Hi, I am working on wiring a small home for Ethernet. The goal is to make it ready for HD video streaming to multiple PCs from a home server, so there is probably going to be a lot of local traffic. There is currently a 24-port gigabit switch of which there are plans to use about 15-20 ports to run cables to different rooms, and the cables will be generally pretty short (20-100 feet)
I am debating what kind of wiring to use and how to do it. I plan to use wall plates with proper keystone jacks. All of the devices in the home currently use gigabit internet, as a 10GbE switch or NIC is currently cost-prohibitive. However, we would definitely be open for 10GbE as soon as reasonably possible in terms of affordability.
The first option that came to mind would be using Cat5e or Cat6, with a patch panel, and keystone jacks where the wires would connect at either end. It seems that there is not a large price difference between Cat5e and Cat6 equipment, so is there a significant benefit to choosing Cat6 over Cat5e? Is it true that either one would probably have to be replaced in the future for 10 gigabit?
The second option that was appealing was purchasing Cat6A patch cables and running them between the switch directly (no patch panel) and wall plates using (female-female) couplers. This seemed like an economical way to get Cat6A (cost and availability seem a little bit prohibitive for spools of Cat6A and connectors, patch panels, etc.) by just purchasing some patch cables. It also, of course, would be a lot easier. However, I am concerned as I have read that this method is rather unprofessional.
Basically, is it worth going with a Cat5e or Cat6 installed the proper way versus Cat6A installed the amateur patch-cable way? Should future 10GbE upgrade be considered at all or is it better to consider only the immediate future? Lastly, if going with Cat5e or Cat6, any reason to choose one over the other?
I am debating what kind of wiring to use and how to do it. I plan to use wall plates with proper keystone jacks. All of the devices in the home currently use gigabit internet, as a 10GbE switch or NIC is currently cost-prohibitive. However, we would definitely be open for 10GbE as soon as reasonably possible in terms of affordability.
The first option that came to mind would be using Cat5e or Cat6, with a patch panel, and keystone jacks where the wires would connect at either end. It seems that there is not a large price difference between Cat5e and Cat6 equipment, so is there a significant benefit to choosing Cat6 over Cat5e? Is it true that either one would probably have to be replaced in the future for 10 gigabit?
The second option that was appealing was purchasing Cat6A patch cables and running them between the switch directly (no patch panel) and wall plates using (female-female) couplers. This seemed like an economical way to get Cat6A (cost and availability seem a little bit prohibitive for spools of Cat6A and connectors, patch panels, etc.) by just purchasing some patch cables. It also, of course, would be a lot easier. However, I am concerned as I have read that this method is rather unprofessional.
Basically, is it worth going with a Cat5e or Cat6 installed the proper way versus Cat6A installed the amateur patch-cable way? Should future 10GbE upgrade be considered at all or is it better to consider only the immediate future? Lastly, if going with Cat5e or Cat6, any reason to choose one over the other?
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