Help with feeding network cables behind GIB

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pgrif

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#83716 21-May-2011 00:15

Hi all,

Trying to decide the best way to feed extra network cables behind plasterboard (GIB), which has insulation.

I currently have 2 network sockets behind the TV for Media Centre PC and XBOX360... I've just bought the Sony Blu-Ray DBPS-480 and need another network socket. I have a 16 port Gig hub with cat6 cable

What is the best way to get another cable down the wall? I'm thinking of taping 2 lengths of string to one of the existing cables and pulling it back through the wall, then sending 2 cables back down separately. I'm guessing this is the best way...

Just don't want to loose the cables.

Cheers

Mattv

242 posts

Master Geek

#471817 21-May-2011 06:27

May work but I have lost a cable or two doing that in the past.

Maybe safer (easier) to just buy a basic 4 port switch instead. Put the HTPC into one wall socket by itself so you can utilise the gigabit speed and put the 360 and bluray into the switch on the other wall socket. I don't imagine either will run at more than 100mb speed (certainly not the 360) and that way you'll have an extra port or two for a receiver or the like, in the future...

wellygary

8328 posts

Uber Geek

#471820 21-May-2011 06:41

If you wanted to you could probably get away without running any additional cables,

A bit of googling shows that both that Blu ray player and the Xbox are only 10/100 devices,

Assuming that all the 4 pairs in your cables are wired up correctly, you can use one cat 6 cables for two 100mbs connections with the right adaptors...

Gigabit needs all 8 wires, 10/100 only need 4 , so you can split you cable and run it as two 10/100 connections

http://www.jaycar.co.nz/productView.asp?ID=YT6090

trig42

5814 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

#471825 21-May-2011 07:43

I'd get a small 5 port switch (could even get a gigabit one if you like). That will give you 4 ports off one of you connections. Obviously not all devices will get gigabit speeds back to you router at once, but will certainly be fast enough.

illicit

553 posts

Ultimate Geek

#471834 21-May-2011 09:06

If the in wall cables are straight up and down and the holes are big enough, then using an existing cable will be fine, just attach them well with electrical tape. Get someone to help and if it gets caught DONT pull hard.

shrub

775 posts

Ultimate Geek

ID Verified

#471859 21-May-2011 10:30

personally id send builders string down with the first and pull each wire back up individually at 1m spaces on the builders string just taper the end coming back up with tape so it does not snag.

webwat

2036 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#472058 22-May-2011 03:35

illicit: If the in wall cables are straight up and down and the holes are big enough, then using an existing cable will be fine, just attach them well with electrical tape. Get someone to help and if it gets caught DONT pull hard.

Even better than string inside a wall where it might snag, perhaps use another cable offcut or some rope about the same thickness as a cable. Ensure that both the rope and the extra cables are taped together as a smooth taper with no rough transition that could snag against the side of a hole etc, and each cable joined at least 100mm apart. You can even chop the cables on an angle to improve the taper, and the tape should not be bulky enough to make a thick piece that could snag but test it first to see how strong it is. If it does snag then jiggle it rather than tugging on it. Good luck!

The alternative would be to use some kind of push rod that would probably mess up the insulation. Hope the holes are big enough to push through the extra cable, its guaranteed to snag if a tight fit.

Time to find a new industry!

CADMAX

274 posts

Ultimate Geek

#472076 22-May-2011 08:42

webwat:
illicit: If the in wall cables are straight up and down and the holes are big enough, then using an existing cable will be fine, just attach them well with electrical tape. Get someone to help and if it gets caught DONT pull hard.

Even better than string inside a wall where it might snag, perhaps use another cable offcut or some rope about the same thickness as a cable. Ensure that both the rope and the extra cables are taped together as a smooth taper with no rough transition that could snag against the side of a hole etc, and each cable joined at least 100mm apart. You can even chop the cables on an angle to improve the taper, and the tape should not be bulky enough to make a thick piece that could snag but test it first to see how strong it is. If it does snag then jiggle it rather than tugging on it. Good luck!

The alternative would be to use some kind of push rod that would probably mess up the insulation. Hope the holes are big enough to push through the extra cable, its guaranteed to snag if a tight fit.

+1
Done this this heaps of times, if you do get snagged it takes a little playing and it will get there. last time with a DVB-S cable took me over a hour to get it to where it was going.

In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.

Sharesies

Trade NZ and US shares and funds with Sharesies (affiliate link).

StarBlazer

961 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

#472081 22-May-2011 09:40

No.8 wire (or 6) - it's rigid enough for straight drops but will bend when it needs to go around a corner.

Pop down to Mitre10/Bunnings etc and get yourself enough and a bit more of the stuff - it's not expensive and it's better to have too much (you'll find other uses for it anyway). Feed the wire through the hole either from the top or the bottom (Just be careful if you are doing this around an electrical outlet!!) - attach the cable with duct tape or electrical tape and pull it back through. Don't use too much tape as it could make it a tight squeeze.

If you find the No.8 keeps getting stuck fold the end over to make a very small loop so there is no sharp edge.

I did this when installing my alarm - A bit of practice and it becomes a doddle.

Procrastination eventually pays off.

pgrif

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#473251 24-May-2011 04:16

Thanks everyone for the ideas... I must admit I have thought about splitting the cable and even buying a GB hub ($70) would be hassle free... but with the 16 port hub where the WHS is I'm gonna have a go at carefully sending another network cable down using some builders string. If all goes well I might even think of sending a Coax down for a Sat Dish (makes the EPG easier to configure).

Just wish I thought about how many network ports I really needed when renovating...

Although saying that I was looking at a Sony Amp yesterday (STR-DA3600ES) - has a 4 port hub built in.

Thanks again :)