Outdoor and underground CAT-6 wiring. 1

[robin339]

Hi guys!
Just about buy a home with 2 separate homes!

I am going to have 2 ZyXEL GS1100-24 switches and planning on using one switch each. The homes are about 40 feet apart. (see pic)

[ul]
[li]I need to connect the 2 switches with 2 CAT-6 lines.[/li]
[li][/li]
[li]Don't want to run the cables above the ground.[/li]
[li][/li]
[li]Don't want to use wire less connection to connect the two either.[/li]
[/ul]

I know they sell direct bury CAT-6, but dont want someone to just "clip on" and get in the network. (I know a far stretch, but the homes are in th middle of nowhere)

Any Ideas how to physically protect them instead of using port security.
Thanks !
Robin

 

[Mountainbear]

Underground Fiber to a transceiver on each end would be more secure. if you are really paranoid put the fiber inside a plastic water pipe. Even the cat6 inside a pipe would be more secure.

 

[jrgood0852]

I offer 2 other suggestions as well. I don't know if you plan on keeping the gap between the homes, or a beautiful fence going across. This would make a path for cabling. The other option would be going peak to peak with cabling, securing it well of course. But if you want to go underground, bear offers the best advice.

Always look out for the next tech. because one day it will be you!

 

[wires]

Fiber.

If you are going to go to the trouble of digging a trench run 1 or 2 1" conduits between the buildings.

 

[mforrence]

If you are going to go to the trouble of digging a trench run 1 or 2 1" conduits between the buildings.

Ditto this. Open trench - add lots of pipes. It will never be easier.

I would just use duct-rated cat5 as cat6 doesn't really get you anything - especially if this is primarily for internet.

 

[OzzieGeorge]

Fiber would be best because it is electrically isolated and not subject to lightning problems. However if you must go with copper, there is no advantage to be gained by going to cat 6 over cat 5 both can run Gigabit Ethernet, it may be worth using cat 6a for future speed benefits but I doubt you will find U/G rated cat 6a. If you are going copper, fit lightning protection and/or opto isolators.

 

[jrgood0852]

I would run both for sure, then use what you need, and the rest you have for the future if needed. I don't have to tell you, better to have too much than too little!

Always look out for the next tech. because one day it will be you!

 

[Mountainbear]

For sure run a conduit or water pipe. Then you can upgrade at anytime.

 

[OzzieGeorge]

If you put conduit in, make sure all bends are swept bends, no right angle bends.

 

[Dexman]

On another Tech Help site, it was reported that a Verizon FiOS ONT had been blown off of a wall. For those unfamiliar with FiOS it is residential fiber to premises service. The fiber feed was an above ground drop from a pole.

It is speculated that a hit is still possible if the fiber is armored...or...if the outer jacket becomes wet. Electricity can use water as a sort of conduit/channel.

I "FEATURE 00"

http://dexman.webs.com/

 

[Readme3x]

I'd use plastic conduit and Cat5e or 6. Be sure to upsize your pipe. You think you need 1", go 1.5 or 2". Price differential is minimal. Someday you may be glad you did. Don't forget to leave a dragline in the pipe for future "improvements".