Using com port cable as network cable

Zoiks · 18th December 2007, 7:05 PM

Im trying to set up a system on my dads boat. Anyway, when they were doing it the marine technician ran a com port cable instead of the network cable I initally requested.

I cant get onto the technician, but after cutting the end off the com port cable, the cable thicknesses look similar, just 10 in a com port cable and 8 in a ethernet cable.

Could I just use 8 of these wires and crimp a RJ45 connector on the end of it?

Sprinker · 18th December 2007, 9:01 PM

I'm pretty sure that as long as you get the pin outs the same at either end (for a straight through cable, or cross over pins 1 & 2 and 3 & 6 for a crossover cable) it should work. Just try crimping a RJ45 connector on the end and see if it works. If it doesn't, rip it off and run some Cat 5 / 5e / 6 / whatever the hell you like

dakiller · 18th December 2007, 9:04 PM

Most probably wont work, you don't have the twisted pairs needed. You might get away with 10mbit with a short cable (<5m)

Zoiks · 18th December 2007, 10:35 PM

twisted pairs? Isnt it just 8 wires running straight through it?

dakiller · 18th December 2007, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoiks

twisted pairs? Isnt it just 8 wires running straight through it?

Nope

anotheruser · 19th December 2007, 12:17 AM

why not get the cord tie some network cable to one end with string or something and pull it through replacing the com cord with network cable.

All depends how tight the fit and if there are any corners or such that could get snagged
although sticky tape makes a nice smooth pointy cap to smooth the way

18th December 2007, 7:05 PM	#1
Zoiks Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Ashgrove, QLD Posts: 3,038	Using com port cable as network cable Im trying to set up a system on my dads boat. Anyway, when they were doing it the marine technician ran a com port cable instead of the network cable I initally requested. I cant get onto the technician, but after cutting the end off the com port cable, the cable thicknesses look similar, just 10 in a com port cable and 8 in a ethernet cable. Could I just use 8 of these wires and crimp a RJ45 connector on the end of it? __________________ "Climate Scientists are a really funny bunch, they are the only Scientists that wake up every morning and hope that they're wrong." - Lesley Hughes, Climate Scientist Who would be the best person to listen to on the topic of climate science?

18th December 2007, 9:01 PM	#2
Sprinker Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Adelaide, South Australia Posts: 177	I'm pretty sure that as long as you get the pin outs the same at either end (for a straight through cable, or cross over pins 1 & 2 and 3 & 6 for a crossover cable) it should work. Just try crimping a RJ45 connector on the end and see if it works. If it doesn't, rip it off and run some Cat 5 / 5e / 6 / whatever the hell you like __________________ Apple MacBook Pro, i7 2Ghz, 8GB RAM, 500GB HDD, OS X 10.7 - Lion Goodness Apple iPad, Gen 3 - 32GB WiFi + 3.5G, Black Carbonite - i7 3770, 16GB DDR3 1600, Gigabyte GTX 560 - Ubuntu 12.04 x86_64

18th December 2007, 9:04 PM	#3
dakiller (Oscillating & Impeding) Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: SE Melb Posts: 6,156	Most probably wont work, you don't have the twisted pairs needed. You might get away with 10mbit with a short cable (<5m) __________________ In memory of Cheers Z

18th December 2007, 10:35 PM	#4
Zoiks Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Ashgrove, QLD Posts: 3,038	twisted pairs? Isnt it just 8 wires running straight through it? __________________ "Climate Scientists are a really funny bunch, they are the only Scientists that wake up every morning and hope that they're wrong." - Lesley Hughes, Climate Scientist Who would be the best person to listen to on the topic of climate science?

19th December 2007, 12:17 AM	#6
anotheruser Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 162	why not get the cord tie some network cable to one end with string or something and pull it through replacing the com cord with network cable. All depends how tight the fit and if there are any corners or such that could get snagged although sticky tape makes a nice smooth pointy cap to smooth the way