on 5/31/05 5:23 PM, Rob Lyons at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > > On May 31, 2005, at 3:56 PM, James Fraser wrote: > >> Well, if nothing else...this email can serve as a subject of scorn and >> derision I suppose... >> >> Hello All, >> >> I'm in the process of trying to pick up some cheap-a55 Cat 5 >> Ethernet cable >> for home networking. >> >> [holds head in hands] >> >> The problem? The cheapskate in me is currently clashing with the >> anal-retentive. >:/ >> >> Here's what one seller has to say about his cable: >> >> >>> # 50-micron gold plated connectors to insure a clean and clear >>> transmission. >>> # Contact Gold Plating 50u"(Short Body) >>> ATTENTION : We're selling cables with 50u" module plugs while most >>> other >>> sellers are selling cables with less than 10u" one. Higher value >>> of (u") means >>> higher quality !!] >>> >> >> My questions (try not to laugh): >> >> What does the "50u" refer to? Is the "u" = "mu" as in "microns?" >> >> Is the point the seller is trying to make: that his cables >> (allegedly) have >> 50-microns of gold plate vs. his competitors, whose cabling has a >> paltry 10 >> microns? Please educate me if I've entirely missed the point here; >> I really >> am earnestly trying to understand what he's attempting to tell me. >> >> Finally: Is his point _complete BS_...or what? >> >> What I'm hoping for is this: purchasing Ethernet cable is not >> something that >> one has to fuss over unduly: it's all the same. Everyone (but me) >> knows that >> Ethernet cabling is, for the most part, a "parity product," and >> that there >> are three generic factories in China that make it. Any perceived >> "differences" are in the packaging and/or entirely in the minds of >> anal-retentives. >> >> I can just see myself getting the Ethernet equivalent of "Monster >> Cable"...and experiencing *exactly* _no difference_ in performance >> (much >> like buying Monster Cable for audio applications, or so I'm told). >> >> I would greatly appreciate guidance on this before I turn a simple, >> straightforward, quick-and-dirty, cheap-a55 fit of networking into >> the most >> needless piece of overengineering since the Air Force decided it >> was more >> important that toilets survive impacts rather than, say, passengers. >> >> >> Best, >> >> James Fraser > > More importantly than the 'u' or whatever rating of the cable is: How > are the connectors made? > > I, for one, always make sure to get patch cables that have the > plastic from the connector's strain relief injected into the > connector itself. > > I have a tendency to be rough with patch cords and manage to short > out the connectors constantly. The injection molded connectors stand > up a lot better (i.e. most Belkin cables I've seen are made this way) > than the handmade crimp connectors. Although, if it's for in wall and > won't be moved, then any connector should work fine. > > As long as the cable is UL Cat5e rated (plenum for in-wall), then go > with the best price you can find. > > -Rob
Rob, For starters, cable, terminals, outlets, tools and time will cost you a lot more than a set of wireless router and wireless adapters, you, or your kids or pets will never tangle their feet with the cable, break the RJ45 port in the powerbook because there will be NO cable; also, taking your machine to another room, or to the patio will be no big deal, other than the size of the machine itself. Other use for the Cat 5? It carries sound very good (use it in pairs) Surveillance cameras, cloths line, dog leash, et c. Tito -- MacNetwork is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... XRouter Pro | Share your DSL or cable modem between multiple computers! Dr. Bott | Only $199 <http://www.drbott.com/prod/MIH130.html> Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> MacNetwork list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/macnet.html> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; end list messages to: <mailto:macnetwork@mail.maclaunch.com> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/macnetwork%40mail.maclaunch.com/> iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com
