Cat5 or Cat6 ?

Forums › LAN (ethernet/Wifi/routers/Bluetooth) › Cat5 or Cat6 ?

peejayw

1841 posts

Uber Geek

#137986 16-Dec-2013 07:49

I want to run an extension from my modem/router to another one to act as an extender to reach the far part of the house where the wifi doesnt reach.
My question is what sort of cable do I need, Cat5, Cat6 or something else? What is a patch cable? Can I buy a roll of cable with plugs already fitted from TradeMe or are they not up to scratch?
Thanks.

I'm supposed to respect my elders, but it's getting harder and harder for me to find one now.

RunningMan

8964 posts

Uber Geek

#952860 16-Dec-2013 08:13

A (network) patch cable is an ethernet network cable that has the plug already fitted to each end. If you have the room to buy an off the shelf patch cable the right length, then this will be by far the easiest solution. For a WiFi extender, you don't need to go Cat 6.

There's a lot of people on TradeMe selling Dynamix brand, and they are perfectly fine.

peejayw

1841 posts

Uber Geek

#952864 16-Dec-2013 08:15

Thanks, will go that way then.

I'm supposed to respect my elders, but it's getting harder and harder for me to find one now.

myopinion

938 posts

Ultimate Geek

#952882 16-Dec-2013 08:59

Cables Direct is excellent and well priced. http://www.cablesdirect.co.nz The ones I buy are Dynamix.

http://www.cablesdirect.co.nz/catalog/entry?entry=141

wasabi2k

2098 posts

Uber Geek

#952887 16-Dec-2013 09:04

myopinion: Cables Direct is excellent and well priced. http://www.cablesdirect.co.nz The ones I buy are Dynamix.

http://www.cablesdirect.co.nz/catalog/entry?entry=141

This.

Cables Direct are super awesome - good website, quick service and they appear to drop ship from AKL. You end up paying for shipping so figure out what you need and buy it all at once.

They are also good for audio/hdmi cables. They are all DYNAMIX brand.

I have had orders there by 4PM after ordering that morning - but that is up to the courier.

webwat

2036 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#955807 21-Dec-2013 13:53

If its going to be permanently part of a structured cabling system for the whole house then Cat6.

Sounds like its just going to be a long patch cable so Cat5e would be fine. Cat5 is obsolete, replaced by Cat5e. Run the cable so that its not kinked or jammed by a door or anything, often better to go through a wall than around it. Clip it onto the walls instead of stapling, the cable clips have a little plastic saddle piece with a small nail through it.

Time to find a new industry!