Is it advisable to install network cabling on an exterior wall?
Is it advisable to install network cabling on an exterior wall?
I have an older house and without significant work, it's unlikely I'd be able to cable inside without them being very visible.
I do, however have an opportunity to run some cabling outside of my house, up the wall and into the loft where it can then potentially run to various rooms (main one being the Office).
It would be a south-west (but mainly west) facing wall.
It would also sit next to a terrestrial TV aerial cable - is this a bad idea?
Any old Amazon cable or should I buy something from a specific (UK) website?
Are there any other things to consider?
I also have a chance to install some cabling outside my home, along the wall and into the loft, allowing it to connect to different rooms (the main one being the Office).
What length are you aiming for?
Are there any additional factors to take into account?
Do you need cables that can handle weather conditions and heat or UV exposure?
I have installed network cables from the living room router, through the window (using a flat female to female window feed-through adapter), outside into the child's bedroom. As "Lutfij" mentioned, you need a cable rated for outdoor use. On Amazon, search for "CAT6 outdoors" or "network cable outdoors". For the adapter to pass through a window, I'm unsure of the correct term in British English. I tried looking on Amazon UK but found nothing.
From a technical standpoint, when connecting cables between walls and above ceilings, it should use plenum-rated cable that is both fire-resistant and smoke-free. It must also meet the required bend radius. In such cases, it resembles standard low-voltage installations like telephone or alarm wiring—no need for conduits or junction boxes. UV-resistant plenum cables exist, but applying a protective coating afterward ensures compliance. For residential settings, drilling holes in walls is preferable to using unreliable flat cable through closed windows. Regarding broadcasting standards, the UK operates on UHF ch21-68 frequencies (470 MHz to 860 MHz), while gigabit Ethernet supports symbol rates of 125MHz, 2.5Gbps at 200MHz, 5Gbps at 400MHz, and 10Gbps at 800MHz. Although 10Gbps overlaps with TV bands, by the time the signal reaches your aerial, the power level will be insufficient to cause any concern with unshielded Ethernet—since your TV isn’t transmitting.
Solid copper cabling is suitable for main runs, not stranded. It is more difficult to handle because it is stiffer, but it provides better signal quality and is ideal for permanent sections. Plenum and outdoor areas are typically solid anyway. Think about the risk of lightning when running cables outside. It's wise to install surge suppressors at each end, with proper grounding. Alternatively, you could use plastic conduit or grounded metal conduit throughout.
You should consider using "direct burial" cable when working outdoors. For shorter runs and typical residential setups, this often suffices. However, if the installation extends further or occurs in areas with significant electromagnetic interference, shielded cables may be preferable. Remember that conduit is an excellent choice, especially when grounded at one end, as it also helps block noise. I generally stick to direct burial because moisture can build up and dissipate over time, affecting performance.
Gigabit CAT 5e should work adequately, though CAT 6a offers better capacity for future needs without significantly higher cost. It also supports longer cable lengths. Most cables include an outer shield, but some have individual shielded twisted pairs inside. UTP pairs are unshielded, while S/FTP pairs can be either shielded or unshielded. For shielded cables, connect the shield at the start and leave the other end disconnected; connecting both ends to ground can cause ground loops.
In summary, direct burial is a solid option. Comparisons between CAT 5e and CAT 6a are mostly irrelevant. Shielding choices are similarly flexible. Even direct burial has its downsides—thickness, reduced flexibility, and the need for specific connectors. Be mindful of these factors to ensure reliable performance.
For an above ground setup, direct burial isn't necessary and poses greater challenges. UV protection is essential, though this can be addressed by applying paint to the cable (a common practice for better concealment).
As long as exterior paint is used, not just the cheapest option that closely matches their house. However, I believe painted cables don’t look good and tend to peel off, leaving multiple layers of paint applied, similar to outlet covers and outlets in a rental building. Even indoor wall coverings would look better, though they might fade quickly.
Is that barrier clearly visible so you can verify the wiring path?
Security is often a concern, as it's not unusual for people to attempt to connect to it in order to access power or communications.
Cosmetics are generally not a significant issue...
Just a suggestion.