Cable CAT6? CAT5e? CCA?

[kenZ71]

I need to pull some new network cables to be used by desktop machines. Max run length will be 50 to 75 feet / 30 meters.

I may end up moving my NAS to run off these as well.

So what kind of cable do I want? Is copper clad aluminum (CCA) all that bad? Is CAT6 worth the extra cost?

Network is currently mostly gigabit over CAT5e and works well.

Finally any recommendations for a 16 port gigabits switch?

Thanks All!

[crowi]

New installations are currently made of CAT7 to be safe for future improvements, the extra costs are negligible.
At least take CAT6, if you buy new..
Switch: something like this is never wrong: http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/sw ... model.html

[apollo567]

Switch: something like this is never wrong: http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/sw ... model.html

Hm crowi, Isn't this one somewhat overdone for private Use ? It's about EUR 122 !

[lindsay]

I have CAT5e on some but planning CAT6 and later fibre.
When i am planning the network i use 20mm to pull cables in.

But 10Gbps switches cost a lot more than a 1Gbps managed switch

[kenZ71]

Switch: something like this is never wrong: http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/sw ... model.html

Hm crowi, Isn't this one somewhat overdone for private Use ? It's about EUR 122 !

Umm, yeah that Cisco looks like a bit of overkill for my needs.

For the distance I am going I don't see any compelling evidence that CAT 5e won't work. Will read a bit more but most likely will order a spool of CAT 5e tonight.

[crowi]

Hi Apollo,

Hm crowi, Isn't this one somewhat overdone for private Use ? It's about EUR 122 !

there was nothing mentioned for which use. with 16 Ports I assume small office use and for this I would recommend a good switch

[Lee Sharp]

The cost of the cable is the smallest part of a cable install. Seriously, go Cat6 at least and Cat 7 if you can find it at a reasonable price. If you have to keep costs down, put on Cat5 ends, as those can be easily upgraded. You will thank yourself when you start seeing 10Gig to the desktop in the next 5 years.

As for switch... What do you need to do? If you want to bond nics, you will need LACP at least. Trend net has a solid switch for the price that does LACP. http://www.trendnet.com/products/prodde ... _TEG-240WS I have used it with several clients. But if you only plan on one link, any dumb gigabit switch will do. But keep in mind, 10gig is coming.

10 gig-e switch - $850
http://www.amazon.com/Netgear-ProSAFE-1 ... B00B46AEE6

Dual Port 10 gig-e - $450
http://www.amazon.com/Intel-Ethernet-Co ... 0077CS9UM/

Single Port 10 gig-e - $370
http://www.amazon.com/Ethernet-Converge ... 008NJPL7C/

[apollo567]

Well how about such a 16 port switch vom DLink :
http://geizhals.de/d-link-go-sw-16g-a1087383.html

[kenZ71]

I found a 250 foot CAT 6 cable on Amazon should be here in a couple days.

Why a 16 port switch?

2 blue ray / Netflix/ Amazon video
5 pc's
1 network printer
1 wdtv
1 magic jack voip
1 kick ass NAS - NAS4Free of course!
1 Xbox

Probably missing a couple items too. Yeah I could go wireless with at least half those but I like the reliability of a wire.

[Lee Sharp]

I do wireless network professionally, and I wire everything I can! The d-link Go series is not a bad switch for the money. No frills at all, but a decent switch.

[kenZ71]

If anyone is curious the project is now done.

Used CAT 6 cable and 5e ends, seeing reliable gigabit network speeds. The cheap cable tester that came with my crimp tool complained about one or two wires, tried to use them anyway but only say Fast Ethernet speeds. Redid the crimp and / or punch down, now gigabit.

Foe those planning similar projects run phone lines FIRST! Phone cable being much thinner don't feed through narrow holes quite as easily as stiffer ethernet.

Running parallel to power lines also was no problem.

[Lee Sharp]

Running parallel to power lines also was no problem.

That is the better shielding and isolation of CAT6 cable. But it is a pain to crimp...