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The data on Ethernet cables is bi-directional. It shouldn't matter....

73.229.163.4

In Reply to: RE: I have a directional cable between my ethernet switch and computer running Roon... posted by Steve Parry on May 01, 2024 at 18:08:23

What brand and type of cable are you using? If the outer shield is terminated at both ends it is possible for the cable to create a ground loop and hum in audio systems. This is more common with higher-end cables. Are you experiencing hum? If not, I wouldn't worry about cable direction.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

If you are experiencing hum the solution is to A)remove the shield on one of the connector ends, B)don't use such fancy cables, C) use an un-shielded patch cord jumper cable somewhere inline with the shielded Ethernet cable to your device. This will break the shield connection and ground loop.

My home is wired with CAT6A cable that has the shield connected at both ends of the cables. My solution is to use cheap CAT5e unshielded patch cables to my computer music server and streaming devices. The fact that these cheap cables are unshielded eliminates the possibility for ground loops.

As an aside, there's no need for audiophile Ethernet cables. In fact, I would trust them less than bulk Ethernet cable or patch cables from Home Depot.

Follow Ups:

RE: The data on Ethernet cables is bi-directional. It shouldn't matter.... - Whell 08:14:08 05/08/24 (3)
So, how does the signal know which way to go if the cable is directional? Is there a "Do not enter" or "Wrong Way" sign that the signal can follow?
- RE: The data on Ethernet cables is bi-directional. It shouldn't matter.... - Dawnrazor 14:01:25 05/08/24 (2)
  According to the manufacturer of the Ethernet cable I have the direction is the grain direction of the copper used in the conductors. They say that some brands are directional because of the shield not being connected at one end, but that they don't do that.
  
  Their tech support confirmed that the arrows on the cable would go in the direction from computer-> switch -> audio device.
  
  Cut to razor sounding violins
  - https://wireworldcable.com/blogs/news-tech/directionality-in (Open in New Window)
  - SNAKE OIL !! RUN AWAY !! - AbeCollins 14:19:19 05/11/24 (1)
    "According to the manufacturer of the Ethernet cable I have the direction is the grain direction of the copper used in the conductors."
    Find me any Ethernet cable maker OTHER THAN an audiophile brand that would say something dumb like this.
    "Their tech support confirmed that the arrows on the cable would go in the direction from computer-> switch -> audio device. "
    Snake Oil Support ;-)
    
    Edits: 05/31/24
    - Good thing I have another one on the way - Dawnrazor 15:58:38 05/11/24 (0)
      Thanks for your help Abe
      
      Cut to razor sounding violins

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