Networking

Money_Saver

Afternoon

So, I want to put an Ethernet cable into my bedroom or my smart tv which doesn't have wifi.

I've read about installing a socket into the bedroom from the router.

Do I use cat5e or cat6 cable? Also does the faceplate come with the connector where the wires go into or do these need to be purchased separately?

ADSL with Sky using sky's new router

Thanks for your input.

InsideInsurance

Why not just use powerline adapters and use the wires that are already all around your property? http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/test-centre/network-wifi/3490638/15-best-powerline-adapters-2015-uk/

If you do want to lay your own wires then look at the price difference between Cat 5e or Cat6, assuming its very small you may as well go for the higher but its unlikely to make a significant difference on internet access tasks

Faceplates vary greatly from those with everything you need in the box to simply the faceplate where you have to buy the sockets etc separately.

grumpycrab

powerline adapter pair. e.g. http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/500mbps-mini-powerline-twin-pack-18-12-inc-next-day-delivery-scan-ebay-2129077
(not sure about ZyXEL but others may have a view)

bod1467

How would you plan routing the cable from the bedroom back to your router?

Bear in mind ... Cat6 cables are much less flexible (for going around corners) than Cat5e. And unless your router has 1gig ethernet ports on it then Cat6 would be overkill for a home network.

esuhl

bod1467 wrote: »

And unless your router has 1gig ethernet ports on it then Cat6 would be overkill for a home network.

Cat6 would still be overkill -- Cat5e can handle 1Gb/s connections, and Cat6 can handle 10Gb/s connections.

Money_Saver wrote: »

Also does the faceplate come with the connector where the wires go into or do these need to be purchased separately?

In an Ethernet wall-mounted socket, the wires are pressed into metal grips. You will need a "punch-down tool" to press them in. Something like these:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/KRONE-Type-Punch-Telephone-Insertion-Kroning-Tool/dp/B000Q84THG/ref=pd_cp_kh_0/277-8589673-4111915
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Generic-punchtool-RJ45-PUNCH-DOWN/dp/B00243WLRG

Personally, I'd avoid using powerline adapters if you can run a cable instead.

securityguy

I pulled Cat5 in my house about 15 years ago, but it's all sat idle with the exception of one short length carrying a wired phone.

OP, the easiest solutions are Powerline, or the TV manufacturer's own WiFi dongle, or a random Wireless base station (I use an old Airport Extreme I had lying around, but anything will do) acting as a wireless client. I've got the Extreme in the front room with various TV/audio things that need Ethernet plugged into it, bridged to the main router elsewhere. If I hadn't had it lying around, I'd probably use Powerline.

Pulling twisted pair is a pain. Terminating it so it works properly over time is a pain. It's not worth the hassle, unless you're seriously concerned about getting GigE performance.

womble12345

I would say the simplest would be to ignore that your TV is 'smart' and buy a Chromecast and plug it in the back, it uses wifi and give you a better user expereince than you get on any smart TV I have ever seen and all for £30!

I have a Sony smart TV which has things like iplayer and youtube but typing in search terms on the remote number pad is so frustrating that I always use my chromecast instead.