ᐅ Which communication lines should be planned for during a renovation?

Hello everyone,

I am currently renovating a semi-detached house. My plan is to equip (almost) every room with up-to-date communication cabling. What do you think are the most practical cable types for this? I’m considering 2x CAT7 cables, coaxial cable, and telephone wiring for each room.

I also want to keep the option open to replace these cables later. So I’m thinking of installing them inside M25 corrugated conduits, with 2 conduits going into each room.

Additionally: who has experience pulling cables and could share some tips? Unfortunately, the cable routes require a few bends. The conduit lengths would be about 3–15 meters (10–50 feet).

Thanks in advance for as many suggestions and advice as possible!

At least you can completely do without phone lines. First, there are cell phones, and second, phone lines are nowadays implemented via LAN cables. You can handle the rest however you like. Does a coaxial cable need to be installed everywhere?
2x CAT7 = 2x duplex?

I am also about to renovate and will have Cat.8 patch cables (AWG 22) installed (including Cat.8 keystone modules), as well as high-quality coaxial cables, but no telephone lines.

With Cat.7, you certainly can’t go wrong nowadays (I wouldn’t go lower than that), and of course, Cat.8 costs a bit more and currently doesn’t offer any concrete benefits. However, I never want to change the cables installed inside the walls again, so I find the additional upfront investment reasonable relative to the overall cost. You can save more on the infrastructure behind it (switch, PCs, monitors, NAS, etc.) and upgrade that in a few years. Two connections per room are definitely recommended, even though nowadays you can get very far with good Wi-Fi coverage.

When it comes to coaxial cables, I was uncertain for a while because I already use an IPTV connection for TV, and traditional linear TV is increasingly being replaced by streaming services. But looking ahead to the next 5 to 10 years, I think I will still benefit from a satellite system.

I would advise against installing telephone lines, as VoIP is now the standard anyway. So either you use VoIP phones or already have a DECT base station like a Fritzbox or the Gigaset Pro N670 IP DECT, which in turn need to be connected to the LAN.

Regarding cable pulling: I have never done it myself, but I recently came across a YouTube video demonstrating the Wiro cable pulling aid system. It looked very effective.

It depends on the goal and what you ultimately want to achieve. Simply throwing cables around without a plan doesn't really make sense.

MBPassion schrieb:

I am also about to start a renovation and will have Cat.8 installation cables (AWG22) installed, including Cat.8 keystone modules,

Using a sledgehammer to crack a nut?

Having one double socket in each room is fine. For TV and office areas, I would always recommend installing two double sockets each. Don’t forget rooms like the hobby room and garage.

Additionally, plan to install an access point on every floor. Ideally, place it on the ceiling. Thanks to Power over Ethernet (PoE), you won’t need a power outlet nearby.

Are cameras or outdoor access points planned?

Don’t forget the door intercom system either.