Ethernet Cables

In my dorm I use an extra long ethernet cable to connect to the internet (the router doesn't work properly thanks to my school's wacky wifi policies). Anways, the problem is that the clasps on these things allways break on me. Is there a cable that exists that has a stronger clasp? Something that wont break when stepped on by accident?

 

Ehh I don't know if what you seek exists, but you might as well get a longer cable and just tape it to the ground to avoid stepping on it...Or you can just tape the cable to the wall and hope that it stay there.

 

The jack on the end of the cord is a 8P8C (8 Position 8 Contact) jack, also known as an RJ45 jack from its telocom days. I havn't ever seen anything other then the standard model. I would guess that the spec indicate a breaking point as to prevent damage to the more important port.

You might try buying one that has a rubber sleave over the plastic connector. I find them to be extremely hard to remove from whatever you plug them into, but it might be worth it as the rubber would help protect the brittle plastic.

Also, could you just turn off broadcasting on your router so that they wouldn't know your router was on? Connecting yourself couldn't be any worse then plugging a cable in.

 

They make them in several styles. Some have a rubber housing that fits over the plastic clip. This prevents the clip from getting bent backwards and broken off. However, some of them can be really difficult to remove from computers.

Infact, there are some that are meant for server rooms with rubber over the clip that is so deep in and so hard you need to put a knife in there to pry it down to remove the cable. Those are so you dont have people who think they know what they are doing moving your cables around on you.

Bad:

Better:

Best:


Ill look for a one of the server ones.

 

Have you considered making your own? Ive never done it myself but i hear it is VERY cheap to do, just something to consider

 

It is easy to do but the only connectors i have seen are the cheap ones to make the ends with. Its more money than you think to do them yourself, that tool is expensive.

 

It's hard. I've tried

 

Not sure where you can buy individual ones...but these are what we use at work

http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...d=10513&cs_id=1051306&p_id=192&seq=1&format=2

only $2.50 for 50 of them.

 

$8 for a crimper on eBay and $5 for 100 RJ45 jacks works fine.

 

This. I wouldn't overdo it if I were you. Look at nizzy1115's post and buy the "best" one he suggested. That's probably your best bet.
You don't want something too solid, you want it to break off instead of damaging the port itself.
You also might want to reconsider your room setup... tape it to the wall so you don't step on it?

 

i would agree nizzy its best(the last one), i have never seen a high strength plug... like one made out of metal would be cool but they dont make them.

 

The plastic plug is pretty standard. I'm curious what kind of "accidental damage" you are trying to avoid.

 

Lol i could see it being hard especially having to put on that length in one spot.

the tool? You mean the head or a tool you have to use to make it

 

I have no idea how it broke, I wan't in the room at the time. The one that broke was the "better" one from the 3 pic post. I guess I'll try the "Best" Version.

I have no plans to change my room setup, I like using my laptop on the futon on the opposite side of the room.

 

To get a good crimping tool for cat5 is expensive. The ease of the job really depends on the tools. Get cheap tools and it will be a pain!