Looking to install Ethernet cables in your flat and seeking advice.
Looking to install Ethernet cables in your flat and seeking advice.
Hi, I recently moved to a new flat. I already tried out Wifi, and Powerline, but neither gets beyond 30mbits download, while I get 250Mbits over a Ethernet cable currently laying across the flat (through 2 open doors). I already checked with my landlord and they're ok with me installing Ethernet cables on/through the walls. My room setup is: Room A: Modem+Router Room B: TV/MediaDevice+Switch(+something like a Nvidia Shield at some point) Room C: PC, Work Laptop, maybe NAS/Server at some point Room A is connected to Room B, and Room B is connected to Room C. The internet outlet is in Room A, and it's also the best/most center position for the wifi-router. What I would like to achieve is to get the most internet from Room A to B and C with the least amount of cables. While I also would like to stream PC games from C to B. What I was thinking of was 2 cables from A, 1 for B, and 1 for C, and then terminating them with network-switches at the end for the multiple devices. Room C PC \ / Nvidia Shield (for example) Laptop -> Network Switch -> Ethernet -> Modem+Router in Room A <- Ethernet <- Network Switch <- TV in Room B NAS / \ Nintendo Switch That way I only have to lay 2 cables, but when I stream from the PC to the TV it goes through 2 switches, and 1 ISP router. I'm not sure how good or bad that is. Alternative I could lay up to 4 cables as the router has 4 ports. Room C PC ----------> Ethernet ----------> <---------- Ethernet <---------- Nvidia Shield (for example) Laptop -> Network Switch -> Ethernet -> Modem+Router in Room A <- Ethernet <- Network Switch <- TV in Room B NAS / \ Nintendo Switch This would be a lot more hassle, as I would have to drill bigger holes, and use bigger cable-channels, but I guess it's at least worth considering. I'm not familiar enough with networking and wondered if I could get some feedback on either of those two setups. It's also the first time I'll be laying ethernet cables, so some general pointers would also be nice.
Climbing up the walls can be tricky. If you need space, check your attic first. Buying all the gear makes it harder to fit. At work, we use a scissor lift because of our size. Still, I like planning my route beforehand. Sometimes unexpected issues arise, like needing to go around a door opener. Always verify there’s a clear path.
Investing in long enough cables and keystone plugs on both sides simplifies the process. (Just skip the tape and focus on the connection.) Purchasing Cat 6 cables is convenient—purple is budget-friendly, but blue is better for longer runs.
Label fittings clearly; use a crimper if available. The standard is B, and many examples show it upside down. I usually unwind the cables and lower the sleeve to prevent tangles.
Testing the cable with Net Ally helps ensure proper crimping. It might cost $1500, but there could be cheaper options. If you know someone who works in networking, they might have useful tips.
Drilling for holes in drywall creates dust. Use a plate with a keystone that fits both sides, or opt for metal low-voltage plates with tabs. A retro fit box is also an option. Both work well.
Keep cables long enough and store them neatly in the attic to avoid clutter.
It's fine, the switches are mostly hidden, not obvious. The router functions like a switch too, so your home devices should connect through the modem/router just like a switch. The main problem would be... for instance... someone streams a bluray or something on TV, sent from the NAS, and consumes 100 mbps of bandwidth... then your laptop would only get about 900 mbps to the modem/router since that 100 mbps is used by the streaming from NAS.
Thanks for the update, everyone. I haven’t finished drilling the holes yet, but now I understand I just need to install two cables and the remaining parts will be handled by switches. The biggest uncertainty is the bending radius. Different manufacturers suggest 8x or 10x diameter—some even say 8x during installation but 4 after. That’s confusing. For an 8mm cable, 8x seems excessive, so I’d go with 4x instead. Either option is more than expected, but I still intend to 3D print the cable bends. The placement through the wall and near corners might cause issues if they’re too far from the wall. Before contacting the manufacturer, I should note that the Cat7 25m roll I bought doesn’t match their specs—it has a QR code for certification but no clear minimum bending radius mentioned.