Network Cable Supplier in UK

[JamesUS]

I'm in need of a lot of Cat5 network cable in about three weeks time - and was wondering if anyone had any recommended suppliers. My regular computer dealer (dabs.com) doesn't appear to sell it. Normally I just buy pre-made lengths of a few metres but I need some very long ones this time and it would seem easier and cheaper just to make up my own.

I'd like at least one drum/reel of up to 100m that I can cut and make into the appropriate lengths. Should be nice and cheap as well!

Thanks in advance for any recommendations you can make.

[XiXora]

www.maplin.co.uk (http://www.maplin.co.uk) mate :) bout 30 quid for 100m, i think its alcatel stuff, saw the reel at work.

[vBR]

http://www.datalinkcabling.co.uk/

http://www.datalinkcabling.co.uk/bulk_data_voice_cables.html

Instalation cable from £34.99 / 305m
Flexible Patch cable from £69.99 / 305m

[JamesUS]

Excellent, cheers :) I'll have a look at both of those and place an order next week.

[JAWilliams]

have fun wiring that lot up, I hate making up my own network cable, and wiring plugs and connectors

[vBR]

have fun wiring that lot up, I hate making up my own network cable, and wiring plugs and connectors
I love it. Great fun wiring your own cables, undercutting PC-World, and still making a profit :D

[Scott MacVicar]

James remember Cat5 has an effective signal strength of rougly 92m (100m allegedly), if your going over a large distance you'll want to make sure you have shielded cabling too to stop electromagnetic interfience. I found running Cat5 next to power cables was a prime example.

If your going more than the 92m then you'll need a repeater (extender)

[JamesUS]

Each individual cable shouldn't be more than 92m. I just need a lot of cables, each of say 20 - 30m.

The power cables might be an issue though so I'll have to have a think about that.

[vBR]

Each individual cable shouldn't be more than 92m. I just need a lot of cables, each of say 20 - 30m.

The power cables might be an issue though so I'll have to have a think about that.

92m is the total distance allowable point-to-point
If you have a setup involving someining like:

PC1 --- Hub --- Router --- Hub --- PC2

The total cable length between PC1 & PC2 can not be greater than 92m unless your hub(s) or router contain a repeater.

[JamesUS]

Thanks - as I said earlier I'll only be using cables of 20 - 30m so it shouldn't be a problem.

I think I'm going to get the 300m cable from datalinkcabling - it looks like the best deal.