Cat6 (Category 6) cabling is a type of twisted pair cable designed to support high-speed Ethernet and other network protocols. Compared to Cat5e, Cat6 offers improved performance, reduced crosstalk (interference between wires), and supports higher data transfer speeds — up to 1 Gbps at 100 metres and 10 Gbps at shorter distances (typically up to 55 metres).

If you're upgrading or installing a network, Cat6 is a future-proof investment that handles more bandwidth and performs better in demanding environments like offices, data centres, and smart homes. It’s especially beneficial for businesses or homeowners who rely on video conferencing, cloud computing, media streaming, or connected smart devices.

A standard Cat6 cabling installation begins with a consultation or site survey to understand your current setup, network requirements, and the layout of your property - this is often 1 hour. From there, we plan optimal cable routes, install and terminate the Cat6 cables, and mount any necessary components such as wall plates, keystone jacks, or patch panels.

We test each cable run using professional equipment to ensure optimal performance, check for any faults or signal degradation, and provide clean labelling for future troubleshooting or upgrades. Finally, we provide documentation of the installation and offer support if you need help connecting devices or configuring your network hardware.

Yes, we regularly upgrade older Cat5 or Cat5e networks to Cat6. This process typically involves removing old cable runs and replacing them with high-quality Cat6 cables, re-terminating ends with compatible connectors, and updating patch panels and wall outlets where needed.

Upgrading to Cat6 ensures your network can handle modern demands, improves performance and reliability, and can help reduce bottlenecks caused by outdated infrastructure. We assess your current setup and provide a customised plan that minimises downtime and disruption to your operations or household.

There are several signs that your network cabling may need upgrading:

• Slow or inconsistent internet speeds despite a fast internet plan
• Frequent disconnections or dropped connections across devices
• Older cable types (such as Cat5 or lower) in use
• Increased demand from new devices, especially smart TVs, security systems, or business-critical software
• Preparing for a renovation, expansion, or new construction.

Even if everything “seems fine,” ageing cables can lead to hidden inefficiencies. We offer site surveys to evaluate your current setup and recommend whether upgrading to Cat6 would improve performance, stability, and future scalability.

Cat6 and Cat6a (Category 6 augmented) are both high-performance Ethernet cables, but there are key differences:

• Cat6 supports up to 10 Gbps at distances up to 55 metres and 1 Gbps at 100 metres.
• Cat6a can carry 10 Gbps at the full 100 metres and offers improved shielding to reduce crosstalk and interference.

Cat6a is thicker and more rigid, making it more challenging to install in tight spaces, but it’s ideal for high-performance environments such as data centres or where future-proofing is critical. For most residential and small-to-medium business installations, Cat6 offers the best balance of cost and performance.

The duration of a Cat6 installation depends on several factors, including:

1. The size and layout of the property
2. The number of cable runs required
3. Accessibility of cable routes (walls, ceilings, underfloor, etc.)
4. Whether old cabling needs to be removed
5. The complexity of the network configuration.

All jobs, big or small require a site scope. Our cabling guys will meet and discuss your requirements and then quote the job. Our site scope is not free. After quote these estimates apply; for a small residential job, it may take just a few hours. For a full office fit-out or a commercial property, it could take a few days. After a site survey, we’ll give you a clear estimate of the timeframe and work to minimise disruption to your home or business.

No two installs are the same. You may want to go up and over, through the wall, or all the way to the other end of the house. Equally you may want one room, every room, a few access points or an entire smart home designed and installed.

Our rates start at $125 per hour per tech. Some jobs require two techs to pull cables. Others only one tech. Additionally our site scope (1 hour) and the cost of cabling. Small jobs will be $500-$1,000. Most jobs are $1,500-$2,000 with full fitouts costing $5,000-$20,000. 

We recommend contacting your builder about cabling packages. Most builders offer some sort of cabling package with their electricians - this is often around $25,000 for the whole house or certain rooms. If your builder doesn't offer this but is willing to let us in to complete the works before the walls go up, we can wire an entire house. 

We would need a central location to wire back too so ensure you factor this in. Some clients put this in the garage, others in a closet behind the kitchen and some newer homes have a smart home nook for this purpose - your fibre and TV connections are often wired to here too. It's easier to organise before a home is built, so consider working with your architect before the builder starts. 

Yes, we would need to perform a site scope. Roof space is helpful and can make a job much easier to install. Existing cable runs or conduit to outbuildings can be utilised if available. 

A patch panel isn't strictly required, but it is highly recommended for structured, scalable, and professional network installations — especially in commercial environments or larger homes. A patch panel acts as a central termination point for all network cable runs, making it easy to manage, organise, and troubleshoot the system. We can also label ports to make it easier when connecting new networking technology. 

Using a patch panel allows for quick reconfiguration, improves airflow in network cabinets, and prevents wear and tear on more expensive networking hardware like switches or routers. We can help assess whether your setup would benefit from one and supply/install the right type of panel for your needs.

Standard indoor Cat6 cables are not designed for outdoor or underground use, as they lack protection against UV rays, moisture, and temperature changes. However, we can install outdoor-rated or direct burial Cat6 cable, which is specifically manufactured with waterproof and UV-resistant jackets.

These cables are suitable for connecting outbuildings, garages, security cameras, or extending a network between buildings. We follow best practices such as using conduit where appropriate and ensuring all terminations are weatherproof. A proper outdoor installation ensures longevity and safety, even in harsh weather conditions.

For peace of mind, long cable runs outdoors should use fibre instead. 

Yes we can run fibre from one location to another or to connect switches. We do not do Chorus fibre tasks - please speak to your ISP to arrange those. We can run fibre up to 20km perfect for farm buildings and outbuildings. Fibre needs to be placed in conduit and in a trench. We can pull fibre or blow it through the conduit. 

Further we can provide media converters to convert cat6 to fibre and back again. 

Fibre is much more expensive to install but offers faster speeds, more reliability and can be installed outside without risk of thunderstorms and lightning damage due to no copper.