Re: [BVARC] Routere

[John Holmes via BVARC]

Believe it or not Lowe’s have them !!!

73 John W Holmes K4VMG


From: gshockxcc 
Sent: Sunday, March 10, 2024 12:42:18 PM
To: John Holmes 
Cc: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB ; ron.l...@gmail.com 

Subject: Re: [BVARC] Routere

Good to know.  Any local suppliers you recommend for CAT8?


-Kristan

Sent with Proton Mail secure email.

On Sunday, March 10th, 2024 at 12:40 PM, John Holmes  wrote:
The Cat5e is basically a Cat5 with 4 pairs connected and many Cat5 labelled 
cables will be cat5e it’s almost impossible to tell until you test. So 
basically some Cat5 will do 1000 some won’t. Like I said best to go Cat8 as the 
cost is not much different

73 John W Holmes K4VMG


From: gshockxcc 
Sent: Sunday, March 10, 2024 12:35:40 PM
To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
Cc: John Holmes ; ron.l...@gmail.com 
Subject: Re: [BVARC] Routere

John,
 I believe that CAT5 only goes up to 100Base-t, not 1000.

https://www.cdw.com/content/cdw/en/articles/hardware/cat5-vs-cat6-ethernet-cables.html

So the maximum bandwidth is only 100 Mbps at 100 Mhz.  Please correct me if 
this reference is wrong.

-Kristan
KI5VVT

Sent with Proton Mail secure email.

On Sunday, March 10th, 2024 at 11:18 AM, John Holmes via BVARC 
 wrote:
Don’t confuse the CAT5 maximum frequency 100Mhz  with the maximum throughput 
which is up to 1000BASE-T  which is more than capable of 1 gigabyte when all 4 
pairs  are connected. That said I use CAT8 on my system because the difference 
in price is minimal

73 John W Holmes K4VMG


From: BVARC  on behalf of gshockxcc via BVARC 

Sent: Sunday, March 10, 2024 9:11:17 AM
To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
Cc: gshockxcc ; ron.l...@gmail.com 
Subject: Re: [BVARC] Routere

Ron,
 Xfinity provides a link where you can check if your device is "approved" 
for use with Xfinity internet.  That just means that they tested it and 
confirmed that it works.

https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/list-of-approved-cable-modems

Click on "My Device Info" to check specific devices.  Some may recommend 
Amazon, but I would start with figuring out what you need and can handle, 
versus what you want.

Because you asked about replacing the Xfinity router, I'm making an assumption 
that Xfinity has provided you with a combination cable modem and router.  If 
this is not correct, then you may disagree with my statements below, they may 
not make sense, or I may be off base entirely.

That said...
I learned the hard way.

  1.  With Xfinity, you're not buying a router.  You're buying a Cable Modem.  
Keep that in mind, because you need two devices, unless you get a combo cable 
modem and router, and usually you only get that from Xfinity.
  2.  Your cable modem needs to handle as much bandwidth as Xfinity can 
provide, unless you don't care and you're buying a modem based on price or 
reliability, and not on bandwidth. With a cable modem like Arris, for example, 
you get (typically) a single Ethernet output.  That connects to the input of 
your router, e.g. Asus, Arris, Netgear, etc.
  3.  If either the cable modem or router handle lower speeds than what Xfinity 
is sending to the house, the lowest speed device will be your bottleneck, and 
that will set your max upload/download speed.
  4.  If you do like I did, and grab any old CAT5 cable from the cable modem to 
the router, you may also limit your speed, because older CAT5 cables are not 
rated for 1Gbps like we have available today.  Typically, CAT5 can only handle 
100Mbps.
  5.  If you take the output from the router, and feed it to a network switch 
that provides Ethernet in other rooms throughout the house, the speeds at those 
jacks will be limited to whatever each specific Ethernet cable can handle.

In my case, I have older CAT5 everywhere (circa 2011 - 2012).  The house was 
wired that way.  I upgraded to AT fiber, which has been fine.  But the CAT5 
can't handle that bandwidth.  So I'm limited to about 100Mbps at an Ethernet 
jack, but my WiFi speed is 450+ Mbps.  I can get 1G from the AT modem/router 
if I directly connect an Ethernet cable to the back of it.  So, if you have 
high speed internet, when you bring that into the house and to the back of the 
modem, the actual speed you will get will depend on how you want to connect 
your devices from there.  If Xfinity can only provide 500 Mbps to your location 
and you get a 1G cable modem and router, you won't get 1G.  Likewise, if you 
have 1G coming to the house, and you want to go from the cable modem to a 
router that feeds Ethernet jacks throughout the house, the speed you will get 
will be limited by the Ethernet cable you run (or that's already installed) and 
the router you're using.

In my case, I have an AT fiber modem, which they provide, but I can also use 
it as a router.  I choose not to, and I connected an ASUS router so that I can 
administer the 

Re: [BVARC] Routere

[gshockxcc via BVARC]

Good to know. Any local suppliers you recommend for CAT8?

-Kristan

Sent with [Proton Mail](https://proton.me/) secure email.

On Sunday, March 10th, 2024 at 12:40 PM, John Holmes  wrote:

> The Cat5e is basically a Cat5 with 4 pairs connected and many Cat5 labelled 
> cables will be cat5e it’s almost impossible to tell until you test. So 
> basically some Cat5 will do 1000 some won’t. Like I said best to go Cat8 as 
> the cost is not much different
>
> 73 John W Holmes K4VMG
>
> ---
>
> From: gshockxcc 
> Sent: Sunday, March 10, 2024 12:35:40 PM
> To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
> Cc: John Holmes ; ron.l...@gmail.com 
> Subject: Re: [BVARC] Routere
>
> John,
> I believe that CAT5 only goes up to 100Base-t, not 1000.
>
> https://www.cdw.com/content/cdw/en/articles/hardware/cat5-vs-cat6-ethernet-cables.html
>
> So the maximum bandwidth is only 100 Mbps at 100 Mhz. Please correct me if 
> this reference is wrong.
>
> -Kristan
> KI5VVT
>
> Sent with [Proton Mail](https://proton.me/) secure email.
>
> On Sunday, March 10th, 2024 at 11:18 AM, John Holmes via BVARC 
>  wrote:
>
>> Don’t confuse the CAT5 maximum frequency 100Mhz with the maximum throughput 
>> which is up to 1000BASE-T which is more than capable of 1 gigabyte when all 
>> 4 pairs are connected. That said I use CAT8 on my system because the 
>> difference in price is minimal
>>
>> 73 John W Holmes K4VMG
>>
>> ---
>>
>> From: BVARC  on behalf of gshockxcc via BVARC 
>> 
>> Sent: Sunday, March 10, 2024 9:11:17 AM
>> To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
>> Cc: gshockxcc ; ron.l...@gmail.com 
>> Subject: Re: [BVARC] Routere
>>
>> Ron,
>> Xfinity provides a link where you can check if your device is "approved" for 
>> use with Xfinity internet. That just means that they tested it and confirmed 
>> that it works.
>>
>> https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/list-of-approved-cable-modems
>>
>> Click on "My Device Info" to check specific devices. Some may recommend 
>> Amazon, but I would start with figuring out what you need and can handle, 
>> versus what you want.
>>
>> Because you asked about replacing the Xfinity router, I'm making an 
>> assumption that Xfinity has provided you with a combination cable modem and 
>> router. If this is not correct, then you may disagree with my statements 
>> below, they may not make sense, or I may be off base entirely.
>>
>> That said...
>> I learned the hard way.
>>
>> - With Xfinity, you're not buying a router. You're buying a Cable Modem. 
>> Keep that in mind, because you need two devices, unless you get a combo 
>> cable modem and router, and usually you only get that from Xfinity.
>> - Your cable modem needs to handle as much bandwidth as Xfinity can provide, 
>> unless you don't care and you're buying a modem based on price or 
>> reliability, and not on bandwidth. With a cable modem like Arris, for 
>> example, you get (typically) a single Ethernet output. That connects to the 
>> input of your router, e.g. Asus, Arris, Netgear, etc.
>> - If either the cable modem or router handle lower speeds than what Xfinity 
>> is sending to the house, the lowest speed device will be your bottleneck, 
>> and that will set your max upload/download speed.
>> - If you do like I did, and grab any old CAT5 cable from the cable modem to 
>> the router, you may also limit your speed, because older CAT5 cables are not 
>> rated for 1Gbps like we have available today. Typically, CAT5 can only 
>> handle 100Mbps.
>> - If you take the output from the router, and feed it to a network switch 
>> that provides Ethernet in other rooms throughout the house, the speeds at 
>> those jacks will be limited to whatever each specific Ethernet cable can 
>> handle.
>>
>> In my case, I have older CAT5 everywhere (circa 2011 - 2012). The house was 
>> wired that way. I upgraded to AT fiber, which has been fine. But the CAT5 
>> can't handle that bandwidth. So I'm limited to about 100Mbps at an Ethernet 
>> jack, but my WiFi speed is 450+ Mbps. I can get 1G from the AT 
>> modem/router if I directly connect an Ethernet cable to the back of it. So, 
>> if you have high speed internet, when you bring that into the house and to 
>> the back of the modem, the actual speed you will get will depend on how you 
>> want to connect your devices from there. If Xfinity can only provide 500 
>> Mbps to your location and you get a 1G cable modem and router, you won't get 
>> 1G. Likewise, if you have 1G coming to the house, and you want to go from 
>> the cable modem to a router that feeds Ethernet jacks throughout the house, 
>> the speed you will get will be limited by the Ethernet cable you run (or 
>> that's already installed) and the router you're using.
>>
>> In my case, I have an AT fiber modem, which they provide, but I can also 
>> use it as a router. I choose not to, and I connected an ASUS router so that 
>> I can 

Re: [BVARC] Routere

[gshockxcc via BVARC]

Here's another good reference that gives the data transmission speed and cable 
rating.

https://www.intopix.com/blogs/post/Ethernet-categories

-Kristan
KI5VVT

Sent with [Proton Mail](https://proton.me/) secure email.

On Sunday, March 10th, 2024 at 12:35 PM, gshockxcc via BVARC  
wrote:

> John,
> I believe that CAT5 only goes up to 100Base-t, not 1000.
>
> https://www.cdw.com/content/cdw/en/articles/hardware/cat5-vs-cat6-ethernet-cables.html
>
> So the maximum bandwidth is only 100 Mbps at 100 Mhz. Please correct me if 
> this reference is wrong.
>
> -Kristan
> KI5VVT
>
> Sent with [Proton Mail](https://proton.me/) secure email.
>
> On Sunday, March 10th, 2024 at 11:18 AM, John Holmes via BVARC 
>  wrote:
>
>> Don’t confuse the CAT5 maximum frequency 100Mhz with the maximum throughput 
>> which is up to 1000BASE-T which is more than capable of 1 gigabyte when all 
>> 4 pairs are connected. That said I use CAT8 on my system because the 
>> difference in price is minimal
>>
>> 73 John W Holmes K4VMG
>>
>> ---
>>
>> From: BVARC  on behalf of gshockxcc via BVARC 
>> 
>> Sent: Sunday, March 10, 2024 9:11:17 AM
>> To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
>> Cc: gshockxcc ; ron.l...@gmail.com 
>> Subject: Re: [BVARC] Routere
>>
>> Ron,
>> Xfinity provides a link where you can check if your device is "approved" for 
>> use with Xfinity internet. That just means that they tested it and confirmed 
>> that it works.
>>
>> https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/list-of-approved-cable-modems
>>
>> Click on "My Device Info" to check specific devices. Some may recommend 
>> Amazon, but I would start with figuring out what you need and can handle, 
>> versus what you want.
>>
>> Because you asked about replacing the Xfinity router, I'm making an 
>> assumption that Xfinity has provided you with a combination cable modem and 
>> router. If this is not correct, then you may disagree with my statements 
>> below, they may not make sense, or I may be off base entirely.
>>
>> That said...
>> I learned the hard way.
>>
>> - With Xfinity, you're not buying a router. You're buying a Cable Modem. 
>> Keep that in mind, because you need two devices, unless you get a combo 
>> cable modem and router, and usually you only get that from Xfinity.
>> - Your cable modem needs to handle as much bandwidth as Xfinity can provide, 
>> unless you don't care and you're buying a modem based on price or 
>> reliability, and not on bandwidth. With a cable modem like Arris, for 
>> example, you get (typically) a single Ethernet output. That connects to the 
>> input of your router, e.g. Asus, Arris, Netgear, etc.
>> - If either the cable modem or router handle lower speeds than what Xfinity 
>> is sending to the house, the lowest speed device will be your bottleneck, 
>> and that will set your max upload/download speed.
>> - If you do like I did, and grab any old CAT5 cable from the cable modem to 
>> the router, you may also limit your speed, because older CAT5 cables are not 
>> rated for 1Gbps like we have available today. Typically, CAT5 can only 
>> handle 100Mbps.
>> - If you take the output from the router, and feed it to a network switch 
>> that provides Ethernet in other rooms throughout the house, the speeds at 
>> those jacks will be limited to whatever each specific Ethernet cable can 
>> handle.
>>
>> In my case, I have older CAT5 everywhere (circa 2011 - 2012). The house was 
>> wired that way. I upgraded to AT fiber, which has been fine. But the CAT5 
>> can't handle that bandwidth. So I'm limited to about 100Mbps at an Ethernet 
>> jack, but my WiFi speed is 450+ Mbps. I can get 1G from the AT 
>> modem/router if I directly connect an Ethernet cable to the back of it. So, 
>> if you have high speed internet, when you bring that into the house and to 
>> the back of the modem, the actual speed you will get will depend on how you 
>> want to connect your devices from there. If Xfinity can only provide 500 
>> Mbps to your location and you get a 1G cable modem and router, you won't get 
>> 1G. Likewise, if you have 1G coming to the house, and you want to go from 
>> the cable modem to a router that feeds Ethernet jacks throughout the house, 
>> the speed you will get will be limited by the Ethernet cable you run (or 
>> that's already installed) and the router you're using.
>>
>> In my case, I have an AT fiber modem, which they provide, but I can also 
>> use it as a router. I choose not to, and I connected an ASUS router so that 
>> I can administer the network the way I want. From the ASUS router, I ran a 
>> CAT6e Ethernet cable in my office to my main computer so that I get 1Gbps 
>> (+/-), and I ran another Ethernet from the ASUS router to the network 
>> switch. The house was already wired so my speed to the Network switch is 
>> limited to about 100+Mbps, even though the switch itself can handle more, 
>> the CAT5 cable coming to it is the bottleneck, like I 

Re: [BVARC] Routere

[John Holmes via BVARC]

The Cat5e is basically a Cat5 with 4 pairs connected and many Cat5 labelled 
cables will be cat5e it’s almost impossible to tell until you test. So 
basically some Cat5 will do 1000 some won’t. Like I said best to go Cat8 as the 
cost is not much different

73 John W Holmes K4VMG


From: gshockxcc 
Sent: Sunday, March 10, 2024 12:35:40 PM
To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
Cc: John Holmes ; ron.l...@gmail.com 
Subject: Re: [BVARC] Routere

John,
 I believe that CAT5 only goes up to 100Base-t, not 1000.

https://www.cdw.com/content/cdw/en/articles/hardware/cat5-vs-cat6-ethernet-cables.html

So the maximum bandwidth is only 100 Mbps at 100 Mhz.  Please correct me if 
this reference is wrong.

-Kristan
KI5VVT

Sent with Proton Mail secure email.

On Sunday, March 10th, 2024 at 11:18 AM, John Holmes via BVARC 
 wrote:
Don’t confuse the CAT5 maximum frequency 100Mhz  with the maximum throughput 
which is up to 1000BASE-T  which is more than capable of 1 gigabyte when all 4 
pairs  are connected. That said I use CAT8 on my system because the difference 
in price is minimal

73 John W Holmes K4VMG


From: BVARC  on behalf of gshockxcc via BVARC 

Sent: Sunday, March 10, 2024 9:11:17 AM
To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
Cc: gshockxcc ; ron.l...@gmail.com 
Subject: Re: [BVARC] Routere

Ron,
 Xfinity provides a link where you can check if your device is "approved" 
for use with Xfinity internet.  That just means that they tested it and 
confirmed that it works.

https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/list-of-approved-cable-modems

Click on "My Device Info" to check specific devices.  Some may recommend 
Amazon, but I would start with figuring out what you need and can handle, 
versus what you want.

Because you asked about replacing the Xfinity router, I'm making an assumption 
that Xfinity has provided you with a combination cable modem and router.  If 
this is not correct, then you may disagree with my statements below, they may 
not make sense, or I may be off base entirely.

That said...
I learned the hard way.

  1.  With Xfinity, you're not buying a router.  You're buying a Cable Modem.  
Keep that in mind, because you need two devices, unless you get a combo cable 
modem and router, and usually you only get that from Xfinity.
  2.  Your cable modem needs to handle as much bandwidth as Xfinity can 
provide, unless you don't care and you're buying a modem based on price or 
reliability, and not on bandwidth. With a cable modem like Arris, for example, 
you get (typically) a single Ethernet output.  That connects to the input of 
your router, e.g. Asus, Arris, Netgear, etc.
  3.  If either the cable modem or router handle lower speeds than what Xfinity 
is sending to the house, the lowest speed device will be your bottleneck, and 
that will set your max upload/download speed.
  4.  If you do like I did, and grab any old CAT5 cable from the cable modem to 
the router, you may also limit your speed, because older CAT5 cables are not 
rated for 1Gbps like we have available today.  Typically, CAT5 can only handle 
100Mbps.
  5.  If you take the output from the router, and feed it to a network switch 
that provides Ethernet in other rooms throughout the house, the speeds at those 
jacks will be limited to whatever each specific Ethernet cable can handle.

In my case, I have older CAT5 everywhere (circa 2011 - 2012).  The house was 
wired that way.  I upgraded to AT fiber, which has been fine.  But the CAT5 
can't handle that bandwidth.  So I'm limited to about 100Mbps at an Ethernet 
jack, but my WiFi speed is 450+ Mbps.  I can get 1G from the AT modem/router 
if I directly connect an Ethernet cable to the back of it.  So, if you have 
high speed internet, when you bring that into the house and to the back of the 
modem, the actual speed you will get will depend on how you want to connect 
your devices from there.  If Xfinity can only provide 500 Mbps to your location 
and you get a 1G cable modem and router, you won't get 1G.  Likewise, if you 
have 1G coming to the house, and you want to go from the cable modem to a 
router that feeds Ethernet jacks throughout the house, the speed you will get 
will be limited by the Ethernet cable you run (or that's already installed) and 
the router you're using.

In my case, I have an AT fiber modem, which they provide, but I can also use 
it as a router.  I choose not to, and I connected an ASUS router so that I can 
administer the network the way I want.  From the ASUS router, I ran a CAT6e 
Ethernet cable in my office to my main computer so that I get 1Gbps (+/-), and 
I ran another Ethernet from the ASUS router to the network switch.  The house 
was already wired so my speed to the Network switch is limited to about 
100+Mbps, even though the switch itself can handle more, the CAT5 cable coming 
to it is the bottleneck, like I mentioned before.  But this is still plenty 

Re: [BVARC] Routere

[gshockxcc via BVARC]

John,
I believe that CAT5 only goes up to 100Base-t, not 1000.

https://www.cdw.com/content/cdw/en/articles/hardware/cat5-vs-cat6-ethernet-cables.html

So the maximum bandwidth is only 100 Mbps at 100 Mhz. Please correct me if this 
reference is wrong.

-Kristan
KI5VVT

Sent with [Proton Mail](https://proton.me/) secure email.

On Sunday, March 10th, 2024 at 11:18 AM, John Holmes via BVARC 
 wrote:

> Don’t confuse the CAT5 maximum frequency 100Mhz with the maximum throughput 
> which is up to 1000BASE-T which is more than capable of 1 gigabyte when all 4 
> pairs are connected. That said I use CAT8 on my system because the difference 
> in price is minimal
>
> 73 John W Holmes K4VMG
>
> ---
>
> From: BVARC  on behalf of gshockxcc via BVARC 
> 
> Sent: Sunday, March 10, 2024 9:11:17 AM
> To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
> Cc: gshockxcc ; ron.l...@gmail.com 
> Subject: Re: [BVARC] Routere
>
> Ron,
> Xfinity provides a link where you can check if your device is "approved" for 
> use with Xfinity internet. That just means that they tested it and confirmed 
> that it works.
>
> https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/list-of-approved-cable-modems
>
> Click on "My Device Info" to check specific devices. Some may recommend 
> Amazon, but I would start with figuring out what you need and can handle, 
> versus what you want.
>
> Because you asked about replacing the Xfinity router, I'm making an 
> assumption that Xfinity has provided you with a combination cable modem and 
> router. If this is not correct, then you may disagree with my statements 
> below, they may not make sense, or I may be off base entirely.
>
> That said...
> I learned the hard way.
>
> - With Xfinity, you're not buying a router. You're buying a Cable Modem. Keep 
> that in mind, because you need two devices, unless you get a combo cable 
> modem and router, and usually you only get that from Xfinity.
> - Your cable modem needs to handle as much bandwidth as Xfinity can provide, 
> unless you don't care and you're buying a modem based on price or 
> reliability, and not on bandwidth. With a cable modem like Arris, for 
> example, you get (typically) a single Ethernet output. That connects to the 
> input of your router, e.g. Asus, Arris, Netgear, etc.
> - If either the cable modem or router handle lower speeds than what Xfinity 
> is sending to the house, the lowest speed device will be your bottleneck, and 
> that will set your max upload/download speed.
> - If you do like I did, and grab any old CAT5 cable from the cable modem to 
> the router, you may also limit your speed, because older CAT5 cables are not 
> rated for 1Gbps like we have available today. Typically, CAT5 can only handle 
> 100Mbps.
> - If you take the output from the router, and feed it to a network switch 
> that provides Ethernet in other rooms throughout the house, the speeds at 
> those jacks will be limited to whatever each specific Ethernet cable can 
> handle.
>
> In my case, I have older CAT5 everywhere (circa 2011 - 2012). The house was 
> wired that way. I upgraded to AT fiber, which has been fine. But the CAT5 
> can't handle that bandwidth. So I'm limited to about 100Mbps at an Ethernet 
> jack, but my WiFi speed is 450+ Mbps. I can get 1G from the AT modem/router 
> if I directly connect an Ethernet cable to the back of it. So, if you have 
> high speed internet, when you bring that into the house and to the back of 
> the modem, the actual speed you will get will depend on how you want to 
> connect your devices from there. If Xfinity can only provide 500 Mbps to your 
> location and you get a 1G cable modem and router, you won't get 1G. Likewise, 
> if you have 1G coming to the house, and you want to go from the cable modem 
> to a router that feeds Ethernet jacks throughout the house, the speed you 
> will get will be limited by the Ethernet cable you run (or that's already 
> installed) and the router you're using.
>
> In my case, I have an AT fiber modem, which they provide, but I can also 
> use it as a router. I choose not to, and I connected an ASUS router so that I 
> can administer the network the way I want. From the ASUS router, I ran a 
> CAT6e Ethernet cable in my office to my main computer so that I get 1Gbps 
> (+/-), and I ran another Ethernet from the ASUS router to the network switch. 
> The house was already wired so my speed to the Network switch is limited to 
> about 100+Mbps, even though the switch itself can handle more, the CAT5 cable 
> coming to it is the bottleneck, like I mentioned before. But this is still 
> plenty fast enough for streaming video (Roku, etc). Most of the remaining 
> devices are on the WiFi from my office router. Because of obstructions in the 
> house, I have a second router that is connected via the same slow speed 
> Ethernet jack I mentioned before. The second router itself can handle 1Gbps 
> also, but the WiFi is only as fast as the 

Re: [BVARC] Routere

[John Holmes via BVARC]

Most welcome, it’s a nightmare sometimes trying to understand all this stuff

73 John W Holmes K4VMG


From: BVARC  on behalf of gshockxcc via BVARC 

Sent: Sunday, March 10, 2024 12:33:04 PM
To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
Cc: gshockxcc 
Subject: Re: [BVARC] Routere

Thanks, John.  I really appreciate the compliments.

If anyone has other comments to add or support anything I mentioned, I'm always 
happy to learn.  I'm no expert by any means.

-Kristan
KI5VVT

Sent with Proton Mail secure email.

On Sunday, March 10th, 2024 at 11:17 AM, John Stevens via BVARC 
 wrote:
GM all,

This is an outstanding article from Kristan and hits everything you need to 
know to improve your
home networks! Before you throw out your old CAT5e cable though, it is worth 
noting it can run up to 1 Gbps at 330 feet, but you are pushing it to the 
limit. Shorten that distance a bit and you should be good. Even at 330 feet the 
speed will be substantially better than 100 Mbps if you do not make the 1 Gbps. 
Plain CAT5, as Kristan says, is not going to get you that kind of performance, 
so out it goes unless you are happy with the 100 Mbps.

As a final thought, don't forget about 1 Gbps network switches. They are very 
inexpensive and can be used as line amplifiers (repeaters) for long cable runs 
beyond 330'. Plug it in at the end of a run, then add the next run of CATx from 
the switch to your destination.

Happy networking and thanks a zillion to Kristen. Dang nice piece of work well 
explained!

73 John K5JS

On Sun, Mar 10, 2024 at 9:12 AM gshockxcc via BVARC 
mailto:bvarc@bvarc.org>> wrote:
Ron,
Xfinity provides a link where you can check if your device is "approved" for 
use with Xfinity internet. That just means that they tested it and confirmed 
that it works.

https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/list-of-approved-cable-modems

Click on "My Device Info" to check specific devices. Some may recommend Amazon, 
but I would start with figuring out what you need and can handle, versus what 
you want.

Because you asked about replacing the Xfinity router, I'm making an assumption 
that Xfinity has provided you with a combination cable modem and router. If 
this is not correct, then you may disagree with my statements below, they may 
not make sense, or I may be off base entirely.

That said...
I learned the hard way.

  1.  With Xfinity, you're not buying a router. You're buying a Cable Modem. 
Keep that in mind, because you need two devices, unless you get a combo cable 
modem and router, and usually you only get that from Xfinity.
  2.  Your cable modem needs to handle as much bandwidth as Xfinity can 
provide, unless you don't care and you're buying a modem based on price or 
reliability, and not on bandwidth. With a cable modem like Arris, for example, 
you get (typically) a single Ethernet output. That connects to the input of 
your router, e.g. Asus, Arris, Netgear, etc.
  3.  If either the cable modem or router handle lower speeds than what Xfinity 
is sending to the house, the lowest speed device will be your bottleneck, and 
that will set your max upload/download speed.
  4.  If you do like I did, and grab any old CAT5 cable from the cable modem to 
the router, you may also limit your speed, because older CAT5 cables are not 
rated for 1Gbps like we have available today. Typically, CAT5 can only handle 
100Mbps.
  5.  If you take the output from the router, and feed it to a network switch 
that provides Ethernet in other rooms throughout the house, the speeds at those 
jacks will be limited to whatever each specific Ethernet cable can handle.

In my case, I have older CAT5 everywhere (circa 2011 - 2012). The house was 
wired that way. I upgraded to AT fiber, which has been fine. But the CAT5 
can't handle that bandwidth. So I'm limited to about 100Mbps at an Ethernet 
jack, but my WiFi speed is 450+ Mbps. I can get 1G from the AT modem/router 
if I directly connect an Ethernet cable to the back of it. So, if you have high 
speed internet, when you bring that into the house and to the back of the 
modem, the actual speed you will get will depend on how you want to connect 
your devices from there. If Xfinity can only provide 500 Mbps to your location 
and you get a 1G cable modem and router, you won't get 1G. Likewise, if you 
have 1G coming to the house, and you want to go from the cable modem to a 
router that feeds Ethernet jacks throughout the house, the speed you will get 
will be limited by the Ethernet cable you run (or that's already installed) and 
the router you're using.

In my case, I have an AT fiber modem, which they provide, but I can also use 
it as a router. I choose not to, and I connected an ASUS router so that I can 
administer the network the way I want. From the ASUS router, I ran a CAT6e 
Ethernet cable in my office to my main computer so that I get 1Gbps (+/-), and 
I ran another Ethernet from the ASUS router to the network switch. The 

Re: [BVARC] Routere

[gshockxcc via BVARC]

Thanks, John. I really appreciate the compliments.

If anyone has other comments to add or support anything I mentioned, I'm always 
happy to learn. I'm no expert by any means.

-Kristan
KI5VVT

Sent with [Proton Mail](https://proton.me/) secure email.

On Sunday, March 10th, 2024 at 11:17 AM, John Stevens via BVARC 
 wrote:

> GM all,
>
> This is an outstanding article from Kristan and hits everything you need to 
> know to improve your
> home networks! Before you throw out your old CAT5e cable though, it is worth 
> noting it can run up to 1 Gbps at 330 feet, but you are pushing it to the 
> limit. Shorten that distance a bit and you should be good. Even at 330 feet 
> the speed will be substantially better than 100 Mbps if you do not make the 1 
> Gbps. Plain CAT5, as Kristan says, is not going to get you that kind of 
> performance, so out it goes unless you are happy with the 100 Mbps.
>
> As a final thought, don't forget about 1 Gbps network switches. They are very 
> inexpensive and can be used as line amplifiers (repeaters) for long cable 
> runs beyond 330'. Plug it in at the end of a run, then add the next run of 
> CATx from the switch to your destination.
>
> Happy networking and thanks a zillion to Kristen. Dang nice piece of work 
> well explained!
>
> 73 John K5JS
>
> On Sun, Mar 10, 2024 at 9:12 AM gshockxcc via BVARC  wrote:
>
>> Ron,
>> Xfinity provides a link where you can check if your device is "approved" for 
>> use with Xfinity internet. That just means that they tested it and confirmed 
>> that it works.
>>
>> https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/list-of-approved-cable-modems
>>
>> Click on "My Device Info" to check specific devices. Some may recommend 
>> Amazon, but I would start with figuring out what you need and can handle, 
>> versus what you want.
>>
>> Because you asked about replacing the Xfinity router, I'm making an 
>> assumption that Xfinity has provided you with a combination cable modem and 
>> router. If this is not correct, then you may disagree with my statements 
>> below, they may not make sense, or I may be off base entirely.
>>
>> That said...
>> I learned the hard way.
>>
>> - With Xfinity, you're not buying a router. You're buying a Cable Modem. 
>> Keep that in mind, because you need two devices, unless you get a combo 
>> cable modem and router, and usually you only get that from Xfinity.
>> - Your cable modem needs to handle as much bandwidth as Xfinity can provide, 
>> unless you don't care and you're buying a modem based on price or 
>> reliability, and not on bandwidth. With a cable modem like Arris, for 
>> example, you get (typically) a single Ethernet output. That connects to the 
>> input of your router, e.g. Asus, Arris, Netgear, etc.
>> - If either the cable modem or router handle lower speeds than what Xfinity 
>> is sending to the house, the lowest speed device will be your bottleneck, 
>> and that will set your max upload/download speed.
>> - If you do like I did, and grab any old CAT5 cable from the cable modem to 
>> the router, you may also limit your speed, because older CAT5 cables are not 
>> rated for 1Gbps like we have available today. Typically, CAT5 can only 
>> handle 100Mbps.
>> - If you take the output from the router, and feed it to a network switch 
>> that provides Ethernet in other rooms throughout the house, the speeds at 
>> those jacks will be limited to whatever each specific Ethernet cable can 
>> handle.
>>
>> In my case, I have older CAT5 everywhere (circa 2011 - 2012). The house was 
>> wired that way. I upgraded to AT fiber, which has been fine. But the CAT5 
>> can't handle that bandwidth. So I'm limited to about 100Mbps at an Ethernet 
>> jack, but my WiFi speed is 450+ Mbps. I can get 1G from the AT 
>> modem/router if I directly connect an Ethernet cable to the back of it. So, 
>> if you have high speed internet, when you bring that into the house and to 
>> the back of the modem, the actual speed you will get will depend on how you 
>> want to connect your devices from there. If Xfinity can only provide 500 
>> Mbps to your location and you get a 1G cable modem and router, you won't get 
>> 1G. Likewise, if you have 1G coming to the house, and you want to go from 
>> the cable modem to a router that feeds Ethernet jacks throughout the house, 
>> the speed you will get will be limited by the Ethernet cable you run (or 
>> that's already installed) and the router you're using.
>>
>> In my case, I have an AT fiber modem, which they provide, but I can also 
>> use it as a router. I choose not to, and I connected an ASUS router so that 
>> I can administer the network the way I want. From the ASUS router, I ran a 
>> CAT6e Ethernet cable in my office to my main computer so that I get 1Gbps 
>> (+/-), and I ran another Ethernet from the ASUS router to the network 
>> switch. The house was already wired so my speed to the Network switch is 
>> limited to about 100+Mbps, even though the switch itself can handle more, 

Re: [BVARC] Routere

[John Holmes via BVARC]

Don’t confuse the CAT5 maximum frequency 100Mhz  with the maximum throughput 
which is up to 1000BASE-T  which is more than capable of 1 gigabyte when all 4 
pairs  are connected. That said I use CAT8 on my system because the difference 
in price is minimal

73 John W Holmes K4VMG


From: BVARC  on behalf of gshockxcc via BVARC 

Sent: Sunday, March 10, 2024 9:11:17 AM
To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB 
Cc: gshockxcc ; ron.l...@gmail.com 
Subject: Re: [BVARC] Routere

Ron,
 Xfinity provides a link where you can check if your device is "approved" 
for use with Xfinity internet.  That just means that they tested it and 
confirmed that it works.

https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/list-of-approved-cable-modems

Click on "My Device Info" to check specific devices.  Some may recommend 
Amazon, but I would start with figuring out what you need and can handle, 
versus what you want.

Because you asked about replacing the Xfinity router, I'm making an assumption 
that Xfinity has provided you with a combination cable modem and router.  If 
this is not correct, then you may disagree with my statements below, they may 
not make sense, or I may be off base entirely.

That said...
I learned the hard way.

  1.  With Xfinity, you're not buying a router.  You're buying a Cable Modem.  
Keep that in mind, because you need two devices, unless you get a combo cable 
modem and router, and usually you only get that from Xfinity.
  2.  Your cable modem needs to handle as much bandwidth as Xfinity can 
provide, unless you don't care and you're buying a modem based on price or 
reliability, and not on bandwidth. With a cable modem like Arris, for example, 
you get (typically) a single Ethernet output.  That connects to the input of 
your router, e.g. Asus, Arris, Netgear, etc.
  3.  If either the cable modem or router handle lower speeds than what Xfinity 
is sending to the house, the lowest speed device will be your bottleneck, and 
that will set your max upload/download speed.
  4.  If you do like I did, and grab any old CAT5 cable from the cable modem to 
the router, you may also limit your speed, because older CAT5 cables are not 
rated for 1Gbps like we have available today.  Typically, CAT5 can only handle 
100Mbps.
  5.  If you take the output from the router, and feed it to a network switch 
that provides Ethernet in other rooms throughout the house, the speeds at those 
jacks will be limited to whatever each specific Ethernet cable can handle.

In my case, I have older CAT5 everywhere (circa 2011 - 2012).  The house was 
wired that way.  I upgraded to AT fiber, which has been fine.  But the CAT5 
can't handle that bandwidth.  So I'm limited to about 100Mbps at an Ethernet 
jack, but my WiFi speed is 450+ Mbps.  I can get 1G from the AT modem/router 
if I directly connect an Ethernet cable to the back of it.  So, if you have 
high speed internet, when you bring that into the house and to the back of the 
modem, the actual speed you will get will depend on how you want to connect 
your devices from there.  If Xfinity can only provide 500 Mbps to your location 
and you get a 1G cable modem and router, you won't get 1G.  Likewise, if you 
have 1G coming to the house, and you want to go from the cable modem to a 
router that feeds Ethernet jacks throughout the house, the speed you will get 
will be limited by the Ethernet cable you run (or that's already installed) and 
the router you're using.

In my case, I have an AT fiber modem, which they provide, but I can also use 
it as a router.  I choose not to, and I connected an ASUS router so that I can 
administer the network the way I want.  From the ASUS router, I ran a CAT6e 
Ethernet cable in my office to my main computer so that I get 1Gbps (+/-), and 
I ran another Ethernet from the ASUS router to the network switch.  The house 
was already wired so my speed to the Network switch is limited to about 
100+Mbps, even though the switch itself can handle more, the CAT5 cable coming 
to it is the bottleneck, like I mentioned before.  But this is still plenty 
fast enough for streaming video (Roku, etc).  Most of the remaining devices are 
on the WiFi from my office router.  Because of obstructions in the house, I 
have a second router that is connected via the same slow speed Ethernet jack I 
mentioned before.  The second router itself can handle 1Gbps also, but the WiFi 
is only as fast as the Ethernet feeding the router, so I typically get about 
the same 100+ Mbps from that one.  But, for my needs, I'm mostly using it to 
run WiFi cameras, iPads, Laptops, etc.  So I don't need the bandwidth, and I 
wouldn't spend the money on a highspeed router for that purpose.  Although, I'm 
using one just because I happen to have it.  I didn't buy it because I needed 
the bandwidth for those devices.  I probably could have used WiFi repeaters 
instead, but with the angles in my house, I would need several.  So I just used 
a spare modem I 

Re: [BVARC] Routere

[John Stevens via BVARC]

GM all,

This is an outstanding article from Kristan and hits everything you need to
know to improve your
home networks!  Before you throw out your old CAT5e cable though, it is
worth noting it can run up to 1 Gbps at 330 feet, but you are pushing it
to the limit.  Shorten that distance a bit and you should be good.  Even at
330 feet the speed will be substantially better than 100 Mbps if you do not
make the 1 Gbps.  Plain CAT5, as Kristan says, is not going to get you that
kind of performance, so out it goes unless you are happy with the 100
Mbps.

As a final thought, don't forget about 1 Gbps network switches.  They are
very inexpensive and can be used as line amplifiers (repeaters) for long
cable runs beyond 330'.  Plug it in at the end of a run, then add the next
run of CATx from the switch to your destination.

Happy networking and thanks a zillion to Kristen.  Dang nice piece of work
well explained!

73 John K5JS

On Sun, Mar 10, 2024 at 9:12 AM gshockxcc via BVARC  wrote:

> Ron,
>  Xfinity provides a link where you can check if your device is
> "approved" for use with Xfinity internet.  That just means that they tested
> it and confirmed that it works.
>
> https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/list-of-approved-cable-modems
>
> Click on "My Device Info" to check specific devices.  Some may recommend
> Amazon, but I would start with figuring out what you need and can handle,
> versus what you want.
>
> Because you asked about replacing the Xfinity router, I'm making an
> assumption that Xfinity has provided you with a combination cable modem and
> router.  If this is not correct, then you may disagree with my statements
> below, they may not make sense, or I may be off base entirely.
>
> That said...
> I learned the hard way.
>
>1. With Xfinity, you're not buying a router.  You're buying a Cable
>Modem.  Keep that in mind, because you need two devices, unless you get a
>combo cable modem and router, and usually you only get that from Xfinity.
>2. Your cable modem needs to handle as much bandwidth as Xfinity can
>provide, unless you don't care and you're buying a modem based on price or
>reliability, and not on bandwidth. With a cable modem like Arris, for
>example, you get (typically) a single Ethernet output.  That connects to
>the input of your router, e.g. Asus, Arris, Netgear, etc.
>3. If either the cable modem or router handle lower speeds than what
>Xfinity is sending to the house, the lowest speed device will be your
>bottleneck, and that will set your max upload/download speed.
>4. If you do like I did, and grab any old CAT5 cable from the cable
>modem to the router, you may also limit your speed, because older CAT5
>cables are not rated for 1Gbps like we have available today.  Typically,
>CAT5 can only handle 100Mbps.
>5. If you take the output from the router, and feed it to a network
>switch that provides Ethernet in other rooms throughout the house, the
>speeds at those jacks will be limited to whatever each specific Ethernet
>cable can handle.
>
>
> In my case, I have older CAT5 everywhere (circa 2011 - 2012).  The house
> was wired that way.  I upgraded to AT fiber, which has been fine.  But
> the CAT5 can't handle that bandwidth.  So I'm limited to about 100Mbps at
> an Ethernet jack, but my WiFi speed is 450+ Mbps.  I can get 1G from the
> AT modem/router if I directly connect an Ethernet cable to the back of
> it.  So, if you have high speed internet, when you bring that into the
> house and to the back of the modem, the actual speed you will get will
> depend on how you want to connect your devices from there.  If Xfinity can
> only provide 500 Mbps to your location and you get a 1G cable modem and
> router, you won't get 1G.  Likewise, if you have 1G coming to the house,
> and you want to go from the cable modem to a router that feeds Ethernet
> jacks throughout the house, the speed you will get will be limited by the
> Ethernet cable you run (or that's already installed) and the router you're
> using.
>
> In my case, I have an AT fiber modem, which they provide, but I can also
> use it as a router.  I choose not to, and I connected an ASUS router so
> that I can administer the network the way I want.  From the ASUS router, I
> ran a CAT6e Ethernet cable in my office to my main computer so that I get
> 1Gbps (+/-), and I ran another Ethernet from the ASUS router to the network
> switch.  The house was already wired so my speed to the Network switch is
> limited to about 100+Mbps, even though the switch itself can handle more,
> the CAT5 cable coming to it is the bottleneck, like I mentioned before.
> But this is still plenty fast enough for streaming video (Roku, etc).  Most
> of the remaining devices are on the WiFi from my office router.  Because of
> obstructions in the house, I have a second router that is connected via the
> same slow speed Ethernet jack I mentioned before.  The second router 

Re: [BVARC] Routere

[gshockxcc via BVARC]

Ron,
Xfinity provides a link where you can check if your device is "approved" for 
use with Xfinity internet. That just means that they tested it and confirmed 
that it works.

https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/list-of-approved-cable-modems

Click on "My Device Info" to check specific devices. Some may recommend Amazon, 
but I would start with figuring out what you need and can handle, versus what 
you want.

Because you asked about replacing the Xfinity router, I'm making an assumption 
that Xfinity has provided you with a combination cable modem and router. If 
this is not correct, then you may disagree with my statements below, they may 
not make sense, or I may be off base entirely.

That said...
I learned the hard way.

- With Xfinity, you're not buying a router. You're buying a Cable Modem. Keep 
that in mind, because you need two devices, unless you get a combo cable modem 
and router, and usually you only get that from Xfinity.
- Your cable modem needs to handle as much bandwidth as Xfinity can provide, 
unless you don't care and you're buying a modem based on price or reliability, 
and not on bandwidth. With a cable modem like Arris, for example, you get 
(typically) a single Ethernet output. That connects to the input of your 
router, e.g. Asus, Arris, Netgear, etc.
- If either the cable modem or router handle lower speeds than what Xfinity is 
sending to the house, the lowest speed device will be your bottleneck, and that 
will set your max upload/download speed.
- If you do like I did, and grab any old CAT5 cable from the cable modem to the 
router, you may also limit your speed, because older CAT5 cables are not rated 
for 1Gbps like we have available today. Typically, CAT5 can only handle 100Mbps.
- If you take the output from the router, and feed it to a network switch that 
provides Ethernet in other rooms throughout the house, the speeds at those 
jacks will be limited to whatever each specific Ethernet cable can handle.

In my case, I have older CAT5 everywhere (circa 2011 - 2012). The house was 
wired that way. I upgraded to AT fiber, which has been fine. But the CAT5 
can't handle that bandwidth. So I'm limited to about 100Mbps at an Ethernet 
jack, but my WiFi speed is 450+ Mbps. I can get 1G from the AT modem/router 
if I directly connect an Ethernet cable to the back of it. So, if you have high 
speed internet, when you bring that into the house and to the back of the 
modem, the actual speed you will get will depend on how you want to connect 
your devices from there. If Xfinity can only provide 500 Mbps to your location 
and you get a 1G cable modem and router, you won't get 1G. Likewise, if you 
have 1G coming to the house, and you want to go from the cable modem to a 
router that feeds Ethernet jacks throughout the house, the speed you will get 
will be limited by the Ethernet cable you run (or that's already installed) and 
the router you're using.

In my case, I have an AT fiber modem, which they provide, but I can also use 
it as a router. I choose not to, and I connected an ASUS router so that I can 
administer the network the way I want. From the ASUS router, I ran a CAT6e 
Ethernet cable in my office to my main computer so that I get 1Gbps (+/-), and 
I ran another Ethernet from the ASUS router to the network switch. The house 
was already wired so my speed to the Network switch is limited to about 
100+Mbps, even though the switch itself can handle more, the CAT5 cable coming 
to it is the bottleneck, like I mentioned before. But this is still plenty fast 
enough for streaming video (Roku, etc). Most of the remaining devices are on 
the WiFi from my office router. Because of obstructions in the house, I have a 
second router that is connected via the same slow speed Ethernet jack I 
mentioned before. The second router itself can handle 1Gbps also, but the WiFi 
is only as fast as the Ethernet feeding the router, so I typically get about 
the same 100+ Mbps from that one. But, for my needs, I'm mostly using it to run 
WiFi cameras, iPads, Laptops, etc. So I don't need the bandwidth, and I 
wouldn't spend the money on a highspeed router for that purpose. Although, I'm 
using one just because I happen to have it. I didn't buy it because I needed 
the bandwidth for those devices. I probably could have used WiFi repeaters 
instead, but with the angles in my house, I would need several. So I just used 
a spare modem I happen to have and stuck with the slow CAT5 cable that is 
already in the house.

A note on cables, too. There's CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6, CAT6e, and CAT6A. CAT6e is an 
enhanced version of CAT6, but there's no actual standard for it in the 
Telecommunications Industry Association. But, it can handle speeds up to 1Gbps. 
When you get ready to start connecting devices, or however you want to set up 
your network, you'll need to be aware of each piece in the chain, because that 
could be your bandwidth-limiting connection.

Probably way more than you wanted to know, 

Re: [BVARC] Coax Cable Connector Weatherproofing

[Donovan Balli via BVARC]

Definitely useful.

Keep in mind which connections are stiff and which need to be flexible.
Strain relief makes connections last much longer, as does pretty much
any mechanical support.

Self-fusing tape will need to be cut off carefully, and it can squeeze
into crevices. I sometimes use a release layer of plumbing-style teflon
tape to avoid that, then the sticky part of whatever you're sealing with
extends past the teflon tape.

Properly sized and heated adhesive-lined shrink tubing is a pretty
reliable seal, pretty rigid and practically permanent unless you really
really really need to cut those connectors back out. Urethane is permanent.

Trapping moisture into the connection before sealing can ruin your seal,
or your connector, or your connection.

Donovan Balli
KG5BDZ


On 3/9/2024 8:49 PM, Rick Hiller via BVARC wrote:

Connector Weatherproofing: Everyone Has an Opinion  Gary NA6O

Check this attached article out.  XLNT stuff.

73..Rick W5RH
--
Rick Hiller
*/e-mail: rickhille...@gmail.com/*
*/Cell/VM/Text:  832-474-3713/*
*/Physical: 9031 Troulon Drive/*
*/               Houston, TX 77036/*


Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
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http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
Publicly available archives are available 
here:https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/

Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club

BVARC mailing list
BVARC@bvarc.org
http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org
Publicly available archives are available here: 
https://www.mail-archive.com/bvarc@bvarc.org/