home structured networking – what tools

house extension is almost complete so it will soon be time to finish off all the network cables i’ve run around the house.

Ive got 18 runs of Cat6 terminating in a central cupboard and i was thinking about using a passthrough patch panel rather than punch down as the few times ive done it before, ive always found getting a neat job in a traditional panel whilst up a ladder in an awkward space to be challenging at best – so first question, any downsides to terminating all by cables with RJ45’s and using a passthrough patch panel?

2nd question – ive lost my crimping tool so need a new one anyway so im also looking at new fangled passthrough RJ45s which look much easier to use than normal ones. i expect quality of tool makes a diference to how this job goes so can anyone recommed the “Spesh Rockhopper” of the crimping world? or will any old tat off amazon be fine? and do plugs themselves need to match the tool?

The cables ive run are 23AWG pure copper outdoor spec so 6mm outer – i guess i need to be careful whatever i use will play nicely with that

any other tips gratefully received

I bought the Klein pass thru crimper, about £50, but really great to use. I found it much easier than non-pass thru, but I’m not a professional cable monkey!! There are cheaper pass-thru tools available (one on amazon for ~£15) but no experience of those! As far as I know all pass-through connectors should work (at least, I’ve not had any problems)

I agree that terminating with RJ45 is easier & that’s largely what I’ve gone for (I don’t think there are any major drawbacks but again not an expert!)  – I don’t understand why people insist on putting network cabinets etc in inaccessible places though! (although I tinker with my setup fairly often)

that said – I’ve only ever done cat5e, as I understand it the cat6 spec is a lot less tolerant, so there could be pitfalls I’m unaware of!

I have the cheap amazon ones in a 48 downstairs and a 24 upstairs, Cat5e, Cat6 & a Cat7 to join the 2 cabinets.

I had the same logic with making it all neat presentable to patch panel, but terminating the cables was easier.

A Wi-Fi mesh system? 😁

A half-decent cable tester will save you a world of pain.

Cat6 is only Cat6 if everything is Cat6.  And even then it still might not be compliant.

Klein tool ordered – life’s too short for cheap tools. I’ve already got a basic LED RJ45 continuity tester which at least picks up where i’ve gone totally mental with sequencing and will help me identify which cable is which at either end of a run

I think the challenge i’m going to have is terminating the 23awg cable into plugs – ive ordered these so hopefully they’ll fit https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07G2Q1KSD?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1