I have 3 computers in my house (2 XP Pro, 1 Win98), One with XP Pro is connected to Roadrunner high speed internet via a cable modem (upstairs) and the other two are just sitting there with no internet connection. I was asked to create a network to share the internet connection so I purchased a Netgear 4 port 10/100Mbps Router. While searching online for Cat 5 cabling (ebay) I encountered numerous auctions for Cat 5e and Cat 6 cabling. The description for the cat 6 said "same use as cat 5 or cat5e only faster (500mhz)." For a small home network whose sole purpose is to share internet connection, which is the best cable to use? Are there any advantages/disadvantages to cat 6? More importantly, I plan on drilling a small hole to get these lines downstairs, but the planned hole will be approximately 4 feet from a heat source (heater vent on the floor upstairs). Is this safe? Will the heat source cause any interference with the network? Any help is appreciated. Thank you.

Cat5 is adequate for Ethernet networking. There is no advantage in using Cat6. 4 feet from a heater vent isn't going to casue a problem. The only time heat is going to be a problem is if it is so hot it starts to melt the insulation. Stuart

Check places like Best Buy, Office Depot/Max, CompUSA and WalMart. They often have premade Cat5 cables long enough for house wiring. If you are going to do a lot of custom wiring, (through real small holes that will not take the connectors) then you can always buy bulk Cat5 cable at HomeDepot or Lowes to run, and cable headers and a crimping tool (expensive) and make your own. With a little practice with short cables (and testing them on a system) you can learn the art of making your own cables.

Thank you for your reply's. I'm glad to have stumbled across this website a couple weeks ago. you guys offer excellent advice.... **Alex**