Cable Length

13-01-2008, 15:48

Was'nt sure which forum to post this as it's about networking and internet services so had to choose one - feel free to move it if you think it's in the wrong forum!

Right - Correct me if I'm wrong but adding a long RJ11 - RJ11 cable to connect a ADSL modem to a BT socket is not a good idea right?

I'm talking 15m or so - or would that not make any difference in the grand scheme of things where your telephone line has been run for a mile plus from the exchange, so an extra 15m won't really make any difference would it?

Or would it be a good idea to put the ADSL modem / router as close to the incoming BT connection as possible and then run Ethernet cable as that can go 100m without a repeater or whatever.

Opinions please!

Graham M · 13-01-2008, 15:57

Well the signal has probably made it 1km or more from your exchange, i can't see adding a GOOD QUALITY length of PROPERLY TERMINATED cable causing any problems unless you are really on the blades edge of signal levels.

SOSAGES · 13-01-2008, 16:51

dont coil any fo it up adsl really hates that

Graham M · 13-01-2008, 18:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by SOSAGES

dont coil any fo it up adsl really hates that

Probably due to induction, that'll happen with any cable carrying voltage.

13-01-2008, 19:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeph

Well the signal has probably made it 1km or more from your exchange, i can't see adding a GOOD QUALITY length of PROPERLY TERMINATED cable causing any problems unless you are really on the blades edge of signal levels.

Indeed - I've currently got one of these cabled hooked up, but I might need to replace it when I move house soon - hence the question!

Also got these Microfilters...

So I suppose the real question is - short ADSL cable and run Ethernet to the room containing PC's etc or just run a long length ADSL cable to where the PC's are going to be and just hook up short patch cables.

Decisions, decisions!

Paul K · 13-01-2008, 19:24

For the sake of having to explain what you have done to a T1 if you ever have to call for tech support I would strongly suggest you keep the router as close to the socket as possible and run ethernet if needed.
You could run ethernet terminated as a telephone cable though if you knew what you were doing but if asked tell them you are plugged into the socket (well in theory you are) and that you are not using any telephone extension cables.

13-01-2008, 19:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul

For the sake of having to explain what you have done to a T1 if you ever have to call for tech support I would strongly suggest you keep the router as close to the socket as possible and run ethernet if needed.
You could run ethernet terminated as a telephone cable though if you knew what you were doing but if asked tell them you are plugged into the socket (well in theory you are) and that you are not using any telephone extension cables.

Cheers Paul...another vote for running Ethernet uh?

Actually - that brings up another question....anybody here ran Ethernet (or any type of cabling into dry / plasterboard wall cavities?

How exactly do you get the cable down the inside of a wall and pull it out of a hole?!!

Paul K · 13-01-2008, 19:45

Normally you "fish" it out with a hooked device (or just use a coathanger) via a small hole. How easy the run is will depend on what else is in the cavity.
Running ethernet is better than running telephone cable by a mile and the only thing close to it is the specialist ADSL cable.
Believe me, if you call most ADSL TS lines the first thing they will ask is "are you plugged into the main socket?"
Second thing they ask is "are you using any telephone extensions?"
answer yes to either and prepare to move things lol

13-01-2008, 19:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul

Normally you "fish" it out with a hooked device (or just use a coathanger) via a small hole. How easy the run is will depend on what else is in the cavity.
Running ethernet is better than running telephone cable by a mile and the only thing close to it is the specialist ADSL cable.
Believe me, if you call most ADSL TS lines the first thing they will ask is "are you plugged into the main socket?"
Second thing they ask is "are you using any telephone extensions?"
answer yes to either and prepare to move things lol

Just read some stuff about fish tape - looks like some flexible wire type stuff...

I think I'm going to shove the router as close the BT line and run Ethernet to a 100Mb switch.

Graham M · 13-01-2008, 19:51

Probably the most sensible move

13-01-2008, 19:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeph

Probably the most sensible move

Don't really want to have a ADSL modem in the kitchen though!!!

Wicked_and_Crazy · 13-01-2008, 20:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeph

Probably due to induction, that'll happen with any cable carrying voltage.

current not voltage

Stig · 13-01-2008, 20:17

As well as my virgin 20mb we have SKY ADSL upto 8mb and run a long RJ11 - RJ11 cable to connect modem to a BT socket. We get a constant 6-7mb (I know... V Lucky) with no problems.

It is exactly the same even with a shorter RJ11 - RJ11 cable.

I guess if you use quality cable/sockets/plugs the difference is negligible and a long cable would only make a difference if things were on the flaky side anyway.

13-01-2008, 20:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stig

...and run a long RJ11 - RJ11 cable to connect modem to a BT socket.

How long is the cable?

Stig · 13-01-2008, 20:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by LSainsbury

How long is the cable?

Well the BT socket is in the hallway and it goes like this.

Hallway > Front room via normal DIY extension (RJ45 to socket??) approx 15 meters

This is where the phone & first SKY box are connected.

Front room > Back room about 20 meters via normal DIY extension (RJ45??)

This is where the second Sky box connects.

Then about 10 meters of RJ11 - RJ11 to the SKY ADSL modem.