MultiHub Forum

I've been tasked with setting up a small, secure network for a mobile veterinary clinic operating out of a refurbished ambulance, and I'm hitting a wall with the physical layer. The vehicle has limited, irregular power from its auxiliary battery system, and I need to run Ethernet for a PoE security camera and a local server for patient records, but the constant vibration and temperature swings from the Canadian prairie climate are a major concern. My budget is under $800, and I can't run conduit through the existing custom cabinetry. I'm looking for advice on ruggedized, flexible cabling solutions that can handle -30°C to +35°C and won't degrade from daily movement, while also being manageable for a solo installer in a very cramped workspace.

Plan rugged, flexible Ethernet: use outdoor-rated shielded Cat6a (or Cat7) cable rated -40°C to 75–85°C, with IP67-rated connectors and sealed inline couplers. Run short, protected hops in split loom or flexible conduit, anchored to the chassis to absorb vibration. Put a compact PoE switch and small UPS in a vented cabinet; use strain relief and grommets where it passes through panels. This approach fits under $800 and avoids permanent changes.