I recently purchased a house with a fiber optic modem set up in the unfinished basement. Now, I'm looking for advice on how to run an Ethernet jack into the living room above, since there are no existing Ethernet ports there. What's the best method to achieve this?
4 Answers
If you want an easier but less permanent solution, consider using powerline Ethernet adapters. One connects near your router, and the other goes into an outlet near your device. It's quick to set up and works well for most devices, though maybe not the best for gaming. It usually costs under $100 and takes just a few minutes to get running.
Installing a wall jack is similar to putting in a phone jack. You can find really long drill bits at hardware stores specifically for this. A 1/4" drill bit will fit one cable snugly, while a 1/2" bit allows for two cables if you want to run more. Just grab some bare cat6 Ethernet cable, a double-Ethernet surface mount jack with keystone inserts, and a punchdown tool. Monoprice carries everything you might need.
For a clean installation, use a low-voltage wall box. Cut a hole in your wall where you want the Ethernet jack—make sure to avoid spots near outlets or light switches. After that, a long flexible drill bit can help you drill into the wall cavity and reach the basement; just thread the Ethernet wire back through the hole you created.
A straightforward option is to drill directly through the floor. Depending on the layout, this could be your simplest solution.
I just got some too, but they slowed down my speeds. Thanks for the tip though!