ethernet cable type

[Foster]

Disposable cables are OK, but I'd rather have something that works and not worry about it.

I buy all my cables from http://www.showmecables.com They have stranded cable that is pretty robust. Have them put the extra long ends on them (extra strain relief). The cable comes in a number of colors, so you may find one that matches your team colors.

You'll need to talk to their sales department, since the online order is for solid conductor patch cables.

[epylko]

Also, if you're making your own cables, make sure you have the wires in the correct order. Follow the order specified in TIA568-A or -B. Pick one of those standards and stick with it. A crossover cable is really 568-A on one side and 568-B on the other.

Finally, make sure you have a cable tester if you are making your own. Bad crimps and kinked cable can cause all sorts of intermittent, maddening problems.

[GreyingJay]

A cable tester is probably a good investment even if you don't make your own cables, especially for the kind of "mission critical" environment our cables will often see.

If you don't have a crimper to make/fix cables, then plan to keep a few spares, and if a cable starts acting up (and you can confirm the cable is bad), toss it in the garbage.

[Brutick]

I'd recommend getting a cable tester and a bunch of LONG (50ft+) pre-made ethernet cables from Monoprice. Moulded cables, in my experience, last significantly longer than any cable I've made myself, especially given the abuse they receive from a team.