Installing an outdoor ethernet cable is the best way to get a reliable internet connection outside your home or business. An effective outdoor internet connection can make relaxing in the sun more enjoyable. It can also make your business more effective by allowing staff to take their work outside into the fresh air.
However, installing an outdoor ethernet cable can be a tricky process. It is extremely labour-intensive and can lead to greater issues if the work is not completed to a professional standard. As a result, you should always trust an expert team like The Wi-Fi Specialist with our outdoor ethernet cable installation services.
To make your life easier, our network cable specialists are here to provide you with everything you need to know about outdoor ethernet cable installation. From finding the right cable to safely connecting it to your primary router, with the help of the experts at The Wifi Specialist, you will be ready to install outdoor ethernet cable in your home or business.
Choose the Right Ethernet Cables and Protection
Using ordinary ethernet cables outdoors can lead to rapid deterioration due to exposure to the elements. For optimal performance and longevity, consider placing the cables in a conduit, such as PVC or other waterproof plastic pipe. This conduit should then be buried underground at a depth of around 6 to 8 inches and positioned at least a safe distance away from power lines or other potential sources of electrical interference.
However, even with a conduit, it is advisable to opt for weatherproofed ethernet cables specifically designed for outdoor use. Conduits may not always provide sufficient protection during extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rainstorms or subfreezing cold.
Opting for exterior-grade ethernet cables that are waterproof, allows you to bury them directly in the ground without the need for a conduit. If you opt not to bury the cable, you need to choose a waterproof Cat 6 cable with a UV protective jacket to safeguard it from potential damage caused by sunlight exposure, especially when running the cable along the side of a house or across a roof.
Ordinary and direct burial Cat 6 cables can attract lightning strikes to some extent, and burying the cable alone may not mitigate that risk. To fortify your outdoor ethernet network against lightning strikes and protect indoor equipment, it is advisable to install surge protectors as an integral part of your setup. This precautionary measure will help safeguard your network and valuable devices during adverse weather conditions.
Step 1: Choosing A Cable
If you’re looking to install an outdoor ethernet cable, there are several things that you need to consider. First, you need to ensure that you have chosen the best ethernet cable for your needs. If your cable is not weatherproofed and able to stand up to the elements, you risk damaging your internet network.
You also need to ensure that your cable is fast enough for your requirements. If you upgrade your devices and your outdoor ethernet cables are not powerful enough to meet the demand, you will have to pay the cost of digging up your cables and starting again with a more effective cable.
With a range of different cable categories available, you need the help of a professional team to find the best one for you and your needs. As experts in network cable installation, the specialist engineers at The Wifi Specialist will can recommend and install the perfect cable for your home or business internet needs.
Step 2: Drill A Hole In The Exterior Wall
Once you have your cable, the next thing to do is to drill a hole in your exterior wall. The cable will run through this hole and connect your router to the location where you want an outdoor internet connection. Drilling a hole in your property comes with several hazards, which is why it is recommended that you trust an expert team with the installation.
When you are selecting an exterior wall to drill through, you need to consider several factors. You need to know the location of electrical wires, pipes and plumbing and any other essential services that run through your walls. If you damage any of these services during outdoor ethernet cable installation, you may end up spending far more money on repairs.
Finally, once the hole is drilled, you will need to seal it with silicone in order to prevent water and other outdoor elements from entering your premises through the hole. Now you have an easy route from your router to the outside of your home or business, you can continue your outdoor ethernet cable installation.
For some added protection from the elements, you should also install a weatherproof outdoor box on the outside of your premises. This will protect your ethernet cable and will further prevent the elements from entering your home or business. If you already have a waterproof box on the outside of your home, you can use your existing hub for convenience.
Step 3: Bury The Cable
Now that your cable is running from your router to the outside of your building, you can begin preparing to bury the cable. However, before you begin the digging phase of your outdoor ethernet cable installation, you should always test your connection. This will save you the hassle of digging the cable back up if there is a technical problem.
If your cable is transmitting internet signals how it should, you can now begin digging. Much like drilling a hole through your wall, it is vital that you contact your local utility companies and ensure that you know the location of any buried gas or water lines. Your utility company will usually come to you to complete a survey at absolutely no charge.
By trusting The Wifi Specialist for your outdoor ethernet cable installation, we will ease any stress or hassle by communicating with your utility company on your behalf. Once you understand what is beneath the surface of your outdoor space, you can dig a path from your home to your outdoor area.
Step 4: Run The Cable To The Desired Area
Once you have dug your hole, you can run your ethernet cable to the desired area and bury it out of sight. This gives you a clean and mess-free internet connection outside of your home or business. With expert home internet installation from our specialist team, you can enjoy crystal-clear garden office internet.
Businesses can also benefit significantly by ensuring more of their premises is prepared to be a productive space. With expert network installation from our professional team, you will enjoy a flawless outdoor WiFi connection. Contact us today to begin your outdoor ethernet cable installation process.
Looking for expert outdoor ethernet cable installation? You need The WiFi Specialist
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of ethernet cable internet?
Using a wired ethernet internet connection is far more secure than a wireless equivalent. This is because users need to plug into your network to use the internet. With WiFi, anyone can try to connect to your signal. If you want expert ethernet cable installation for your home or business, contact The Wifi Specialist today.
What category of ethernet cable is best for outdoor use?
All categories of ethernet cable can be installed outdoors. However, ordinary ethernet cables are not weatherproofed and should not be used outdoors. For most customers, the expert team at The Wifi Specialist recommends waterproofed Cat6 ethernet cables. These are generally robust and powerful enough. Contact us for a bespoke cable recommendation.
How to install outdoor ethernet cables?
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. By burying the cable beneath the ground your network will be protected and tidy.
However, to ensure your network is operating as effectively as possible, you should always trust a professional team like The Wifi Specialist for outdoor ethernet cable installation.
Contact The Wifi Specialist today for a quote or to arrange a no obligation survey
Our Happy Clients
I was struggling to get a decent wifi signal down to the garden office until the Wifi Specialists recommended a Point to Point kit. Now the internet is faster in the office than it is in the house. The guys did a great job installing too, keeping all the cabling very neat and hidden wherever possible. Even sorted out the TV aerial cable while they were doing the P2P cabling! Great service, strongly recommend.
Richard G
Couldn't recommend Indy more highly. They helped us implement an effective corporate wifi solution at very short notice. Communication throughout was excellent and we look forward to working with them again.
Francesca M
Indy and Rakki are first class guys, they did a professional job in record time and I ended up with a better router indoors as well as the Access point outdoors which now covers the whole garden. Definitely recommend the Wifi specialists.
John M
I'm absolute delighted with the service provided by The WiFi Specialist in running an ethernet cable out to my garden office. Indy was extremely helpful in discussion the options available to me, and recommending the right approach, and the work was carried out efficiently and with minimum disruption. I'm thrilled to now have a secure connection, and would definitely recommend The WiFi Specialist to anyone looking to improve connectivity.
Simon M
Excellent, knowledgeable, seamless experience with Indy and team. Not to mention my now perfect wifi!
Sarah K
I had been struggling with my wifi signal around my house for a number of years and the situation only got worse as we moved to remote working. After many attempts to get the issue addressed through the local ISP, I (my wife and kids) decided that I needed a specialist to come in. Indy made the whole process very simple from the initial site visit, design guidance and installation. I had my house refurbished a few years ago so adding new cabling around the house needed knowledge and experience. Indy and Rak did a great job at concealing the cat6 cables and provided a professional finish. I now have full wifi signal all around the house, garden and garage. I would highly recommend The Wi-Fi Specialist. Thank you.
Amarjit K
The IT service from this company was exemplary and resulted in a very good WiFi signal throughout the house. Indy was generous with his time and explained the technology well, without trying to sell equipment that would have been unnecessary for a domestic installation. He is friendly, knowledgeable and very professional. It was a great pleasure to work with him.
Andy A
