@tvrgeek For data transmission in a home I’m pretty sure you are right that shielding doesn’t matter. My concern is that since these wires are around analog systems shielding Ethernet cable should reduce the chance that any noise transmitted from Ethernet to nearby analog interconnects or AC wires and supplies. Phonograph connections and preamps are especially vulnerable. |
OP: For the sake of simplicity and your sanity I might suggest you run both. They make 2 port wall covers that could accommodate fiber and Ethernet sockets, might as well get them both and then you can decide at the time of use which makes more sense. I'm not sure what the cost for the fiber is, but Ethernet cable is cheap so if you are going to run fiber to the room, might as well put in an Ethernet cable too. |
First, 1Gig E is already overkill for any streaming device or service. Just keep that in mind in the sense that speeds and latency won’t matter very much at all once you are over 100 MBit/s which is already ancient. Ethernet is best for convenience, and resale value. You aren’t going to find a lot of TV’s, receivers, etc. which do fiber directly. Fiber’s biggest advantage is surges. No copper = no surge breakthrough possible. I use an Ethernet/Fiber converter pair between my modem and router to ensure outside surges have no path inside. The next benefit is noise isolation, which is iffy and you may do better with a medical grade Ethernet isolator. I use one at the end of a 50’ run because that is long enough to pick up an EM induced surge (i.e. not directly connected) and it’s before all my expensive HT/audio gear.
My suggestions is, that unless your home is very large and you need multiple switches, wire with Cat 6a (10 Gbit/s) and use fiber converters only where needed. Using Ethernet to fiber converters to eliminate noise at your stereo isn’t without it’s own new challenges. Every wall power adapter has the possibility of introducing a new source of noise, so for me using an Ethernet isolator is the simplest, quietest answer. The place I do use Ethernet <----> Fiber <-----> Ethernet is, as mentioned, between the router and modem to protecte my gear inside. |
