How To Pass An Ethernet Cable Through A Wall Outside?

This guide provides a step-by-step process for running an Ethernet cable through an exterior wall in your home. The basic process involves starting in the attic or crawl space and dropping connections down or up into desired rooms. Running Ethernet cable outdoors is a common task, especially with the increasing use of Wi-Fi access points and IP surveillance cameras.

To run the cable through a wall, you will need to drill a hole in the back to allow the wire to pass through and holes to mount to the wall as needed. Ensure there is a quality gasket between the holes. Once you have drilled the hole in the bottom of the upstairs wall cavity, slide the fiberglass rod into the hole and feed it down the wall.

For an in-wall installation, start at the small hole in the top or sole plate and push towards the outlet opening. Use a masonry bit and drill a hole through the wall to run the cable through the hole. Be careful about jagged bits of brick.

To install an outdoor ethernet cable, you need to drill a hole in an exterior wall. You can then run your ethernet cable from your router to your outdoor space. This guide covers everything you need to know about running Ethernet cable through a wall, including materials, planning the route, measuring and marking, and fishing the power.


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What is the best Ethernet cable to run outside?

Cat6 Ethernet cables are an improved version of Cat5e cables, designed for outdoor use due to their higher bandwidths and durability. Made from high-quality materials, they can withstand moisture and extreme temperatures, making them suitable for outdoor use. However, they may not be suitable for all outdoor applications due to their susceptibility to UV radiation.

Cat7 Ethernet cables are the latest and most advanced type, designed to support even higher bandwidths and be more durable than both Cat5e and Cat6 cables. These cables are made with high-quality materials that are more resistant to moisture, extreme temperatures, and UV radiation.

Does Cat6 need to be in conduit?
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Does Cat6 need to be in conduit?

Direct burial Ethernet cable can be used above or below ground, and if below ground, it can be directly buried or placed into conduit. Bend radius is another factor to consider, as outdoor Ethernet cable won’t bend easily and has additional restrictions around how tight you should bend it. Exceeding these restrictions can shorten the cable’s lifespan, void your warranty, and pose potential data transmission problems. trueCABLE Cat6A Unshielded Direct Burial has a maximum bend radius of 3.

50cm or 1. 50 inches. It is ANSI/TIA 568-2. D compliant, Permanent Link tested to Cat6A performance, and has an unshielded (U/UTP) and CMX rated LLDPE outdoor jacket. It supports PoE, PoE+, and PoE++ up to 100W and has a 6. 80mm cable jacket outer diameter and 1. 01mm insulated conductors.

How to secure cable to an outside wall?

Self-adhesive cable clips can be utilized to affix cables to walls or other surfaces without the use of nails. In the context of wiring, it is crucial to take flammability ratings into account when utilising these clips.

Do I need a cat 5 or 6?

The choice of Ethernet cable depends on the frequency of internet use in your business. Cat6 is ideal for faster internet speeds and reducing crosstalk, while Cat5 is suitable for those who are satisfied with their current internet speeds and are cost-effective. As more companies use the cloud, Cat5 is suitable for those who have moved their servers or plan to do so in the future. Cat6 cables are typically thicker and more reliable, making them suitable for those with limited office space. Cat6 cables are typically thicker than Cat5 cables, making them suitable for those who need more space in their office.

Is Cat6A faster than Cat6?
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Is Cat6A faster than Cat6?

Cat6A cable is made and terminated with tighter tolerances than Cat6 internet cable, requiring higher specification patch panels, wall jacks, and RJ45 connectors. It supports a speed of at least 500 MHz, allowing 10 Gbp/s (Gigabits per second) up to 328 feet (100 meters). Cat6’s max speed is 250 MHz, which only supports 10 Gbp/s to 165 feet (55 meters) under ideal conditions. Cat6A ethernet cable often uses thicker copper conductors and jackets, making installation more difficult and driving up the price.

Equipment requirements dictate the choice of cable. 99 of all network equipment supports Ethernet data cable speeds of 10 Mbp/s to 1 Gbp/s (1000 Mbp/s). If your equipment requires or supports 10 Gbp/s (10, 000 Mbp/s), Cat6A cabling is recommended. However, if the answer is “no”, Cat6A speed cable may not benefit you but will cost more. Cat6A cable installation costs are higher due to the need for higher performance switches and additional networking hardware.

How to wire through an exterior wall?

In preparation for the installation of conduit, it is necessary to first turn off the power and the circuit breaker at the service panel. The next step is to install the cable connectors, mark the studs, drill a hole in the wall for the conduit, cut and bend it, insert it into the hole, install conduit supports, and pull the wire through the conduit.

Is Cat7 faster than Cat6?

Cat6 and Cat7 cables differ in speed and frequency. Cat7 cables have a maximum speed of 10, 000 Mbit/s, while Cat6 cables have a maximum speed of 1, 000 Mbit/s. Cat7 also has a higher frequency, allowing for faster data transfer. At a frequency of 1, 000 MHz, 10, 000 Mbit/s can be transferred 10, 000 times per second, making a Cat7 cable faster than a Cat6 cable. To create a Cat6 cable, follow these steps:

How do I run an Ethernet cable from the wall to the outside?
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How do I run an Ethernet cable from the wall to the outside?

To protect your network and devices during adverse weather conditions, follow these steps:

  1. Choose a suitable cable.
  2. Drill a hole in the exterior wall.
  3. Bury the cable underground at a depth of 6-8 inches. Position the cable at least a safe distance from power lines or electrical interference sources.
  4. Run the cable to the desired area.

Once the cable is buried, it should be placed in a waterproof conduit, such as PVC or plastic pipe, buried underground at a depth of 6-8 inches. However, it is advisable to opt for weatherproofed ethernet cables specifically designed for outdoor use, as conduits may not provide sufficient protection during extreme weather conditions.

If burying the cable is not possible, choose a waterproof Cat 6 cable with a UV protective jacket to protect it from sunlight exposure, especially when running along the side of a house or across a roof.

Can Cat6 cable be used outside?

CAT6 cables are the most popular outdoor Ethernet cables due to their weatherproof properties, ability to withstand various conditions like moisture, humidity, UV rays, extreme temperatures, and rains. They are commonly used in commercial or industrial settings due to their efficiency, durability, and superior quality. These cables are also equipped with ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) shielding, waterproofing with a flooded gel core, LLDPE jacket, and UV coating.

Can I run an Ethernet cable outside?
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Can I run an Ethernet cable outside?

Ethernet cable can be run outside due to the increasing popularity of Wi-Fi access points and IP surveillance cameras. However, the cable must be chosen carefully to ensure its lifespan. There are four primary ways of installing Ethernet cable outside: indoor, outdoor, direct burial, outdoor wire selection, shielded Ethernet cable, ground loop mitigation, and fiber optic cable. Indoor cable jacket types are suitable for outdoor and direct burial Ethernet, while outdoor wire selection is crucial for outdoor Ethernet.

Shielded Ethernet cable is recommended for outdoor use, and fiber optic cable is often the better option for minimizing ground loops and extreme ESD. Choosing the right cable jacket type and wire selection is essential for a successful outdoor cable run.

Is it safe to run Ethernet cable through walls?
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Is it safe to run Ethernet cable through walls?

The text advises installing ethernet cables in walls for optimal performance. However, it suggests that a separate conduit for LAN cables is not necessary for house construction. It advises consulting an electrician to ensure there is enough space for wires to pass through. The text also mentions that electricians follow a code not to put high and low voltage wires together in the same conduit pipe, but this is not mandatory due to the advancements in shielded ethernet cables. The author suggests that if the house is old, the same conduit can be used, but ensures better quality cables.


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How To Pass An Ethernet Cable Through A Wall Outside
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Rafaela Priori Gutler

Hi, I’m Rafaela Priori Gutler, a passionate interior designer and DIY enthusiast. I love transforming spaces into beautiful, functional havens through creative decor and practical advice. Whether it’s a small DIY project or a full home makeover, I’m here to share my tips, tricks, and inspiration to help you design the space of your dreams. Let’s make your home as unique as you are!

Email: [email protected], [email protected]

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22 comments

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  • Just run a single mode fibre which you can easily join with a coupler and move the NDM box upstairs. The fibre fibre can be around 1mm in diameter and you can hot glue it. This is common practice in the UK to run fibres to apartments (I ran fibre for a living). As most people commented, you can not be married anymore to run a cable like that 🙂

  • May I suggest you use either net over power sockets. A little slower but so much cheaper and looks a lot neater. Or you could use a nest Wi-Fi with boosters. Or you can use either net cable up the outside of the Ouse and in through a window. I would not do it like you did. My ocd would keep me up at night. Mind you judging from the state of that garage you do not have any ocd issues…😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂…. Thanks for shearing all the same.

  • If I were the landlord, I wouldn’t object to getting a tradie in and getting him to run the cable from the garage through the ceiling and terminating in a nice professional rj45 socket in the living room. Maybe suggest going 50/50 on the cost. You won’t be the only tenant who’ll want this. People expect data now like electricity or gas.

  • Powerline adapters are a thing, and work surprisingly well if they’re configured and installed correctly. Older adapters are prone to noise, but newer, high quality adapters with power passthrough are a very good substitute nowadays. Obviously mileage may vary, but every solution I’ve employed has delivered almost the exact rated speed.

  • Nice article – but I do the whole house network a different way. I have an Orbi mesh network system. It is a little more money, but the backhaul of the mesh is actually faster than the ethernet that I had run throughout the house when I moved in. I now cover my whole house and detached garage with wireless. The system is a little pricey, but it does save a lot of frustration. You can also buy a smaller version (1 satellite vs 2 satellites). I have almost 30 devices attached with no problems with speed. That is a mixture of computers, Raspberry Pi’s, hotspots, TVs, and even a couple of NAS units. Yeah, I have amassed a lot of technology 😀

  • Would definitely recommend using a slimrun cable and probably a color more akin to whatever youre putting it on. For white walls try to find a white cable, brown for wood, black for darker surfaces in general. With a slim it takes up less room and should be able to hug corners tighter to make the cable even more invisible. Id also try running it along the edge between the wall and ceiling if possible, could potentially make it even harder to see or just overall less distracting and hazardous

  • You can often get away with pulling the carpet back in small sections with long nose pliers (or run a screwdriver under it) where its tucked against the wall between the smoothedge and the wall, pop your cable under then tuck the carpet back on top. As long as you don’t remove it from the smooth edge nails it goes back as if no one was there and the cable is completely hidden. No good for your wooden floors though!

  • I just have to say, that after reading a bunch of comments, those who are suggesting using the power line “solution” actually have no clue of what they speak. No offense, just an observation. In real life, those of us who have tested this in real time, know that it is probably THE WORST solution that there is! If you think wireless can be glitchy, then know that network over power lines is horrible! Know that house wiring, anywhere on the planet, is nothing more than a HUGE antenna that picks up any RF signal and electrical noise being produced anywhere along the route. Therefore, even if you get some connections, they’ll be very VERY low speed and super glitchy! So, please, those suggestion that power line option, PLEASE DON’T! If you want to learn networking, the very first thing to learn is that direct, hard wiring, even if “ugly looking” is the only way to guarantee a solid, stable and FAST connection! Just make sure, as suggested, to use GOOD cable. A CAT 5E or CAT 6. Not that cheap “dollar store” stuff. When you’re dealing with a rental home, how he did it here is really the only way to do it and get solid connections.

  • It is innately stupid that buildings these days are not built with integrated cable pathways of which we have had australian standards going back to the early 90s, originally AS-3084 (for pathways/ducting) and AS-3080 (integrated cabling) and AS-3085 (for documentation). These in their current consolidated publication are now ISO/IEC 11801. Unfortunately the supplemental provisions in these standards are voluntary and builders seem to want to minimize up-front costs leading to unnecessary costs retrofitting a building with pathways which due to the additional costs is usually done ad-hoc thus defeating the purpose of the voluntary standards making buildings receptive to and flexible in facilitating wired communications services. The Mandatory cabling standard (TS009) only address safety to users, equipment and installers/technicians and therefore requires a registered cabler to do the installation and maintenance work in accordance with Australian Wiring Rules. In this case the cable passing through duct and attached (although by stick-on clips) makes the cable fixed premises cabling requiring installation by a registered cabler or to be done under direct the supervision of a registered cabler with endorsements relevant to the cable installation.

  • Dude, just buy a set of adapters that use the wiring of your house to send Internet signals for you. I bought some, and literally ZERO cables needed to be run round the house. Just plug one into a socket by the hub and connect it via ethernet cable, then, get a WiFi router, set it up in the room you want it and then plug in the receiver plug and connect to the WiFi router. I use tp link ones. Fairly cheap so not the highest speed Internet ever, but, they suit my needs and there’s more expensive ones for faster speeds. You don’t need to use ugly clips and long ass cables you can trip over when your house is already set up with a network of wires you can use that are ‘hidden’ along with every other wire in the house.

  • Hayden, that’s about the best way to deal with it considering your situation. You could try a mesh setup, but unless you’re using wired backhaul, it wouldn’t be any better than (and probably worse) than the way you did it. Now – if you take the main cable from your NBN (so precious) box, and then set up mesh in the house – that’d be possibly a little less cable, and potentially better wireless performance across the house. Regardless, good article mate!

  • They put the nbn box there because its the cheapest and easiest place to put it. Fiber can only bend like 3 times i think so if you wanted it in another room you would need more conduit and more fiber and more labor, wich would raise the total build cost. australian homes are expencive enough so thats the way it is

  • Why cannot first locate that in an ideal location from the first place??? Also every house should have Ethernet wiring just like elec… and all need to be done is plug an enthernet cable into the wall. The thing about Australia is that uni or work places have good wiring except homes… homes are just built not so great unfortuntly.

  • Not gonna lie, I would not accept that myself – just ask the agent to have a patch installed in the walls. The reasoning for wifi signal that you mentioned is totally valid but it’s ridiculous to think that you should be happy having ethernet visibly running everywhere across the floor. Besides, if the landlord does it now then it will keep their property cleaner with less conduit and clips and stuff stuck down on everything, and it’ll be a very handy feature for their next tenant. RE: NBN box positioning – I’m willing to bet the outside box is on the other side of the garage wall, or very nearby? They tend to try and do the installation as quickly as possible so the closer to that exterior termination the better, plus people don’t like those big NBN branded boxes to be out in the open in the living room.

  • I know it doesn’t help, but I almost became a landlord once. I would have 100% listened to a tenant who wanted to run a few cables from the garage. But I would have wanted to be there to ensure it was done to my liking. Then it would have made the property more useful to anyone else who ever lived there.

  • you dont need to be a genuis to replace plaster. Punch a small hole in the wall, pull the cable through to roof, throw cable across to where you need it and poke cable out of somewhere. i did it to my loungeroom. put the pal tv socket and cat port on the same wall plate. when i leave il just leave the cable in the wall no real estate has any clue about internal cavities hahaha

  • Why would you waste your time with Cat5? It is incapable of gigabit speeds only megabit speed (10/100mb). Unless of course you used Cat5E (E for enhanced) which is in fact gigabit capable. But in that case why not run only Cat6 or Cat6a? Far better insulation, less chance of crosstalk or interference, etc. Don’t waste your time with cat5.

  • Haden nice that would be nice to fun wifi to the shop barnyard wow. It’s a 1000 ft run, my put it in Plastic pipe And just take it in the ground and run it out to the shop bar is the shot barn is a 1000′ too much or do I have to use is a switch router at 1 end at the other to make it work correctly. I know cat 5 cable or cat 6 cable is only good for so many feet I can’t remember what it was maybe you can enlighten me. And where in the world did you find that And can that be Is God in the US or dis Chester Australia saying haha 73 good DX KQ4CD Paul

  • Not sure if the building codes and standards are the same but here in the USA coaxial cable is standard in every room in a home since they were basically invented. Get a moca adapter it uses the existing coax cables in your walls to take your internet signal from your router/modem and turn it into an ethernet signal plug in a cable to the adapter with a switch for more ports and get some Velcro tape and hide it behind your tv. That way you don’t have to run that cable inside and it’s more Wife approved.

  • The aesthetics alone are enough for me to never do this. two possible other options. 1. Powerline ethernet 2. MoCA adapter via existing coax. The question is do you really need 1gbit across the whole house. Powerline will top out somewhere around 300mbit, in my experience. MoCA can be close to ethernet speeds. Note some disadvantages for both these apply.

  • Wow, this looks really horrible. The real solution here is to drill anyway, but do in spots where it isn’t noticable, like behind the piping for central heating, in corners behind curtains, under the floor etc. Sometimes you can lay cables outside on the walls of the house behind rain drainage / gutters then enter in the attic.

  • Just NO. Use the “flat ethernet” and maybe consider routing the wire outside to where you find a house gap somewhere (if you have a basement, look for light coming in around vents, the foundation or exterior pipes… worst case in through a spare room window… flat cable is meant for this). Also, what are the chances any landlord is_NOT going to charge you for “wall paint wear and tear”? Zero. Since they are going to repaint anyways, ask permission and suggest they have their “handyman” approve your work.

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