patched and unpached cables

[ylancantho]

What are patched and unpatched cables. I plan to purchase cables for the networks. Which cat should I buy, 5, 5e, 6...
I am novice to cables. Thanks for advice.

 

[buitenhek]

try thread 575-1082060
Patch cords link patch panels to hubs/routers/switch ports and wall plate jacks to computer NIC cards. Because they need to be flexible, they are stranded. Premade cables are available in many sizes. Use the patch panel cable management to keep the excess looking good. You can make your own custom cables, but make sure you use the correct icecube (RJ45 blank) for stranded cables. Many long timers can make good cables but if you are new, you will make numerous mistakes. Determine your ROI (return on investment).

Solid copper cables are in the walls and attach to wall jacks and patch panels on the backside (punched down). The manufacturing process for making solid cable is extremely high tech and thus allow the 100 meter max distance capacity.

Regards
Peter Buitenhek
ProfitDeveloper.com

 

[Dexman]

The CAT that you use will depend mostly on what the application is.

CAT 3 is great for use in many telephone systems.

CAT 5E, 6E and 6A are great for data, depending on the speed of the system (megabits per second or gigabits per second).

 

[ISDNman]

To add to Dex's comment. It is frequently worthwhile to use a higher Cat cable than you need for the current application. This is based on the fact that generally installation costs (e.g. labor)are as much, if not more, than the cost of the cable.

Also, the NEC now requires that old abandoned cables be removed.

SO the thought is that by using a better grade of cable now you give yourself a degree of obsolecense-proofing.

For this reason you frequently see phone cable on Cat 5 or Cat 5e. With the price of Cat 6 dropping it is becoming increasingly used in a general purpose manner.

 

[EddieDuece]

And remember that your network connection speed will only be as fast as the backbone....i.e. if you have Cat 5 in the MDF, CAT 6 patchcords elsewhere do you no good as far as speed goes.

 

[ArmstrongTelecom]

Also note that if you have an air plenum ceiling you will need Plenum rated cable. An air plenum ceiling is where the cold air return goes through the ceiling space instead of a ducted return.

Daniel Armstrong

http://www.armstrongtelecom.com

http://www.vodavi-online.com

 

[jconrad0305]

it's almost standard practice to just run cat5e everywhere or cat6 if you like. cat 3 is pretty much a waste of time now.

 

[ylancantho]

I got a wealth of information from everyone. Thanks much.