Ethernet Upgrade: Network Cable Runs

The first part of my network upgrade is underway after I ran Category 5e cable into new sections of the house. These new runs will connect Wi-Fi access points in the attic to the network infrastructure in the basement.

Before my home builder hung Sheetrock a decade ago, I had the foresight to install conduit runs between the basement and the two, non-connected attics. I expected to run coax from the basement to antennas located above the house one day.

The conduit to the upper attic has two 90-degree turns that I have never navigated successfully with conduit snake.

Taking patients with me, I decided to take another stab. Having those access points at the top of the house would maximize coverage.

Yet poet Robert Burns was right once again.

The best-laid schemes o’ mice an’ men
Gang aft agley,
An’ lea’e us nought but grief an’ pain,
For promis’d joy!

I couldn’t get past Turn Number 2 no matter how much I tried.

Falling to Plan B, I did what I have done before. I ran cable to the lower attic because that conduit has only one turn.

The only run that isn’t finished is re-running the cable between the basement and the family room. The drywall installation team accidentally pinched the cable between the stud, rendering the cable useless. I’ll finish that run in a few days because that will be an access point for my son’s Raspberry Pi.