How to Wire Your Home Ethernet

The fastest and most stable way to connect to local networks and the internet is still wired Ethernet, even though smartphones, laptops, and tablets prefer wireless for connecting to networks and the internet. The variety of cables, adapters that connect systems without Ethernet ports to wired internet connections, and ever-faster connection options make Ethernet connections flexible and appealing.

This is the definitive guide to Ethernet networking in 2021

Overview of Ethernet networks.

The term "Ethernet" refers to a collection of technologies that have been used for decades to connect computers and other devices. Typically, they form the connection branches between local area networks (LAN) and wide-area networks (WAN), before passing the connection to more robust cabling that connects to internet service providers and international exchanges.

Ethernet networking standards date back to the early 1970s, based on networking tests like ALOHAnet. Throughout the 70s, it was continuously improved, and in the early 1980s, it became commercially available and standardized. During that time, coaxial cables dominated connective technology, supporting a bit-rate of only 10 megabits per second within a local area network. As bit-rates and bandwidth increased, twisted pair and fiber optic hardware were introduced, along with latest switch technology, which is capable of speeds of up to 400 gigabits per second.

Ethernet won out over competing networking technologies in the end, as it adapted to changes in the market and adopted new hardware to provide greater stability and speeds. It's currently the dominant method of wired networking the world over, supplying high-speed connections to millions of homes and datacenters, as well as billions of individual devices.

Internet at home

Many industries use Ethernet, but the general public is probably most familiar with it as the network cable that connects their home network to the internet. The local router is connected to desktop and laptop PCs via cables with RJ45 headers

Having shopped for Ethernet cables at Cable Matters though, you'll probably be familiar with these labels, as well as other cable designations like Cat5 and Cat6. Ethernet cables belong to this category and play a major role in the capabilities of any network. If you want to set up a high-speed network with Ethernet cables for gaming and media viewing, or just want something simple for browsing the web and watching YouTube, choosing the right cable is key.

Cat5 offers lower speeds and features, while more modern standards like Cat 6 and Cat 8 offer higher bandwidth and better shielding, resulting in a cleaner, more reliable connection.

How to choose the right cable: Cat5e vs. Cat6

Cat5e and Cat6 twisted-pair cables are today's most common Ethernet cables. When choosing the right network, you need to determine what it is you need and what your network can do. Take a closer look at these two cable types, whether you need Ethernet cables for gaming or something less intensive and latency-sensitive.

However, we need to address some acronyms before diving into the specifics of these cables. In any tech industry, these are common, but cables have a few that are unique. TP stands for Twisted Pair and refers to how wires are wound together inside Ethernet cables. A cable is shielded or unshielded based on the "S" or "U" designations next to that acronym. It stands for foiled; a foil is wrapped around the cable and/or individual wires. A cable that was UTP is an unshielded twisted pair. Foiled twisted pairs are twisted pairs that are shielded. Shielding and foiling are applied to the whole cable, but each twisted pair is left uncovered.

style="text-align: left;">It's a little complicated, but if you care about data integrity, paying a little more for foilled and shielded wires makes sense.

Before we can understand the debate between Cat5e and Cat6, we need to look at their specifications. CAT6 was replaced by Cat5 in 2001 to increase maximum bandwidth capabilities and reduce crosstalk, which can negatively affect the quality of a connection. The maximum theoretical network speed was increased to 1,000MBps, or one gigabit per second. In contrast to your average HDMI cable, its wire gauge ranges from 24 to 26 and its maximum cable length is 100 meters.

In addition to improving performance over longer cables and lowering crosstalk, Cat6 also improved upon Cat5e's achievements. CAT6 transmits data at speeds up to 10,000 Mbps, or 10 gigabits per second, over cable lengths of up to 55 meters, which is twice the speed of Cat5e. As long as the longest Cat6 cables can only operate at 1,000Mbps, there is still a maximum length limit of 100 meters.

In addition to offering higher speeds, Cat6 cabling has higher standards for noise mitigation and crosstalk. For these purposes, manufacturers often use spline separators to isolate individual wires within Ethernet cables. Additionally, the wires are twisted more tightly, increasing protection against external noise sources. This also prevents the cable from stretching unnecessarily, but it is not always used because it makes the cable more rigid.

The Cat6A protocol offers up to 10 gigabits per second at distances up to 100 meters, which further improves performance. Cat6A also improves noise and shielding protection in addition to its raw performance. To eliminate background noise from other cables, shielded Cat6A cables (also available unshielded) have a ground wire. As Cat6A cables have additional shielding, they are ideal for environments with high noise levels, as well as educational and healthcare networks that require precise data transmission.

A Cat6 cable provides a better signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) than a Cat5e cable, as well as a cleaner signal. Cat6A cables go one step beyond that.

It is important to remember too, that even though Cat6 is a newer standard, it is backward compatible with Cat5e. There is no problem buying a Cat6 cable if your network previously used Cat5e or Cat5 cables since they are available with the same end-point connectors. If your network hardware, such as your device(s) and router, can handle it, you may even see an improvement in network speed and stability.

It is better to choose Cat6 over Cat5e, as it will allow you to future-proof your network. It is unlikely that many people will need more than the 10Gbps bandwidth it provides in the future.

How does Cat7 work?

Like Cat5e and Cat6, Cat 7 is a generation of Ethernet cables. The Cat7 is also a newer generation like the Cat5e vs Cat6 debate. Even though Cat7 is overkill for most networks at home, what is it? The cable standard Cat5e. That isn't everything, though.

Cat7 achieves the same thing as Cat6A even though it was developed earlier, with the same 10,000Mbps - or 10 gigabits per second - the speed at up to 100 meters. There is also shielding for each wire pair in Cat7, as well as for the cable as a whole (SF/FTP).

But why do we need two cable standards that are virtually identical? Connectors used by Cat7 are different from those used by RJ45. Neither the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) nor the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) has approved Cat7. Consequently, Cat7 is not widespread or supported.

As a result, most home users today stick with Cat5e or Cat6, while power users have migrated to Cat8, which offers considerably better performance over shorter cable lengths. For servers and network switches, shielded connectors, such as fully-metallic field termination plugs, are often required.

Gaming requires Ethernet cables?

During the past decade and a half, Wi-Fi technology has evolved, offering faster speeds, improved reliability, and far greater range. In other words, it's a very viable gaming solution, whether you're playing games through a digital storefront requiring an internet connection, or playing high-speed multiplayer games where even a millisecond of lag can severely affect your gaming experience.

When it comes to home networking, wired networking might seem like an older technology, but it is still the more reliable solution. Ethernet cables are not technically necessary for gaming, but they may enhance your experience.

In terms of gaming, Wi-Fi is more convenient than Ethernet cables. It's easier to set up a wireless network and connect your gaming PC from another room than it is to run wires through walls and under carpets. Unfortunately, that's about it.

The latest generation of Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11.ax), has a theoretical maximum combined speed of 11 gigabits per second, comparable to a Cat6 or Cat7 Ethernet connection. That's in an ideal situation, and probably not possible in your home. Your connected system must be within close proximity to the router to avoid interference from walls, other devices, or other devices' traffic crowding the wireless channels. All things unlikely to happen with a wireless internet connection.

Slow connections, packet loss (which causes stuttering) and delays (which cause lag) can be caused by Wi-Fi problems. Although interference like this isn't impossible on an Ethernet connection, it is very unlikely to occur if you use a high-quality cable. Gaming with Ethernet cables can result in a more stable and cleaner connection, making your gaming experience better.

Don't want cables running under the carpet or through the walls? It is always possible to use power-line networking with a small Ethernet cable.

Do not worry if you do not have an Ethernet port on your device. Any device can be connected to an Ethernet cable with the aid of adapters.

It's great to know that wireless networks and similar networks are getting better every day. However, some people still use wired connections to access the internet. The main reasons are:

• Throughput is the fastest.
• Dormancy is minimal.
• Supports static network connections at home.

There is one thing that makes wired Ethernet connections a little bit annoying, and that is the cable or wire. Users have to run the cable through their houses. Ideally, it should go through the walls. It will be quite problematic if the users are not reconstructed. I did this two times at home. During the first time, I was repairing my house, and the second time I lived in my current home. Before we moved into this house, it was already built.

Here I am going to explain how to choose the right materials for this article. In addition, I will also share some procedures for setting network cables, some tips to get a great network connection, to get rid of unwanted problems, etc.

The first thing you need to know before you can start wiring a network is this. Start your project with an original idea. We need to know the following for a solid plan:-

Area to Set Ethernet Connecting Wire Perfectly

How do wires connect to each other? How do I get over that area? Below are some steps for your convenience:

1. Ensure your house floorplan is clear and concise

This makes it easy to identify points of every wired network connection.

2. Identify the locations of the ethernet connections. 

It is important to keep in mind that children grow up. The room may contain their devices, such as gaming consoles and PCs. In addition, while determining the location of the network printer, it is important to keep in mind the access area for setting up the router and switch. Alternatively, you can set each cable to a single fixed location, depending on your convenience.

3. Where should the router and switch be placed?

I prefer to set up every network connection in one area, since it is cheaper to use large switches or utilize switches.

4. How can each cable be run?

You can search for attics and crawl spaces. These are great places to run cables through your home.

5. How many Ethernet ports are there per location?

Each location should have two ethernet sockets. They are inexpensive. Although you may incur more work and some expense by adding a port, the addition of a port is minimal. The access points do not require more than one Ethernet port. The cables should go through:

• HVAC ducts
• Suitable air circulation ducts

Tool for Home Network Design

• The Unifi Design Center can assist you. Using this tool, you can set up network appliances.
• Utilize all the cables.
• Although it is an extra operation, it still provides convenience in arranging your home network wiring.
• Unifi Center makes it easy for you to make use of your network installation at home.

To use the house walls, you can choose a floor plan for the underlayment. Connect the home network appliance and ethernet cable afterward. In all likelihood, the ethernet cables will not be set up neatly according to your preferences, but this is just an estimate. Anyone can check the wireless network coverage in the Unifi Design Center as well.

So, you can choose the right area for the access points, and add an extra if necessary. I have explained further about the appropriate locations for access points below.

How to choose the best Ethernet cable for your home

Having completed our plan, we will now examine what we need. That equipment is an Ethernet cable. Ethernet cables are classified according to their rating (Cat). The network speed is a measure of how fast the cable transmits data. There are two things to keep in mind when choosing an Ethernet cable.

The first is speed, the second is cable quality. Avoid buying CCA (Copper Clad Aluminium-based cable). It should have a minimum resistance if you want the best execution and speed from a UTP cable. Full copper cables can achieve this. With CCA cable, you don't use PoE (Power over Ethernet). This combination will build up excessive resistance.

The cable will warm up and lengthen if there is too much resistance. Longer cables transmit less power to the device. CCA cables are not malleable enough, so they are a little bit brittle. When the cable is twisted, thin wires may break inside.

What is the best choice between Cat 6 and Cat 6a?

Currently, Cat 6 UTP is not that suitable for installations in terms of quality. Neoteric UTP is two times more expensive. Is it really necessary?

Cat 6

Speed : 10 Gbps up to 55 Mtrs/ 1 Gbps> 55 Mtrs.

Bandwidth: 250 MHz

Price(500fit / 150 meters): CA.$55/-

 Cat 6a

Speed: 10 Gbps.

Bandwidth: 500 MHz

Price (500fit / 150 meters): CA.$99/-

Take a look at the speed coverage of the Cat 6 cable. It operates at 10 Gbps for only a limited distance, between 37 meters and 55 meters. Afterward, the speed will drop to 1 Gbps over a longer period of time. Additionally, Cat 6 has the smallest bandwidth (250 MHz), compared to Cat 6a (500 MHz). What does this mean?

Let's draw both bandwidths on a highway lane. While Cat 6 has two lanes, Cat 6a has five lanes, so anyone can drive 70 mph on both sides. That's why Cat 6a can transmit much more data than Cat 6, which requires a Surface Mounted Socket with a chosen access point.

Solid or Stranded?

Every conductor has one Solid wire. There are eight conductors in a Solid UTP cable. Each Solid UTP cable contains eight Solid wires. Now let's look at the Stranded UTP cables. Numerous wires are attached to the conductor inside the cable. This is why these cables are more flexible.

Solid Cables are easier to attach to wall jacks, patch panels, etc. In contrast, most technicians don't use Stranded cables much. It is easy to convert Stranded Cables from Patch Cables to Short Cables, which are settled to the patch panel and switch. That is why you should use Solid Cables for your home network wiring.

Plenum Cat6 cables

You can connect the Home Ethernet Wiring to ducts like HVAC or air circulation ducts, as I wrote here. To do so, you'll need an Ethernet cable. The cable is a Plenum Cat6 cable.

Cables with these jackets intercept fires that extend less than five feet. This is the first specialty of Plenum Cat6 cables.

Remember to always check your local fire code so that your purchased cables can be used in the HVAC ducts. Compared to Plenum cables, Cat6 cable is a little bit cheaper.

Cat6 Riser Cable

In some countries, technicians suggested setting Cat6 Riser Cable (CMR) in drywall and the middle of the floors. CMR cables don’t have the resistance to intercept fire flames from extending. That’s why it’s highly required to use it between floors.

Plenum Cat6 cables are more costly compared to CMR cables. Cat6 Cables have mostly been purchasing for residential use in maximum countries. Still, it’s highly required to review the fire code of your area.

Top-Rated Ethernet Cable Brands

Many Ethernet cable brands are available on the market, but which one is right for you? You will only need Cat6 cables, which have copper conductors. Second, you should purchase a 23AWG cable. These cables have remarkably good performance on Ethernet Power because they have moderately thick wires.

Wide of the cables:

23AWG: 0.57mm

42AG: 0.52mm

Here's a list of the top Ethernet cable brands. This will help you determine the best UTP cable:

TrueCable Cat6

500ft CMR 

23AWG

Monoprice Cat6

500ft CMR

 24AWG

Southwire Cat6

500ft CMR

23AWG