Need help to upgrade home network to gigabit

[Jesse B]

This is a fairly basic question, but oh well

I currently have a 10/100 wireless router. I'm building a server in about a month's time, so would like to have a gigabit network. Would it be as simple as getting a simple unmanaged gigabit switch, and running a cable from the WAN on the router to the switch? That'd give me gigabit LAN, and 100mbps internet, which is already way higher than the speeds I"m getting anyways. I prefer this method, as I can get a gigabit switch for under $30 at a local store (I like the brand it is as well), while a gigabit router would cost more.

Also, is there any real difference between Cat5e and Cat6 when it comes to gigabit networks?

Thanks,


- Jesse

 

[jdabbs]

The gigabit switch should be connected to a LAN port on the router. No real difference between Cat5e and 6 with your proposed network.

 

[Jesse B]

Alright, thank you very much. Do you see any issues with this plan, or should I just look for a new router?

 

[jdabbs]

No issues; adding a switch is as straightforward as it seems.

 

[Jesse B]

Perfect, that's exactly what I was hoping to hear. Thank you very much for your assistance


- Jesse

 

[claykin]

Also, is there any real difference between Cat5e and Cat6 when it comes to gigabit networks?

Thanks,


- Jesse

Well that's a loaded question. In general the answer is NO, but maybe.... If you run your cabling properly Cat5e will be good for Gigabit up to 328 feet. On the other hand, I always recommend using Cat6 if the run is over 250 feet as a safety margin. Nothing worse than promising Gigabit then finding out for one reason or another it doesn't work well on the longer runs.

Running cabling properly means NOT - near high voltage, florescent lighting, lighting with transformers, bundling dozens of cables together over long distances, sharp bends in cable around corners......You get the idea.

In more hostile environments, where you have no choice but to break some rules, I usually recommend jumping to Cat6 if the runs are over 150 feet.

Also note that Cat6 should be capable of handling 10GigE over short distances (up to 100 feet if run and terminated properly)

What normally happens when you have poor Cat5e runs is that it connects Gigabit but the transfer rate suffers. The theoretical rate is 125MB/s but you won't get that. If you get 90-100MB/s throughput you did good. Consider the equipment on the network and whether its capable of those high Gigabit rates. Just because it says Gigabit doesn't mean it can hit close to 100MB/s.

Finally Cat6 is not without its issues. Termination is more difficult and if you don't do it right, you can throw out the benefits this better cable has to offer.

Then there's Cat6A which is a completely different story.... Don't go there unless you've got $$ to spend on cable and termination adapters.

 

[Jesse B]

Alright, thank you very much. I don't think I'll be running any more than 100ft. I also found that Cat6 is merely a few dollars more than the identical Cat5e counterpart at the shop that I buy from, so I'll just go with Cat6 to be safe.

How will sharp corners affect my throughput? I may have to have a few of these, as I'll be running network cable below baseboards to keep it hidden.

Thanks again,


- Jesse

 

[claykin]

Most manufacturers recommend no more than 4 times the diameter of the cable.

Cat6 has a star spine in the cable which will make the cable stiffer and more difficult to bend.

Just make sure you use Cat6 jacks, termination blocks, modular plugs when completing the install., Also, read up on the proper way to terminate the cable, especially to keystone jacks to insure you maintain the spec. Practice on some spare cable before you start your real world project.

 

[Jesse B]

Alright, will do. Thanks again.