Ethernet cable short by about 2', best way to extend? (outdoors)

We have FIOS and just recently returned our cable boxes so I want to eliminate their horrible router from the house. On the side of the house is the ONT box and a few feet over we have a main feed line that goes to the basement which I already have wired up to most rooms in the house via cat5e cable. However, the technician who installed the Verizon ONT box couldn't but the box beside the spare wire bundle box on the side of the house due to it being right where the electrical panels are...

The main Ethernet line that is on the side of the house that runs down into the basement is 2' short of reaching the Verizon ONT box... mind you I can't pull the cable out anymore since it's in the walls... the builder didn't think to have a f'ing service loop (typical), now if this was INSIDE, I'd clearly just make a small patch cable and use a coupler and be done with it. Since this is outside do I need to worry about anything. I will be inside a covered box but I just wanted to make sure that wouldn't be an issue...

See attached pictures.

Fios ONT:



Green unterminated ethernet line going to basement:


Verizon ONT on left, Power Meters center, Main feed (extra, ethernet, phone cable lines, cover is off)



Wasn't sure if there was a specific outdoor coupler that was better than the crap they sell at big box stores...etc.


Thanks mhc,
-Nigel

I fail to see a problem if you can put the coupler in the smaller lower right box.

Yep, that was exactly what I was going to do. I already have the small 3' cable that I terminated on the ONT box on the left, I just wasn't sure if a coupler would be the best solution here. I thought about soldering the ends but I can't imagine that being good for the signal or it would introduce some type of noise I'm sure? Every IT bone in my body says that's not the right way to do it...lol

OR

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._mini_detail?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AWOZ2GL0YJQ4H

Using that inside the small box on the right just for added protection.

-Nigel

That junction box is nice and I would use it anywhere inside the house, but it doesn't look like its sealed. If water gets down in there and on the terminals you could lose connection, or worse, damage the ONT or your equipment. Since this is outside and possibly going to be exposed to the weather, i would use dolphin clips and stick it in a waterproof box. The waterproof box might not fit since that other box looks a bit shallow. Dolphin clips ( if you get the right ones) have a gel type material to keep dust/water/other crap out of the actual connections. Match color for color and keep the lines twisted as much as possible to keep cross-talk to a minimum. This is just my opinion on what I would do.

do not use beanies for data!!
Just use a jack and plug in the enclosure.

Okay, you don't have a service loop, but is it in the walls in conduit?

If so, use the old piece of ethernet cable as the service loop and use it to yank a new piece into place.

Chas said:

Okay, you don't have a service loop, but is it in the walls in conduit?

If so, use the old piece of ethernet cable as the service loop and use it to yank a new piece into place.

Click to expand...

i think you're confusing service loops with pull strings/wires

NewShockerGuy said:

Yep, that was exactly what I was going to do. I already have the small 3' cable that I terminated on the ONT box on the left, I just wasn't sure if a coupler would be the best solution here. I thought about soldering the ends but I can't imagine that being good for the signal or it would introduce some type of noise I'm sure? Every IT bone in my body says that's not the right way to do it...lol

OR

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._mini_detail?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AWOZ2GL0YJQ4H

Using that inside the small box on the right just for added protection.

-Nigel

Click to expand...

I would use a coupler like this:
http://amzn.com/B00FQMKZU2

or use the junction that you posted but UN-shielded because it doesn't look like your cables are shielded.
http://amzn.com/B0059DRC3G

I don't think water would be an issue of getting inside the box.since it would be covered. I could always seal the exterior of the distro box which I think would be best in this case, just as another layer of protection.

Hell, looking at how they did the phone line the technician just twisted the wires together and used crappy electrical tape...smh.

Chas:

There's no way of pulling any cable through. It's in a 4 wire bundle that's wrapped and more likely than not through the holes made in the studs to go through, it would be a hell of a time trying to feed it through or even pull it out.

Found this to be interesting: But pricey at $25 a pop.
http://datasheet.octopart.com/PX0777/CAT5ESTP-Bulgin-datasheet-154049.pdf

I'll post an update once I get everything. But prolly going with the little enclosure box and then sealing it inside the other box that didn't have the lid on it.

-Nigel

I think coupler #1 that klank suggested should work. I don't see it being much different then the normal switch -> patch panel -> cube receptacle -> PC that most businesses have installed. Also gives you a quick easy test point if some ISP tech in the future questions your house wiring.

What about pull the extra outside to where you need it and use the coupler inside?

just a thought...

If you're going the coupler route consider a weather proof one to lessen the chance of corrosion where you have to reterminate making the short run even shorter. The other one looks nicer but costlier though.

http://www.amazon.com/Waterproof-Coupler-Female-Shielded-Installable/dp/B00CUKXZY6

I'm not sure if I would put an ONT outside in the elements like that... Electronics actually don't like the cold. When -40's hit it may be an issue. Not sure how the laser works but if it uses any kind of gas it may be an issue as well.

As for making cable longer I'd probably just crimp on a keystone then use a small patch cable to extend it.

Red Squirrel said:

I'm not sure if I would put an ONT outside in the elements like that... Electronics actually don't like the cold. When -40's hit it may be an issue. Not sure how the laser works but if it uses any kind of gas it may be an issue as well.

As for making cable longer I'd probably just crimp on a keystone then use a small patch cable to extend it.

Click to expand...

They make all sorts of outdoor ONT's. We use Calix ONT's that go in an enclosure on the outside of the house.

Our remote cabinets are fiber fed and are not heated. They have fans that run all the time. Cold and heat isn't really an issue.