Ethernet was invented in 1973 by Bob Metcalfe while working for Xerox PARC. The technology was designed to connect devices in a wired local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN). The original ethernet powered systems supported speeds of 10 Megabytes per second, however, current versions can support speeds as high as 400 Gigabytes per second.

Ethernet cable connections are available in most commercial buildings and modern residential buildings. The cables run through the exterior walls of the buildings and are connected to the interior of the building via a LAN port.  The ports are usually located on ethernet wall plates.

Ethernet wall plates are cable fixtures attached in living rooms and office spaces to connect computer devices, Wi-Fi routers, fax machines, office printers, and mountable phones. The plates possess RJ-45 jacks, which look like household RJ-11 telephone wall jacks, for 10BaseT networks.

The wall plates also have SC jacks that are designated for use by fiber-optic cable networks. The wall plates are usually configured in single ports and go as high as six ports to suit the connection needs of a given space.

Requirements for installing ethernet wall plates

The installation of ethernet wall plates will be determined by the design of the target space. Since commercial and residential buildings have multiple rooms with different uses, conducting a space needs assessment is required prior to making any purchase.

The needs assessment will include taking into account the following factors:

  1. Number of rooms

Commercial buildings either possess open or closed office spaces. The wall plates’ installation will be determined by the number of users and ethernet devices per space. Residential buildings mostly need installations in living rooms, home offices and bedrooms. Earmark the rooms that need installation.

  1. Network speeds

Internet-enabled devices require different network speeds depending on their use. Gaming setups, streaming devices and computer workstations require high internet speeds. A gigabit switch is highly recommended for such high-powered devices.

  1. Central distribution

The central distribution point for ethernet cables is usually hidden. The laundry room or a space that contains TV cable and fiber-optic cables are the most suitable location to serve as the central distribution point.

  1. Cable paths

High speed ethernet cables are usually 100m in length while average speed cables range between 0.5m to 20m in length. The cable paths are normally in spaces with low human traffic and are easy to access in case of repairs or modification.

How to install an ethernet wall plate

Follow these steps if you’re planning to install an ethernet wall plate.

  1. Identify suitable locations

The best location for installing the plate is next to an existing power outlet. Use an electronic stud finder to determine the exact location of the stud closest to the outlet. This will ensure symmetry of placement and maintain room aesthetic by limiting the exposure of unattractive wiring. Repeat the same process for all the targeted rooms.

  1. Place mounting bracket in the chosen location

Place a mark in the identified spot. Using a bubble level, trace out the inside of the mounting bracket. The outline will be your guiding template when cutting or drilling out the hole needed to mount the wall plate.

  1. Switch off power on electrical circuits in the designated rooms

The circuit breakers for the electrical circuits of the building will be in the electrical control box. The breakers will be color coded or marked based on the electrical utility they serve. In case you’re installing in office spaces or if you encounter unmarked breakers, seek help from the building maintenance personnel before proceeding. Switch off the power to avoid being electrocuted or damaging electrical appliances.

  1. Bore a hole along marked bracket outline

You can cut the hole using a utility knife on false walls or using a drill to bore a hole on concrete/brick walls. Ensure the hole is made along the outline of the mounting bracket.

  1. Measure and run the cable

Run one cable from the distribution room to each of the rooms previously earmarked. Proceeded to cut the total number of cables more using the measurement of the first cable. Mark the cables with a marker so that they match the ports on both ends.

  1. Install the ethernet wall plate

Once you’ve ran all the cables through the right channels, you can either insert a RJ-45 plug at the end of the exposed cable and plug it directly to the switch or connect the exposed cable to a color-coded patch panel. The final step involves mounting the wall plate on the mounting bracket by drilling the installation screws inside the respective holes.

Conclusion

The right materials will guarantee the right installation outcomes. Visit Cable Pro for your security cables, data cables, electrical cables, and electrical installation needs at unbeatable prices.