Mount a Wireless Router on the Wall and Conceal the Cables

A wall-mounted wireless router can improve the appearance of your network setup while keeping valuable desk, shelf, or cabinet space clear. This guide explains how to securely mount a router above a network box, route its power and Ethernet cables behind drywall, install a furniture grommet, and organize the remaining wires for a clean, professional-looking result.

How to Wall Mount a Wireless Router and Hide the Wires

Routers are often placed on desks, shelves, or inside network cabinets, where their power cords and Ethernet cables can quickly become tangled. Mounting the router directly above your network box creates a more organized installation and makes it easier to conceal the cables behind the wall.

This project is relatively straightforward, but accurate measuring and careful drywall cutting are important. Before beginning, confirm that the wall area is free from electrical wiring, plumbing, ductwork, and other hidden obstructions. You should also verify that routing the router's power cord through the wall is permitted by local electrical and building codes. In many locations, standard detachable power cords are not rated for installation inside wall cavities.

Tools and Supplies

Gathering everything before you begin will make the installation easier and help prevent interruptions once the router has been removed from service.

Step 1: Check the Router's Mounting Holes

Look at the back of the wireless router and locate its keyhole-shaped mounting openings. Measure the distance between the centers of the two holes. In the video, the mounting holes are spaced approximately five and one-quarter inches apart, but your router may use a different measurement.

Select screws with heads that fit securely inside the router's mounting openings. The screw heads must be large enough to support the router but small enough to enter the wider portion of each keyhole slot.

Step 2: Mark and Drill the Mounting Points

1. Choose a mounting location above or near the network box.
2. Use a level to make sure the two mounting marks are horizontally aligned.
3. Mark the screw locations using the spacing measured from the router.
4. Drill the appropriate holes for the wall anchors.
5. Insert the wall anchors and install the screws.

Leave each screw sticking out from the wall by approximately one-eighth of an inch. This gives the mounting slots enough room to slide over the screw heads. Test the router carefully and adjust the screws if the fit is too loose or too tight.

Step 3: Mount the Wireless Router

Align the router's mounting holes with the two screws. Place the wider portions of the openings over the screw heads and gently slide the router into its locked position. Check that the router sits level and does not wobble.

You can temporarily connect the power cable to confirm the position, but disconnect the equipment before cutting the drywall or routing cables.

Step 4: Cut the Opening for the Furniture Grommet

Position the furniture grommet near the router and trace around its required opening with a pencil. The grommet will cover the rough edge of the drywall while providing a finished opening for the Ethernet cables.

Use a drywall saw to cut the opening carefully. The most important rule is to start small. Test the grommet frequently and remove only a small amount of drywall at a time. If the opening becomes too large, the grommet may sit loosely or fall into the wall cavity.

• Cut inside the traced line during the first pass.
• Test the grommet before enlarging the opening.
• Remove small sections rather than making one oversized cut.
• Keep the grommet snug enough to remain securely in place.

Step 5: Fish the Ethernet Cables Through the Wall

Attach a small, heavy bolt or similar weight to the end of a strong string. Lower the weighted end through the upper opening until it reaches the network box or lower wall opening.

Once the weighted end appears at the bottom, remove the weight and securely attach one Ethernet cable to the string. Pull the string upward slowly, guiding the cable through the wall cavity and out of the upper opening.

Pull one cable at a time. Trying to pull several cables together may create a bulky connection that catches on insulation, wall framing, or other obstructions. The installation shown in the video includes four Ethernet cables, so this step requires patience.

Step 6: Connect and Organize the Cables

After the cables have been routed, place the furniture grommet into the drywall opening and mount the router on the screws again. Connect the Ethernet cables to the appropriate router ports and connect the router to an approved power source.

Use Velcro straps, twist ties, or zip ties to group related cables together. Reusable Velcro straps are particularly useful because they can be removed when you add equipment or troubleshoot the network.

Do not overtighten cable ties. Ethernet cables should not be pinched, sharply bent, or placed under unnecessary tension. Leave enough slack to unplug the router or remove it from the wall without pulling on the cable connectors.

Step 7: Clean the Work Area and Test the Network

Vacuum the drywall dust and debris before turning the equipment back on. Confirm that the router is secure, the furniture grommet is seated properly, and no cables are resting against sharp drywall edges.

Reconnect the router and allow it to complete its startup process. Test both wired and wireless connections to make sure every cable is connected to the correct port and the network is functioning normally.

Tips for a Cleaner Router Installation

• Mount the router in an open area rather than inside a metal cabinet.
• Avoid placing it directly beside large appliances or other sources of interference.
• Keep the router's ventilation openings unobstructed.
• Label Ethernet cables at both ends for easier troubleshooting.
• Use in-wall-rated cables whenever cables are installed inside a wall cavity.
• Photograph the connections before disconnecting equipment.
• Leave service loops so the router can be removed without disconnecting every cable.

Frequently Asked Questions