Questions about running ethernet cable for my ps3 connection.

[lovemydog]

Hi folks. There's so many smart people here, I thought I'd ask.

My home has old walls that don't allow good wifi connection. Most suggest I'll get best connection by running ethernet cable. It will run from modem in office through a few rooms into bedroom where ps3 & tv are located.

I'd like advice on highest quality and cost efficiency. Where should I buy the cable? I'm in the USA. I'd like to buy it online. Will probably need 100 feet or so. What's the best type of ethernet cable? Cat 6? I want the color to be white. And have someone install it properly.

What the ideal way to find someone who will do that well? There's a Best Buy near me, can I pay their Geek Squad a reasonable price? Or hire a tv/audio specialist? Or find someone via craig's list or local advertising? Or maybe my internet provider, Comcast?

Any thoughts, tips, suggestions are appreciated. Many thanks!

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

1. My cable goto is...

http://www.monoprice.com/Category?c_id=102&cp_id=10208&cs_id=1020814

newegg, provantage, amazon and others may have better prices based on sales.

Your best bet for installation without hassles may be an electrician. Your choices are probably determined most by where you live.
NYC probably has companies dedicated to such work. Suburban Coudersport, PA probably not so much.

[lovemydog]

3. Thank you for the link and suggestions.

Much appreciated!

[FBaggins]

2. Cat6 is fine

There are plenty of length/color options on Amazon. You should be able to get it for under $20.

Installation depends entirely on the specifics of your home and what you consider "reasonable". A "geek squad" can certainly do it (or anyone else that sets up home theater systems).

Have you considered a wifi range extender? They're cheap and easy to install (in most cases)... but if you use that PS3 for online gaming, it can impair performance.

[lovemydog]

4. Thanks FBaggins.

I appreciate your advice.

[ChromeFoundry]

6. You should not run that cable through walls.

Patch cables are a Riser type cable that have a PVC Jacket. Plenum cable is what is used to run through walls and is Teflon jacketed. The big difference is that PVC is very toxic when burning; Teflon is not. If they ever sell their house, it will not pass inspection. This would not be much different than putting an extension cord behind drywall... it will work, but it is not correct - and for good reason.

Usually they come in 1000ft bulk rolls that are over $100 for quality impedance matched cable, but you may be able to buy it by the foot at a local electrical supplier, or ebay.


On Edit: I am assuming forced air heating. If you have radiant or baseboard heating, you may be able to get by with running the riser cable in wall. The biggest problem is usually your cold air returns in a forced air environment that requires plenum jackets. They should call their local building inspector to let them dictate the proper code for use.

[lovemydog]

7. Thanks ChromeFoundry.

I don't plan to run in through any walls. Just on the walls leading from the router to the ps3. Thanks for mentioning this though. I probably wasn't clear enough in my original post.

[ChromeFoundry]

11. By all means...

go with the Riser PVC jacketed patch cable... PVC is way cheaper than Teflon!

[ChromeFoundry]

5. If you you are just running a single cable...

run a second. If you are running 1 for the PS3 and one for the TV, run a third. It will only cost you a few bucks more for the cable, and the installation cost will be the same. Cat-5e/6 can be used for much more than just Ethernet...
If you are on a first floor with a basement with an open ceiling, installation will be very easy. The hardest part is running the cables. If you can get someone to do that for you, buying a cheap crimper and some female RJ-45 connectors from Radio Shack, Lowe's or Home Depot would save you a bit of money.

Here is the color code and pinout for the RJ-45 jack:

[lovemydog]

8. Great suggestions

and super cool chart.

People at DU rock.

Thanks!

[lovemydog]

9. Why should I run a second or third cable?

[ChromeFoundry]

10. You should run an extra just in case...

the first line can short out from getting crimped or get cut when someone is performing home repairs or upgrades.
You may add another device like a smart TV, or Roku that offer an Ethernet port.

In other words, would you only have one AC Power outlet in the kitchen where you plan on keeping your toaster, or would you install the normal two outlets per faceplate? The difference is that the single outlet could be upgraded to a dual outlet in the future because it can utilize a single power line. Data communications require individual lines per application, or a hub/switch at a much greater cost.

It's usually a good idea to plan ahead for future expansion. Sure, a lot of stuff is going the WiFi route, but as you have recently found out, WiFi does have it's limitations and is susceptible to electronic and structural interference. You don't want to have to pay an electrician a second time to run another cable. You don't even need to terminate the ends into a jack, just leave it there in the wall for cheap insurance.

Like I mentioned before... Cat5e/6 can be used for a lot more than just computer networking. Almost all low-voltage applications can utilize this cable... telephone, audio, video, security systems, intercoms, lighting, IR repeaters, etc. Who knows what will be available in the future.

On Edit: Since you will be running a patch cable either on your baseboard, under carpet, etc... you should not run a second. This recommendation is only for in-wall applications.