Networking cable dilemma

[_Bat_]

Hey all

 

Recently we had whiteboards/projectors installed in each classroom around the school. The people installing them pointed out that in the one classroom, the computer was at the other side of the room to where the projector and whiteboard were. There is obviously no way they could install extra long USB cables etc around the length of the classroom due to the distance. So they simply installed the projector connection point where it was suitable for them.

 

Unfortunately though, there is no access point for the network there, that remains at the back of the room as opposed to the front.

 

What would you all usually do in this situation? I guess my options are to either get a company in to move the access point or I could install an extra long patch cable.

 

I'm not very experienced in the physical layer of things... at least not practically anyway, but i'm very eager to learn.

 

If it is the latter, is it worth worrying about the length of the cable across the classroom. I realise that 100baseT has a maximum length of around 90 metres (obviously very excessive for what I need), but do I have to take into account the distance of the network point from the hub (hopefully soon to be upgraded to a switch)?

 

Also, is using a long patch cable considered to be solving a problem or "working around" a problem?

 

Cheers

[StewartKnight]

a good question! A long patch lead will work in all probability, it's doubtful that you're a rooms lenght too far.

 

Build a patch lead to the lenght you need, then try it on the computer

[StewartKnight]

and cat5 doesn't have a "maximum" lenght of 100mtrs as such, it just that the flow of electrons gradually drops off after 100mtrs

[Geoff]

Get it done properly and move the socket.

 

You can run a patch lead in the mean time but in my experience they tend to get:

 

a) vandelised.

b) stolen.

[SimpleSi]

The 100m limit is the total physical length of the run from hub/switch to computer.

 

So unless the socket is far from the hub and/or the room is very very big then you'd bormally be OK.

 

I tend to run long patch leads in these circumstances (when teacher has decided to rearrange desk position over the the hoildays) and tack it around skirting boards using 6mm cable clips.

 

And then when you next get a contractor in for a another job - ask them for a quote to move it properly (if necessary)

 

regards

 

Simon

[ChrisH]

Get it done properly and move the socket.

 

You can run a patch lead in the mean time but in my experience they tend to get:

 

a) vandelised.

b) stolen.

 

b)

Not if you staple then to the skirting board

[Geoff]

Sadly, yes, even if you do that.

[ChrisH]

Ah well if thats the case they will probably take the PC as well

[Geoff]

No. They seem to have a wire fetish here.

[Wizzer]

You could do it a bit more semi-permanently using a long patch cable inside some trunking rather than the cable being visible.

[webman]

We had a similar problem, teacher wanted whiteboard on the opposite end of the room to where the desk & network port used to be. What we did was run the cable up the wall inside some trunking and along the suspended ceiling to the other end of the room, works fine.

[Geoff]

You could do it a bit more semi-permanently using a long patch cable inside some trunking rather than the cable being visible.

 

You're half way to moving the port then. Might as well finish the job...

[Wizzer]

You could do it a bit more semi-permanently using a long patch cable inside some trunking rather than the cable being visible.

 

You're half way to moving the port then. Might as well finish the job...

 

I half agree, but then you have to tackle joining CAT5 cable and need the tools to punch the cable into the new socket.

[ChrisH]

You could do it a bit more semi-permanently using a long patch cable inside some trunking rather than the cable being visible.

 

You're half way to moving the port then. Might as well finish the job...

 

I half agree, but then you have to tackle joining CAT5 cable and need the tools to punch the cable into the new socket.

 

Which everyone should have in their tool kit anyways

[speckytecky]

I found good service and value from Cable Universe.

 

http://www.cableuniverse.co.uk/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=23&zenid=4f04e1ce26790ff01da6d6dd9b075bc1?gclid=CK3-6eKiwYcCFS1gMAodpW_jMQ

 

Easy to use and well built RJ45 cabling crimp tool for just under six quid.

[Joedetic]

Suspended ceiling is what we did most of the time when we were in that situation when we had to extend the cables. It's not that hard to do really, but you've got to make sure that you dont break any of the panels. If they're old they are usually damp and then crumble and the site manager gives you a b****cking for it!

[plexer]

I hope you properly supported those cables and didn't just throw them across the roofspace?

 

Ben

[webman]

but you've got to make sure that you dont break any of the panels.

 

Too right!! Push them up and move them over a few inches onto the neighbouring tile, the more you move them about the more chance of them breaking. Speaking from second-hand (thankfully) experience 8)

[peterday]

Looking at it from a slightly differing angle, but where is the hub/switch in relation to the socket?

 

If the existing cable runs across a false ceiling there may well be enough "spare" cable hidden to allow you to simply move the socket yourself without any need of disconnection

 

But just to re-iterate what ChrisH said, get yourself some tools anyway - there will ALWAYS be changes to rooms without any consideration to existing points (or is that just my school )

[crc-ict]

Get it done properly and move the socket.

 

You can run a patch lead in the mean time but in my experience they tend to get:

 

a) vandelised.

b) stolen.

 

b)

Not if you staple then to the skirting board

Sadly, yes, even if you do that.

 

Yeah, but was he talking about stapling the cable or the perpetrators to the skirting board?

[MkII]

I hope you properly supported those cables and didn't just throw them across the roofspace?

 

Ben

 

Yup - cabling regs - you'll be invalidating your schools insurance if they're not supported properly.

[speckytecky]

I hope you properly supported those cables and didn't just throw them across the roofspace?

 

Ben

 

Yup - cabling regs - you'll be invalidating your schools insurance if they're not supported properly.

 

OK, so what do the regulations say please. Looking at some of the cable runs I inherited I don't see much evidence of any support?

[Joedetic]

That section of the school was due for tearing down within something like 3 weeks of us doing it...it was only a temporary measure.

 

So no...they were just slung across the roofspace.

[tickmike]

Re _Bat_ >There is obviously no way they could install extra long USB cables etc around the length of the classroom due to the distance.

 

If you do mean USB cables, you can get 'Active Extension Cables' 5M long and you can string 5 together, Cost about £12 ea.

From Michael.