How to wire a smart home: infrastructure guide

Discover what cabling you need for a smart home: from Ethernet for streaming to connections for home automation.

A smart home needs a solid foundation: a reliable wired network. WiFi alone is not enough for a modern smart home with multiple devices, 4K streaming, cameras, and automation.

Why you need cable in a smart home

•Stability: cable never drops signal like WiFi
•Speed: constant 1-10 Gbps vs variable WiFi
•Latency: critical for gaming and video calls
•WiFi mesh backbone: mesh nodes work better wired
•Reliability: security devices should always be wired

Recommended network points per room

•Living room: 2-3 points (TV, console, WiFi AP)
•Office: 2 points (PC, printer)
•Bedrooms: 1-2 points (Smart TV, remote work)
•Kitchen: 1 point (connected appliances)
•Entry: 1 point (camera, video intercom)
•Tech area: central panel with router, switch, and NAS

Smart home technologies

•Cat6 Ethernet: network backbone, connects fixed devices
•WiFi 6/6E mesh: total wireless coverage
•PoE: powers cameras and APs without outlets
•Zigbee/Z-Wave: for small IoT sensors
•HDMI/optical cable: video distribution between rooms

Installation planning

Ideally, wire during renovation or new construction. But we can also install in existing homes using decorative trunking, false ceilings, or existing electrical conduits.