Cat-5: Solid or Stranded

[dmksails]

I'm wiring in a WIFI antenna, but haven't decided on what type of cable.

Stranded cable is preferred when the cable will be subjected to flexing. That's why it's used for patch cables.

Solid conductor cable is typically used for in-wall installation.

I will be fastening the cable securely to the hull every few feet. It's the ends where it will exit the hull that concern me.

BTW - what is complicating this decision is that I have a 50-ft roll of solid Cat-5 onhand. Stranded I would need to buy.

Is there a strong argument for using stranded?

[Bill O]

Probably go with stranded for the same reason you wouldn't want solid core electrical wire. Or could try it because you have it and it maybe fine

Another thing to think about is possibly getting a shielded cable. Don't know what other wiring will be adjacent possibly producing other RFI, but shielding could prevent signal degradation.


Bill O.

[_andi_]

I'd also go with stranded&shielded, more vibration on a boat than in a house (in most cases). So CAT5(e) STP (shielded twisted pair). They dropped the "e" addition in early 2000, so every CAT5 cable nowadays does Gigabit Ethernet.

[john61ct]

The CAT5 standards are a very specific wire type. There are many different fire, safety issues, but stranded vs solid is not an option.

[hoolie]

There's plenty of discussion on the internet about the relative merits of solid/stranded CAT5 cable. And lots of suppliers for both types ... ... ...

[kmacdonald]

Use the solid you have. Stranded is for short patch cables. Do not use shielded either. Vibration won't be a problem with such thin wire.