F5F Stay Refreshed Power Users Networks Consider a dual WAN router for optimal fiber optic connectivity.

Consider a dual WAN router for optimal fiber optic connectivity.

Consider a dual WAN router for optimal fiber optic connectivity.

Z
ZakkW
Member
86
02-16-2025, 07:48 PM
#1
Happy Christmas! You're considering installing inwall network cables for three floors. Fiber optic seems like a smart long-term option. I've seen how challenging it is to upgrade from CAT5E to something like Cat6A. I recall needing over 700 meters of CAT5E for outlets, living areas, garage, and cameras. Would fiber be worth the investment? Your plan sounds solid—dual ISPs with a router and SFP+ ports, a 10GB switch for NAS, and another switch for sharing access to devices.
Z
ZakkW
02-16-2025, 07:48 PM #1

Happy Christmas! You're considering installing inwall network cables for three floors. Fiber optic seems like a smart long-term option. I've seen how challenging it is to upgrade from CAT5E to something like Cat6A. I recall needing over 700 meters of CAT5E for outlets, living areas, garage, and cameras. Would fiber be worth the investment? Your plan sounds solid—dual ISPs with a router and SFP+ ports, a 10GB switch for NAS, and another switch for sharing access to devices.

K
Kaaady
Member
171
02-16-2025, 09:52 PM
#2
Absolutely, it's feasible.
K
Kaaady
02-16-2025, 09:52 PM #2

Absolutely, it's feasible.

J
jsdoyle
Member
77
02-17-2025, 03:02 AM
#3
Typically, large installations route fiber closer to the endpoints. This approach may increase costs compared to using a standard cat6 cable, but it can reduce overall installation time.
J
jsdoyle
02-17-2025, 03:02 AM #3

Typically, large installations route fiber closer to the endpoints. This approach may increase costs compared to using a standard cat6 cable, but it can reduce overall installation time.

K
Keanei
Member
103
02-24-2025, 04:13 PM
#4
If your runs exceed 55 meters, Cat6a supports full 10 Gbps over its full 100-meter span, whereas standard Cat6 doesn’t. Focus on whether you’ll experience speeds surpassing 10 Gbps. Remember, with the proper gear those cables can reach up to 2.5 Gbps.
K
Keanei
02-24-2025, 04:13 PM #4

If your runs exceed 55 meters, Cat6a supports full 10 Gbps over its full 100-meter span, whereas standard Cat6 doesn’t. Focus on whether you’ll experience speeds surpassing 10 Gbps. Remember, with the proper gear those cables can reach up to 2.5 Gbps.

I
iZeusta
Junior Member
20
03-13-2025, 04:40 PM
#5
I'm enhancing my NAS servers with SSDs and NVMe drives. In my existing configuration, big file moves across the local network are slow. I'm considering switching to a fiber optic inwall for better performance. I think the fiber connections can be upgraded to CAT6a or CAT7 via an SFP+ port on the switch.
I
iZeusta
03-13-2025, 04:40 PM #5

I'm enhancing my NAS servers with SSDs and NVMe drives. In my existing configuration, big file moves across the local network are slow. I'm considering switching to a fiber optic inwall for better performance. I think the fiber connections can be upgraded to CAT6a or CAT7 via an SFP+ port on the switch.

B
Betammeche
Junior Member
11
03-13-2025, 05:53 PM
#6
I’ll start by mapping out the network layout. Identify which devices require a wired link and which need quicker data speeds. Next, determine your budget for this upgrade. Finally, plan the steps based on what you’ve learned.
B
Betammeche
03-13-2025, 05:53 PM #6

I’ll start by mapping out the network layout. Identify which devices require a wired link and which need quicker data speeds. Next, determine your budget for this upgrade. Finally, plan the steps based on what you’ve learned.

C
chaospony
Member
149
03-13-2025, 07:42 PM
#7
At the end of the day, Ethernet—whether Cat6 or Cat6a—is still more affordable and works well with current equipment.
C
chaospony
03-13-2025, 07:42 PM #7

At the end of the day, Ethernet—whether Cat6 or Cat6a—is still more affordable and works well with current equipment.