cat 5 cable and run length

[angler]

I'm remodeling my house and need to run some cat 5 from my office to the living room downstairs.  I plan on putting a media PC in the entertainment console and it will be networked.  While I have the walls open, I want to hardwire the entertainment PC with my office PC. 

Should I be concerned about run length?  The run will probably be less than 30 feet.  Thanks in advance......

[r_ciao]

i'm no IT pro, but just buy quality CAT5 cable and don't worry about it.  i have run lengths that are probably 50+ feet running in my walls.  it's structured wiring and is combined in a bunch with two coax and another run of CAT5.  30 feet is nuthin'. think about large offices that run lengths much greater.  i'm sure you'll be o.k.

[angler]

i'm no IT pro, but just buy quality CAT5 cable and don't worry about it.  i have run lengths that are probably 50+ feet running in my walls.  it's structured wiring and is combined in a bunch with two coax and another run of CAT5.  30 feet is nuthin'. think about large offices that run lengths much greater.  i'm sure you'll be o.k.

That is what I figured, but figured I'd run it by this group of experts!  Thanks. 

[JEFF_H]

CAT5 limit is 100m (328 ft)

(ha! i beat derby)

[cduarte]

agreed on the quality cat5 stuff, what you specifically need to look for is cat5e, which is better quality. Again, for a 30ft run, you don't need to worry too much though.

[JEFF_H]

best source- http://www.monoprice.com/home/index.asp

[Raux]

isn't the new 802.11N wireless fast enough for your needs?

[angler]

I'm sure it is and I will run wireless.  But, since I have the walls open and need to add an outlet and coax to the area where the entertainment center will be, I figure why not run some cat5 too.

[cduarte]

best source- http://www.monoprice.com/home/index.asp

or, you can just go to home despot and they'll have everything you need.

[77south]

Make sure to get plenum rated cable.  It has a  much higher ignition temperature, and would be safer in the event of a house fire.

[derby]

CAT5 limit is 100m (328 ft)

(ha! i beat derby)

[VisceralReaction]

While you run the cable be careful too, to not kink the cable and pinch it.
Can cause problems.

[angler]

While you run the cable be careful too, to not kink the cable and pinch it.
Can cause problems.

Right.  I'm guessing I can't hang my 270 pound girth on it either like I can with romex when it gets hung up in the wall cavity!

[barkertodd]

Just my two cents, if your going to the effort of running wire, I'd run cat6 and future-proof yourself. Cost is almost the same but it will support higher speeds than cat5. I've been running wireless n in my house and it works ok when I stream from my home server, but it starts lagging when I stream off the Internet. My router supports 10/100/1000 and I tested the Internet speeds by dragging a 100ft cat6 arround the house. The streaming issues were resolved. as with anything, YMMV, good luck!

[Mad Duc]

Biggest difference:
ethernet = dedicated bandwidth
wireless = shared bandwidth

In a more urban area (like my place) I put my tivo & PC on ethernet.  I have 10 or so wireless networks in my area and a couple wireless devices on my network that can step on each other. In more rural areas where you only have one wireless network available it shouldn't matter. It probably doesn't matter much either way, but I like my ethernet.

Right.  I'm guessing I can't hang my 270 pound girth on it either like I can with romex when it gets hung up in the wall cavity!

You going to give it the David Carradine test?