Originally Posted by
gfunkdave
I'm going to be installing an outdoor camera mounted under the eave of my parents' house. I am under the impression I should use shielded cable because static can build up on the camera and damage the switch. Yes, I know I need to use shielded connectors and ground the switch. Am I right? What's the best practice? The internet is all over the place on when and how you should use shielded cable.
All I know is I installed an AP in a friend's gazebo using unshielded cable and after a while it wouldn't connect at 1 Gbps. Plugging it into a different switch port works for a while and then it drops back to 100Mbps. I have reterminated the cable a few times. I also installed an outdoor AP at my parents' with unshielded cable, and it works fine. I installed one at my house with shielded cable, and it works fine.
What is the best practice?
I'm not aware of any issues with static buildup on devices. If you're using shielded cable, you should use shielded connectors and ground the cable.
My guess, without seeing pictures, with that one install is that water is wicking down the cable somewhere and damaging the switch - EMI interference wouldn't be resolved by plugging it into another port.