Ethernet cable questions

[sgrimshaw]

Just had my internet upgraded BT FTTP.

Taking the opportunity to tidy up my office wiring and looking to replace some Cat 5 ethernet cables, mainly used for connecting devices to network switches / powerline adaptors etc.

Question is ... what do I go for?

Cat 6, Cat 6a, Cat 7 or Cat 8 ?

Also, are there any issues with the "flat" style cables?

Cost is not an issue.

[randlemarcus]

Creeping upgrade time

Once you have the cables, the next question is "is your switch man enough"

How long are the cable runs?

[Trustmeimadoctor]

cat 5e there is no need for more in the home even if your running 10Gb

oh yeah never use flat cables they are st

[sgrimshaw]

randlemarcus said:

Creeping upgrade time

Once you have the cables, the next question is "is your switch man enough"

How long are the cable runs?

All unmanaged Gigabit switches, other than one switch to switch, no run longer than 5m ... most connections are 1-2m max.

[Theraveda]

Trustmeimadoctor said:

cat 5e there is no need for more in the home even if your running 10Gb

^^This^^

[Drive Blind]

cat5e should be fine

ime the extra bulk of cat6 makes them more awkward to work with.

[Trustmeimadoctor]

we are talking patch/fly leads not structured cabling so the answer is 5e

[LooneyTunes]

Incremental cost difference will be virtually non existent whatever you choose at those lengths but there’s a chance cat6 may come in cheaper if it’s just patch leads being used. Over those distances just buy whatever’s cheapest or buy cat6/6a and be done with it.

[LooneyTunes]

Theraveda said:

Trustmeimadoctor said:

cat 5e there is no need for more in the home even if your running 10Gb

^^This^^

Unless you are dealing with longer runs and/or running PoE. In which case 6a can be worth the money.

[sgrimshaw]

Thanks all.

Can't find an example in 5e at the moment, but is there any disadvantage to the flat style cable?

Example:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Multi-Cable-Ethernet-Netw...

[Trustmeimadoctor]

personally imho they are crap

they use very thin conductors im sure they dont actually meet standards either with regards to cable construction as in often they arnt twisted i mean UTP is unshielded twisted pair

i mean im sure it will be fine over a short run but i wouldnt be trying 99m runs with them

Edited by Trustmeimadoctor on Thursday 31st March 17:33

[Captain_Morgan]

https://www.kenable.co.uk/en/432-ethernet-cat5e-pa...