Runing Network Cable Under the House

audiobliss

Ok, as the title says, I'm trying to run my network cable under the house. I bought 50' of Dynex cable from BB to hook my computer to the router that's just on the other side of the wall. I'm planning on running from the router to the corner of the room where the TV cable comes up, then go to the corner of my room where the TV cable comes up, and then to my computer.

Now, here's my problem. As I sit here on the floor looking at this hole in the floor where the TV cable is coming up, there is NO way the hole is big enough for the RJ45 connector to get through it. So what can I do, short of using a drill (as I don't have one), to widen the hole so as to get the network cable through?

I'd appreciate any responses, especially prompt responses, as I'm trying to do this now.

Thanks!!

avelanchefan

Well is the hole big enough for the cable? If so just go to BB/CC or your local CPU store, buy a crimping tool, and some new rj-45 connectors, after you run the wire just crimp on a new jack.

The wires are small but I was able to do it myself a few months ago. Here is the wiring diagram... RJ-45

I used diagram T-568B.

audiobliss

Hmm..I don't really wanna do that. I'll try to think of some way to widen the hole. If I can't come up with something (I'm already going to BB today anyways), I may look for some crimping stuff and such.

Thanks!

dorokusai

Home Depot and Lowes have crimping tools as well.

The color coding is to set a standard, but it's not exactly neccesary. Just make sure the same colors are going to the same pins on each end....if you look at the top of the crimp on both cables....they should look the same.

Invest in crimping tool, especially one with removeable dies....it's always something handy to have around. Ideal makes a very nice crimper.

McLoki

while cutting off the end, running the wire, and crimping on a new end is the correct way to do it - you do have other options.

Drill a bigger hole. Run the wire. Purchase a face plate from Lowes (or hardware store of your choice) to cover the giant hole you just made in the wall.

I would still recommend putting on a new end though.

Michael

audiobliss

Thanks, guys. I'm still going to see if I can't widen this hole some - without breaking my knife or anything.

Thanks for the help!

Strong Bad

Why not go wireless?


John

billbillw

Buy a drill dude! A drill is one of the most basic and essential tools to have as a home owner. I use my cordless drill at least once a month. They can be had for $30 at Sears, HomeDepot, Lowes, or Walmart (as long as you stick with a basic one). You'd be hard pressed to find a decent crimper for much less.

mantis

Under the house meaning there is space or a crawl space? I'm not understanding this.

It is completely nessary to terminate the ends correctly. If you have no experience, I suggest finding someone that does. Don't run premade cables, The lengths will never be exaclty what you need.

Do you have an attic? Why can't the wires go there and but in network plates???Run the wires inside the walls. This is your home correct? Why not hire a professional and have em run the wires and Install network plates for you? Do it once and have it done right. If you decide to do it yourself, don't use any sharpe bends. This will restrict the cable and limit your bandwidth.

network configuration for RJ45 is 568A. Thats the standard. If you go 568B, then the entire network needs to be 568B. Most patch cables you buy premade are 568A. My network is 568A.

I also agree with the Wireless suggestion. I use Wired and wireless in my network. I love the wireless.

Dan

dorokusai

As long as each end is terminated the SAME, it doesn't matter in regards to functionality. I would suggest you use an industry standard if you are a novice, which has been provided for you previously.

Don't worry about sharp bends unless your folding it on itself and using a compression crimp at the bend. CAT5 etc. is very durable and multi-jacketed.

audiobliss

Ok, hopefully I can clarify some things here. This is for my desktop that currently has a LinkSys PCI-slot wireless adapter installed in it. However, it loses it's connection not infrequently (about once every two weeks, and when it first loses the connection, you have to restart it or repair it which usually doesn't work). Anyhoo, I know I could probably change some setting with the wireless adapter and make it work, but I'd rather just be wired and not worry with it anyways; that's what I wanted to do originally.

I bought 50' of Dynex CAT6 cable from Best Buy, so that's what I'm using. (I'm very impressed with this cable. I have about 8' or so of Belkin cable that is very stiff and hard to work with; this Dynex stuff is very soft and pliable feeling (relatively speaking, of course).)

About the 'not having a drill' issue. I'm in highschool - thus at home. My dad has a *VERY* nice Makita cordless drill (from a few years back when they still made them well) that I could probably use. I just don't want to have to go to that much trouble of drilling and drilling and hopefully not drilling through the TV cable that's coming out of this hole.

As for going through the walls or the attic - NO. This is going to be relatively temporary, I'd say, as I'm a junior in HS and this is my computer. And, the crawlspace under the house (at least under these two rooms) is almost tall enough for me to stand up in. So under the house this is going.

As for making my own cables: I don't wanna do that. I'm not gonna spend $30 on a crimping tool to use just this once (and yes, I'm sure this is the only time I'd use it for at least quite a few years).

Could I just use a small drill bit and make small little holes right around the large one to weaken the wood and then knock the weakened area off? How should I go about using a drill to enlarge the holes?

Thanks for all the input everybody!

billbillw

Take the TV cable and pull it back into the crawlspace and out of the way. Use the drill to slightly enlarge the hole. Put the CAT 5 thorugh 1st. Then fish the cable back through.

audiobliss

I was afraid that would be the best way to go. The hole in my room is VERY accessible; the one in the room with the router is VERY NOT accessible. I will have to move a table with tons of junk and a TV on it to get to it. Didn't wanna hafta do that...:(

EDIT: And it's CAT6 cable.