Expanding my wired network

I installed cat5e cabling before moving into my current home and now have a 14 port ethernet home network which works very well with the various computers and media streaming devices in the home. As part of some planned building works (involving knocking through a kitchen and dining room and much more), I'll taking the opportunity to make use of the 10 unused ports on my 24 port patch panel and install a further 10 cat5e cables. I have plenty of cable left on the reel of cat5e that I first used back in 2010 to install the original network, but my question is: should I buy a new reel of cable rather than using the old one that's been sitting (boxed) in my garage for around 6 years?

Also, any recommendations on easy-to-work-with RJ45 modules? I used these ones before and they're reasonably easy to work with but 2 have failed so I'm wondering if quality/reliability is an issue.

I would continue to use the cable that you have. There are many different RJ45 modules, no harm in trying a different brand.

Use the old cable.

As for RJ45 modules - take care when terminating them as different brands have the IDC arranged differently, just do not assume they are all alike.

Whilst generally agreeing with the others, it may be worth while discarding the first metre, which is the part that may be affected by humidity.

Similar when you come to the end of the reel.

In reply to a post by eckiedoo:

Whilst generally agreeing with the others, it may be worth while discarding the first metre, which is the part that may be affected by humidity.

Similar when you come to the end of the reel.

True, although in a lot of cases you will pull through more than is needed and chop off teh end!

I will try, where possible and if I remember, to have the length marking visible a few cm before the termination. It can sometimes be useful in determining which cable is which ...

In reply to a post by MHC:

In reply to a post by eckiedoo:

Whilst generally agreeing with the others, it may be worth while discarding the first metre, which is the part that may be affected by humidity.

Similar when you come to the end of the reel.

True, although in a lot of cases you will pull through more than is needed and chop off teh end!

I will try, where possible and if I remember, to have the length marking visible a few cm before the termination. It can sometimes be useful in determining which cable is which ...

Thanks guys, that does make very good sense.

In reply to a post by eckiedoo:

Whilst generally agreeing with the others, it may be worth while discarding the first metre, which is the part that may be affected by humidity.

Similar when you come to the end of the reel.

Do this but after you've fed the cables through the wall to prevent wastage.

There won't be a problem using the existing CAT5e even if it has been sitting around. Bearing in mind many people have network cabling installed in places like garages which hasn't degraded.

Personally if this is a rare opportunity to gain access behind walls, I'd install something like CAT6a but many people will say this is unnecessary.

Depends what you envision using the ports for in the future.

Agreed, about cutting of a length, thinking of deterioration.

It occurred to me later; but decided to leave the original.

It is more often the case that the end has been left out and walked on, crushed, abraded or similar ... which still suggests chopping of the end.

Regarding the length marking and using it to help identify the cable, I have been trying to find insulating tape of the different colours covering the full colour code from-

0 = Black

to

9 = White

With or without the respective Digit printed on it.

Specifically it is adhesive tapes, whether "Insulating" or not.

I am well aware of numbered sleeves, which could be used - but I would prefer tape.

Edited by deleted (Thu 23-Jun-16 16:37:19)