Question
working on networking our compound, and need to run an ethernet line to two buildings, i'm getting my usual "computer headache" trying to figure out
what type of line to buy. cat5, cat5e, cat6, its so confusing.
here's what we have- total distance- 150 feet (max)
gonna run ethernet, 6 strand phone cable, tv cable, all in same underground
pvc pipe or whatever.
any ideas?
Answer
anytime ethernet leaves a building it should go to fiber , a couple of media converters and some preconnectorized fiber is not that expensive and would be your best choice.
you should run conduit ,gray pvc and you also need to use direct bury cable . conduit always winds up with water in it due to leakage or longterm condensation you also need lightning protection on each end of each cable and it needs to be bonded and grounded to do it properly is really a little out of the range of DIY project
anyway what you need is direct bury phone line , direct bury coax and if you decide against fiber direct bury cat5e .all of which should be properly bounded and grounded and have primary and secondary surge protection.
(if you use fiber for eterhnet you dont have to worry about bonding ,groudning or surge suppression as surge wont travel over glass )
Answer
Think lightning. I agree with mango man and the fiber optic cable. Better choice. Several reasons. Good luck.