topic Re: CAT7a wiring question in Tech Help - Software/Hardware etc

CAT7a wiring question

greygit1 — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 22:12:33 GMT

I'm going to be moving into a property that (reportedly) has internal CAT7a installation. There are single faceplates near to where the fibre comes in which provide connectivity to the floors. However, at each floor there are two ports on the faceplates connecting back to the single port faceplates.

I have a (limited) understanding of CAT physical wiring, even less so after CAT5e.

Is this an indication of ethernet splitting? What would be the impact on the connection? I'm just asking for all and any opinions. At the moment I'm thinking of getting someone with a FLUKE to do some testing and possibly re-wiring the dual faceplates and then deploying switches. IYSWIM.

Re: CAT7a wiring question

Dan_the_Van — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 09:02:29 GMT

Regardless of the CAT cable (5 through to 7) it should be point to point, no splicing, splitting, feeding two sockets from one cable. Are you sure there is not a ethernet switch somewhere which would make more sense.

A UTP cable tester would be the direction I use for cable checking.

HTH

Re: CAT7a wiring question

greygit1 — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 22:25:00 GMT

"Regardless of the CAT cable (5 through to 7) it should be point to point, no splicing, splitting, feeding two sockets from one cable."

That corresponds to my basic understanding at the wiring level. Historically, I'm used to people putting "structured cabling" wiring in place and then playing with the switching stuff. But I've been off that arena since CAT5e, so I was wondering whether some new magic had appeared.

"Are you sure there is not a ethernet switch somewhere which would make more sense."

Yes, it would. But as far as I've been able to ascertain there are no intervening repeaters, hubs or switches.

If it works, It's a FLUKE?

Re: CAT7a wiring question

greygit1 — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 23:19:53 GMT

To clarify a bit (or four - a 'nibble'?).

All the confusion got sorted today. I got clear sight of patch panels and outlets. It is surprising how much you miss. No-one likes poking around in someone elses' living space, and much gets missed.

Thx for taking the time to reply DtV. I'm now awaiting on BT OR for a couple of weeks. No big surprises there.

This will be a *big* upgrade from my current connectivity (Less than 4Mb down and about 0.5Mbit up). This will take some adjusting to...