always cracks me up, because the cost of the cable itself is so insignificant to the other costs of laying that it makes ZERO sense to even choose Cat5e.

 

[azazel1024]

Because he's paying good money to ensure the runs are good - not just that a link light comes up. Plus the costs to rip everything out to do right would be ridiculous. Do it right, do it once.

Also, especially with all this talk of "future proofing" the only way you'll get the large benefit over CAT5 is to make sure the CAT6(A) is terminated to spec, which is (A) not easy (B) requires a device that can certify the runs, not just check for continuity.

Try at all costs to use a low voltage expert, otherwise you'll likely get the 'electrician special' where the cables are stapled like romex and it's treated as such - I mean wires are wires, right?

For 10GbE spec, sure, but it is pretty easy to verify 1GbE to spec. Wireshark only take a minute to run on both ends and you have verified the integrity and ability of the wiring run to handle 1Gbps full duplex concurrent.

I am not simply talking about just seeing if a light turns on (well, if using two machines, gigabit switch and laptop would just verifying continuity of all 4 wire pairs).

 

[PhIlLy ChEeSe]

Cool
Also get some pull string, toss one in every so many long wire's(its there if ever you add more outlets). A cheap tester can be had for little more then $15 probably. I'd suggest if not doing it yourself, find a cable guy who does side jobs(side job charlie). Then if you have issue's hes always around, plus he is wanting to make some pocket cash but at the same time you save too(WIN WIN).
If you got lots of time, you'll be fine. Hardest part is getting in the wall above the wall the cable will being going down in. But if its a office chances are there is a crawl space or attic. They have rods, for getting cables across ceilings with no access. I had to run a cable across a drop ceiling in a dealers ship, only issue was I couldn't damage the cars in the show room. I went to Kmart bought a remote control car tied the pull string to it, then drove it across the showroom ceiling and dropped it in the wall.

 

[brshoemak]

For 10GbE spec, sure, but it is pretty easy to verify 1GbE to spec. Wireshark only take a minute to run on both ends and you have verified the integrity and ability of the wiring run to handle 1Gbps full duplex concurrent.

I am not simply talking about just seeing if a light turns on (well, if using two machines, gigabit switch and laptop would just verifying continuity of all 4 wire pairs).

Correct. I blended a couple responses there and brought up 'future-proofing' when that was just in the context of other posts and not directly stated by your comments.

However (and as a separate comment), if he is only interested in 1Gpbs speeds now and in the future then there is no reason to go with CAT6A over CAT5E. Otherwise he would need it properly terminated and certified, instead of just using two hosts and a switch, to reap any of the benefits CAT6A would provide.

 

[inachu]

How to wire CAT6:
https://www.google.com/search?q=how...7.7175j0j8&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=122&ie=UTF-8