In the current information-driven business environment, you definitely need a dependable and fast voice and data solutions in your business and at home.
One of the best solutions, in this regard, is a hardwired computer network. While this is the case, no one computer network is a replica of another. As such, the cost of installing one varies from one project to another.
Basically, modern networking installation may be carried out using any of the two main cabling options: Cat 5 and Cat 6.
With Cat 5 cabling installations, you can achieve speeds of up one Gigabit. The Cat 6 cabling, on the other hand, allows for speeds of up to 10 Gigabit.
If you are installing a network for the very first time, you will also have the new Cat 7 cabling option that is often used for Ethernet.
This guide touches on ethernet cable installations costs, network installs, and costs to set up office networks.
Hardwired Computer Network Cost – Ethernet Cable Installation Services & Rates
Assuming that a Cat 6 network was to be installed in four rooms that do not have any pre-wiring, the cost of installation will be between $1,055 and $1,520.
Holding other factors constant, the hardwired computer network cost varies from one state and region to another.
Ae opposed to traditional installations, consumers now have the fiber optic cable option. However, the later comes at a comparatively higher cost.
For the purpose of this guide, we are going to base our agreement on copper wire g installations.
When charged as a flat rate, hardwire Network installation will cost you between $300 and $2,200 in accordance with estimates by the IT technician and electrician.
Regardless of the complexity of the project, most hourly rates charged by these professionals range between $65 and $85 per hour.
So, How is the Total Hardwired Computer Network Installation Cost Arrived At?
With the above-mentioned industry-standard rates, installing the network in a single room will take a professional about three hours. This brings labor costs to between $195 and $255 for a Cat 6 cabling installation.
As for the installation materials, you should expect to spend between $125 and $255 based on the number of computers to be networked in each room.
Basic Installation Material Requirements
Assuming that the network was to be installed in a small home office, you will need a number of materials and components.
To begin with, you need to invest in at least 250’ of Cat 6 Ethernet2 cable and Ethernet2 switch: The cable will cost about $50 while the switch will range from $25 to $30 depending on the brand and number of ports it has.
You will also need RJ45 Jacks, plates and plugs, which will cost you about $25 as well as five patch cables, often priced at $25.
Depending on your personal preferences, you may also invest in a number of add-on materials, such as Velcro strips plastic grommets, and patch panels. Although must of these are affordable, they will drive the cost of installation up.
Hardwired Computer Network Installation Cost Factors
As mentioned earlier in this guide, the overall cost of installing a scooter network will depend on several aspects.
For instance, it will depend on the number of rooms as well as the number of computers to be connected to each room.
Again, installing hardwired networks is rather complicated and requires a specific skill set.
As such, you should also expect to incur labor costs for hiring a professional. The overall cost will also depend on the specific materials and components you intend to use for the installation.
Discussed below are some of the key factors affecting the cost of installing a hardwired computer network:
So, how many drops are required in your installation?
A drop is essentially a single run of wire from the server room or the wiring g closet to a separate room. You may not know this, but every endpoint in the network will require a separate drop.
On average, you should expect to spend $125 to $200 for each drop, particularly for the cabling. The more the drops required in your installation, the higher the cost of installation is going to be.
Additionally, you also need to factor in the cost of the other hardware and installation materials you will require for the project.
For instance, you need to account for all the patch panels used, with each of them going or about $50. You also need to consider the cost of installing each component.
For instance, each well-rounded patch panel will take a skilled professional about an hour to install. At a rate of $65 to $85 per hour, this will also impact on the total expenditure.
Basically, running networking cabling in a building during construction is a much simpler and cheaper installation on an existing building.
A building that has sufficient network infrastructure will also cut the installation time and cost. If the building does not have such infrastructure, all-new cabling must be run.
The harder it is for the technicians to run cables throughout the house, the higher the labor cost will be. For instance, installation is much easier in a drop ceiling or acoustic ceiling tiles than it is in a hard-cap ceiling.
Again, if the cabling shares space with an HVAC system, fire-rated plenum cabling must be used for code compliance.
This will also increase the cost of installation significantly. If the cable has to run trough areas that make installation difficult, such as crawl spaces and attics, the same case will apply.
The Complexity of the Installation
Most of the leading standard switch manufacturers have a total of eight ports in their units. Depending on the complexity of the project, you may end up using all or just a few of these ports.
To some extent, the number of ports used will also impact the installation cost of hardwired computer network installation projects.
On average, every additional port you decide to install will increase the cost of labor and materials by 5 to 15 percent.
Adding more ports is useful if you have multiple computers, gaming consoles, smart TVs or Blu-Ray players with Ethernet access.
For enhanced flexibility and affordability, switches are available in configurations from 4 ports up to 24 ports or more per switch.
The Type of Cable Used
Computer and telephone (CAT) cabling are typically available in Cat5, Cat 5e, and Cat6 options.
The various computer networking options differ from each other when it comes to network support, crosstalk, and bandwidth capacity. As such, all of them come at different price points.
If you already run or planning on running VoIP over the network, you should consider using the Cat 5e or 6 cable options.
Cat 5 cabling is often used for VoIP but is generally not recommended for the modern hardwired computer network application.
Cat7 is also available but might be overkill and expensive, especially for homes and small office installations. For non-VoIP telephony applications, Cat3 or Cat4 cabling will suffice.
Installing a computer network in a pre-wired buying will reduce the cost of installation significantly. This is particularly the case for buildings prepared with Cat 5 cabling.
As you will come to learn, Cat 6 cabling 3 is backward-compatible with Cat 5 routers 4/switches.
Such a scenario will reduce the amount of drilling required, hence the cost of labor significantly. In such a case, the labor cost for one office room would be between $65 and $85, including the removal of the old networking wire.
For a four-room installation project, you will end up spending $260 to $340, including removal of the old networking wire.
Ready to Install a Wired Computer Network?
While many people are looking forward to having a wired computer network installed in their homes and or offices, few know how much it costs.
Even in cases where an IT technician or electrician gives you a flat-rate quote, the installation will depend on several aspects.
The overall cost will include the cost of materials and components and labor costs.
However, these rates will vary from one project to another as per site constraints and complexity of the project.
With this guide, you will never incur any hidden costs on wired computer network installation quotes.