data cable standards

[Jo-Anne]

Our house is being remodeled, and we have the opportunity to run cables
inside the walls. The builder and his electrician are recommending coax
along with Cat 5 for the telephones (2 lines) and computer network. We're
also thinking of having a wired intercom.

We've now read that there's also Cat 5e, Cat 6, and Cat 7. I'd be very
grateful if you could point me to a good source of information about the
different standards, since I'm bewildered--and not even sure I'm asking the
right question. I need all the help I can get to figure this out.

Right now, we have only two computers--both running WinXP and using a
wireless router. We're likely to add at least one more computer to the
network.

Thank you!

Jo-Anne

 

[JS]

Since the cable will be inside the walls you
will be stuck with what ever you choose, so
choose wisely and get the best quality. Most
likely the labor cost to install will be equal to
or more then the cost of the cable.

I would check with an industrial supplier, also since
the length of each run will be non standard if who ever
does the install is not qualified/skilled in terminating each
run even the best cable will be not be certified to a CAT
standard. You of course have the option to buy cable with
the connectors already installed, it just mean that you are going
to have a few extra feet of cable buried inside the wall.

Local township code may also require that any inside the wall cable
meet fire code safety requirements.

One last thing, after the cable is run have it tested to insure it still
meets the specs. The installer should have some type of tester available.

My personal choice would be "look to the future" and install CAT-7
even though I'm not certain a CAT-7 standard has been formalized.

What is the difference between CAT-5, CAT-5e, CAT-6, CAT-7
http://www.connectworld.net/syscon/support.htm

Cat 7 cable
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category_7_cable

Category 6 cable
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category_6_cable

Cat 5 cable
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category_5_cable

 

[Jo-Anne]

Thank you, JS! I'm print your response so my husband and I can go over it
carefully.

Jo-Anne

 

[1PW]

Our house is being remodeled, and we have the opportunity to run cables
inside the walls. The builder and his electrician are recommending coax
along with Cat 5 for the telephones (2 lines) and computer network. We're
also thinking of having a wired intercom.

We've now read that there's also Cat 5e, Cat 6, and Cat 7. I'd be very
grateful if you could point me to a good source of information about the
different standards, since I'm bewildered--and not even sure I'm asking the
right question. I need all the help I can get to figure this out.

Right now, we have only two computers--both running WinXP and using a
wireless router. We're likely to add at least one more computer to the
network.

Thank you!

Jo-Anne

Hello Jo-Anne & Hubby:

Coax: The highest rated triple shielded RG6 obtainable.

Networking: Cat7 If local codes compel the electricians to run in
conduit - fine. Else have what ever Ethernet cable that's chosen be
/plenum/ rated.

Telephone: Same as above. Plenum rated if not in conduit. A full &
complete *circular* path should be made to all possible points where
phone service may be anticipated.

HTH

Pete

 

[Jo-Anne]

Hello Jo-Anne & Hubby:

Coax: The highest rated triple shielded RG6 obtainable.

Networking: Cat7 If local codes compel the electricians to run in
conduit - fine. Else have what ever Ethernet cable that's chosen be
/plenum/ rated.

Telephone: Same as above. Plenum rated if not in conduit. A full &
complete *circular* path should be made to all possible points where
phone service may be anticipated.

HTH

Pete

Thank you, Pete! I've printed your email too...

Jo-Anne

 

[M.I.5¾]

Why ask here? Ask a networking group. What grade of cable you run is
up to you and basically totally independent of the OS (notice the
letters X an P proceeding the word hardware in the group title).

Ignore our resident mentally retarded ****wit.

Your question is perfectly welcome in this *hardware* newsgroup.