Network cable versus telephone cable for an extension

[Turkey Machine]

Due to where the master socket in our house is located, and the unwillingness of the owners of the house to request a BT engineer to upgrade the installation so the master socket is relocated, we use an extension cord for our telephone and ADSL modem.

The problem is finding shielded extension cable with the BT connector on it. I came across the solution that using network cable, because it's shielded, is an effective extension cable. The only issue is, I don't know what adapter is needed to convert a BT plug/socket to a network plug/socket. Any takers out there to help me in the right direction?

[Ignitionnet]

Ah BT to RJ45?

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?moduleno=22940

Other way around

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?moduleno=24632

Or get a bit of DIY going with one of these which is probably more practical:

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?...C=SO&U=strat15

[Turkey Machine]

I have the coupler, I can get access to a RJ45 male to BT female converter that I think should be suitable (if not, they're cheap enough on eBay). I just need to find the BT male to RJ45 female, which is not so readily available.

Is the idea sound though? Cat5 cable has its merits, one being the fact it's designed to eliminate interference via twisted pairs shielding. I'm aware it doesn't eliminate all interference, and no shielding is perfect, but it's gotta be better than the current extension cord - 4 very thin wires all merged together to a flat cable with connectors on the end. My father said "that's a high quality extension cord". I daren't argue with him it isn't.

[Jon T]

Cat 5 is fine for phone signals. A lot of workplace buildings route their phone signals over cat5.

[Stuart]

Originally Posted by Jon T

Cat 5 is fine for phone signals. A lot of workplace buildings route their phone signals over cat5.

Although I suspect in that case it's because it's cheaper to maintain one network of cables rather than two..

[Jon T]

Originally Posted by Stuart C

Although I suspect in that case it's because it's cheaper to maintain one network of cables rather than two..

Yes, it also allows you to have all phone numbers terminating in the same place, disributing them then becomes a matter of jumping phone socket to cat5 patch panel.

Also, if the occupants of your building regulary swap ends of said building, it makes it a lot easier to swap numbers, simple re-patch, rather than waiting for the phone company to do it.


However, cat5 is fully specced out to carry voice calls, most phone grade cable is the equivelent of cat3.

[Turkey Machine]

Originally Posted by Stuart C

Although I suspect in that case it's because it's cheaper to maintain one network of cables rather than two..

Yeah, that's how it is at work. The place has network to BT converters around most of the desks. Only a small office mind, but makes sense.

I just want something that reduces the interference in the phone line and stops the ADSL line dropping out. This seems a logical move.

[Jon T]

Just found this: http://www.run-it-direct.co.uk/BTmal...converter.html

any good?

[Turkey Machine]

That was the one I was looking at. Is that suitable for a master socket then? I've no idea what the difference is between a master and a secondary converter.

[Jon T]

Originally Posted by Turkey Machine

That was the one I was looking at. Is that suitable for a master socket then? I've no idea what the difference is between a master and a secondary converter.

Yes it'll work with a master socket.

A master socket has a "ringing" capacitor, this generates the ringing signal and puts it on to a third wire, the telephone wiring from the exchange to you is only two wires, names A and B.