CABLES - 10-Base T ? Cat 5 ?

[pjmdesigns]

I have 3 client PCs on an NT network (my network knowledege is not good!), anyway I am adding a fourth PC and need to buy an 10m Ethernet cable, I've been told to get a 10-Base T cable but when looking on the net I see most cables are CAT-5? What determines which type of cable is best? And what should I buy?

Cheers
PJ

 

[bcastner]

10 base T specifies the wiring scheme.
Cat5 determines the cable quality in terms of how much loss per foot the cable characteristicly exhibits.

You want a Cat5, or Cat5e straight-thru drop cable of whatever distance you need.

 

[gunthnp]

10baseT is speed band type and type of wire twisted pair

cat5 say grade of wire cat5 means it meets regulations on cat 5 twisted pair beacuse there is cat3 cat 5 cat5e and cat6 all are widely used

but cat5 should not be used on new installs tia/eia 568.b-2


gunthnp

 

[pjmdesigns]

So, if I buy a Ethernet cable of CAT5 standard with no mention of 10BaseT, will it be OK?

Thanks
PJ

 

[bcastner]

It should say whether it is straigh-thru or cross-over.

But yes, a straight-thru, "drop" or "patch" cable rated CAT5 is all you need.

 

[bcastner]

BTW,

Unless you are in a really remote location, you can buy this stuff off the shelf at your local computer store. It might be slightly more expensive than using the Web, but it it does not work it is a heck of a lot easier to return.

Also, you might use the Web to investigate getting an kit with plug ends and a decent crimper, and a box of CAT5 cable and make your own. It is really not hard, and after you bung up 1 or 2 you will get the hang of it. Less that US$ 100 usually, sometimes as low as US$40. The only tricks:

1. If the cable you buy is twisted or solid, make certain that the plugs you buy were made for that cable type;

2. A cheap crimper is a waste of money. You could get something very decent for around US$30. Less if part of a kit to do it yourself. If the crimper itself sells for less than US$ 20, look for a different crimper.

 

[pjmdesigns]

Thanks for the advice, I can now cable-shop in confidence!

Cheers
PJ