Ethernet cable installation in Exeter
Professional ethernet cable installation services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£85-£160
Typical Duration
1.5-3 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Ethernet network cables installed for reliable wired internet connections. Run from router to home office, bedroom, or wherever you need fast stable connectivity.
Why WiFi Isn't Always The Answer
WiFi is fine for phones and tablets. But for working from home, gaming, or streaming 4K? Wired ethernet gives you:
- Full broadband speed not degraded by WiFi limitations
- No dropouts from interference or thick walls
- Lower latency crucial for video calls and gaming
- More reliability when you actually need it to work
💡 Pro tip: If you're working from home full-time, ethernet to your desk is the single best upgrade you can make. Video calls won't freeze, uploads are faster, VPN connections stay stable.
WiFi vs Ethernet Reality Check
| Aspect | WiFi | Wired Ethernet |
|---|---|---|
| Actual speed | 30-70% of broadband max | Full broadband speed |
| Reliability | Drops out, interference | Solid, doesn't fail |
| Latency | Variable, 10-50ms | Consistent, 1-2ms |
| Walls matter? | Every wall slows it | Doesn't care |
| Multiple users | Shared bandwidth | Dedicated connection |
| Setup | Easy, just connect | Needs cable running |
Horses for courses. WiFi for mobility, ethernet for performance.
What Installation Involves
🔧 Common Installation Methods
| Method | Visibility | Best For | Cost Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface trunking | Visible but neat | Rentals, quick job | Standard |
| Under carpet | Hidden at edges | Carpeted rooms | Standard |
| Through walls/floors | Completely hidden | Own home, permanent | +1-2 hrs |
| Along skirting | Partially visible | Compromise option | Standard |
📦 You're Left With
- Fast wired connection to router
- Neat installation (method of your choice)
- Wall socket where you need it
- Tested and working connection
Pricing Guide
| Cable Run Length/Complexity | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Single room, easy run | 1.5-2 hrs | £85-£110 |
| Through one wall/floor | 2-2.5 hrs | £110-£135 |
| Multiple walls, long run | 2.5-3 hrs | £135-£160 |
| Complex routing | 3+ hrs | £160+ |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Includes cable, sockets, basic trunking. Through-wall drilling may add time.
Perfect For...
✅ Home offices - reliable WFH connection
✅ Gaming setups - low latency for online gaming
✅ Smart TVs - 4K streaming without buffering
✅ Desktop PCs - full speed downloads
Why Choose Us for Ethernet cable installation in Exeter?
Fast reliable wired connection
Better than WiFi for work/gaming
Neat cable runs, not trailing wires
Properly terminated and tested
What to Expect
Step 1: Plan The Route
Look at where router is and where you need the connection. Discuss routing options - visible trunking vs hidden vs compromise. Work out cable length and method.
Step 2: Run The Cable
Install according to chosen method. Trunking: cut, fit, run cable inside. Under carpet: lift edge, lay cable along wall. Through walls: drill, feed cable, make good. Along skirting: clip cable neatly.
Step 3: Terminate and Test
Fit wall sockets or leave cable with plug fitted. Plug into router and device. Test speed - should get full broadband speed. Make sure connection is stable.
🔧 DIY Tips
This is absolutely DIY-able - it's low voltage so no electrical qualifications needed:
🔧 Tools and materials needed
- CAT5e or CAT6 cable (buy 20% extra)
- RJ45 keystone jacks or pre-made plugs
- Cable trunking if surface mounting
- Cable clips
- Crimping tool (if making own plugs)
- Cable tester (optional but handy)
📋 Running the cable
- Measure route, buy cable with spare
- Choose installation method
- Avoid running parallel to mains cables (causes interference)
- Keep bends gentle - tight bends damage cable
- Test before hiding it permanently
🔨 Terminating cable
- Easy option: Buy pre-made cable, just run it
- Neat option: Use keystone wall sockets, punch down cable (needs punch-down tool)
- Flexible option: Crimp your own RJ45 plugs (watch YouTube guides, practice first)
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Buying CAT5 instead of CAT5e/CAT6 - waste of time for modern speeds
- Running parallel to mains power - causes interference
- Stapling through the cable - damages it
- Really tight bends - breaks internal wires
- Not testing before boxing in - nightmare if it doesn't work
💡 Pro trick: Run two cables to each location while you're at it. Barely costs extra and gives you a backup if one fails, or lets you connect two devices later without more cable runs.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
💻 Home office essential: If you work from home, run ethernet to your desk. Your employer's IT department will thank you. Video calls that don't freeze are worth every penny.
CAT5e vs CAT6: For home use either is fine. CAT6 is slightly better shielded and theoretically faster, but in houses under 50m runs you won't notice difference. I usually use CAT6 because it's not much more.
Powerline adapters as alternative: These use your home electrical wiring for network. They work but are slower and less reliable than proper ethernet. Fine for temporary solution, not as good as cable.
Multiple drops: If you're running cable to one room, think about other rooms while I'm there. Saves having me back out multiple times.
Exeter old houses: Our solid Devon stone walls are thick. Drilling through them takes longer than modern cavity walls. I'll be honest if it's going to add significant time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why bother with ethernet when I have WiFi?
WiFi is convenient but wired is faster, more reliable, and doesn't drop out. For home offices, gaming, or 4K streaming, ethernet gives you the full speed your broadband can deliver. WiFi rarely does.
Can you hide the cable or will it be visible?
Options: surface-mounted in trunking (visible but neat), under carpet edges, through walls/floors (hidden but more work), or along skirting. We'll discuss what works for your house and budget.
Will it work with my router and devices?
Yes - ethernet is a standard. As long as your router has spare ethernet ports and your device has an ethernet socket (or you use a USB adapter), it'll work. Most laptops, PCs, smart TVs, games consoles have ethernet built in.
How long can the cable run be?
Up to 100 meters for CAT5e/CAT6 before you need boosters. In houses that's never an issue - even end to end in a large house is under 50m. If you need longer I can install switches/boosters.
Do you supply the cable?
Yes - I'll bring CAT5e or CAT6 cable depending on your needs, plus sockets and trunking if needed. All included in the quote.
Ethernet cable installation Also Available In:
Get a Free Quote in Exeter
Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote for your ethernet cable installation job in Exeter.
01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
Why Trust Us
Need Ethernet cable installation in Exeter?
Get a free quote for your ethernet cable installation job in Exeter today.