Flexible Ethernet cable

[Bourneendboy]

I have a tight space to try and fit an Ethernet cable into, is there such a thing as a 'very flexible' one that could be recommended?

[Shovel_Knight]

There are flat Ethernet cables that work very well in my experience.

[Stryder5]

Isn't there a minimum bend radius for cat xx cable to keep to specification?

Gary

[mikeyb]

I have a tight space to try and fit an Ethernet cable into, is there such a thing as a 'very flexible' one that could be recommended?I've had a couple of cheaper ones from eBay and they're VERY flexible, might also mean they're crap though

[NRG]

The most flexible are CAT5e unshielded patch cable. Shielded cable will be stiffer and cat6a cable has a ‘cable former’ as well as the shield running down the centre of the cable so avoid that. Don’t bend at right angles or kink the cable, ideally CAT5e shouldn’t be bent tighter than a 1” radius. Flat cable may work if the distance isn’t too great.

[Bourneendboy]

Thanks fellas!

Do flat cables not comply with the specification?

[Primalsea]

If you have a cheap Cat 5 cable you try just removing the outer PVC jacket where you want the bends. Worry about it if there is actually any issue with data transfer.

[Stryder5]

Thanks fellas!

Do flat cables not comply with the specification?

Each CAT x cable has a different specification for performance, if no CAT number quoted I guess it meets no specification.

Does it matter on the length you are using?

Gary

[Bourneendboy]

Each CAT x cable has a different specification for performance, if no CAT number quoted I guess it meets no specification.

Does it matter on the length you are using?

Gary

I would need 3mtrs, but now thinking if I'm not getting drop outs with WiFi, why bother with a cable?

[Stryder5]

I would need 3mtrs, but now thinking if I'm not getting drop outs with WiFi, why bother with a cable?

I agree :)

Gary

[NRG]

3m wouldn’t be an issue

[dave2010]

Another approach might be to use a right angle connector. There would be some signal loss, but it might be acceptable as an alternative to using cheap cable.

[ReggieB]

Isn't there a minimum bend radius for cat xx cable to keep to specification?

The minimum radius issue arises because standard CAT5 relies on the cables being twisted to prevent electrical noise interference (https://www.quora.com/How-does-twisting-the-cables-reduce-the-interference-between-the-wires). If the cable is bent too much, the twisting loses its shape and it effectiveness in cancelling out electrical noise greatly diminishes.