Ethernet option in new houses

I was browsing bidb and noticed that Hyperoptic have been deploying in Corbridge, Northumberland, a few miles away. It turns out that they are present on an estate of new houses - probably a hundred or so. So, out of idle curiosity, I looked at the builders' websites to see if the houses were being built with any kind of provision for Ethernet cabling, either as standard or as an option. I assumed that it would be possible to bung the builders some money for them to run some cabling or ducting.

I was surprised to see that none of the three builders on the site offered anything, either as standard or as an option. Buyers can choose between a dozen different kitchen taps but nothing for network cabling. I find this odd. Is it really still uncommon for basic network infrasructure to be available in new builds?

Unfortunately you have to either DIY it or employ the services of a decent data communcations specialist. Even sparks aren't particularly brilliant for it tbh.

The typical scenario I've seen project-built homes here is some tatty bit of Cat5e hauled in (that the spark got for a tenner at the wholesaler) , with cheap, usually unknown manufacturer outlets (let alone matching 'system' manufacturer) maybe MK Logic Plus if you're real lucky.

It's just so down on their list on considerations and priorities. I think garden irrigation probably gets more of a look in!

My 2018 new-build has network cabling, six ports in total presented to a patch panel in the understairs cupboard next to the ONT. This allowed me to install three wifi access points in optimal locations with Ethernet backhaul for perfect coverage at relatively low power and leave wifi disabled on the router.

The builder (Croudace) did this as standard, with the number of ports proportional to the size of the house.

The Openreach new build guide recommends structured cabling and siting the ONT/router in a cupboard, but lots of house builders couldn't care less and don't bother.

My neighbours had a major extension built and when they were planning it I put a couple of suggestions to them: get network cabling installed, so at a minimum WAPs could be installed; have alarm cabling installed.

Their builder and his electrician persuaded them it was a "waste of money" ... an extra £500 in a total bill of £250k! Neither of tehm are technically minded. So nothing was done. I could have wired for both in under a day including fitting network points and a patch panel.

That is the attitude of builders ... save pennies and cost the buyers lot of pounds later.

They have now asked me for help - throughput from their ISP router and WAP is abyssmal and coverage poor. A couple of temporary fixes so far and I'll tackle the rest soon.

They had an alarm installed - mainly wireless which was probably well over £250 more on sensors, plus £80/year on batteries and fitting. Then the cost for basic wiring - if they used network engineeer/installer it will be well over £1000 although my charges may be a little less

In reply to a post by DougM:

My 2018 new-build has network cabling, six ports in total presented to a patch panel in the understairs cupboard next to the ONT. This allowed me to install three wifi access points in optimal locations with Ethernet backhaul for perfect coverage at relatively low power and leave wifi disabled on the router.

The builder (Croudace) did this as standard, with the number of ports proportional to the size of the house.

Yours is the exception that proves the rule I’m afraid.

Even in new builds where some network cabling has been provided at build stage, it is commonly fitted by the electrician, who seem not too bothered if it works after.
I suspect that if it has been fitted, then this would require the work being guaranteed for a certain period, and that’s a hassle they can do without.

My new build had nothing. I used external cat 6 for all rooms and ran everything back to the garage which is attached and installed my own patch panel/switch along with my opnsense router. Not long ago openreach installed fttp and put the ont in the garage without any issues.

In reply to a post by Zarjaz:

In reply to a post by DougM:

My 2018 new-build has network cabling, six ports in total presented to a patch panel in the understairs cupboard next to the ONT. This allowed me to install three wifi access points in optimal locations with Ethernet backhaul for perfect coverage at relatively low power and leave wifi disabled on the router.

The builder (Croudace) did this as standard, with the number of ports proportional to the size of the house.

Yours is the exception that proves the rule I’m afraid.

Even in new builds where some network cabling has been provided at build stage, it is commonly fitted by the electrician, who seem not too bothered if it works after.
I suspect that if it has been fitted, then this would require the work being guaranteed for a certain period, and that’s a hassle they can do without.

My son moved into a Croudace flat 5 years ago. There were indeed ethernet tie lines between the cupboard the Openreach ONT was in, and his living room and bedroom. I don't think a single line worked. I had to either punch down properly, and correct crossed/incorrect pairs. One line simply didn't work at all,

He's moving into another Croudace property around the corner soon (fingers crossed) I suspect I'll have to visit with my Krone tool and CAT checker !

My son moved into a Croudace flat 5 years ago. There were indeed ethernet tie lines between the cupboard the Openreach ONT was in, and his living room and bedroom. I don't think a single line worked. I had to either punch down properly, and correct crossed/incorrect pairs. One line simply didn't work at all,

A fine example.

Telecoms and data cabling/faulting are perceived as ‘easy’ by builders, sparks, etc.
Yet I have quarter of a century’s experience of turning up to faults where the customer says ‘it worked till the builder did this’ or ‘till the sparks did that’

When queried I usually reply ‘ well you wouldn’t ask me to do your electrics would you ?’

If I was buying a new build I would probably be happy with just have ducting available in a wall space to run cables between floors, to faceplates and up to the loft.
As mentioned, you currently cannot trust the building firms to install and terminate cables to a suitable standard unfortunately.

Sparks always seem to strip data like they strip power - they take the jacket off right the way to where it comes into the box, so you lose all the twists on the cable and then it will never certify.

In reply to a post by jpm:

Sparks always seem to strip data like they strip power - they take the jacket off right the way to where it comes into the box, so you lose all the twists on the cable and then it will never certify.

.....and as for TV/Sat co-ax....

I tell them, it's like a water pipe, don't squash it, and don't bend it round a right angle !

They wouldn't let sparks do the plumbing on new builds so I can't understand why they let them loose on data cabling. No testing most of the time it's just plain unacceptable. I think if it was me I would be asking for a test certificate which would probably end up being a deal breaker unless they let me get a specialist in during 1st/2nd fix to do it properly

Edited by deleted (Wed 26-Oct-22 16:20:38)

In reply to a post by Zarjaz:

When queried I usually reply ‘ well you wouldn’t ask me to do your electrics would you ?’

Homeplugs/powerline adaptors are definitely a 'no no' also!

In reply to a post by Zarjaz:

When queried I usually reply ‘ well you wouldn’t ask me to do your electrics would you ?’

Some of us can!

My mum moved in to a new Persimmons home last week.
There was no internal Ethernet wiring, no option to order any, and they weren't willing to allow her to install any of her own during the build process.
It's something she enquired about a few times but they weren't willing to be flexible. Basically wait till after we've plastered all the walls and you've moved in then install your own.

It's also a site that hasn't allowed any other providers to install their own network/ducting so Persimmons own FTTP is all that's available via their ISP FibreNest.

Funny you should mention test certificates. I have them for the Ethernet, satellite and aerial coax.

In addition to the six Ethernet ports, they installed a satellite dish with an 8-way LNB pre-cabled to points around the house. We use it for Sky in the lounge and Freesat in the other rooms (our LG TVs have it built-in).

Sounds like I was lucky to have a builder that did it properly; by engaging a local comms specialist. None of this was charged; all as standard.

In reply to a post by j0hn83:

There was no internal Ethernet wiring, no option to order any, and they weren't willing to allow her to install any of her own during the build process.
It's something she enquired about a few times but they weren't willing to be flexible. Basically wait till after we've plastered all the walls and you've moved in then install your own.

Building for the 21st Century (I think not)

In reply to a post by DougM:

Funny you should mention test certificates. I have them for the Ethernet, satellite and aerial coax.

In addition to the six Ethernet ports, they installed a satellite dish with an 8-way LNB pre-cabled to points around the house. We use it for Sky in the lounge and Freesat in the other rooms (our LG TVs have it built-in).

Sounds like I was lucky to have a builder that did it properly; by engaging a local comms specialist. None of this was charged; all as standard.

Thats really good to hear, well done to your builder, puts others to shame.

I’m mildly shocked to be honest.

Whoa a builder actually employing someone who understands that cabling certification is actually a thing and has access to a certification tester!! Everyone say Fluke [double entendre intended] 😎

Normally you’d be lucky to get a sparky bell-ing the wires out for continuity.

It's also a site that hasn't allowed any other providers to install their own network/ducting so Persimmons own FTTP is all that's available via their ISP FibreNest.

I think this kind of thing is going to be happening more and more. Not good, not good at all.

My Son recently got a new build and the builders were happy to install the back boxes, Cat 6 cables and end all cables to a cupboard under the stairwell beside the ONT.
I did all the terminations, ethernet outlets, switches and PoE AP's etc. so he's a happy chappy.
The builder was quite affable about the whole process really and didn't over charge either.