On Sat, Mar 31, 2001 at 09:28:04PM -0800, Nate Amsden wrote: > Abner Gershon wrote: > > > > I am planning a home ethernet with one Windows and one > > Linux Potatoe computer with a hub. My installed > > ethernet cards are 10/100 and I would like to use the > > higher 100 speed system. My cable options are 100 kHz > > or Cat 5e in either: "PVC solid cable" or "Plenum > > solid cable" or "Stranded cable" or Cat 6e in PVC > > solid cable. The maximal cable distance would be 100 > > feet. Any recommedations? Thanks. > > I've been told that you shouldn't use stranded cable > if your going longer then 20 feet, it starts to lose > signal. so if your going 100 feet or even 50 i would > for sure use solid core. pvc should be fine for your > needs if its only 1 or 2 cables. if its a lot of cables > and you want to adhere to fire code you may need plenum. [...]
Plenum cable is only required if you're running your cable through a space which is used as a return-air plenum in a HVAC system. This is normally the space above a drop ceiling in a modern commerical building. You're not likely to see this in a home. Save your money and go for the PVC solid core. Besides, the insulation on some types of plenum wire can be a PITA to work with. Why special plenum cable? When PVC burns, it emits a lot of highly toxic smoke, which could be spread throughout a building through the HVAC system. your pal dave -- Dave Thayer Denver, Colorado USA [EMAIL PROTECTED]
