Network cables.

[gibbon]

Very best of luck to you Finless.

I hope your office is small and does not need many connections otherwise this exercise could take you a not inconsiderable time to complete.

THE key thing is the twist in the pairs, it is this twist that avoids interference between pairs, you need to maintain that twist as far as possible into the termination blocks.

Proper testing involves far more than simply testing electrical continuity on each of the pair from end to end, however if you are only going to use 100Mbs-1 connections then you will probably be OK if you dont push the length limits of e(ther)vernet.

What is a HUB anyway? CAUs MAUs RAMs LAMs were so much more fun.

There is no issue with running phones(analogue or IP or digital) over the same infrastucture, you may notice that the small phone plugs (RJ11) actually fit into and connect on the central pairs of an RJ45 socket which can avoid the need for nasty BT socket converters

Some people would say that the "cable plant" is the core of any network and hence deserves the investment and guarentees & maintainance agreement that comes along with it being installed professionally - this decision should really involve the business leaders who can approve the risk of the DIY solution whilst appreciating the future growth expections of the business....

P.S. Not all systems use the KRONE (TM) punch down tool but you will probably get away with it.

[Finless]

Originally Posted by jonny

What is a HUB anyway? CAUs MAUs RAMs LAMs were so much more fun.

Netgear fast ethernet hub.

[Finless]

Thanks to all of you for your tips and advice - it has been very much appreciated.

Bryan

[Finless]

Well bugger me - got an email from our networm man and he has rescheduled next week and will be with us on Monday.

Now only have to figure out how to wire up our phone system.

[JamesW]

Hi crimpers £16.00, RJ45 plugs £1.00 for ten see link
http://www.lanshack.com/make-cat5E.aspx

Thanks

[Garf]

Bryan just give me a bell and ill come round with a kilometre of cat6, a crimping and punch down tool, some wall sockets.

and then you can make me a brew whilst I get on with it.