Use CAT6 or CAT6A cables for home installation. They offer reliable performance and support modern networking needs.
Use CAT6 or CAT6A cables for home installation. They offer reliable performance and support modern networking needs.
I intend to lay the Ethernet network outside the wall, covering it with styrofoam insulation and placing it inside a flexible hose for extra protection. I’m wondering what type of Ethernet cable is suitable and whether outdoor-rated cables are necessary given the conditions in the Balkans—temperatures between -20°C and +40°C, with the cable exposed only to a narrow range under 10 cm of styrofoam. The maximum distance from the server to the source is 20 meters. Should I use UTP or FTP cables? Do I need shielded or unshielded ones? What labeling should my Ethernet cabling include?
When cables are shielded inside conduits, you can skip outdoor-rated wires. These rely on a plastic coating that resists UV damage from sunlight. I suggest placing them correctly within walls instead. Putting conduit beneath insulation isn’t ideal. A standard Cat6 UTP riser works fine—just ensure proper setup and connections.
My walls are constructed from blocks, making it impossible to run cables through them. The insulation appears similar to the one shown; white indicates the pressed styrofoam, which is stronger than the foam in boxes. Beneath that, flexible tubing will be present, offering protection against moisture and sunlight.