OT Cat-5 request

[zscoundrel]

I use flexible patch cords to all of my computers, but it hasn't always 
been that way.  I would insist on flex cables for a laptop because of 
all the constant use and movement.  For a desktop PC that only gets 
moved a couple of times a year, it is not really that big of a deal.

If you have the tools to put ends on, you can just cut it back and slap 
a new connector on if you should happen to break a conductor ot two. 
Just be careful that you don't kink the cable, as his tends to mess it 
up.  This is one of the most common problems during install that I have 
seen.

I guess it comes down to cost.  $27 for a hundred foot premade, $15 for 
a 50 foot premade, and a $14 double female connector.  (These prices are 
approximations, it's been a while since I shopped for cat5 stuff.)

Dustin Decker wrote:

> On Wed, 18 Sep 2002, Jared wrote:
> 
> [snip]
> 
>>BTW, I was unaware of the difference between stranded and solid wires;
>>this will be the first cable I install. All I know is to keep from
>>ganagling it up because the twisted pair generates a field which
>>shields the wire from RF but cain't do so very well if it's all
>>gangliated upon itself.
>>
> 
> In general, the stranded cable is recommended/designed/intended for
> patch cords and in environments in which the cable has human interaction
> and movement applied to it.  Solid conductor cable is generally used for
> in-wall installations and the like, and isn't meant to be moved around a
> great deal.  
> 
> My experience, however, is that the solid will make a decent patch cable
> as well - you might need to crimp it a little bit harder with most
> RJ45's designed with stranded cable in mind.  I _suppose_ a patch cable
> made with solid conductors could get fouled up if it's moved a lot, but
> I've never had a significant problem with it. (I believe bend radius
> measurements apply to solid conductors as well, but I break those
> frequently myself also.)
> 
> I guess if I were to make a recommendation, I would say solid is fine
> for patch cables that are installed in permanent fashion in the tel-co
> closet if they test out OK after crimping.  On the client side I always
> recommend strand...  but who else here makes recommendations like this,
> only to find themselves in the "do as I say, not as I do" category?  
> (That is to say, I do what I say for clients, but am posting from a 36'
> run of solid copper to my laptop.)
> 
> <grin>
> Dustin
> 
>