Recommendations on patch cables to buy

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armondjenkins

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Sep 3, 2017
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I'm set to connect my Edgerouter X, Netgear switch, and my AP and I need some patch cables.

I went on Monoprice and was unaware of the various types.
I am seeing SlimRun, Fullboot, Flexboot, Zeroboot, Crossover, and Plenum.

I don't know if gauge matters or not, but does a type matter? Everything is going to be sitting close together, but I wanted to iron out if I should get a certain type.
 
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azaran
Yeah cables are going to have a ton of options. Don't sweat it tho, its pretty easy to sort out

Slimrun: *Edit, got it mixed up with flat cables. It's a thinner gauge wiring. Good for congested areas where standard thickness cables can start eating up room. It's almost half the diameter of a normal cable so it can be handy if you have a bunch of cables in a run.

Boots: This is in reference to the rubber that hangs over the plug retaining clip. Ideally it's there to keep the clip from snagging on stuff and breaking the clip. The flexboot is minimum protection but is more flexible so it makes it easier to press. Fullboot is a full cover but a bit more stiff to depress and Zeroboot is no cover. Personally I hate boots, some devices have...
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azaran

azaran

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Feb 17, 2010
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Yeah cables are going to have a ton of options. Don't sweat it tho, its pretty easy to sort out

Slimrun: *Edit, got it mixed up with flat cables. It's a thinner gauge wiring. Good for congested areas where standard thickness cables can start eating up room. It's almost half the diameter of a normal cable so it can be handy if you have a bunch of cables in a run.

Boots: This is in reference to the rubber that hangs over the plug retaining clip. Ideally it's there to keep the clip from snagging on stuff and breaking the clip. The flexboot is minimum protection but is more flexible so it makes it easier to press. Fullboot is a full cover but a bit more stiff to depress and Zeroboot is no cover. Personally I hate boots, some devices have a deep enough port that the boot gets in the way. It's personal preference tho, so go with what you like.

Crossover: Don't worry about it. Back in the bad old days of non auto sensing hardware, you needed a specific type of cable for direct connection between some devices (Computer to computer). Unless your hardware specifies a need for a crossover, it's not needed.

Plenum: This is cable rated to be used in air ducts and building conduits. If you're just running cable without the need for checking building codes, you don't need it. If you are routing through internal walls and the like, then check appropriate building codes for the type of cable you need to use.

If you're not doing anything that's going to require special cabling, then your basic Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cabling is all your need. Look for something along the lines of 24AWG UTP Ethernet Network Patch Cable when you search. I'd recommend Cat6, but do at least Cat5e since I'm guessing your gear is all gigabit.
 
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bill001g

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Aug 9, 2012
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There are lots of cables that you can but that are not actually certified ethernet cables. All those flat cables can say they are CAT? whatever but they can never say they are EIA/TIA certified cables.

Pretty much the standard says the wire must me 22-24 awg and pure copper. Any cable that uses thinner wire or uses copper clad aluminum is not a certified cable.

Unfortunately..especially on amazon..you find all kinds of this fake cable being sold and they outright lie and claim it is certified when by definition it can never be.

Now the reason they can get away with stuff like that is at short distance I could use almost any trash wire and it would work but at longer distance it will not.

Since patch cables are easy to replace buy what you need today do not be tricked into "future proof". It is very easy to damage a patch cable so it may not last to the future.

You likely need pretty standard cat5e cables. As long as they are pure copper and 22-24awg they will be fine. You do not need plenum cable or shielded etc, those are for very special installations. The type of boots on the ends and the color of the cable are personal preference and make little difference.
 
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