Posted 25 Mar 2020 (edited) Hi all, after my complaing about my lack of network access in the workshop ive been tasked with fixing this so ive have some general questions about networking and concerning Ewons so this network will be used for connecting ewons to test products as well as general computer access the plan is to have 7 computer access points as well as 2 points to connect to product lines for testing my intial thoughts were to run 2 cables from our network to 2 routers, 4 computer access points and one line testing connection on 1 and 3 computer access points and one line testing connection on the other so first question is what type of ethernet cable should i use? i assume cat5 is fine, is it worth going for cat6 or is it just a waste of money? and should i be running crossover cable or straight through? do i need any specific routers or will anything do? will i be able to add splitters later down the line and be fine? or should i future proof a bit with more robust routers? my years of avoiding networking at uni has come back to haunt me i know the basics but thats all really thanks to anyone who can offer some usefull information i mention the Ewon units because ive been told that they need to be the only one on their connection to the network, although i dont know how true this is Edited 25 Mar 2020 by Bobodopalus additional info Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted 26 Mar 2020 just to add another thought, do i need routers to do this job or will switches be ok? from what im reading i think so but im not that sure Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted 27 Mar 2020 You might want to consider ToughCable from ubiquiti networks it's rather durable and robust. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted 28 Mar 2020 since everything is connected to same network, ethernet switches are fine. router is only needed when connecting two networks. Cat5 and Cat6 simply tells how much speed you need. and unless your nodes are some data centers or something else needing crazy bandwith, Cat5 will do. after all this is not Netflix or Google server, just a warehouse which currently does not have any connectivity. btw copper cables are good for up to 100m / 300ft. if you need longer connection you can add intermediate switch so that no cable segment exceeds maximum. ideally you could also upgrade to fiber optic backbone. then you get best of all worlds (speed, distance, interference immunity, insulation/lightning protection etc.) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted 8 Apr 2020 thank you both i got round to installing it at the end of last week, used standard 5e and a couple of switches on either side of the workshop, its working great Share this post Link to post Share on other sites