ᐅ Category 7 network cable running underground from the main house to the extension
Created on: 16 Oct 2020 13:58
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David90
Hello!
We want to set up a network for an extension that is currently being renovated.
At the moment, there is nothing there.
In the main house next door, there is only a Fritzbox so far.
My question is, how to best route multiple duplex cables through a conduit about 5 meters (16 feet) long underground. (Length, not depth)
Also: how does the “connection” in the extension typically look, how do you enter the building from the conduit, etc., maybe someone has experience with this.
In the extension, the cables should be distributed to 3 rooms, with 2 dual network outlets each. So, we are talking about 6 Cat 7 duplex cables.
Can the electrician install the network outlets right next to the power outlets? Joint installation of network and electrical cables is allowed.
I feel confident handling the patch panel setup, connecting the switch (in the main house by the Fritzbox), etc., myself. Although dividing the switch (main house) and patch panel (extension) would be an option—since that would mean running only one cable into the yard—I actually prefer not to do that because of data throughput and to keep everything centralized.
I look forward to your ideas and constructive contributions!
We want to set up a network for an extension that is currently being renovated.
At the moment, there is nothing there.
In the main house next door, there is only a Fritzbox so far.
My question is, how to best route multiple duplex cables through a conduit about 5 meters (16 feet) long underground. (Length, not depth)
Also: how does the “connection” in the extension typically look, how do you enter the building from the conduit, etc., maybe someone has experience with this.
In the extension, the cables should be distributed to 3 rooms, with 2 dual network outlets each. So, we are talking about 6 Cat 7 duplex cables.
Can the electrician install the network outlets right next to the power outlets? Joint installation of network and electrical cables is allowed.
I feel confident handling the patch panel setup, connecting the switch (in the main house by the Fritzbox), etc., myself. Although dividing the switch (main house) and patch panel (extension) would be an option—since that would mean running only one cable into the yard—I actually prefer not to do that because of data throughput and to keep everything centralized.
I look forward to your ideas and constructive contributions!
FloHB123 schrieb:
How can anyone seriously recommend connecting switches with fiber optic cables to a layperson? In the unlikely event of a lightning strike, there is homeowner’s insurance anyway. This is not the first time that an end user who doesn’t know much about the subject (no offense intended) is being offered totally oversized solutions.
@David90 run power and CAT7 cables in two separate conduits, and that’s all you need. You have THEORETICALLY 10 Gbps per port, which you will never actually reach in practice because your devices don’t support those speeds. This means a single cable is more than enough in your case. Based on your post, I don’t assume you’re planning to install a BitTorrent server farm in your extension, so even with this single cable, everything is future-proof.
You will need:
On the main house side:
Fritzbox
Switch with enough ports for the connections in the main house plus one port for the linking cable
Patch panel with enough ports for the connections in the main house plus one port for the linking cable
For the connection:
x meters of CAT7 S/FTP installation cable (not “regular” CAT7 cable)
x meters of conduit (also called corrugated conduit or flexible conduit – I’ve personally had very good experience with “Fränkische”)
On the extension side:
Patch panel with enough ports for the connections in the extension (number of ports * number of rooms) (don’t forget the Wi-Fi access point) plus one port for the linking cable
Switch with enough ports for the connections in the extension plus one port for the linking cable
Anything else is absolute nonsense for a normal private user and only makes the project unnecessarily complicated. This starts with the minimum bending radius of fiber optic cable, covers the different connectors and cables, and ends with configuring the switches.
untergasse4317 Oct 2020 08:16K1300S schrieb:
I'm not giving advice, I'm just sharing that *I* would consider it. And honestly, I don’t see how fiber optic cabling is more complicated than copper cable. Anyone confident enough to install Cat-whatever cables will definitely be able to handle this as well.Thanks. Maybe Ben-man can tell us what special configuration he thinks is necessary on a switch when using a media converter instead of a regular patch cable, or connecting directly (if the switch supports it) via SFP to the appropriate fiber optic cable?You do need to be careful about the bending radius, that’s true.
This isn’t about using a sledgehammer to crack a nut, but about avoiding easily preventable mistakes with minimal effort. Of course, we’re all adults here, so no one is forced to follow recommendations.
untergasse43 schrieb:
Thank you. Maybe Ben-man can tell us what special configuration he thinks is necessary on a switch when using a media converter instead of a standard patch cable, or connecting directly via SFP to the appropriate fiber optic cable (if the switch supports it)?
You do have to be careful about the bending radius, that’s true.
This isn’t about overkill, but about easily avoidable mistakes with very little effort. But we’re all adults here, so no one is forced to follow recommendations.That’s where it starts. Which switch, which ports, which SFPs, which cables? Of course, that means extra effort for anyone not familiar with the topic. It’s exactly what it is: using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Setting aside any cost comparison for now.Just answer one question:
What added value does fiber optic offer in this case compared to copper?
untergasse43 schrieb:
What if I use a media converter instead of a regular patch cable, or connect directly via SFP to the appropriate fiber optic, if the switch supports it? And why on earth would you do that? Just to be able to say "hey, I have fiber installed at home" and at the same time introduce an adapter as a potential point of failure in the network? That doesn’t really make it easier for a non-expert. What advantage does that have compared to simply skipping the adapter and using copper?
untergasse43 schrieb:
It's to avoid easily preventable errors with very little effort. You’re contradicting yourself.
untergasse4317 Oct 2020 09:42Oh dear. Advantage: No issues with possible lightning strikes or potential differences. Sure, there is home contents insurance, but why should I go through the trouble of redoing everything when I can prevent it with little effort (yes!)? Ultimately, my time also costs money.
Otherwise, I really don’t feel like playing the missionary here any longer. Just because someone shouts loudly doesn’t mean they are right.
Regarding simplicity: The majority of self-builders who deal with the topic at least somewhat seriously and go beyond a basic router with a repeater often end up with Ubiquiti. Then you just google for 1-2 minutes and find the suitable fiber optic cable in the Ubiquiti shop. Other than that, there’s nothing else to do except burying the equipment intact underground. Absolutely impossible task. Not.
Whatever problem you have with the idea of “fiber optic,” I’m out of here.
Otherwise, I really don’t feel like playing the missionary here any longer. Just because someone shouts loudly doesn’t mean they are right.
Regarding simplicity: The majority of self-builders who deal with the topic at least somewhat seriously and go beyond a basic router with a repeater often end up with Ubiquiti. Then you just google for 1-2 minutes and find the suitable fiber optic cable in the Ubiquiti shop. Other than that, there’s nothing else to do except burying the equipment intact underground. Absolutely impossible task. Not.
Ben-man schrieb:No. There are countless things in house construction that are much more complicated and require significantly more thinking and decision-making effort; compared to those, this is a ridiculously minor issue.
You contradict yourself
Whatever problem you have with the idea of “fiber optic,” I’m out of here.
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