How To Run Ethernet Cable Through Walls
Although wireless technology has advanced, there is still a need for Ethernet cable in many situations. For your convenience, here is a simple instruction on how to run Ethernet wire through walls to ensure that your network cable installs are successful the first time.
Those who prefer a wired connection are frequently confronted with a number of difficulties. A wired connection across walls is difficult for them to achieve success with.
We choose to share with you this step-by-step instruction on how to run Ethernet wires through walls because we believe it will be useful to you.
Planning
When connecting an Ethernet wire through walls, preparation is critical, just as it is with any other endeavor. When intending to run an Ethernet cable(s) through walls, it is important to make the following points clear:
- Which Walls You’ll Be Running The Ethernet Cable Through
It is critical to determine which walls will be used for the installation of the Ethernet wire. Will you be dealing with unfinished brick walls or completed masonry wall surfaces? The answer to this question is dependent on the number of rooms you wish to have wired together. The greater the number of rooms that need to be wired, the greater the likelihood of having to deal with several sets of walls.
- The Path You Are Going To Take
When it comes to routing Ethernet wire through walls, this is perhaps the most difficult element. In fact, depending on where you live, the path you will travel is likely to differ. For example, if you live in an apartment, your approach to this phase will be very different from that of someone who lives in a single-family residence.
- The Network Speed You’ll Need
Knowing the network speed you want can assist you in deciding on the supplies and tools you will require. Yes, the materials you’ll require are determined by the network speed you choose. It is possible that several switch types will be required based on the desired connection speed.
- Tools
Not only will you be able to run Ethernet wire through walls successfully with the correct equipment, but you will also be able to do it quickly and efficiently.
Running Ethernet Cable Through Walls Requires the Use of These Specific Tools.
The equipment you’ll need to run an Ethernet connection through walls may vary depending on a variety of circumstances, including the walls themselves, your residence, and coverage requirements. There are a few tools, though, that are a must-have, and they are as follows:
- Drill
- Ethernet Crimping Tool
- Punch Down Tool
- Drywall Saw
- Pointed Hand Saw
- Paddle Bit
- Fish Tape
- Stud Finder
- Label Marker
You may also require the following items in addition to these tools:
- Ethernet Switch
- Ethernet Wall Sockets
- Ethernet Sockets
- Patch Panel
- Plastic Grommet
What type of Ethernet cable should I use for the wiring of my home network?
In addition to being familiar with the tools you’ll be employing while passing Ethernet cable through walls, it’s critical that you select the most appropriate Ethernet cable for the job.
As you may anticipate, this raises one question: which Ethernet cable should I use for the cabling of my home network? Having said that, it’s worth noting that Ethernet cables are often classified into groups based on their speed and the amount of data they can transmit over a network cable.
When it comes to Ethernet cables, you want to choose one that provides the highest level of performance in terms of both speed and quality. Using copper-clad aluminum (CCA) or other types of Ethernet cables should be avoided at all costs.
They are infamous for a variety of faults, including growing too hot and producing insufficient power. When running Ethernet wire through walls, it is strongly recommended to use bare copper cables in their entirety.
Running Ethernet Cable Through Walls
Following the installation of all of your components, it is time to run your Ethernet line through your walls. This takes us to the first phase in the process.
Step 1: Create A Distribution Point
Any project that has anything to do with passing Ethernet wire through walls begins with the creation or construction of a distribution point. During the process of building or constructing your distribution point, it is recommended that you turn off the electricity to your home completely.
You’ll be able to be assured that you’ll be safe when drilling holes into walls to make place for the distribution point in this manner, as well.
While we’re on the subject of constructing a distribution point, you’ll want to make sure you have the proper studs for your wiring panel in place. Finding studs is a simple operation; all you need to do is grab a stud finder and slide it along the wall. You may also work without using a stud finder, although doing so is not recommended, especially if it is your first time doing so.
Your studs will be secured in place, but you’ll need to drill an inspection hole between them. This can be approximately a 4′′ by 4′′ opening. When cutting the intersecting hole, you’ll need to use the drywall saw that came with your toolbox in order to obtain a flawlessly clean cut. The goal of this inspection hole is to confirm that there are no impediments behind the wall you’ve picked as the best location for a distribution point before proceeding with the construction.
It is possible to proceed by cutting away the drywall till you reach your distribution point once you have determined that there is nothing behind the walls. Drywall saw will be required for this task. Using the stud points you made, ensure that your cut is absolutely flawless.
Following your completion, you’ll want anything to assist you in keeping all of your cords sorted. This is provided in the form of a structured wiring panel. Make use of a power drill to screw the box to both studs on either side.
Step 2: Create Holes For Ethernet Cable
After you’ve installed your distribution point, the following step is to cut holes in the wall for your Ethernet connection. Because of this, you will need to drill either the top ceiling plate or the bottom ceiling plate, depending on the type of floor you are dealing with. Once you’ve finished, you may go on to drilling a hole in your attic.
Make your way to the top of the stairs and pick a location that is right over your distribution panel. Having determined the location, proceed by cutting a hole through the floor plate. It’s important to note that while working with attics, multiple plates are often present, which means you may have to drill through more than one block of wood.
Once you’ve finished with the attic, you’ll need to cut or drill holes above the walls for the Ethernet wire to pass through once it’s been installed. This entails paying close attention to the rooms that are in genuine need of cabling.
You will come across brick walls or completed walls when you are drilling holes, which is worth noting. You should be able to cut through the wall regardless of the circumstances. Just make sure you’re working with the proper equipment.
Make cutting holes in all of the walls where the cable will be routed with a ruler and a pencil. After you’ve finished cutting your holes, it’s time to start running cables through the walls.
Step 3: Label Your Ethernet Cables
If you intend to run Ethernet wire through a number of walls, it is critical that you mark the cables according to the rooms in which they will be installed. You can designate one as a “bedroom,” “living room,” or even an “office” if you want to use your house as a place of business.
Once you’ve properly identified your Ethernet cables, you can begin passing them through the wall and into the attic area below. If you follow the instructions carefully, your Ethernet cable(s) should appear exactly in the outlet holes you previously placed.
As long as your Ethernet cable(s) can be seen, just draw them to the length you want them to be in order to complete the procedure of running Ethernet wire through walls.
Conclusion
There’s no doubting that wired connections have their advantages, but in order to reap those benefits, you’ll need to ensure that your connections are correctly connected.
One method of accomplishing this is to run Ethernet wire through the walls. If you read this text and follow the instructions, you should be able to correctly install Ethernet wire through walls without the assistance of a professional!