Solid or Stranded Conductor for Patch Cables? (For regular use.)

[randybear28]

I am going to start making my own patch cables, and was wondering if anyone had any opinions about using solid or stranded conductor ethernet 8P8C cable for patch cables. In an article I read by Blue Jean Cable Why Your Cat6 5e Network Cable is Slowing You Down, it was recommended to use solid conductor for anything situation that didn't have the cable constantly flexing. Their reasoning is that stranded copper has more potential for near end cross-talk or NEXT.

The most common use for patch cables I have is between a fixed server and a patch panel, between a stationary desktop computer and a wall jack, or between a patch panel and a rack mounted switch or router. These situations are where I don't see a need to use stranded cable.

Occasionally I have to provide a cable that goes between a patch panel or switch port and a non-rackmounted DSL router, like for an out-of-band administrative connection to network equipment. I might use stranded cat5e for this, and for a patch cord to use for a network cable tester, though I might stick with pre-made cables for this.

 

[jrgood0852]

As you mentioned, Randy, solid is fine if little or no movement. Otherwise definitely stranded. Make sure you use the proper heads for solid/stranded as well.

Always look out for the next guy because it may be you!

 

[jkupski]

IMHO, solid is easier to terminate, but (unless you have some compelling reason otherwise) patch cables should be stranded. "It's never going to move" is the theory. "The user moves it six times a day" is the reality.

 

[jrgood0852]

jkupski is right. The only time to use solid is if you have to make patch cords and all you have available to use is a box of cat5e (or 6) and heads. Good point, dude.

Always look out for the next guy because it may be you!

 

[randybear28]

Thanks! That was my first thought, that I should use solid cable sparingly, maybe between a rack mounted system (server, switch or router,) and a patch panel, but probably not cross-connects or anywhere else where changes are made frequently.