Should i go GIGABIT? & Can i use shielded Cat5e

[Aeridyne]

I am thinking about going gigabit wired for my home network. I am thinking about the Dlink DGL 4100 router because its about the only gigabit router i can find, and its not too much, my current router drops out when i use a lot of p2p n stuff. also i need to know more about using shielded cat5e. Do you need anything special to use shielded cable? i saw a site that has shielded end connectors (http://www.pctekonline.com/pctekrjconfo.html) do you have to use those too? can i hook these up to this router and other gigabit switches and ethernet cards?
I have an existing 10/100 network, but i want more and I am hoping that STP will stop my network from interfering with my radio signals. All information will be helpful. THANK YOU in advance. thanks. oh and thanks again.

 

[Aeridyne]

come on dudes.... Im sittin here....still.....not knowing......i know you gurus are out there....

 

[toleraen]

If you need it to be absolutely shielded, you would use STP rj-45s. (STP Connectors, scroll to the bottom) I woudn't think that the tools used would be any different. My question is how your current UTP cable is interfering with radio signals. Usualy it's the other way around, say if you're running it too close to electrical wires or flourescent lights.

Otherwise though, running STP shouldn't be any different than UTP, just a little thicker and not as bendable. Crimping/terminating shouldn't be any different. As long as you terminate them the proper way, it will work with any 10/100/1000 compatable hardware. Network cards won't see the difference between UTP and STP. Hope this helps

 

[Aeridyne]

cool ya that helps. thanks man.

 

[ScottMac]

There is no situation in the world that would dictate the use of shielded cabling in the home. None. Zero. Zip. Nada.

Add to that the fact that if you don't terminate it properly, with the proper grounding .... AND that if you don't use components made for shielded cabling (which also have to be installed correctly) .... and that if you don't use shieldeed jumpers you get ABSOLUTELY no benefit (assuming that you install it properly ... and you won't) ... AND it's a pain to install ....

I'd say, stick with regular UTP.

Improperly installed shielded cabling is worse than twisted coathangers for networking media.

Even if someone GAVE you the shielded cabling FOR FREE ... it's not worth it. If they PAID you to use it ... it ain't worth it

Get some nice Cat5e or 6, match the components to the correct Category, and go play Gigabit.

There's not even any status to using shielded. People that know better will just point & giggle at you. You wouldn't like that, would you ?

Really .... just use UTP. You'll be Sooooooooooooooo glad you did.


FWIW

Scott

 

[spidey07]

don't do shielded.