While Wi-Fi is great, you can always get a faster and more stable internet connection by running Ethernet cables. Whether you want to move your router to the center of your home to maximize signal strength, set up wired backhaul for a mesh system, or run a cable to an EV charger, wired is better. But no one wants messy cable runs. Follow this guide, and I’ll show you how to choose cables, plan your route, and hide everything to make it nice and neat.
If you can’t run cables, we also have ideas on how to make your Wi-Fi faster, how to fix your Wi-Fi, and guides to the Best Mesh Routers, Best Wi-Fi Routers, and Best Wi-Fi Extenders.
A Word on Speed
Remember, bandwidth and speed are always limited by your incoming internet connection. If you have a 1-Gbps connection, you won’t be able to exceed that speed when interacting with the internet. That said, you may be able to move files across your network from one device to another faster by using higher-rated gear. But everything must be rated at the same speed. You will be limited by the weakest (slowest) link, whether that’s the Ethernet port on your router, the cable, the Ethernet switch it plugs into, or the port on your PC or other device.
Choosing Ethernet Cables
You can get good Ethernet cables without spending much money. I go into more detail in my Ethernet guide, but there are a few things to look out for.
Category: Ethernet cables come in various categories that determine the maximum bandwidth and data rates. While most homes can probably get by with Cat 5e or Cat 6 cables, which enable speeds up to 1 Gbps, I would opt for Cat 6a or Cat 7, which can go up to 10 Gbps, for your main runs, such as from the router to your switch. The price difference isn’t huge, and the faster cables will still serve if your needs increase in the future. Cat 7a or Cat 8 cables, capable of 40 Gbps, are overkill for the average home, and usually far more expensive.
Shielding: Most Ethernet cables have pairs of wires twisted together with a plastic covering (Unshielded Twisted Pair, or UTP), but some cables have metallic or foil shielding (STP or FTP, which stand for Shielded Twisted Pair or Foiled Twisted Pair). You only really need to worry about shielding if you are running cable next to power lines or other sources of interference. Shielded cables are less flexible and easier to damage, so most folks running cables at home may prefer to stick with UTP.
Cable Shape: I recommend avoiding flat cables as they are more prone to interference and seem to get damaged more easily. Anecdotally, I have had more issues with flat cables than regular cables, but it’s important to avoid sharp kinks or heavy footfall on any cable.