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[pscocoa]

As we have building work going on just wondered about replacing some ethernet cable which runs 12 m down one side of the house on an external wall. Goes from router to ethernet switch where it then feeds tv, eetv, xbox and hive. is there any point in using cat6 in this circumstance please?

[Kevin Wood]

If you have to replace it anyway, then it might be worthwhile, but if the current wire is OK then I wouldn't bother.

Not all network cable is designed to cope with the levels of moisture and UV light that an external cable is exposed to, so use an exterior rated cable or put it in a length of conduit.

[pscocoa]

Thanks Kevin - current cable been there about 6 years or more. may just leave it then.

[Gaffers]

not worth doing cat6 unless you have the right equipment for the terminations.  If you are inclined to replace it then consider a UV stable shielded cat5 otherwise if it is working then why play with it?

[Marks DTM Calib]

I assume you have Cat5e and not Cat5, if this is not the case then Cat5e would be a useful change.

Cat 6 actually has a better core and more twists per meter so some useful gains (so even with the same termination standard as Cat 5 there is gains to be had), its also better for cross talk so more suited to high speed applications in server rooms etc where there are many cables, with long runs, bundled together.

Reality is that your cable length is very short, so no great challenges (unless it really is Cat5)

[pscocoa]

I assume you have Cat5e and not Cat5, if this is not the case then Cat5e would be a useful change.

Cat 6 actually has a better core and more twists per meter so some useful gains (so even with the same termination standard as Cat 5 there is gains to be had), its also better for cross talk so more suited to high speed applications in server rooms etc where there are many cables, with long runs, bundled together.

Reality is that your cable length is very short, so no great challenges (unless it really is Cat5)

Thanks - will check.

[zirk]

I would say if its 6 years old then then its probably Cat5e, that stuff has been the standard for quiet a while now and still gets used today within the Industry.

As Fuse19 says if it is the older Cat5 spec then upgrade it, but I personally wouldnt bother upgrading from 5e to 6.

Also assuming that if some of it is running outside the House then its the External Spec with the additional covering, normally Black in colour, if it isnt then again upgrade it.

If you need some External Cat5e, and its a short run, Ive probably got some leftover from a drum kicking around you can have, just let me know and cover the Postage or possibly we could meet up somewhere.   

[pscocoa]

I would say if its 6 years old then then its probably Cat5e, that stuff has been the standard for quiet a while now and still gets used today within the Industry.

As Fuse19 says if it is the older Cat5 spec then upgrade it, but I personally wouldnt bother upgrading from 5e to 6.

Also assuming that if some of it is running outside the House then its the External Spec with the additional covering, normally Black in colour, if it isnt then again upgrade it.

If you need some External Cat5e, and its a short run, Ive probably got some leftover from a drum kicking around you can have, just let me know and cover the Postage or possibly we could meet up somewhere.   

Many thanks. Will check

[TheBoy]

10Gb will go down a short length of Cat5e fine, and Cat5e is much easier to terminate.  So whether you replace it or not, Cat5e is perfectly suitable for the immediate future.

If you do want to go Cat6 without using sockets, I'd probably recommend buying premade patch cables. That would be more future proofed, but not convinced its worth it (but 20yrs ago, I ran a phone cable to the kitchen, rather than cat5...   ...fortunately, it does seem to run at 100Mb/FD fine).

If its external, it really should be shielded, and earthed at each end. External shielded cat5 is a bit fiddly to deal with, and fiddly to fit the earthed plugs on, but easily doable with standard cat5 tools.

[pscocoa]

Decided to have a number of jobs done by local digital solutions guy  - the cat 5e I had run externally is internal cat 5e so he will change that plus running new ethernet and coax links to new extension before floor goes in and  cabling to another room also - putting in faceplates as well. He is also changing LNB on dish to one that is not Sky specific as tried current LNB on Freesat and not working. Thanks for all previous replies. Hopefully all done tomorrow.

[Kevin Wood]

One thing I would do if building anything is to put network cable everywhere!

In fact, I'd probably put fibre in too to future proof it!

[pscocoa]

One thing I would do if building anything is to put network cable everywhere!

In fact, I'd probably put fibre in too to future proof it!

Yes I can get to the 2 rooms I need to with ethernet. Just wondering whether to get the satellite cable in as there ae spare slots on dish. Will assess with the guy tomorrow.

On a related matter SGN are now coming on 2nd April to divert gas pipe which is now running under extension- if we get very clever then we can use the redundant gas main pipe to run the various cables to the other side of the house!! Probably too ambitious?

[Kevin Wood]

The way things are going I wonder how much longer satellite TV will be around. It's a very expensive broadcast medium compared with the other options these days.

As for the gas pipe, does it end in the kitchen? A hose and funnel on each end and you can order your dinner from the comfort of your armchair, even during a power cut. 

[pscocoa]

The way things are going I wonder how much longer satellite TV will be around. It's a very expensive broadcast medium compared with the other options these days.

As for the gas pipe, does it end in the kitchen? A hose and funnel on each end and you can order your dinner from the comfort of your armchair, even during a power cut. 

I have a bell to signal that I have needs.

[Kevin Wood]

I have a bell to signal that I have needs.

..and the scars to prove it?