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Cat5e Cable Requirement?

Mark Erickson

Does anyone here have knowledge of the requirement to use cat5e cables to the Ayrmesh components?  According to Ayrmesh support, using a higher grade ethernet cable (i.e. Cat6) apparently causes serious issues with the devices because the cable is wound too tight.

I currently cannot find any details of this requirement on the Ayrmesh website, nor on the installation documents for products purchased (Bridges, Hub 2x2c, & Receiver).

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3 comments

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  • Bill Moffitt

    Mark-

    I need to update the information on the website - thanks for the reminder.

    An Ethernet cable consists of four twisted pairs of wires - eight wires total, and should comply with the appropriate ANSI/TIA standard for the category. The problem is that there are a LOT of non-compliant Ethernet cables out there, labeled as Cat6, Cat8, or even Cat7 (which doesn't even exist). The difference in these categories is the rate of the twist in the wires: higher speeds require higher twist rates. However, if you're manufacturing Ethernet cables, it's much easier (cheaper) to use lighter-gauge wires as you increase the twist rate.

    The problem is that two of the wire pairs are used for data, and two are used to power the AyrMesh device. If the wires are smaller than 24 gauge, they may not be able to carry enough current to successfully power the device (especially the AyrMesh Hub2x2). For cables under 25' it doesn't seem to matter much, but it's crucially important for any longer cable.

    I should mention, as well, that some manufacturers don't use pure copper wire, which has the same effect. You'll see advertisements for aluminum or “CCA” (copper-clad aluminum), which should be avoided for any Ethernet cable longer than 15' or so.

    The other important point for Ethernet cables is, when you're running them outdoors (e.g. to an AyrMesh Hub), make sure that the sheath is UV-resistant. If not, the sheath will strip off in a year or two, leaving the wires exposed, and the insulation on the wires will fall off soon after.

    We also recommend using shielded cables - cables with an extra layer of either metallic braid or foil, marked “STP” (Shielded Twisted Pair) or “FTP” (Foil Twisted Pair"). Nearby electrical discharge (lightning, arc welders, some pumps, etc.) can induce noise on an unshielded Ethernet cable, causing data to slow or even stop.

    Unfortunately, the cables are just as important as the radios in making your AyrMesh network work well, which is why we finally decided to stock good Ethernet cables for sale to our customers. They are a low-margin item (and horribly expensive to ship), but we feel we need to have them available to ensure our customers' success.

    I hope that's helpful.

    -Bill

     

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  • Mark Erickson

    Thanks, Bill.

    These are fairly important requirements to not have clearly documented.  Unfortunately, I had ordered new cables after Suzanne from support said use cat5e.  The additional details you've listed now require returning that order and finding the exact specifications, or buying from the Ayrstone website (which doesn't give me enough size options).

    I need a swear jar, Bill…

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  • Bill Moffitt

    I have published an entire page on our website with links to it from both the front page and the “How it Works” page. Sorry about the swearing, but your notes had a beneficial effect.

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