Running Ethernet Through a Wall

Venomx999

Is it possible without drilling a huge hole ? The ex tenants have one already running through the wall but the hole isn't big enough to take the existing cable in/out as I want to replace it

I know you can strip the cables and do it manually but it looks way too difficult
It is dangerous to drill a hole unless you know what your doing right ? Esp as its so close to two heaters and one plug socket

noiseboy72

If you are pulling the old cable out, just tape the new cable to it. You can either tape them end to end - Butt jointing or strip the outer insulation off to expose the inner wires and plait them together before winding some electrical tape over. Leave yourself plenty of slack and you can then cut off the bit you used to pull the wire and re-terminate.

If you are worried about attaching - terminating the connector, it really isn't that hard. The tool is £10 from Screwfix, the tester about the same amount and the connectors and cable are not expensive either. Watch some youtube videos and you should be fine.

Drilling a large hole is not an issue. Pipes and cables should run directly up or down from heaters and radiators and you would be quite unlucky to hit a random pipe not associated with the heater. You can also get a pipe / wire locator if you are concerned. You will want a large power drill - SDS would be preferred, and a long drill bit. Start slowly so you don't crack the plaster and then apply constant pressure through the brickwork, withdrawing the bit now and again to clear debris.

Venomx999

Thanks, my reason for wanting to replace the cable is because I should be getting 72mb but I get 67mb on speed tests.
Will replacing the old cable be of any benefit or should I just be happy with 67mb?

noiseboy72

I doubt it very much. Unless the cable is damaged - or has kinks or sharp corners it really won't affect the speed to any great extent. The difference between 72Mb and 67Mb is more likely due to external issues - capacity of the local box, capacity of the speed test, BT cabling etc. It will also be virtually unnoticeable in day to day use.

atr1981

I can only echo what noiseboy72 has said. Replacing the cable with have very little effect if any at all.

Venomx999

Cool thanks guys, really appreciate it.
The ex-tenants must have done some DIY to the cable to get it through the wall ( rewiring method )
I'll be happy with 67mb then, and to be fair this PC doesn't do any downloading anyways

Venomx999

You guys were bang on.
Did a speedtest on my TV in Netflix, and i'm getting the same speeds through that cable which I do on my PC So nothing wrong with the ethernet cable.