What's the longest CAT run you've ever done?

RoundEye · Post by **RoundEye** » Wed Sep 18, 2002 9:23 pm

I might try and push the limits here.

I want to share the internet with my parents. In a couple of months we may move and the two houses are about 500 feet apart.

I'm trying to figure out if I should run fiber or just run some good CAT cable and put a small switch at each end to help with the timing.

Maximum speed isn't the utmost concern, since the data is only coming in around 2 meg, but I don't want what data that is going through the line to become corrupt.

I'm also thinking about a wireless bridge.

littlerumper · Post by **littlerumper** » Wed Sep 18, 2002 9:25 pm

CAT 5 can only be run 100Meters....328 feet....too short....wireless....not too sure about options there....Fiber?...Wow...that would be nice with just a couple of media converters on each end...

If you're a couple houses apart....how could you run fiber without permits....LOL

RoundEye · Post by **RoundEye** » Wed Sep 18, 2002 9:31 pm

Originally posted by littlerumper

If you're a couple houses apart....how could you run fiber without permits....LOL

Don't need permits, the lot is about 100 feet wide and about 3800 feet deep. It's all done on our property.

As far as CAT only going 100 feet, that is mostly a timing issue, and for maximum throughput. Its rated 100meg@328 feet. Throughput starts to drop off after that, I'm just curious how much?

littlerumper · Post by **littlerumper** » Wed Sep 18, 2002 9:36 pm

I wouldn't push it too far...plus there maybe little things like noise and interferance...I've seen companies opt for fiber over cat5 in some buildings - with much shorter runs. If you could afford the fiber and to the work yourself...I'd think that would be the most 'reliable' way to do it....unless there is a shed or something where you could setup a repeater or something....

objohn · Post by **objohn** » Thu Sep 19, 2002 9:02 am

You could put in a few repeatera of you wanted to use Cat5, or a router. Depends on your budget i suppose.
Bear in mind that a fibre ring will be quite expensive.

OJ

Ghosthunter · Post by **Ghosthunter** » Thu Sep 19, 2002 10:02 am

If you are going to run the cable outside I would not recommend it, unless you can keep it away from moisture when it rains.

If you can afford the fiber, go for it. Definitely much better way.

Norm · Post by **Norm** » Thu Sep 19, 2002 1:18 pm

I'd be willing to bet Cat5e or Cat6 cable would handle the job (possibly even Cat 5).
Like you said, speed isn't the issue.

If the main reason is a shared internet connection, you only need 10 mbps anyway.
Be careful when installing the cable not to bend it, and don't run it near any electrical interference.

If it doesn't work, just put a repeater in the middle, and weather proof it.

Technoid · Post by **Technoid** » Tue Sep 24, 2002 12:01 am

If cat5, 5e, or 6; I'd definately put it in conduit for burial.
Is Bx connectors and coax an option?
If you have good line-of-sight, wireless with a good antenna?
Try google.com>> wlan antennas

macyh · Post by **macyh** » Tue Sep 24, 2002 8:59 pm

As a telecom and datacom professional, I've done a lot of stuff like this over the years.

First and foremost, do not figure on installing any type of cable without waterproof conduit buried at least 6" to 12" below grade (this assumes the only thing that will drive over it is a lawnmower or light tractor). I suggest you buy some 3/4" or 1" PVC waterline, which comes in 100' and 200' rolls, and install the cable inside this. You'll have to borrow a conduit fish tape and you'll need the right waterproof couplings. I'd pull in a nylon "pull string", install the conduit from basement to basement, then pull in the cable (or fiber) carefully, along with another string.

I've pushed 10BaseT using Cat5E from hub to hub about 500'. It is tricky. Do not use 100mb hubs or 10/100 switches unless you can "force" the ports to run at 10mb. I've found using cheap 10BaseT hubs at each end works best. Realize you are really pushing the limits of Cat5E cable to do this, it may not work. Or it may. No matter what, this is a marginal application and may not be long term reliable even if it does work.

I don't think it's worth the hassle of burying cable or conduit for this. My first choice would be to use a pair of good 802.11b bridges with "patch" type directional antennas. Orinoco is a good choice. Yes, it's more money for hardware, but it's less trouble in the long run.

Better alternates: If you postively must use cable, fiber optic or coax, either will definitely span the distance.

Cheapest would be high quality RG-58, it'll go 500' and then some. Use 10BaseT hubs with 10Base2 BNC ports on them at each end of the connection, again, install a PVC conduit, pull the cable and ground both ends carefully. You can buy twist on BNC connectors at radio shack that are fairly easy to install. RG-58 is also readily available, new or surplus. (Do not use RG-59, RG-6 or RG-11, this is TV cable and has the wrong impedance.)

Fiber is an even better way to go. You can find duplex (2 strand) multimode fiber optic cable preterminated on ebay from time to time. Again, use a PVC conduit. Fiber cable, especially at the connectors is more fragile than conventional copper cable. Protect the connecters when pulling in the cable with a small plastic bag and some black tape. Do not kink fiber optic cable. Once it is installed, use a hub or switch with the right type of connecters at each end. (I'd use ST connectors, they are easier to find surplus.) Be sure you connect Transmit on hub 1 to Receive on hub 2 and vice versa.

chriswalter · Post by **chriswalter** » Wed Sep 25, 2002 3:31 pm

I did just over 500 feet with the cable in steel conduit about 6 inches underground, it's been running ok for about 18 months now.

RoundEye · Post by **RoundEye** » Wed Sep 25, 2002 4:03 pm

Thanks for the input. I'm not certain which method I'm going to use yet. That's why I asked. For certain it's going to be in conduit, if I don't use wireless. Wireless is my least favorite option though.

Fiber might be an alternative in a few months, my work is going to send me to a couple of classes on installing fiber, so I'll get to practice on my own house.

It's not often you have a compressor handy, but a couple of times I've wadded up a rag or a piece of paper, tied the pull string to it, and blew the paper through the conduit. Works out pretty good.

Thanks again :2cool:

macyh · Post by **macyh** » Wed Sep 25, 2002 9:51 pm

You got it right, installing a conduit is the key. That allows you to install any form of cable, or replace a bad cable. For 500' I'd suggest 1" PVC with carefully installed watertight couplings. If you are paraniod, but a splice box in the center of the run.

Buy some surplus multimode fiber off ebay, pull it in along with the Cat 5E or Coax. You'll never be sorry you installed fiber. Unlike Cat5E, it will work immersed in water, if the conduit leaks.