Network cabling for BlueSounds' Node 2i Network server

sfar1,339 posts02-05-2019 9:04am


And, RJ45 is the designation of the type of connector at the end of the cable, not of a kind of cable. That’s the connector you normally see as the termination of any category of Ethernet cable.

Who said otherwise?

If you have never worked with Ethernet cable and installed jacks and or plugs I would recommend you buy a factory made, (patch cord), cable with RJ45 modular plugs installed.

cable with RJ45 modular plugs installed.

Opposed to installing his own RJ45 jacks or RJ45 modular plugs.


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I used Cat 6A to connect my wireless repeater to my Node 2.  Probably overkill.  I used el cheapo Monoprice cable.  It's very inexpensive and seems to be well built.  I probably should have used megabucks audiophile Ethernet cable, but it's for a bedroom system and sounds great to me. 

The Monoprice meets UL Code 444 and National Electrical Code TIA-568-C.2 fire and safety standards, so it sounds like it should be OK in a wall.  I am not an electrician though and can't say that with certainty.

And, RJ45 is the designation of the type of connector at the end of the cable, not of a kind of cable. That's the connector you normally see as the termination of any category of Ethernet cable.

The price differences among Cat 5, 6, 7, etc. are quite small relative to the cost of your system. Go with 6 or 7 so you won't be thinking about it later.

@jea48 ,
What are your thoughts regarding Cat 5, 6, 6a?
Is it worth it to go to 6a or Cat 7 or 8?
I am confounded by the choices when related to audio.
Thanks
Bob

Thanks so much for this information. I have been looking at the cat6 cable with the RJ45 connectors. Good advise on not bending it also.  I think I will also want to upgrade my current FIOS router to a Quantam 5Ghz as well.

boogerhead ,

As for the minimum it only has to be as much as the Fios Router is rated for and your internet provider internet speed. More than likely cat5e is plenty. For future you could also install a cat6 or cat6a cable.

If you have never worked with Ethernet cable and installed jacks and or plugs I would recommend you buy a factory made, (patch cord), cable with RJ45 modular plugs installed. Just make sure you protect the end that you will be pulling from point A to point B. Also be careful installing the cable. Avoid any sharp bends or kinking of the cable. If the cable is kinked straightening out the kink will not restore the twisted pair lay of the cable pairs. If kinked, the cable is damaged. Kinks can cause errors and slow down the speed. Also do not tightly coil up any excess cable at either end. This can also cause errors.


I would recommend you buy the cable from Blue Jeans Cable.
https://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/data-cables/index.htm

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I see. I just thought I had read that the Ethernet connection provided an advantage over Wifi.  My question was not over the length of the cable but, the quality of the bandwidth it transmits. 

Thanks for the response,
Boogerhead.

With the Node2i I suspect any 50 foot install of ethernet cabling is overkill.  I'd go with the wifi connection instead and save yourself headache and cost.