ethernet cables

I have two cables, both 20 meters in length, on is a cat 6, the other is a cat 5E

At the moment, the cat 5E is going from the router to the computer room, where it is connected to a switchand onm that switch is connected 2 computers and my printer.
The cat 5 is not used yet, but I got it to go from the TV, Blueray player.
I got it because the cable that is already there have a broken plug and keeps falling out of the switch.

Anyway, what I am trying to say, will it make any difference if I put the cat 6 to the computer room instead of the cat 5e? i would say no because 20 meters is not really that long. But I am thinking more in line if I decide or when I decide to go for fibre.

It isn't going to any difference unless you upgrade the devices the cable connects to 10 gigabit. You are only 20% along towards the maximum length for cat5e.

Just cut the broken plug off and put a new one on. Saves changing the entire cable.

In reply to a post by Adduxi:

Just cut the broken plug off and put a new one on. Saves changing the entire cable.

Though it does mean buying a crimping tool.

In reply to a post by XGS_Is_On:

Though it does mean buying a crimping tool.

and its a right pain if you don't do it regularly, and without a test tool you won't know if you've got all the pairs right.

One of our data centre cabling guys told me its mostly cheaper these days to get new cables.

Or superglue the clip back on the RJ45

In reply to a post by jchamier:

Or superglue the clip back on the RJ45

Or go all in and superglue the RJ45 into the socket

In reply to a post by Adduxi:

Just cut the broken plug off and put a new one on. Saves changing the entire cable.

I have a crimp tool and tester which I do not use from 1 year to the next and every time I replace a connector its a pain in the [censored], about a year ago I replaced all the patch leads on my patch panel with pre-made leads as I never have any confidence in the ones I do

Edit: Sorry should have added I use the Cat 6A F/FTP cable where pairs are individually foil wrapped as well as the complete cable bundle is foil wrapped so a real pain for me to do.

Edited by deleted (Wed 24-May-23 12:36:08)

In reply to a post by dect:

about a year ago I replaced all the patch leads on my patch panel with pre-made leads as I never have any confidence in the ones I do

The last time I spent the time was when I was running a cable through a tiny hole smaller than the RJ45 plug itself.

Edit: Sorry should have added I use the Cat 6A F/FTP cable where pairs are individually foil wrapped as well as the couple cable bundle is foil wrapped so a real pain for me to do.

That’s rather specialist… does it help your requirements?

In reply to a post by jchamier:

That’s rather specialist… does it help your requirements?

I could try to waffle and come up with loads of bull but to be honest it was never about my requirements it was about what was the best stuff available when I wired my house as I only ever wanted to do it the once. I have no extreme requirements lucky enough but what I have installed runs without limitations regardless of what I'm using it for

I thought this was genius

https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/gadget/ethernet-rj45...

This is genius…. +1 all my own wired cables go to rubbish at some point overtime. I can’t get them reliably working over the years, is it the tools we are using?

Indeed a genius solution. Looking round t'internet, similar(ish) ready made clips can now be bought rather than 3-d printed yourself. For example on Amazon:

Intellinet RJ45 Clip, For RJ45 modular plug, Transparent, 50 pack
RJCLIP - Broken RJ45 Connector Solution

There may well be cheaper or better offerings elsewhere on Amazon or t'internet.

Edited by GonePostal (Wed 24-May-23 15:09:02)

If the cables were properly installed with strain-relief straps (cable ties will do) then there would be no broken plugs that needed a bodge-fix.

In reply to a post by gomezz:

If the cables were properly installed with strain-relief straps (cable ties will do) then there would be no broken plugs that needed a bodge-fix.

Think thats a little harsh, its like saying we would never have any accidents on the roads if everyone followed the highway code although we know not all accidents are caused by bad driving.

In reply to a post by gomezz:

If the cables were properly installed with strain-relief straps (cable ties will do) then there would be no broken plugs that needed a bodge-fix.

In my experience that is not how they get broken but anyway, thanks, I guess.

I generally find that getting the clip snagged in something when repatching - e.g. a cable tie, conduit egress, another cable etc - is generally the cause of snappage. Therefore installing strain relief straps is more likely to cause the problem,

YMMV

In reply to a post by andynormancx:

It isn't going to any difference unless you upgrade the devices the cable connects to 10 gigabit. You are only 20% along towards the maximum length for cat5e.

I did not think it would, thanks for the reply and everyone else who replied, it means I can leave the cable from upstairs to the router as it is, just replaced the one from the TV side. When I get my head in gear. Went out for a couple of pints yesterday and ended up more than a couple. slowly recovering

As for crimping a new plug on as some have said, I would have to buy a crimper, so looking at around £20 or more and I have never crimped one before.

The cable was a tenner.

As for the old one breaking, it is getting on and have been used in different places around the house over the years, so no doubt got caught on something at some time.

In reply to a post by smouty:

I thought this was genius

https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/gadget/ethernet-rj45...

it is a good idea, but sometimes the socket is in recess

Have a look on eBay for Tool-Less RJ45 plug. I have used the metal ones and they do a good job. Also, if you have a crimper, I prefer to use the type of RJ45 plug where you push the 8-wires all the way through and then cut off when the plug is fully fixed.

The above are ideal if you are atop of a ladder, or in a tight place. Especially if terminating SWA CAT5 or CAT6.

Cheers!

But make sure you use the correct type of plug. Off-the-shelf patch / extension cables usually are stranded for flexibility, the plugs for solid core cables make unreliable connections to them.

"RJ45 Ethernet Cable Crimping Crimper Network Tester Punch Down Tool Kit Set UK" (in zipped wallet)£11..99 From the bay of e.
I have successfully made several and I'm certainly no engineer.

I’d echo the recommendation to use the push through type plugs. Again using a crimping and cutting tool bought off eBay

In reply to a post by Ancient_Mariner:

Have a look on eBay for Tool-Less RJ45 plug. I have used the metal ones and they do a good job. Also, if you have a crimper, I prefer to use the type of RJ45 plug where you push the 8-wires all the way through and then cut off when the plug is fully fixed.

The above are ideal if you are atop of a ladder, or in a tight place. Especially if terminating SWA CAT5 or CAT6.

Cheers!

Thanks, if I was trying to put cables through a hole then I would think about it, but it is more money for something I would use once. A mate used to have a decent crimping set, but he has no idea what he has done with it, he has not used it for a few years as all his network is optical and as he said, should never have to be touched again, unless one of the converters or switches go belly up.

i did make a mistake with the cable to the TV, it is too long, should have gone for 15 meters, also too bright, as it is white, and I can see it where I laid it down between the carpet and the wall.