How to Future Proof My Home Install With Fiber

Do you want to future-proof your home network to avoid the hassle of constantly replacing or adding cables?

In this article (and our related tiktok video series), we’ll show you how to future proof your home with OM5 fiber optic cables as well as Cat8 ethernet cables.

We’ll also discuss if the most cutting-edge tech is really necessary for your home.

Why utilize fiber vs copper in your home?

Fiber optics offer incredible speed and bandwidth, but may be overkill for most home users. It's best for "backbone cabling," the main connection points in your network.

Copper cabling is more traditionally used in the home for its affordability. We’re showcasing Cat8 because it’s the latest technology in ethernet, but cat6 or cat 6a is more than sufficient for most home installs.

You can see a breakdown of the maximum amount of data that can be transferred via each of the more popular categories of ethernet cables below.

Cat6E: falls in between Cat6 and Cat 6A in Gbps transferred. It depends on the length of the run the same as other cables do.

As you can see, Cat8 has a much higher capacity than Cat 6, which means it is overkill for most installs.

That being said, a lot of our customers want the latest and greatest so we want to show you how you can accomplish this.

Standardization of Cat8

Cat8 is officially recognized by relevant industry organizations like the IEEE and EIA. This means you can trust that different brands of Cat8 cables and connectors (modular plugs and keystone jacks) will work together seamlessly.

These components are designed to pass tests conducted with Fluke CAT8 cable certifiers, ensuring quality and performance.

Should I use cat8 in my home?

One redditor sums up the use of Cat8 very well.

“Cat8 has applications in data centers, but for it to be used that way, it needs specialized equipment and connectors.”

This means that while you can use Cat8 in the home, it may need additional equipment to function and therefore would be overkill.

Running category 6 or at most 6A inside a conduit would be a nice alternative to utilizing cat8. Then you can upgrade to whatever is needed later at a more reasonable price.

How to install Cat8 and OM5 fiber optics in your home network

You can use both Cat8 and OM5 fiber to create a future proof network in your home

Running Cat8 ethernet cable, you will be able to pass up to 40 gigs and it will reach about 100 feet.

Running OM5 fiber optic cabling

@lanshack Are you looking to future proof the network in your home office or commercial building? #fiberoptic #fiberoptics #foryou #viral ♬ original sound - LANshack

Use a cable caddy

To make sure your cables can be easily dispensed, a cable caddy is an amazing tool to use.

In fact, you can use this for fiber optic cables, ethernet, coaxial, electrical, audio, and other cable reels. Make sure they are up to 20 inches in diameter by 18 inches wide and up to 90 Lbs in weight

A cable caddy quickly and easily folds up so it's extremely portable and a must have for any cable installation

Here’s how you set up your cable on the caddy:

1. Take your pin off the end of the rod

2. Load your fiber spool onto the rod. You can place multiple spools on one rod if the weight isn’t too large.

3. Place the pin back on the end.

4. Make sure to load the cable so the spool is off the top of it so it’s easier to pull

5. (optional) Attach your pulling eye onto your assembly

@lanshack Do you need a handy tool to pull your cable #fiberoptic #fiberoptics #foryou #viral ♬ original sound - LANshack

Stay tuned for the next steps of the install on our tiktok. We’ll update that content here for you when it’s ready.