Low tech hardware needed

[stevenamills]

I have a switch on the end of my bench that I use to connect a couple of computers while I repair them. I use a 3' and a 7' Ethernet cable to connect to the computers. It's not a big deal, but it's mess with the cables lying there when not in use. I've tried retractable Ethernet cable, but the only ones I've found are practically toys. They last for about half a dozen pulls.

Can anyone recommend a high quality retractable Ethernet or alternative wire management for a workbench?

Thanks.....
Steve

 

[cpuguy]

hello try this link here http://www.amazon.com/RJ45-Retractable-Ethernet-Cable-Cat-5e/dp/B000I1KHG8 hope it is what you are looking for, also there is a electric Ethernet device you can use to limit the amount of cable lying around, that plugs into the outlet

 

[DillySD]

My setup is easy KVM and a network switch. I went to Tigerdirect.com and bought a 1ft, 3ft, 5ft, 7ft and 14ft. These are all tied down on the desk with the corresponding kvm cables. Its a nice easy setup.

 

[MHCG]

I have a switch on the end of my bench that I use to connect a couple of computers while I repair them. I use a 3' and a 7' Ethernet cable to connect to the computers. It's not a big deal, but it's mess with the cables lying there when not in use. I've tried retractable Ethernet cable, but the only ones I've found are practically toys. They last for about half a dozen pulls.

Can anyone recommend a high quality retractable Ethernet or alternative wire management for a workbench?

Thanks.....
Steve

Depending on your workbench setup I would put a patch panel on the front of the desk below the actual table or just mount the switch upside down under the table or in a drawer. When you need a network connection, pull the cables out from under the workspace. It will get the switch off the top of your workspace and hide all of your cables until you need them.

To answer your question, I can't imagine anybody has a good retractable ethernet cable because good ethernet cables are going to be thicker than it's feasible to put in a roll up device. Phone lines are easy because they're so thin and flexible.

 

[nutrafrag]

At my work, they had me clean up the companies modem, router, switch mess for the companies internet (we are a small business with 10 people).

I ended up learning to make my own Cat 6 cables (Got the tool on ebay for $15) and got the cable at Fry's. Made custom length and really cleaned it up.

Did the same at home.

Very easy and fast once you get the hang of it.

Might want to try it, and make your own length cables.

With the tool and some extra connectors, you can take any pre made cable and make it custom by just cutting one end off to the length you want, and re-capping it.

Just an idea.

 

[tartis]

At my work, they had me clean up the companies modem, router, switch mess for the companies internet (we are a small business with 10 people).

I ended up learning to make my own Cat 6 cables (Got the tool on ebay for $15) and got the cable at Fry's. Made custom length and really cleaned it up.

Did the same at home.

Very easy and fast once you get the hang of it.

Might want to try it, and make your own length cables.

With the tool and some extra connectors, you can take any pre made cable and make it custom by just cutting one end off to the length you want, and re-capping it.

Just an idea.

It is good to practice making cables, but it is much cheaper to just buy 15' patch cables for $3.50 instead of taking 15 minutes each.

 

[iptech]

It is good to practice making cables, but it is much cheaper to just buy 15' patch cables for $3.50 instead of taking 15 minutes each.

Good point tartis, you can then sell the patch leads to you client for additional profit whilst you get on with the more profitable work of repairing/servicing their systems. Also patch leads are usually made of softer, more pliable cable than Cat5/6 off a reel (try re-terminating one with an RJ45 plug to find out just how soft they can be!).

You'll leave the job with a happier client and more money in your account relative to the time input.

 

[seedubya]

Agreed. Making cables is a waste of time. That being said, it's important that you're able to do it for those odd situations where you really have to.