Many people think: "Wifi is wireless, so I don't need cables." But that's not entirely true. For a professional wifi network you actually need good network cabling. In this article we explain how wifi cabling works and why it's essential.
What is wifi cabling?
Wifi cabling is the network of UTP cables that connects wifi access points to the patch cabinet. Each access point needs a wired connection for:
- Data traffic: All wifi traffic goes via cable to the router/switch
- Power supply (PoE): Access points receive power via Power over Ethernet
- Management: Configuration and monitoring goes via the wired connection
Why can't you just put wifi repeaters everywhere?
Wifi repeaters seem cheap and easy, but they have major disadvantages:
- Each "hop" halves the speed
- No central management or monitoring possible
- No VLAN support for guest networks
- Much higher latency, poor for video calls
- Less stable, especially with many users
Professional wifi networks therefore use wired access points. Each access point has a direct, fast connection to the central switch. No delays, full speed, and all access points work together as one network.
What does a professional wifi network look like?
A typical wifi installation consists of:
- Patch cabinet with PoE switch: Central cabling and power supply
- UTP cables to access point locations: Cat6A for 10 Gigabit + PoE++
- Mounting to the wifi design: Locations selected by your IT partner
- Controller software: Central management of all access points
Advantages of wired access points
- Maximum speed: Full bandwidth, no delay from "hops"
- Scalability: Easily add access points without configuration hassle
- One network: Devices seamlessly switch between access points (roaming)
- VLAN support: Separate networks for guests, staff, IoT, etc.
- Central monitoring: Immediately see where problems are
- PoE power: No outlets needed in difficult places (ceiling, outside)
Why Cat6A or Cat7 for wifi cabling?
Wifi access points support increasingly higher speeds (Wifi 6E, Wifi 7). To actually deliver those speeds, you need a cable that can handle this:
- Cat5e: Assess the existing link against speed, length, condition and selected access point; replacement is not automatic
- Cat6: 10 Gigabit up to 55 meters, only suitable for short distances
- Cat6A: 10 Gigabit up to 100 meters, standard for professional installations
- Cat7: 10 Gigabit up to 100 meters with extra shielding, premium choice
Additionally, modern access points often need PoE+ or PoE++ (30W to 60W). Cat6A is designed to safely handle these power levels without overheating.
Illustrative cable plan: office building with 3 floors
Let's say: an office of 3 floors, each 200m². Suppose the IT partner selects the equipment and locations below. We quote cable routes and any physical mounting; configuration and coverage remain part of that partner's wifi design:
- 6 access points (2 per floor, locations selected by the IT partner)
- 6 UTP cables from patch cabinet to access point locations
- 1 PoE switch with at least 8 ports (for future expansion)
- Controller software for central management
The IT partner designs and configures coverage, roaming, guest networks and management. The example specifies a possible cable scope and does not guarantee those wifi results.
SIGNAALMAKERS only does the cabling
Note: SIGNAALMAKERS only installs the network cabling. We pull UTP cables from the patch cabinet to the access point locations, professionally terminate, label everything and test the connections.
Physical mounting and connection of access points can be included in the quote. Wifi configuration, management and site surveys remain with your MSP or IT partner. We agree responsibilities in advance.
Conclusion
Good wifi starts with good cabling. Professional wifi networks run on wired access points, not on wifi repeaters. Invest in Cat6A cabling, place access points in the right locations, and you have a wifi network that actually works.
Want to install cabling? View network cabling installation, compare costs and included work, or request a quote with the location, number of points and preferred schedule.