Ethernet against the elements

[Norton]

So like a wrap-around?

I think we're talking about the same thing

This stuff:

 

[Athlonite]

They may say it's UV resistant but really it's nothing of the sort it'll perish in 2 to 3 years with any amount of sun on it

 

[Aquinus]

I remember hearing about PoE before. I'll look into it. My concern is if doing that still won't get the 60mbps+ that wired will give.

100Mbit ethernet only uses two of the 4 twisted pairs so, the two unused ones get used for PoE so, you'll at least get full-duplex 100Mbit. Gigabit shares two of the twisted pairs with power so it might not be as fast but I can assure you that it will be at least 100mbit fast if not faster (when using gigabit.) I personally find the concern unfounded. A lot of businesses will use PoE for access points throughout an office building and you'll easily see more than 100Mbit over something like that when driving a wireless AP.

 

[Bill_Bright]

They may say it's UV resistant but really it's nothing of the sort it'll perish in 2 to 3 years with any amount of sun on it

More like 5 or 6 years, but I agree, it will start to disintegrate in 2 or 3 years. I use that stuff on the coolant pipes from my AC compressor unit outside that runs into the house and they certainly don't last forever.

In all fairness, mine are not protected from the rain so that may not help - especially when it drops below freezing at night. Water can get trapped inside those foam tubes. Plus, they provide zero protection from insect or other critters.

I think regular PVC "conduit" would be better and more importantly, it can be completely sealed from the elements. And, if you take the time to "dress" it up properly with 90° vertical and 180° horizontal runs, it will certainly look more professional than foam tubes.

Don't forget to make a drip loop if there will be any down angle.

Last, I cannot emphasis enough that it would be MUCH BETTER to go through the wall instead of a window opening. Simple exterior grade feed-through bushings can be used and easily sealed with silicone sealant/caulking. Your local tool rental store will most likely have 18 to 24" drill bits just for this task.

 

[jsfitz54]

I think regular PVC "conduit" would be better and more importantly, it can be completely sealed from the elements. And, if you take the time to "dress" it up properly with 90° vertical and 180° horizontal runs, it will certainly look more professional than foam tubes.

By regular you mean the Grey electrical conduit: https://www.homedepot.com/p/1-in-x-10-ft-PVC-Schedule-40-Conduit-67462/202295893

https://www.homedepot.com/b/Electri...uit-Fittings-Conduit/PVC/N-5yc1vZbohlZ1z0usnc

https://www.homedepot.com/p/AFC-Cab...llic-Liquidtight-Conduit-6002-30-00/202286688

 

[Bill_Bright]

Well, it comes in different colors, ridged or [somewhat] flexible as you showed, but yeah, that's what I meant. It's cheap, easy to work with, and it works.

 

[eidairaman1]

That looks like a ground clamp. You don't want that. If you're looking for something similar, then you're looking for lil plastic ones you nail in place like this:

Can usually buy 100 of those for a few bucks at hardware stores.

Yeah and they are a pain to put in at times

 

[jsfitz54]

Well, it comes in different colors, ridged or [somewhat] flexible as you showed, but yeah, that's what I meant. It's cheap, easy to work with, and it works.

The White is usually drain/ vent pipe. Color can change by location or age of when installed such as yellow/ tan for drain /vent pipe.
To be clear, we are not talking about PEX: https://www.homedepot.com/b/Plumbing-Pipes-Fittings-PEX-Pipe-Fittings/N-5yc1vZbuty
and we are not talking about sprinkler pipe/ underground water which is black: https://www.homedepot.com/p/1-in-x-100-ft-IPS-100-psi-NSF-Poly-Pipe-X2-1100100/205903465

 

[eidairaman1]

It's a rental. Putting holes in might not be an option, unless the owner wanted the house to be updated.

People who get internet and tv services in rentals would need holes drilled etc, it is a matter of sealing the outsise using all weather silicon to keep bugs and water out.

 

[Toothless]

Will the protective cover be worth it if the cable isn't on the ground? I can have it hang in the rafters on the belly of the house, leaving the only two exposed areas being in and out of the windows.

 

[Frick]

I still think going through windows is a terrible idea. Do you get cold winters? How do you heat up the house? Having windows open in cold weather is just a waste of energy.

 

[Kursah]

I still think going through windows is a terrible idea. Do you get cold winters? How do you heat up the house? Having windows open in cold weather is just a waste of energy.

Agreed, do some crawling and ID-ing what's under the floor, drill some holes near the corners, easier to hide with carpeting and wall trim. Use some caulk to seal the holes from the bottom once you've secured the run.

Will the protective cover be worth it if the cable isn't on the ground? I can have it hang in the rafters on the belly of the house, leaving the only two exposed areas being in and out of the windows.

Protective covers for the cable will also help keep critters from chewing on it as well. Under houses in crawl spaces or under trailers are great areas for chewing through stuff to occur.

As said above, using windows as outlets makes little sense. Get a small drill bit, some caulk, and go through the floor as close to the wall as possible, even if you need to temporarily remove any trim to do so.

 

[eidairaman1]

Will the protective cover be worth it if the cable isn't on the ground? I can have it hang in the rafters on the belly of the house, leaving the only two exposed areas being in and out of the windows.

It would keep critters or other animals from chewing on it. Most runs typically are mounted on the head boards or soffits of homes because it is easier than trying to navigate an attic.

If you go with straight cat5e and not direct burial type make sure it is for outdoor vertical use.

You could probably find a video of an ATT installation too. Make sure you leave drip loops too

 

[Aquinus]

I still think that a PoE AP in the basement right under your room would be the easiest option. If you already have the space in the basement to run the cable, it eliminates any issue with going outside and it doesn't require any modifications to the house. You also get to be able to connect any other wireless device to the AP closest to your room. You also have the added benefit of being able to take it with you should you decide to move and it won't degrade from being outside or anything. The only down side is that it's an added cost but, it's a solution that solves a lot of problems and makes things easier across the board.

Also, wire going through a window won't let you shut the window all the way unless you modify the window, which is a thing.

 

[FordGT90Concept]

Make sure you leave drip loops too

Make damn sure you do this. Water will destroy everything given the chance and enough time.

 

[Toothless]

Agreed, do some crawling and ID-ing what's under the floor, drill some holes near the corners, easier to hide with carpeting and wall trim. Use some caulk to seal the holes from the bottom once you've secured the run.



Protective covers for the cable will also help keep critters from chewing on it as well. Under houses in crawl spaces or under trailers are great areas for chewing through stuff to occur.

As said above, using windows as outlets makes little sense. Get a small drill bit, some caulk, and go through the floor as close to the wall as possible, even if you need to temporarily remove any trim to do so.

It would keep critters or other animals from chewing on it. Most runs typically are mounted on the head boards or soffits of homes because it is easier than trying to navigate an attic.

If you go with straight cat5e and not direct burial type make sure it is for outdoor vertical use.

You could probably find a video of an ATT installation too. Make sure you leave drip loops too

Issue with those ideas is I can't drill or cut anything. It's the summer and the window next to the modem is open for the AC, and my window is always open for fans. In the winter that's a different story since it can get pretty cold, though I still leave my window open.

 

[Kursah]

Issue with those ideas is I can't drill or cut anything. It's the summer and the window next to the modem is open for the AC, and my window is always open for fans. In the winter that's a different story since it can get pretty cold, though I still leave my window open.

Can't and won't are two different things.

I understand not modifying someone else's property though, but a small hole in a discreet location can be easily patched and sealed. Still would be a better long term solution than routing out the window, along the siding. But I digress, you see your situation from one perspective, all we can do is offer our experienced opinions from our perspectives on what we'd do in your situation. No pictures, floor plans, blue prints, on-site visits, that leaves room for speculation and assumption. I'm thinking you'll be fine no matter how you do it, but how long you'll be fine for is up to what suggestions you choose to go with. Frankly, I think it'll be a great experience for you no matter what!

Sounds like you need to order some supplies, roll up your sleeves, and get after it. Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[Bill_Bright]

Will the protective cover be worth it if the cable isn't on the ground?

If not exposed to direct sunlight, or insect or rodent activity, probably okay - at least for a few years.

Can you get power under the house? Maybe a better (hole free) solution is to put a WAP (wireless access point) under the floor of your room.

 

[Caring1]

Will the protective cover be worth it if the cable isn't on the ground? I can have it hang in the rafters on the belly of the house, leaving the only two exposed areas being in and out of the windows.

I've been running an ethernet cable to my room like that for a number of years, slung under the house as it is on stumps a metre above ground. The only difference is I drilled holes through the floor adjacent to the skirting boards to put the cable through. The cable shows no sign of weathering.

 

[Toothless]

Okay so I want to have a closing to this thread. My store was having some good sales so I went for some 16GB flashdrives, two pack for $15 I think which was fine, probably paid too much but rewards card+employee benefits is pretty good. I saw the 50ft ethernet was $18.60 and went for it. Came out the cable was $12-something which was even better. Roomie said I can route it in the house so no going outside and around the house.

I pay for 80/10 and this is what I get with a few things streaming, like remote desktop and Spotify.

I'm going to keep this thread saved in case where I move next comes a reason to go to the great outdoors. Thanks everyone!

 

[Bill_Bright]

Thanks for the update but I must add if you pay for 80/10, that's what you should be getting. Not 71.8 and 9.9!

The 9.93Mbps upload speed is probably within some margin of error so you probably can let that one slide. But 71.78Mbps is more than 10% below what you should be getting.

I recommend you test your speeds a few more times with all other connected devices powered off. If your download speeds are consistently low, that should be contested.

So check your contract again and make sure it does not say "up to" 80/10. In my opinion that "up to" clause should be illegal but that's for another discussion. If your contract does not have such a consumer unfriendly term, you need to contact your ISP and demand they comply with the service contract. If they cannot improve the bandwidth, then IMO, you should get a 10% discount on your monthly bills.

 

[FordGT90Concept]

They always advertise it as "up to." Networking equipment is always marketed that way.

 

[jboydgolfer]

you could use something like this to shield the cables, & pretty cheap too. ive done it in the past. They are usually PVC, and come with corners, and straight runs. You can also get tube type shielding as well.

 

[Frick]

Thanks for the update but I must add if you pay for 80/10, that's what you should be getting. Not 71.8 and 9.9!

The 9.93Mbps upload speed is probably within some margin of error so you probably can let that one slide. But 71.78Mbps is more than 10% below what you should be getting.

I recommend you test your speeds a few more times with all other connected devices powered off. If your download speeds are consistently low, that should be contested.

So check your contract again and make sure it does not say "up to" 80/10. In my opinion that "up to" clause should be illegal but that's for another discussion. If your contract does not have such a consumer unfriendly term, you need to contact your ISP and demand they comply with the service contract. If they cannot improve the bandwidth, then IMO, you should get a 10% discount on your monthly bills.

As Ford says, that's not really how it works.

 

[eidairaman1]

They always advertise it as "up to." Networking equipment is always marketed that way.

Yeah its called tolerance percentile, he is within range.