[Netzwerk] LAN cabling for new home

[Jeecha]

Hello,

I am currently planning network layout for my home and need to choose the LAN cabling.

The requirements are as follows:
1) 10Gbe between server room (primarily NAS) and workstations with maximum cable run of about 25m. Ideally with a possibility to upgrade to 25/40Gbe if and when it becomes economically viable for residential setting. 10Gbe is required between NAS and few workstations, because we do a lot of video and photo processing.
2) 1Gbe for outdoor PoE surveillance cameras.

Optical fiber was ruled out after doing a quick estimate of the associated costs. Fiber would still be used between servers and switch.

My initial thought was going with CAT6A S/FTP cabling, terminated with CAT6A keystones at patch panel and wall sockets. Anecdotal evidence on internet suggests that running 25Gbe on short runs would be possible in future.
However it turns out that locally it is only possible to get CAT6A F/UTP, not S/FTP or U/FTP. CAT7 S/FTP is readily available and the pricing is just slightly above that of CAT6A.

So the question is - can CAT7 be terminated with CAT6A keystones and will it (terminated with CAT6A or CAT8 shielded keystones) be as good or better as CAT6A?

Any suggestions are welcome!

Thanks,
Jekabs

[meti]

I think using higher standard cables cat7(a) with lower connectors 6a should result in a connection of the lowest used part - 6a.
Physically it is not a problem (with normal AWG).
I'd definitely use conduit to be able to change the cabling to fiber when it gets cheaper if speed is really important for you.

[abeggled]

CAT7 Cable and lower Keystone is ok, if you be aware that if you need CAT7 over the whole path, you have to change the Keystone and Patchcable. I've built my house in this style.
In your scenario I would really go to fiber, not only for speed but latency. Latency on fiber is much lower than copper. If this isn't possible due financial limitations please use a protection tube with large diameter and bends possible to replace copper with fiber later if the costs cut.

[Jeecha]

Thanks for the responses.

It appears, that following will be optimal, given current circumstances:
* CAT7 cable in tubes, so it can be pulled and replaced with fiber in the future;
* termination with CAT6A keystones for now;
* possibility that it would still be possible to run 25/40Gbe over same cable (maximum run is ~25m), perhaps with upgrade to CAT8 keystones at both ends.