Install Ethernet cables directly into walls for a wired connection.
Install Ethernet cables directly into walls for a wired connection.
You'll need the right materials and tools for running Ethernet cables across multiple rooms. A Cat6 Plenum STP cable is recommended, especially if you're working through walls. You'll require about 500 feet of bulk cable for this project. Gather the appropriate connectors, a drill or screwdriver, cable cutter, and any necessary fasteners.
Looking for a reliable crimper, there are many mediocre options available. I’ll also need some RJ45 termination blocks to link to the switch at the opposite end, especially if the cable isn’t going into a punch-down block. It seems like a budget-friendly tool might be useful to verify each wire’s connection and ensure everything is secure. I plan to install Ethernet keystone jacks in all three rooms to run the cables and also include their face plates.
For staying ahead (Cat7 has been part of our team for nearly a decade), I’d suggest Cat7 or Cat7a because they can handle 10Gb speeds over long distances, though they come with a higher price tag.
Cat6a supports up to 10 Gbps over distances of about 100 meters or roughly 300 feet. It's a widely used standard with a long history. Cat7 isn't standardized by the same organization that created Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a, which means many people don't recognize it or suggest using it.
The main focus is on the A in Cat6a. Since regular Cat6 supports only 1Gbps, while Cat6a offers 10Gbps.
Add twine to the cabling in areas where extra cabling might be required later. This approach was used when connecting to the coax for the attic, allowing flexibility for future expansions.