Replies

1. 
   user-355642 | Feb 06, 2004 04:47am | #1

   I'm trying to find out which issue has the article about wiring with cat-5e and cable wire. Does anyone know the issue.........

2. 
   BillMcG | Feb 10, 2004 09:51am | #2

   The trouble with futureproofing is the future moves so quickly.

   Terminating Cat-5e is a real trick, and if you're not perfect you're not going to get more than a hundred megabits anyhow.

   For $80 you can get a 54 megabit wireless transceiver that will run any class of applications that runs over 100 megabits. Home entertainment systems are already out that support it.

   Pretty soon we'll have UltraWideband setups that are several times faster than that.

   Each time there's an upgrade with wireless you don't have to go replacing your futureproof wires.

   Maybe if you put multimode fibre in the walls that would be helpful, but golly the gear to run on it is expensive.

   So, despite being a computer geek, I just put phone wire and only phone wire in my new walls. I have some smurftube and low-voltage boxes that I never used if you're anywhere near western NH.

1. 
   bobl | Feb 10, 2004 06:46pm | #3

   "wireless"

   don't forget securitybobl          Volo, non valeo

1. 
   BillMcG | Feb 11, 2004 03:55am | #8

   "wireless"

   don't forget security

   Just don't run anything sensitive over wireless without using secure protocols, like https's SSL(TLS) or SSH. In english, if you see a lock when you're ordering something it's just as secure over wireless as wired. Don't forget how easy it is to tap a phone line. The real risk is what happens at the merchant's side. There's far less value in setting a guy out in your driveway trying to sniff your connection than there is in stealing Amazon's database of thirty million credit card numbers.

   And there's nothing we can do about the spooks - they can already read your screen from a van down the screen, without any internet connection.

1. 
   UncleDunc | Feb 11, 2004 08:23am | #9

   >> And there's nothing we can do about the spooks ...

   Not true. You can have a Tempest qualified PC any time you want to pay for one.

1. 
   BillMcG | Feb 11, 2004 09:33am | #10

   Not true. You can have a Tempest qualified PC any time you want to pay for one.

   Which aisle is that at Staples? I'm being facetious of course, but if you put in a tempest-hardened PC they'll put a mini-camera while you're out of the house. If you put in an RF jammer to frustrate the mini-camera they'll install spyware on your computer the next time you're out (your OS isn't on an encrypted drive, is it?) And let's not forget about the mind-control satellites.

   Aw, heck, let's just build a copper mesh Faraday cage around the computer room. :)

2. 
   ZippyZoom | Feb 10, 2004 06:59pm | #4

   I keep reading that the future is all wireless- but at least in my case, it has been a disappointment.  I live in a large, old brick house with monolithic construction, including many interior walls.  It has multiple levels and I have yet to try a wireless product- be it telephone, router, or intercom that reliably worked from one end to another.  Imperfect as it may be, Cat 5 works in my situation. 

   Perhaps the next leap in wireless is around the corner, but I'm reluctant to embrace a technology that has let me down so many times.

   =====Zippy=====

1. 
   NormKerr | Feb 10, 2004 08:29pm | #5

   Futureproof by running conduit for your IT lines.

   The only way that you can change your mind after the house is built without major re-work.

   Fail to do this and you'll be stuck with wireless (with all of its crosstalk/interference issues and security concerns).

   Maybe technology will overcome the wireless problems, but maybe it will not. With conduit it is easy to run new "whatever" (fiber, copper, mysterioso something) when it comes along.

   Keeping your options open,

   Norm

1. 
   ZippyZoom | Feb 10, 2004 09:34pm | #6

   LOL!

   If only the farmer/owner/builder who pu this enormous pile of brick together in 1840-something had thought to run conduit!

   Of course, he didn't even think to run plumbing....

   =====Zippy=====

2. 
   BillMcG | Feb 11, 2004 03:55am | #7

   It has multiple levels and I have yet to try a wireless product- be it telephone, router, or intercom that reliably worked from one end to another.

   The "wireless way" to solve your problem is to install 2 wireless access points and run a cable between them. Yeah, still a cable, but only 1, which is easier than dropping several cables per room.