Configure your home network using Ethernet connections.
Configure your home network using Ethernet connections.
Throughout my life I've always needed to lay cables inside every home to ensure strong connections for all our gadgets. Now I'm about to relocate and considering installing dedicated Ethernet lines for each room. I want a durable setup that can handle everything I throw at it, not just a quick fix. My partner and I both work remotely, so we rely on stable internet from our machines. We need the connection to be reliable, especially since my media NAS runs on a separate line that might support multiple TVs. I'm thinking a CAT 7 cable would be necessary for all the devices. I suspect a switch is essential somewhere along the path, and with two office spaces up high, running one cable per room might not be ideal. A better option could be connecting to a switch near the router and using two cables—one to each room. I'm also curious about where to buy quality cables and connectors, and what kind of wiring is best. I've checked online (UK site) and found some Amazon listings, but I'm skeptical about their reliability. One product has over 1000 reviews at four stars, while another with two stars on Amazon seems to have poor performance and speed issues. Since we won't be moving for a while, I hope to finalize this before the relocation date so everything is ready in time. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Depends on the required speeds. According to the standards: CAT.5e supports up to 1Gbps over 100 meters, CAT6 offers 5E or 10Gbps over 60 meters, and CAT6a reaches 10Gbps over 100 meters. To achieve these rates you need switches capable of handling them, and 10Gbps switches are expensive. Your provider’s speeds will likely be lower for local use only. CAT7 won’t help much. Shielded cables might not be worth it unless you bundle many together. For your intended scenario, I recommend CAT.6 or CAT.6a UTP if you can afford 10G switches and network cards. If devices only reach 1Gbps, sticking to CAT.5e is sensible. For connections, use standard wall sockets with keystones—ensure they match the cable type you choose. Keystones are typically easy to install or require minimal tools. Patch cables should match your selected cables for optimal performance.