DIY network cabling

You have probably landed on this page if you purchased one of our 'Home Network Kits'

Here are some more in-depth installation instructions and tips to help you with your project:

1.Work out your cable route from the router to your required position.

Don't stress if the final position is not quite where you need the socket as you can use a longer patch lead if necessary.

Try to avoid fireplaces and other difficult items.

The best way to hide cables is under floors and in loft spaces, however, if you have solid floors or coverings which cannot be easily removed then running the cable along skirtings and architraves is probably your only option.(If it is easier to run the cable outside an external cable kit is available - this cable is designed to cope with the weather and UV light whereas normal cable will not last many seasons outside)

2. Always be aware of other services when drilling, clipping and fixing your sockets and cable.

If in any doubt, contact a professional to advise before you make a costly mistake

3. If you are running the cable around your skirtings etc. use cable clips or better still, some uPVC mini trunking. Trunking is available in many sizes and can accommodate existing cabling along with your new network cable.

Avoid the use of cable tackers or staple guns, these can severely impair the performance of the cable.

4.Once you have your cable in place, you will need to mount the patresses or 'back boxes'

Using a HSS metal bit, drill out a hole big enough (approx. 6mm) to allow the cable to enter the box in the required position.

Thread the cable into the box (allow a good 200 - 250mm for terminating) and offer up to the wall, make sure it is level, mark the screw holes with a pencil or similar.

After checking for other services (and avoiding them) drill holes for the fixing screws depending on the wall construction.

Use wall plugs for solid masonry walls, cavity fixings for plasterboard/ partition walls and if you have wooden walls or panelling, you can use self tapping screws.

5. Insert the RJ45 module into the faceplate and use the blanks to fill the rest of the aperture

6. Strip back approx.100mm of outer sheathing of the cable (there are several ways to do this, you can carefully snip around with side cutters, use a sharp Stanley knife or use a pair of mechanical strippers.)

7. Carefully seperate the four pairs of wires, being sure not to untwist each pair. Lay the pairs into the IDCs (Insulation Displacement Connectors) following the colours on the connectors.

Keep the distance from the unstripped part of the cable as short as possible (this will allow the cable to perform at it's best)

8. Using the plastic IDC tool, carefully push down the wire into the connector. You should see the wire laying flat across the connector. Cut off the excess wire flush to the connector.

9. Check the connections are correct then screw the faceplate into place using a small flat screwdriver

10. Using the patch leads provided, connect the router to the first socket and your device (PC, printer, access point etc.) to the other socket.

11. Switch on the device and check the router port lights up.

12. You are good to go.