Take Proper Precautions When Installing Your Own Cat 5 Ethernet Network
Setting up your own cat 5 Ethernet network is well within the ability of most homeowners, if they are properly equipped and knowledgeable -- but it can turn out to be a disaster if you are not properly prepared! Here are some basic recommendations -- do's and don'ts -- that will help to keep you out of trouble.
First of all, before beginning work on your cat 5 Ethernet network, make sure that you have all the materials and tools you need -- there's no sense in having to stop in the middle of your installation to go shopping for a tool or part that you should have had on hand in the first place!
Secondly, keep in mind that if you will be installing your cat 5 Ethernet network inside or through walls, this can be a messy and complicated job -- take your time and do it right the first time. If you try to rush through the installation of your cat 5 Ethernet network, you will be more likely to make mistakes.
Thirdly, handle your cat 5 Ethernet network cable gently. Do not pull on it too forcefully, watch out you don't step on it, or put any kind of a nail, staple, tack, etc. through it. Don't try to bend your cat 5 Ethernet network cable too sharply or you might damage it. Fourth, if you will be laying your cat 5 Ethernet network cable over long distances, make sure that it doesn't droop down -- and don't tie up the cable so tightly that you crimp or pinch it. Fifth, if you can possibly do so, keep your cat 5 Ethernet network cable lines away from other existing wiring in your home -- the farther away, the better. Also, remember when you are pulling your cat 5 Ethernet network cable through your wall, don't use any kind of a bent coat hanger -- if that wire makes contact with any live wiring, you could end up electrocuting yourself! You should also always keep in mind that the maximum distance that you can connect with your cat 5 Ethernet network cable is 100 meters. For example, if you need to connect your PC to a printer, you can't do it if it's over 100 meters, unless you use a repeating hub in between. Finally, remember that technology -- and technological standards -- are constantly improving. This means that you should buy the best quality components that you can afford. You may not need that extra quality right now, but should you upgrade your computer devices in the future, they may require the use of these better components. For example, instead of installing a plain-vanilla cat 5 Ethernet cable, use cat 5e cabling instead - it is fully backward-compatible, and it's a good investment for the future.
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