Re: POTS and Ethernet over CAT-5 Cable

["Frank Olson" <feolson@xxxxxxxxxx>]

"Joerg" <notthisjoergsch@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:TXPLe.968$r54.887@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Hello Brian,
>
>> Is it possible to use some of the extra wires in CAT-5 cable to run a
>> POTS line or two?  I heard that Ethernet only uses two of the eight
>> wires.  Is this true?  If so, seems like I could run 3 POTS lines in
>> addition to my Ethernet over my CAT-5 home network.
>
> There will be a serious current spike whenever the receiver is taken off
> hook or placed back. That may or may not cause packet losses on the data
> pairs. Ringing can also generate 90V or so and an open loop phone line can
> run up to such voltage levels as well. So if you accidentally miswire
> something ... bzzzt.
>
> Utilities also have their rules and some may not endorse such wire mixing.
> Anyway, personally I wouldn't do it so I ran two CAT-5 to every location
> from the central closet. CAT-5 is cheap. Plus now it's future proof in
> case there comes a day when the other two pairs are being used for the
> data link.
>
>> If this is correct, are there any jacks available that would make this
>> easier than cutting open my cables?  Thanks.
>
> You have to cut the cables anyway to connect an RJ45. In this case you'd
> just have to cut the sleeve back some more. But again, I wouldn't do it.
>
> Regards, Joerg
>
> http://www.analogconsultants.com


The best advice!!!