View Full Version : cat3 vs. cat5?
framacus
02-28-2011, 08:19 AM
Hello there, I am in need of cat 5 cabling for ethernet connection between my modem/router combo and 2 pc's and 2 IKS FTA stb's about 60' apart but many walls in between so wireless signal is bad. I have on hand plenty of cat 3 cable specked at 10Mbps and 4 pairs solid 24 gauge wires. Wikipedia's specs cat 5 at 100Mbps. The DSL line from my ISP is coming in at 522Kbps as tested from central office.
The question I have is will the Cat 3 cable I have work satisfactorily for ethernet use as otlined above as would the Cat 5 cable used as a standard? I thank everyone for your help, I really appreciate it.
Terryl
02-28-2011, 08:33 AM
CAT3 cable will work fine for IKS as there isnt that much data transfered.
I have run WIFI several hundred feet, (several miles also) you may need a booster or bigger antennas on the WIFI router or WIFI receiver.
PHONETOOL
02-28-2011, 08:43 AM
If you're going to go through the labor of installing cable for Internet use category5e. I would suggest installing two cables at each location one for phone and one for data. Category5e is so cheap these days use it for both phone and data.
framacus
03-01-2011, 01:26 AM
Hey, thanks guys for the suggestions. What I was asking for is if cat3 cable is well suited for ethernet application since I have plenty of cat3 cable but would have to purchase cat5 cable and thanks for the suggestion that if I'm going to buy cable I'll get the cat5e type to be sure. I'll appreciate a response.
bpetey
03-01-2011, 03:34 AM
Hey, thanks guys for the suggestions. What I was asking for is if cat3 cable is well suited for ethernet application since I have plenty of cat3 cable but would have to purchase cat5 cable and thanks for the suggestion that if I'm going to buy cable I'll get the cat5e type to be sure. I'll appreciate a response.
Well suited, no, works ok, yes. I would spend the extra few bucks and run cat5 so I wouldn't have to worry about it at a later time if you upgrade your dsl speed.
Pollypurabred
03-01-2011, 06:23 PM
Cat6 is out to help you utilize those 1Ghz speeds....
framacus
03-01-2011, 09:04 PM
Thanks again for the replies and suggestions. Evaluating my situation and considering your inputs, I think that cat5, be it cat5e or cat6 is the way to go and keep cat3 for provisional need only. Thanks guys I really appreciate it.
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