Plan the cable route from the router or switch to each room
Measure the total cable length needed
Choose the cable type, such as Cat6 or Cat6a
Gather tools and materials, including cable, fish tape, drill, wall plates, keystone jacks, and cable tester
Turn off power to any areas where you will drill
Locate studs, joists, and existing wiring before drilling
Drill small pilot holes through walls, floors, or ceilings as needed
Use attic, basement, crawlspace, or closets to hide cable runs
Pull the cable through walls using fish tape or a pull rod
Avoid running Ethernet parallel to electrical cables for long distances
Keep the cable away from heat sources and sharp edges
Leave extra slack at both ends of the cable
Terminate the cable into keystone jacks or RJ45 connectors
Mount wall plates where the cable ends
Test each cable run with a cable tester
Label both ends of each cable
Secure loose cable with clips or ties without crushing it
Patch and paint any wall openings after installation