Running Ethernet Cables Outdoors

A wired network offers speed and security advantages over a wireless network, and it has a higher resistance to electromagnetic interference. If you want to extend your network over two or more buildings on your property, wired is the way to go, although the initial installation is labor-intensive.

Cat 6, Cat 5, or Cat 5e Ethernet cables can be run outdoors to network computers with a local area network (LAN) between homes or other buildings. Although ordinary Ethernet cables can be used, the better option is to use the more expensive weatherproof Cat 6 cables.

Using Ordinary Ethernet Cables Outdoors

With its thin plastic casing, ordinary Ethernet cabling deteriorates quickly when exposed to the elements. For best results, when using ordinary Cat 6 Ethernet cables outdoors, place the cables in a conduit such as PVC or other plastic pipe installed with waterproofing. Then, bury the conduit under the ground at a depth of about 6 to 8 inches and at least that far away from power lines or other sources of electrical interference.

Even with a conduit, it's better to use a weatherproofed Ethernet cable designed for outdoor use. Conduits can fail in extreme weather such as heavy rainstorms or subfreezing cold.

Using Direct Burial Exterior Ethernet Cables

Use exterior waterproof direct burial Cat 6 cables for outdoor runs rather than ordinary Cat 6. Direct burial Cat 6 cables cost more but are designed for outdoor use. The protective jacket is made of either PVC on the cheaper end or linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) on the more expensive and protective end. In addition to being sealed against moisture, they often have shielding against radio frequency (RF) interference.

Exterior-grade Ethernet cables are waterproof and can be buried in the ground without a conduit. If you aren't burying the cable, choose a waterproof Cat 6 cable that has a UV protective jacket to prevent damage from sunlight exposure. This is important when running the cable up the side of a house or across a roof.

Ordinary and direct burial Cat 6 cables attract lightning strikes to some degree, and burying the cable doesn't necessarily lessen that risk. Install surge protectors as part of any outdoor Ethernet network to guard against lightning strikes and prevent damage to indoor equipment.

The Range of Exterior Network Cabling

A single Ethernet cable, whether indoor or outdoor, is designed to function over a distance of about 328 feet (about 100 meters). Beyond this, the signal begins to attenuate and reduces the speed and reliability of the connections. However, some networks operate successfully with Ethernet cables run more than twice that distance, but the chances for connectivity issues increase. Ultimately, results vary from one cable to the next.