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Difference between types of wires:

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I'm trying to implement a little network, we're changing offices.

When I ty to purchase the wire to do so, they tell me there are at least two types.

I want to know:

1. What is the difference between UTEP Level 3 wire and another which is level 5.

2. Which is the best option to connect a small office (8 pc's at most).

3. Is there any other option available which suits me best and why?

I hate to say this but it's urgent!!!

7 replies

by rlardinois

1. Category 3 UTP cabling is often used for wiring phones and is limited to 10Megabit per second or 10BaseT. Category 5 UTP cabling is a much better alternative and will allow you to run 100Megabit per second or 100BaseTX FastEthernet.

2. Category 5 cabling is probably one of your best options. You should be able to purchase an 16 port 100BaseTX switch to connect everything for about $400 (in case you want to add more PCs later).

3. Depending on your environment and the layout of the new offices, wireless may be an advantage. However, wireless typicals operates at slower 10BaseT speeds. Other cabling that is available includes catergory 5e and category 6. These cables allow even more bandwidth and could allow you to run gigabitethernet in the future but that remains to be seen.

by arwjnplanotx

Use UTP Catagory 5 or Cat5. Cat5 exceeds the current network requirements. Cat3 may work but it will not be as reliable.

Good luck,

Al

by arwjnplanotx

Use UTP Catagory 5 or Cat5. Cat5 exceeds the current network requirements. Cat3 may work but it will not be as reliable.

Good luck,

Al

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