What is likely to happen when you plug two ends of a network cable to a single switch/router? Will this create problems on the network, or just be ignored?
Why do cat5 cables sometimes have the fluffy fiber bit in them?
While looking around for some plugs to use for running and crimping some bulk Cat-6 cable, I noticed the online sites show RJ-45 plugs for Cat-5e and separate ones for Cat-6. Is there actually any difference between the two? The Cat-6 plugs mention having an "insert", but does this really matter?
Last time I needed to crimp cable, it was for Cat-5e, which is why I'm asking this now. Thanks!
What is a patch panel? How it is different from (layer 2) switch?
EDIT: I think my primary question (and confusion) is this:
Why don't network connections go straight to the switch? Don't we still require 1-to-1 connections from switch to patch panel?
I'm migrating my current half-size rack to a full-size rack and want to take the opportunity to reorganize and sort our spaghetti-hell of ethernet cables.
What system do you use for organising your cables? Do you use any tracking software?
Do you physically label the cables?
What are you identifying when you label each end? Mac address? Port number? Asset number?
What do you use to label them?
I was looking at a hand held labeler, but the wrap around laser printer sheets might work. The Brady ID PAL seems good, but it's pricey.
Ideas?