Networking quick-fire questions

How can I connect my studio, it’s 50m from the router?

Over open ground, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi can reach up to 90m, but signals weaken with any significant obstructions. A better bet may be outdoor grade Ethernet cabling, which can be up to 100m in length without performance loss. Cable is best run overhead, or buried in plastic piping.

Can I put my own RJ45 plugs onto Ethernet cable?

Yes, and it’s easier if you can buy or borrow two special tools: one for cutting the outer jacket, the other to crimp the plug on, available from electronics retailers. The process using those tools is illustrated at bit.ly/belden_modplug_ cat6 and numerous YouTube videos.