How to Prepare for Cat6 Wall Fishing – 7 Key Steps

Before you start running Cat6 cables through your walls, it's critical to plan and prep. This guide covers seven essential steps that will save you time, money, and prevent costly mistakes. From choosing the right cable type to calculating how much cable you'll need and ensuring attic safety—this prep work will set your Ethernet wiring project up for success.

7 Steps to Prep for Cat6 Wall Fishing Like a Pro

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Step-by-Step Cat6 Wall Fishing Preparation

Choose Wire Drop Locations
Identify which rooms need Ethernet ports: bedrooms, offices, garages, patios, etc. List them out clearly on paper to avoid guesswork.
Select the Right Walls
Always drop wires into interior walls. Avoid exterior walls due to fire stops. Also consider proximity to devices like TVs, PCs, or gaming consoles.
Decide Number of Drops Per Wall
Don’t run just one cable—run at least two. Better yet, run three and use the third as a future backup or for expanding your network.
Determine Central Cable Termination Point
All cables need to meet at a central hub—usually where your modem/router/switch is. Many newer homes include built-in network panels in closets or garages.
Calculate Cable Length
Use this formula:
- • Ceiling height × 2
- • Add the horizontal distance to the hub
- • Multiply by number of runs
Example: 9 ft ceiling × 2 = 18 ft ? Add 25 ft span = 43 ft ? Multiply by 2 drops = 86 ft total needed for that room.
Pick the Right Cable Type
Use Cat6 riser cable (CMR). It’s flexible, easier to bend, and simple to terminate. Avoid Cat5e unless cost is critical. Cat6A is higher performance but stiffer.
Practice Attic Safety
Only go in the attic if you're comfortable. Walk on rafters only, wear a dust mask, bring extra lighting, and work in cooler months. Always let someone know you're up there in case of emergency.

Following these steps before starting your Ethernet installation will ensure a smoother, faster process—and help you avoid common DIY pitfalls.

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Supplies:

Construct Pro Slim Single Gang Open Back Low Voltage Bracket

Cat6 Riser Cable 500ft

Cat5e Cable 500ft

Cat6 Wall Jack Plugs 5-Pack

Legrand - On-Q 2 Port Contractor Oversized Wall Plate (Pack of 10)

RJ45 Connectors (EZ)

Ethernet Wire Boots

Tools Needed:

Cordless Drill

Various Drill Bit Sizes

Hammer

Wire Stripper

Safety Glasses

Flat Head Screw Driver

Ladder

Network Cable Tester

What’s going on, guys? Welcome back to another video. I’m Mike from Ultimate Tech Hub—thanks for joining us. Today, we’re talking about Cat6 wall fishing—specifically, what to do before you start pulling cable through your walls.

There are four to five important steps (actually seven) that will save you time, money, and keep you safe. These are all based on questions we’ve received from previous wall fishing videos.

Step 1: Location Planning
Decide which rooms need Cat6 drops—bedrooms, offices, living rooms, patios, even bathrooms or front doors for Ring doorbells or security cameras. Write them all down.

Step 2: Choose Interior Walls
Always drop wires into interior walls to avoid fire stops found in exterior walls. Also, plan wire drops near devices like TVs, computers, or gaming consoles for convenience.

Step 3: Number of Lines
Don’t drop just one wire. Drop two or three. Use the third as a backup or for future additions. Behind the wall, just leave it coiled until needed.

Step 4: Central Hub Location
All wires must meet at one location—ideally where your modem, router, and network switch are. Many new homes have a structured wiring panel in a closet or garage.

Step 5: Cable Measurement Formula
Use ceiling height × 2 + distance to hub × number of drops. Example: 9 ft ceilings × 2 = 18 ft, add 25 ft = 43 ft × 2 drops = 86 ft needed. Round up for safety.

Step 6: Cable Type
Use Cat6 riser cable—it’s bendable, durable, and future-proof. Cat6A has higher bandwidth but is harder to work with. Avoid Cat5e unless budget is tight.

Step 7: Attic Safety
Only go in your attic if you’re confident. Walk only on rafters. Bring lighting, wear a mask, and never work in high heat. Spring or winter is ideal. Tell someone you’re going in, and take breaks when needed. Be safe up there!

That’s it—seven steps to prepare for wall fishing Ethernet cable. If you found this helpful, please like and share it. And if you love our content, subscribe—it’s free and helps keep this channel alive. Thanks for watching!