Wire Smart Home Infrastructure
Run Cat6 to every room, install conduit for future technologies, and plan wireless access point locations. With walls open, this is your chance to build the connected home infrastructure that will serve you for decades.
Quick Summary
Typical Cost
$2,000 - $10,000
Varies by scope and complexity
Time Required
1 - 3 days
During rough-in phase
Difficulty Level
DIY Possible / Professional
Running cable is DIY-friendly
Why This Matters
Our homes are more connected than ever, and connectivity demands will only increase. Smart TVs, streaming devices, gaming consoles, home offices, smart home devices, security cameras, and wireless access points all benefit from or require wired network connections. Running this infrastructure while walls are open costs a fraction of retrofit work.
While WiFi technology continues to improve, wired ethernet remains superior for bandwidth-intensive and latency-sensitive applications. More importantly, the best WiFi deployments use wired backhaul to connect access points, dramatically improving wireless performance. Plan for both wired devices and excellent wireless coverage.
Beyond networking, a whole home remodel is the time to install conduit for future technologies. We cannot predict what cables we will need in 20 years, but conduit allows easy installation of whatever comes next. This forward-thinking approach is one of the best investments you can make during a remodel.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Plan Your Network Architecture
Design a comprehensive network plan before running any cables. Consider current and future needs.
- Determine central location for network equipment (closet, basement, utility room)
- Identify rooms needing wired connections and how many per room
- Plan wireless access point locations (ceiling mount preferred)
- Map out security camera locations and power requirements
- Consider smart home hub, doorbell, and sensor locations
- Plan for home theater and gaming areas with multiple drops
Step 2: Set Up Central Distribution
Create a central location for network equipment where all cables will terminate.
- Choose location with adequate space, power, and ventilation
- Install structured wiring enclosure or wall-mount rack
- Ensure ISP service can reach this location
- Plan for power (dedicated circuit recommended)
- Consider UPS for network equipment
- Allow room for future expansion (50% more than current needs)
Step 3: Select and Purchase Materials
Order quality networking components before the rough-in phase begins.
- Cat6 cable: Buy in bulk (500-1000 foot boxes), plenum-rated if required
- Patch panel: 24-48 ports depending on home size
- Keystone jacks: Quality Cat6 jacks for wall plates
- Low-voltage mounting brackets and wall plates
- Network switch: Managed or unmanaged, PoE if using IP cameras or APs
- Conduit: 1-inch minimum for future cable runs
Step 4: Run Home Runs to Each Location
Run individual cables from each outlet location back to the central distribution point (home run topology).
- Run two Cat6 cables to each wall outlet location
- Maintain minimum bend radius (4x cable diameter for Cat6)
- Keep away from electrical wiring (12 inches minimum parallel)
- Cross electrical perpendicular if necessary
- Support cables every 4-5 feet to prevent sagging
- Leave 6-8 feet service loop at each end
Step 5: Install Access Point Cables
Run cables to planned wireless access point locations, which are often different from wall outlet locations.
- Run Cat6 to ceiling locations for access points
- Center APs in coverage areas, not building corners
- Plan one AP per 1,000-1,500 square feet
- Avoid placement near metal HVAC ducts
- Consider PoE for power (eliminates power outlet need)
- Install low-voltage ring in ceiling for clean termination
Step 6: Install Security and Camera Cables
Run cables for security cameras, doorbell cameras, and any other smart home devices requiring wired connections.
- Run Cat6 to each planned camera location (PoE cameras recommended)
- Include exterior camera locations (soffit, eave mounting)
- Run cable to video doorbell location
- Consider cable for smart locks, sensors, and keypads
- Run cable for smart thermostat if not using C-wire from HVAC
- Plan for garage door controller and outdoor lighting automation
Step 7: Install Conduit for Future
Run empty conduit to key locations for technologies we cannot yet predict.
- Run 1-inch minimum conduit from distribution to attic
- Install conduit to each home office and entertainment center
- Run conduit to exterior for future outdoor tech
- Connect garage with conduit for EV charging data
- Leave pull strings in all conduit
- Use sweep 90s rather than tight bends
Step 8: Install Low-Voltage Boxes
Install low-voltage brackets and rings at each termination point before drywall.
- Use low-voltage brackets (not standard electrical boxes)
- Position at standard outlet height or as appropriate
- Gang boxes where multiple services terminate together
- Install ceiling rings for access points
- Leave adequate cable length inside boxes (18-24 inches)
- Label each cable at both ends
Step 9: Test All Cables
Test every cable run before drywall to identify and fix any issues.
- Use cable tester to verify each wire pair
- Check for continuity, shorts, and crossed pairs
- Verify cable length is within specification
- Re-run any failed cables now while walls are open
- Consider certification testing for mission-critical runs
- Document all test results
Step 10: Document Installation
Create comprehensive documentation of your network infrastructure before walls close.
- Photograph all cable runs and routing
- Create floor plan showing all drops and equipment locations
- Document cable labeling scheme
- Record conduit routes and sizes
- Note any unusual routing or installation details
- Store documentation with other home records
Recommended Cable Drops by Room
Living/Family Room
- 4 network drops at entertainment center location
- 2 additional drops at secondary TV location
- 1 ceiling drop for wireless access point
- Conduit from distribution to entertainment center
Home Office
- 4-6 network drops at desk locations
- 1 ceiling drop for access point if large room
- Conduit for future fiber or specialized connections
- Consider separate drops for printer location
Bedrooms
- 2 network drops at likely desk/TV location
- 1 ceiling drop for access point in master suite
- Consider smart TV mounting locations
- Kids rooms may need additional gaming drops
Kitchen/Great Room
- 2 drops near counter for smart displays
- 2 drops at desk/planning area
- 1 ceiling drop for access point
- Consider smart appliance locations
Garage
- 2 drops at workbench area
- 1 drop for garage door controller
- 1 ceiling drop for access point
- Conduit for EV charger data connection
Exterior/Security
- 1 drop at front door (doorbell camera)
- Drops at each exterior camera location
- Drops for outdoor access points/patio
- Consider landscape/pool area requirements
Cost Breakdown
Pro Tips
Run More Than You Think
Cable is cheap; labor to add it later is expensive. Run two cables to every location even if you only need one now. Double the drops in offices and entertainment areas. You will thank yourself when you add more devices or need to replace a bad cable.
Use Quality Components
Low-quality jacks and patch panels cause intermittent problems that are maddening to troubleshoot. Stick with name brands like Leviton, Panduit, or CommScope. The difference in cost is minimal compared to the frustration of unreliable connections.
Label Everything
Label both ends of every cable with a consistent naming scheme. Use a label maker for professional, permanent labels. Create a master spreadsheet documenting what each port connects to. Future you (or the next homeowner) will be grateful.
Think About Access Points
Mesh WiFi is popular but wired backhaul to access points provides far superior performance. Plan ceiling-mounted AP locations and run Cat6 to each during rough-in. PoE switches eliminate the need for power outlets at AP locations.
Install Conduit Generously
We cannot predict future technology needs. Install 1-inch conduit from your distribution point to key areas: attic, garage, home office, entertainment center. Leave pull strings in all conduit. This allows easy addition of fiber, coax, or technologies that do not exist yet.
Separate from Electrical
Keep network cables at least 12 inches from parallel electrical runs to avoid interference. When crossing electrical, do so at 90 degrees. Never run network cable in the same conduit or box as electrical wiring. This protects signal quality and meets code.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not Running Enough Cables
The number one regret is not running enough cables. Every year brings more connected devices. Run cables to locations you might use, not just where you know you need them. The marginal cost during construction is almost nothing compared to retrofitting later.
Sharp Bends and Kinks
Cat6 cable has a minimum bend radius of about 1 inch (4 times the cable diameter). Sharp bends damage the internal wire pairs and degrade performance. Use proper radius when routing around corners. Kinks in cable cause intermittent problems that are nearly impossible to diagnose.
Poor Terminations
Most network cable problems are caused by bad terminations. Untwisting pairs too far reduces crosstalk protection. Nicked conductors cause intermittent failures. Learn proper technique or hire a professional. Test every cable after termination.
Ignoring WiFi Access Point Locations
Even with excellent wired infrastructure, you need good WiFi. Placing a router in the basement corner and expecting whole-home coverage is a recipe for frustration. Plan access point locations during rough-in and run cables to ceiling locations where APs perform best.
No Documentation
Failing to document your installation leads to confusion and wasted time. Without documentation, troubleshooting becomes guesswork and future modifications require tracing every cable. Photograph everything before drywall and create detailed records of all cable runs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I run Cat6 or Cat6a cable?
For most home applications, Cat6 cable is sufficient and supports 10 Gigabit speeds up to 55 meters. Cat6a supports 10 Gigabit at full 100-meter distances and has better shielding, but costs more and is harder to work with. For a whole home remodel, Cat6 is the practical choice for most runs. Consider Cat6a only for runs to your network closet or if you are planning a home data center. The performance difference is negligible for typical home use.
How many network drops do I need per room?
Plan for 2-4 network drops per room as a baseline. Home offices and entertainment areas may need 4-6 drops. Each drop point typically gets two Cat6 cables to provide flexibility. Cable is cheap; fishing cables through finished walls is expensive. When in doubt, run more cables. Also run cables to ceiling locations for future wireless access points - typically one per 1,000-1,500 square feet.
Do I still need wired ethernet with modern WiFi?
Absolutely. While WiFi 6 and WiFi 7 are excellent, wired connections provide more reliable, consistent speeds with lower latency. Wired backhaul for wireless access points dramatically improves WiFi performance. Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and desktop computers all benefit from wired connections. Additionally, wired connections do not compete for wireless bandwidth, leaving more capacity for mobile devices. The best strategy is wired devices where possible with excellent WiFi for everything else.
Where should I install wireless access points?
Install access points on ceilings where possible, centered in coverage areas. Plan for one access point per 1,000-1,500 square feet depending on construction and layout. Avoid placing APs near metal HVAC ducts, thick walls, or appliances. Hallways often provide good central locations. For two-story homes, do not expect one AP to cover both floors - plan for coverage on each level. Run Cat6 to each planned location during rough-in.
What is a structured wiring panel and do I need one?
A structured wiring panel is a central location where all low-voltage cables terminate. It typically houses your network switch, patch panel, router, and potentially cable/phone distribution. For a whole home remodel, a dedicated network closet or panel is highly recommended. It keeps equipment organized, allows easy changes and troubleshooting, and presents a professional installation. Size it for current needs plus 50% growth, with adequate ventilation for equipment heat.