In this guide

What is CAT-6 Cable?

CAT-6 cable is a type of Ethernet cable made of twisted pair wires designed to deliver much faster, more secure connections than previous incarnations of Ethernet cables. Many modern building codes require the installation of CAT-6 cable for standardization today, while others are just upgrading for the sake of better speed. CAT-6 cables can perform at up to 250MHz, while previous CAT-5 and CAT-5e could only handle up to 100MHz. Various types of CAT-6 cabling may provide additional shielding or better connectivity. Although CAT-7 and 8 are available, they are often cost-prohibitive due to being so new, which is why CAT-6 has become the standard for many.

CAT-6 Cost per Foot

The average cost per foot of CAT-6 cable is $0.25 to $0.35, depending on the quality and brand of cable and other factors. While cables can be run up to 300 feet, you typically don’t want to run single drops longer than this because the copper wires used in these Ethernet cables are not rated for reliability beyond 300 feet. In the table below, you’ll see a list of average CAT-6 cable lengths and their related costs. Bear in mind that these are for materials only, with installation costs incurring an additional charge depending on the amount of time required for each installation.

Cost per Drop for CAT-6

The average price per data drop for CAT-6 cabling is $150 to $200, including materials and labor. Another way that CAT-6 installation is charged is on a per-drop basis. This means a cable is run to each connection point or “drop” on the network where a component or components will be installed. A router for a computer, printer, and wireless scanner, for example, could be one drop. A connection in the next room for two other computers could be a second drop, and so forth. When getting a consultation for your installation, be sure to discuss the number of drops you need with your technician to get an accurate price quote and get all of the connections you need.

CAT-6 Cable Cost by Type

The average cost of CAT-6 cabling by type is $250 to $500 per 1,000 feet of cable. Currently, three types or categories of CAT-6 cabling are available. However, only two are recognized as an industry standard. In addition to CAT-6 and CAT-6a that will be discussed below, some manufacturers create and label cables as CAT-6e. This is a non-standardized form of cabling designed to double the 250MHz frequency of standard category 6 cable. Although it isn’t recognized as an industry standard, it is still regularly sold as a premium product. In the sections below, we’ll look at the costs and differences between the two recognized types of CAT-6 Ethernet cables.

CAT-6 Cable Price

The price of CAT-6 cable is about $250 to $350 per 1,000 feet. This cable is a more basic choice, but it is still better than CAT-4 or CAT-5 cables of any variety, making it well worth the cost of making the upgrade. The cable is rated to handle up to 250MHz with data transfer rates of 1 to 10 Gbps, with better transfer rates over shorter distances. The average price listed here is for materials only, with installation incurring its own charge.

CAT-6a Cable Price per Foot

If you choose to upgrade to CAT-6a cable, you can expect to pay an average of $0.35 to $0.50 per sq.ft. or $350 to $500 per 1,000 feet of cable. This does not include installation costs and is the price for the materials only. CAT-6a cable is a higher frequency cable that can handle transfers of up to 10 Gbps with a 500MHz maximum frequency, doubling the capacity from standard CAT-6 cable. This cable has tighter twists and additional reinforcements to ensure connectivity at higher speeds and comes at a slightly higher price.

CAT-6 Cable Installation Cost

Of the $3,800 average cost to run Ethernet cable through the house, approximately $1,500 is designated for the cabling and other materials required for the job. The remainder makes up the labor costs. It takes approximately 40 to 48 hours of work to install 2,000 feet of cabling and the associated connections or drops. The average labor rate runs between $45 and $65 per hour. Some installations may also be charged per drop instead of per hour. The cost per drop is about $150 to $200.

In addition to the Ethernet cable itself, this project requires installing Ethernet ports, switches, necessary gang retrofit boxes, plugs and panels, and other components or connection accessories. Optional materials that may also be required include patch panels and cables for patching connections without creating an additional drop, as well as plastic grommets to secure cables in place. You may choose to pay for a router and its installation at the same time as the CAT-6 cable, incurring an additional cost.

The network and cabling location will be determined by the installation technician. Then, they will begin the work of checking the connection from the street to the building. Assuming that this is in order, they will run cables and install the necessary drops one at a time. You may pay an additional cost for running CAT-6 outside, running Ethernet cable through attic space, or other additional efforts. Once the installation is complete, they will test the network and its components to ensure that everything is working properly and make any necessary adjustments.

What are CAT-6 Cables Used For?

CAT-6 cables are a type of Ethernet cable used to provide a fast, secure Internet and network connection for home and business networks. CAT-6 cables have quickly become the standard for new construction and commercial applications. These cables offer a tighter connection and better materials than CAT-5, which allows them to run faster and provide better data processing speeds. These cables can be found in residential and commercial applications where premium speeds are a must.

CAT-6 RJ45 Connector

The average cost of RJ45 connectors is around $0.50 to $0.65 each. In almost every CAT-6 installation, there will be a need to install a CAT-6 RJ45 connector. Although the name sounds complicated, this refers to the plastic connector that attaches to the end of the Ethernet cable to plug into the network outlet or the component, such as a router, computer, or modem. The average consumer sees these connectors pre-installed, but as part of a new cable installation, they will be placed onto the cables as they are cut, and the technician places the drops.

Shielded vs Unshielded CAT-6

CAT-6 comes in two forms: UTP, or unshielded cable, and STP, or shielded cable. Although UTP is a standard choice that provides faster transmission. Many people opt to upgrade to STP shielded cable that provides more secure connections and a better connectivity rate because there is less risk of interference. Although these cables have come a long way in their abilities over time, copper is still subject to electromagnetic interference, and therefore, would be better with additional shielding. Shielded cable is less flexible and has a larger diameter but is best for large areas with a lot of interference. Unshielded cable is suitable for home and small office local area networks (LANs).

CAT-5 vs CAT-6 vs CAT-7 vs CAT-8

The average cost of CAT cable by type is $200 to $1,000 per 1,000 feet. The current Ethernet cable industry recognizes types 5 through 8 as providing the most reasonable options for speed and quality. Although CAT-6 is quickly becoming the standard, some still use CAT-5. Others are already upgrading to CAT-7 or CAT-8 in anticipation of the speeds and better quality to come, despite not yet being standardized by the industry. All of the current cable options have a maximum length of approximately 300 feet without loss of speed. In the table below, we look at the maximum speed for each type of cable, based on the 1,000 feet, as well as its average cost, to help you see what the different levels of quality have to offer.

Fiber Optic Cable vs CAT-6

CAT-6 is a form of shielded, twisted-pair copper cabling that provides a high-speed Internet connection for home networks. It has been the standard for Ethernet connectivity for a long time. But, more providers are looking into the benefits of fiber optic cable for Internet connections. Also known as optic fiber, it is the quickest and cleanest method known for transmitting data. Until recently, it has been far too cost-prohibitive to mass-produce and install this cabling because it uses glass fibers. Today, however, it is becoming a popular choice for several home Internet users, with providers like AT&T, Spectrum (Time Warner), Cox, Verizon, and others now offering fiber Internet service.

RG6 vs CAT-6

CAT-6 is a cable that is specifically created and designated for use as an Ethernet cable. It is thicker and may be less flexible than some cabling options, but it provides the best data connectivity for computers and Internet access. RG6 cables are specifically used for satellite and cable signal transmissions for modern TVs, including HDTVs and Smart TV systems. RG6 is the newest cabling option that offers better shielding and data speeds than older RG59 cables previously used to connect television sets. These may be required for installation in addition to CAT-6 cables in some homes.

Internet Provider Cost

The average cost of CAT-6 installation by an Internet provider is $90 to $120 per drop or run, depending on the type of installation that needs to be done, how much cabling is required, how many drops are in the network, and other details. Each provider has its own rates and considerations when they offer this service. Bear in mind, not all ISPs (Internet Service Providers) provide CAT-6 cable installation services. When they do, you can expect to pay the average prices listed here. In the table and subsections below, we’ll look at the two major ISPs, their average rates for CAT-6 installation, and the installation services provided.

Comcast Cost to Run Cable to House

The average cost to run Comcast cable to a house is $90 to $150 per run, depending on the amount of cable needed and the type of drops and cables used. In some cases, Comcast and its Internet brand Xfinity may waive the installation fees charged with a new service. If more than one line of cabling needs to be installed, users will be required to pay the fees. These charges may vary based on your location and whether Comcast outsources installation to a third party or does the work themselves.

Time Warner Cable Installation Cost

The average cost of Time Warner Cable installation is $100 to $120 per run, covering the cost of the cabling and the installation and connection of any network components. As with Comcast, Time Warner may outsource the installation of CAT-6 cable to third-party providers, which could impact the price you pay. You may also pay higher fees if you have more drops that need to be installed. Someone with a simple cable installation for new service might be able to get the installation fees partially or completely waived.

Hardwired Internet vs WiFi

The other consideration that comes with installing a new CAT-6 home network is whether to use hardwired Internet or WiFi. Today, most people want WiFi access, which typically comes built-in with the average modern router or network modem. As far as data security and speed go, you will always have better connections and less interference with a hardwired network, which is part of the reason that CAT-6 network installations are so popular. On a secure, strongly-designed hardwired CAT-6 network, WiFi will be relatively secure.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

File Server Cost

A file server costs an average of $1,000 to $3,000 to purchase for a home or small home office. Or, you could choose to rent dedicated server space for as little as $100 to $200 per month. A file server may be necessary to store all of your data and files in a centralized location and provide backup to your information in the event of a crash or data loss. In addition to purchasing a file server, if you choose to host your own solution, you may also have to pay for a server rack and other hardware or dedicated space for the equipment.

Gigabit Switch Price

A gigabit switch costs approximately $50 to $150, depending on the number of ports, the level of security, speed, and other features. A gigabit switch is a networking router that turns a small number of network connections into dozens of possible connections for a home office network. These are unmanaged switches that don’t require any configuration, making them a great plug-and-play choice for spaces where people may be coming and going and need a temporary place to connect to your network.

Digital Phone System Cost

You can consider adding a digital phone system to your installation for about $50 to 150, depending on the size of the system, hardware needed, and other factors. If you have upgraded to CAT-6 Internet or another premium Ethernet solution, you may also want to upgrade your phones to a digital phone system. Digital phone systems can be set up to run completely through the computer, saving the expense of more hardware and the hassle of traditional phone lines and installation. You may also pay a monthly fee for the digital phone service you choose, but that depends on the provider and their offerings.