Need Brain Trust advice on Cat5 cable

[Por_sha911]

I need to connect my Wi-Fi/Modem to a computer for ethernet connection about 100 feet away. I can find Cat5 cable on amazon and even Wallyworld.

Looking at this: https://www.amazon.com/Cat5e-200FT-Networking-Ethernet-Router/dp/B01BMZD7C4/ref=asc_df_B01BMZD7C4?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80814156492411&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584413735732047&psc=1

-Is there anything I should know/look out for?

-Is there any advantage to using Cat6 (and will if work/fit)?

-I'm looking at getting a 200' cable just to have extra length if I decide to relocate later. Is there any loss in signal by going the extra length?

[MBAtarga]

Ethernet standard works up to 100M (328 feet) so 100 or 200' is no issue going with the longer length. Cat 6 would be upward compatible but 5 will work fine.

[Por_sha911]

So Cat6 is better but will work with Cat5 connections?

[ltusler]

Cat 5E or 6 will work. Either can be up to 300'. You do not want that one, it uses copper clad aluminum. You want solid copper.

https://www.mycablemart.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=10227

[GH85Carrera]

Yea, go for Cat 6 and just do it. The future gets here fast, and in a few years you may be cussing that you have just Cat5 because the new super fast connections are common, and you old cable is the bottleneck.

[Por_sha911]

Is RJ45 the standard connector for Cat5 cable?

Are all cables "sheilded" and what is the benefit if some are and some aren't?

[ltusler]

Yes the RJ45 is the standard connector.
Shielding is generally not used in the US.
To future proof yourself, use a cat 5E or 6 or 6E. All will run a gigabit connection.
There is also Cat 6A which is a 10Gb connection, currently generally only used in commercial networks.
A quality cat 6 can also be used for a 10Gb connection for short distances.

[Por_sha911]

Does this look good to you?
https://www.amazon.com/30m-Cable-External-Internal-Networking/dp/B089TZW899/ref=sr_1_16?crid=2FLZSKD8G4PH2&keywords=cat5%2Bcable%2B100ft&qid=1689736474&sprefix=cat5%2Bcable%2Caps%2C210&sr=8-16&th=1
This solid copper core. Is that better or worse than the Cable Mart twisted pairs?

How about flat cable like this ("bare copper wire")
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01J79ZYVY/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1


***Thanks for the help!

[70SATMan]

RJ45 used for both but you should get connectors rated for CAT6 if that’s what you’re going to run. Also need to realize that there are differences in the connectors when using stranded or solid copper conductors. Shielded connectors are used in RF noisy environments or secure comm environments. Useless if the cable itself is not shielded type. Overkill for home use.

[ltusler]

A cable made to the standards will have the proper connectors.

I would not use that cable, the conductors are copper coated aluminum not solid copper.
If your running it indoors, no need for the outdoor rating.

[john70t]

Cat5 will work in the meantime. Get a good crimper tool and research wire order. at the connector. They are not all the same.

A hard line connection is the only choice.
Wifi is useless over distance. I've attempted repeaters which did not work at all.
WiFi also gives me headaches.

If there is slow down, ask your ISP for a map of what the speeds are to the local server and then to your home.
Speedtest com will also give you the speed to nearest local server.
Every supply chain is limited by it's weakest link.

I have DSL (ie phone lines) but still get 60-150ms ping usually. Even for international FPS gaming.
-It works on everything but the 100player servers with the script lag and those cheating haxxors who absorb a full mag at close range.
-Downloading small videos on DS takes a few minutes sometimes in the background.
-Other than that there is usually no difference other than having to pause for a minute for YT videos.
-100+ GB file downloads, however, will take many days.

edit: Just remembered I am within a couple blocks of a pole service hub so the telephone line run is not lengthy.

[unclebilly]

I am using cat5 from my Starlink router to my office trailer about 200’ away. In the office we have 2 engineers working running CAD. It’s fine as long as my son doesn’t hit the line with the zero turn lawn mower…

[unclebilly]

Also thr crimpers they sell on Amazon are fine and a lot cheaper than the identical crimper at home depot…

[Por_sha911]

Originally Posted by 70SATMan

RJ45 used for both but you should get connectors rated for CAT6 if that’s what you’re going to run. Also need to realize that there are differences in the connectors when using stranded or solid copper conductors. Shielded connectors are used in RF noisy environments or secure comm environments. Useless if the cable itself is not shielded type. Overkill for home use.

Not running 6. Connectors are different with strand or solid - will they both fit my modum and docking station?

[Por_sha911]

Originally Posted by ltusler

A cable made to the standards will have the proper connectors.

I would not use that cable, the conductors are copper coated aluminum not solid copper.
If your running it indoors, no need for the outdoor rating.

"Solid core copper":
https://www.amazon.com/30m-Cable-External-Internal-Networking/dp/B089TZW899/ref=sr_1_16?crid=2FLZSKD8G4PH2

"Bare copper wire":
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01J79ZYVY/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

I don't see any CCA

[Por_sha911]

anyone else have suggestions or answers?

[masraum]

As stated, if you get cat 6 cable, get cat 6 connectors. I'd go for 6 or 6e over 5 or 5e even though either would work.

Get good quality stuff.

If you get the stuff to make the cables yourself, it's not hard. If you can buy a good quality cable, that's easier

[Por_sha911]

Looking for a quick easy fix so getting pre-made.

Is solid copper better or worse than strand?
Is flat wire better or worse?
The link for flat wire says Cat6 but I think it will work with my Cat5 system

[Robert Coats]

During a recent remodel, I ran < 100 feet of CAT6 through the den, bedrooms, and closet where the cable modem/router was fitted. Bought this Klein tool kit, and it includes the RJ45 crimper, outer jacket stripper, and punch-down tool. Worked great, and made the job go quite smooth (about $50 @ Home Depot):

Klein Tools Twisted Pair Installation Tool Kit

[ltusler]

Your very first link was CCA.
You have all the info you need.