running network cable outside?

robertjp

SatelliteGuys Pro
Original poster
Oct 22, 2004
161
5
Upstate NY
Can flat network cable for streaming (Cat 5?) be run outside? If so since the ends dont come off, I guess you have to drill a pretty big hole to get the end through the wall? Am I missing something here? Thanks
 
I have a crimper and terminals for CAT 5. Not expensive to buy. I had my neighbor hooked to my LAN via a 100' run of CAT5 suspended overhead between the houses on a tight wire. No problems with it.
 
So which do I want for running the wire outside and for streaming? cat 5 or 6? Thanks
If I were running network cable I would go with Cat6. Standard Cat5 is only rated for 10/100Mbps. Cat5e is rated for gigabit ethernet @ 100MHz bandwidth. Cat6 is rated for 10 gigabit ethernet @ 250MHz bandwidth and has an internal separator to isolate the pairs. If you're doing it, might as well go with something "future friendly".
PS: You can get it in other lengths. The Amazon listing is just an example.:)
 
Cat5e is what you need. If you want it to be neat then you can get this for the outside of your home ...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lot-10-Sing...=US_Video_Cables_Adapters&hash=item2c8a3e2d66

and this for the inside of your home to put on the wall inside ...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HDMI-RCA-Mo...629?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item48593c654d

or

http://www.ebay.com/itm/5Pack-Cat5e...215?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3382f5126f

You might be able to get the entire ethernet wire end to feed through the coax opening then silicone around the excess opening around the ethernet cord for the outside through wall bushing.
 
OK thanks guys appreciate it.
You're welcome. Avoid using regular Cat cable outdoors if possible. Obtain outdoor rated/direct burial type as it is rated for sun/weather exposure. If your using regular Cat cable, you might consider running it in a small conduit to weather proof boxes at the exit/entry points to protect it from degradation from the sun/weather. Follow local codes to avoid issues with inspections, insurance claims (ie: lightning strike causing fire) later on. Good luck!
 
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A cheap "conduit" if you don't want to buy all the fittings and such to run cat thru conduit....buy some 1/2" CPVC and bury it about 2". Just keep in mind that any moisture that gets into an opening of the cat5/6 insulation is going to likely cause problems. So you want to silicone anything that's exposed...especially around ends. I haven't priced conduit lately so I'm not sure the price difference. A 10' piece of 1/2" PVC Sch40 is about 2 bucks each.
 
The indoor ethernet cable is found blue in color in most cases. Outdoor in many cases are black/grey. Sometimes they are found in other colors too though. The best kind of cable has gel inside.
 

Antennacraft U-8000

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