I've been looking into switches and cables after listening to episodes 00D & 00F and find the whole home network facinating, if not a little daunting. What I'd like to know is what I should be looking for when specifying cables for a wired network, as there seems to be so many permutations.
Any info would be great, before I bury myself in Bing or Google.
I assume you mean Ethernet cables in this case (since there usually are a few different sets of wires running around the home). We always recommend a minimum of CAT-6 if you have the option. It really does not cost much more than CAT-5e and gives you a much higher bandwidth, especially as you move into Gigabit and beyond. It also is a better cable for using with HDMI extenders if that is the direction you take (and a shielded version might be a better option for this type of implementation, but that is out of the realm of the norm). Note, however, that it is more than just the cable. You also have to match all of your termination connectors so that they are CAT-6 compliant and whomever installs it must meet the CAT-6 termination requirements (how far to untwist the wires, bend radii, etc.). The fewer connection points, the better.
=D-
Sorry, yes I do mean Ethernet, and yes I was looking at CAT-6. What I'm interested in is what spec of CAT 6 am I looking for as there seems to be a few flavours. I'll be doing the install myself. Though I'm no customer installer, I want to hit the middle ground between enthusiast and someone who just wants the set-up to work with as little tweaking as possible. To this end, listening to the podcast has come at just the right time.
I am not sure which differences you mean, but CAT-6a (Augmented) is one of your best bets right now for Ethernet connections. Just make sure you get the right kind of RJ-45 connectors (and crimping tools) for it.
There is an interesting article that starts on Page 7 at http://online.qmags.com/CIM0908/. It discusses the new ANSI/TIA/EIA 568-C.0 specifications and has some good background information on the associated cable nomenclatures that might be useful for you.
This is the problem dealing with amatures, they never explain themselves properly
I was looking on flea bay at some cable and came across a drum of 500m nexans CAT6. So, as I haven't much experience of cable, I went over to the nexans website to see what was what. Now my question is based on the fact that they seem to have various versions of cable (6 & 6A), which put me into a flat spin, as I thought that a CAT 6, was just that. So property wise, (FTP, UTP, Sheathed, U/UTP, FTP Shotgun, etc) and based on these cables in the links, what would I be looking for, as I assume other manufactures have similar products.
http://www.nexans.co.uk/eservice/UK-en_GB/navigate_14494/LANmark_6_Cable.html#top
http://www.nexans.co.uk/eservice/UK-en_GB/navigate_205212/LANmark_6A_Cable.html#top
cheers
EZ
edit: OMG, there is a magazine just on cabling
I guess the quick answer is just go with the CAT-6a option. It is tested to 500 MHz, whereas the “regular” CAT-6 option is good to 350 MHz. It also has less Alien Crosstalk, which is a critical characteristic when dealing with higher speeds. There is a lot of good documentation on different cable types out on the web (and several magazines dedicated to it). There is a good reference related to your specific questions at http://www.siemon.com/us/white_papers/07-03-01-demystifying.asp. Keep in mind, once again, that it is more than just the cable type that makes a successful installation. It also includes the type of connectors and proper installation and termination techniques. As you mention, proper terminations (and the associated tools) are one thing that distinguish the pros from “the other guys.” A good cable tester and TDR are great ways to ensure the quality of your work. Good luck with your efforts.