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Question

wiring ethernet in existing home

Sep 27, 2017 9:39AM PDT

Hello,
Not sure if this has ever been asked. Been searching but haven't found anything relevant.

I'm a bit of a novice to networking so please keep that in mind.

Recently ATT installed fiber into my home for my internet service (upgraded from DSL).

They provided the modem/router. Most of my devices I connect wirelessly however I would like to install some ethernet ports in some rooms so I can take advantage of my 300mbps service.

The modem/router is installed in a bedroom and mounted on an outside wall. There is very little room between the drywall and my home's CBS construction. Because of the modem/router location, I would like to know if it's possible to simply run one CAT5 or CAT6 cable from one of the modem/router ethernet ports into the attic. Then in the attic, install some sort of device where I could then run CAT5 or CAT6 cable into several rooms.

I know I could simply run up to 5 ethernet cables directly from the modem/router to each room but would prefer to run only 1 ethernet cable from the modem/router into the attic.

Is this possible? If so, what sort of equipment do I need?

Thanks in advance for any assistance you can provide.

Ed

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
Why do you feel you need ethernet?
Sep 27, 2017 2:28PM PDT

Just playing the devil's advocate. Right now, my home 'ac' wireless speeds suffice with the only exception being if I would like to run some crazy backups of huge files/archives across my home network (etc.). Comcast has finally started to perform and satisfy my family's needs.

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Answer
You're looking at finding "riser" space
Sep 27, 2017 9:54AM PDT

Yes, you do that. You'd need to buy an Ethernet switch with enough ports to satisfy your needs. Your switch will need an AC source so that would need to be available in your attic. Riser space is such as places that plumbing, soil pipes, etc., extend between the levels. It won't get you to every place you may want to run cable but it can be done. You may need tools to do this and should understand some things about wiring codes in your area. If you need to add AC into the attic location, you may need to use conduit or armored cable through some kinds of riser space. In short, where there's a will, there's a way.

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wiring ethernet in existing home
Sep 27, 2017 10:01AM PDT

Thank you!

I already have AC available in the attic for lighting.

What do you mean by Riser space?

Thanks! Ed

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Riser space is simply areas that extend between the floors
Sep 27, 2017 10:30AM PDT

for utilities. If you've gas heating or gas water heater, you may have a flue that goes through riser space from basement through the roof. You probably have soil pipes which vent your sanitary drain system. These will extend through the roof as well. This can be an ideal way to get wiring from basement space to attic space. From the attic, you can get to interior walls from above them. As I said, you may need tools. In my home, I used riser space to get Ethernet to the attic and I drilled holes to get wire into the interior walls of two bedrooms. Outlet jacks are easy to install in drywall and you don't need electrical work boxes for this. Careful measurements, a good strong flashlight and sturdy drill to get through the top of the wall framing will be needed. You may also want a "fish tape" to help draw wires through these spaces. You can look those up. The flashlight is used to shine though hole in the drywall while you drill from above. If you see the light when you break through, you're on the mark.
I've used riser space for 75ohm coax, Ethernet and romex wiring. Since you already have AC in the attic, you won't need to worry about NEC requirement when running through such spaces as where heat passes through. I hope your attic is freely accessible in case you need to do any troubleshooting. Good luck.

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Re: Riser space is simply areas that extend between the floo
Sep 27, 2017 11:16AM PDT

Ahh...OK. Thanks. Actually, I'm in S.Florida. No wonder I didn't know what that was. No basement and no 2nd floor and everything is electric. Garages here are called Florida basements! Easy access to attic.

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My mistake
Sep 27, 2017 11:56AM PDT

I didn't ask anything about your home's structure. Attic space should still be the best way to get wire from room to room and getting wire in between drywall isn't that hard as long as the walls are hollow. Forget it if they're foamed. What you'll need is "keystone wall plates" surface mount hardware. Being that you're in S. Florida, you might want to check to see how hot it gets in your attic and make sure that its within the operating temperature of any hardware you put up there.

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Another idea
Sep 27, 2017 12:14PM PDT

I'm not visualizing where this modem router is mounted because you said it's on an outside wall. I will presume it's on the inside of the house, however. If you've got a couple of inches of separation between the drywall and concrete block, you might be able to use a wall mount patch panel. You'd still need to create a hole from the attic through the top of the frame and between the wall studs. If that won't do, a wall mount equipment rack that could hold a patch panel and your network switch might be doable. You'd still need to get the wire into the attic but could possibly do that using PVC conduit. It could be ugly, however.