Retractable network drop 1

[Robhub]

I have a customer who'd like to have a network drop that would retract into the ceiling. Anyone have a solution for this? Thanks in advance.

 

[Sphoneman]

What are they doing for their power? Is that going to be retractable also?

How much length are we talking? It would also have to have a stranded support or thin of some kind for strain relief

Wouldn't it be worth investigating a wireless hub with a wireless network card for that location?

Steve
tele-dataservices.com

 

[Robhub]

Steve,

A) Power is already present in a poured concrete floor.

B) Length is approx. 10'.

C) Customer has already rejected the wireless solution.

Thanks for the reply.

 

[NX01]

What you want is a Cable Reel. You can get them online...

In the future everything will work...

 

[Bobg1]

NX01
A cable reel for network cable....
I need to see one of these, give us a link please.

Its to bad they didnt put a floor box in for network, when they planned for the power.
Is this a bare concrete floor?
You might want to consider running from the wall with a floor type cable protector. If they happen to cover it there are also some styles for under carpet.

 

[smegecki]

Have you considered the "ethernet over power lines" standard?

It is possible to run ethernet over existing 120v lines simultaeneously with power.

Here is one product:

http://www.phonex.com/prd_nw14.htm

There are many others
Hope this helped.

 

[NX01]

I used a 1/4 hose reel and ran the cat5 thru it...I had it on a emergency response vehicle that needed a longer run than what you need. You can get 25ft hose reels. I don't have any links but I would try Grainger or any other industrial supplier. You could just get cord reel and replace it with the cat5. You could probably bundle 2-3 runs together... I like the hose reel though because it gave some shielding if anyone stepped on it...

In the future everything will work...

 

[skip555]

with 10' ceiling it couldnt retract all the way or they would need ladder of some sorts to get it when they needed it,

if they need it to retract all the way to the ceiling I would just install flush mount jack in the ceiling tile let them plug/unplug 25' patch cable

if they wanted something they could reach without a ladder I would drop 2.5' of cat5e cable terminated to biscuit jack down from ceiling let them reach up to plug/unplug patch cable.

you are going to need some creativity no matter what route you choose.

let us know how you wind up handleing it