Running Ethernet: Difference between revisions
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===Ethernet Cable=== | ===Ethernet Cable=== | ||
These days, you should be using Cat6 or | These days, you should be using Cat6 or 6A. Avoid Cat7/8 which are not real specs yet. | ||
Cat6 is suitable for Gigabit runs up to 100 meters and 10 Gigabit up to 55 meters. | Cat6 is suitable for Gigabit runs up to 100 meters and 10 Gigabit up to 55 meters. | ||
Cat5e can do Gigabit and 2.5G over shorter distances. | Cat5e can do Gigabit and 2.5G over shorter distances. | ||
* Avoid CCA (Copper clad aluminum) cables | * Avoid CCA (Copper clad aluminum) cables. They're allegedly less reliable and less resilient to bending. | ||
* Also avoid flat cables as they typically aren't up to spec and don't use twisted pairs. | |||
* Shielded cables are unnecessary for most installs. Apparently, you only need them if you plan to run them along power lines. | * Shielded cables are unnecessary for most installs. Apparently, you only need them if you plan to run them along power lines. | ||
* I | * I used [https://www.ebay.com/itm/401679433529 premiertek_official's 1000 ft Pure Copper Outdoor Cat6] on eBay. | ||
==Tools== | ==Tools== | ||
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==Terminating Ethernet Cables== | ==Terminating Ethernet Cables== | ||
[[File:Ethcable568b.gif | thumb | 500px | T568B (recommended)]] | [[File:Ethcable568b.gif | thumb | 500px | T568B (recommended)]] | ||
[[File:Ethcable568a.gif | thumb | 500px | T568A | [[File:Ethcable568a.gif | thumb | 500px | T568A]] | ||
[https://incentre.net/ethernet-cable-color-coding-diagram/ Resource] | [https://incentre.net/ethernet-cable-color-coding-diagram/ Resource] | ||
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There are two standards for terminating ethernet cables: T568A and T568B. | There are two standards for terminating ethernet cables: T568A and T568B. | ||
It doesn't matter which standard you use as long as it is consistent on both ends of the cable. | It doesn't matter which standard you use as long as it is consistent on both ends of the cable. | ||
Latest revision as of 01:45, 14 November 2022
Running Ethernet throughout your house.
Materials
As a bare minimum you'll need the following:
- Ethernet Cable.
- RJ45 Plugs. 100 pack
For outdoor runs, you'll need the following:
- Cable clips
- Or nails if you'd rather use a nail gun.
- Duct Seal for filling holes.
- Extra Links to thing I did not use
- Cat6a Ethernet Cable for long 10 Gigabit runs.
- Keystones
- Wall Plates
- Mounting Brackets
Ethernet Cable
These days, you should be using Cat6 or 6A. Avoid Cat7/8 which are not real specs yet.
Cat6 is suitable for Gigabit runs up to 100 meters and 10 Gigabit up to 55 meters.
Cat5e can do Gigabit and 2.5G over shorter distances.
- Avoid CCA (Copper clad aluminum) cables. They're allegedly less reliable and less resilient to bending.
- Also avoid flat cables as they typically aren't up to spec and don't use twisted pairs.
- Shielded cables are unnecessary for most installs. Apparently, you only need them if you plan to run them along power lines.
- I used premiertek_official's 1000 ft Pure Copper Outdoor Cat6 on eBay.
Tools
For basic runs, you'll only need the following:
If you are using keystones, you may want an Punch Down Tool.
For outdoor runs, get the following:
- A drill for outdoor runs and relevant bits. You will need a long drill bit (12 in) to drill through walls. Normal bits are sufficient for drilling through studs.
- Notes
- There are some cheap kits on amazon which include multiple items (e.g. crimper, wire stripper, tester, plugs). I did not buy those so IDK how good they are.
- The basic cable tester only ensures continuity. You should do a quick iperf3 test to make sure you're getting the speeds you expect.
Terminating Ethernet Cables
Terminating an ethernet cable is fairly straight forward:
- Strip the end of the cable approx 1 inch.
- Cut off the rip-cord and plastic separator.
- Line up the stands and trim them to equal length.
- Stick them inside the Rj45 jack and crimp.
- Notes
- Hold the cable still as you trim the strands and crimp. Otherwise their length will change.
There are two standards for terminating ethernet cables: T568A and T568B.
It doesn't matter which standard you use as long as it is consistent on both ends of the cable.
Resources
- LTT Running Outdoor Ethernet
- For entertainment and showing how to hide runs.
- How to Crimp Ethernet by AAFTech