How Much Does Computer Networking Cost?

The average cost of setting up a basic home computer network alone is $ 396, from $ 187 to $ 643. However, the cost of hiring an expert to set up a full network can go as high as $. 6,000, especially if you need to run the cable through a wall or dig a moat to lay the cable outdoors. This cost includes parts and labor costs and includes the most important cost variables such as hardware, wiring complexity, and local labor costs. The most important components of a computer network include computers, modems, monitors, printers, and cables.

1. Computer Network Wiring Installation Cost Calculator

2. Network Cable Installation Pricing

3. Small Business Network Setup Cost

4. Internet Installation Cost

5. Network Installation Prices

6. Network Cable Installation Cost Factors

7. DIY Network Installation vs. Hire a Pro

Network Cable Installation Pricing

The minimum price for an integrated network cable installation is $1,000, which includes routing the cable as carefully as possible. This process often involves routing cables through walls rather than laying them on the floor.

These minimum prices assume 300 meters of Cat-5 cable with existing network components. A typical installation may require up to 2,000 feet of CAT-6 cable with eight connections for about $3,800. Advanced installation costs about $6,000 for a dedicated patch paneled fiber optic cable, which is more common in custom homes. An important point for commercial installations is the cost of drilling cables from a remote access point. This step should only be necessary for older homes that have never had network cabling, as modern homes typically have access point cables during construction.

Cost to Wire Ethernet in House

The cost of installing Ethernet cables in your home ranges from $0.25 to $0.70 per foot of cable. Many CAT family types including CAT-5, CAT-6 and CAT-7 are the most popular today. These types include unshielded twisted pair (UTP) and shielded twisted pair (STP). UTP is cheaper and more common, and STP provides more network security.

Cost to Install an Ethernet Port

The cost of installing an Ethernet port is around $150. These costs are usually operational and take 1-2 hours at a cost of $50-$60 per hour. The cost of the port itself ranges from $25 to $50.

Fiber Optic Cable Installation Cost

The cost of installing a fiber optic network is approximately $ 6,000, including 1,000 feet of cable, eight connections, and a dedicated patch panel. Optical cable signals are not compromised as fast as signals on a copper wire such as CAT or coaxial cable, although fiberglass cable is up to five times more expensive. However, an optical cable is required for some small business classes.

Coaxial Cable Installation Cost

The average cost of installing a coaxial cable is between $ 0.20 and $ 0.50 per foot. This is still the most common way to bring the Internet home, but you will need a CAT cable to connect each computer device to the modem or router. Coaxial cable is the cheapest cable option for those who want a landline.

Small Business Network Setup Cost

Home office costs may include additional networking options, such as a dedicated T1 line, which can cost $ 200 to $ 1,200 per month. The main difference from the T1 series is that the upload speed is the same as the download speed, unlike typical home systems where the download speed is higher than the upload speed. . A good Wi-Fi extender costs only about $ 30, but it can add size and reliability to your Wi-Fi service. This advantage is especially important for a home with multiple wireless devices.

Internet Installation Cost

The cost of setting up an Internet connection varies from $75 to $150. Vendors assume you don't need to visit a site and often waive installation fees as a sign-up incentive. However, if your current home wiring doesn't support the speed you want, your provider will have to send in a technician.

Wi-Fi Installation Cost

Basic Wi-Fi installation costs about $240, this price assumes a maximum length of 50 meters CAT-5e cable from the wired Internet connection to the wireless access point. The technician who performs Wi-Fi installation services in your area can install the access point in your chosen location and connect it to your LAN. The technician should also test your network connections and wireless coverage.

Network Installation Prices

The wage costs for installing a fixed home network are usually $ 50 to $ 60 per hour. It may take several days to complete the installation if your home does not have cables to begin with. Most vendors estimate that installing 2,000 feet of cable takes 30 to 50 hours, depending on existing wiring and installation complexity.

Network Cable Installation Cost Factors

The biggest cost factor when installing a network cable is the time required by the project. The time it takes for a technician to route a cable varies greatly because it depends on how many cable ducts are in the walls. Other variables include the time required to install additional hardware and configure the network.

Hardware Options

Home network hardware costs range from $ 800 to $ 1,000 per computer. A router costs $ 125, while a modem costs $ 75.

The cost of installing telephone connectors, such as RJ45 connectors, boards and plugs, can range from $ 25 to $ 50, although these costs work almost completely. Standard Ethernet switches cost between $ 50 and $ 100, but configuring each port can cost $ 10 to $ 15 if you need custom settings. Once you have a well-configured network, you can save money by sharing peripherals such as monitors, modems and printers.

Network Cable Pricing

The cost of installing a network cable depends entirely on the type of cable. Expensive cables usually support higher security and higher data rates. The following table shows the installation costs for the most common cable types:

Cable Type Installation Cost (per linear foot)

Cat5 $0.25

Cat6 $0.35

Cat7 $0.65

Cat8 $0.70

Coaxial $0.20 to $0.50

Fiber optic $1 to $6

DIY Network Installation vs. Hire a Pro

Anyone can plug cables into the appropriate port on a computer device, but network installations are often more complex. Cable installation in the home usually involves winding the cable through the walls, which must be done by a professional installer. The normal length of the cable also requires that the professional shorten the cable to the required length and install the connector at the end. Another area that a professional may need is network configuration, especially networks with unusual architectures.

How much does internet cost?

Average internet service costs range from $ 50 to $ 100 per month, although some providers may charge more at higher speeds. The maximum speed for most providers is 1,000 Mbps for residential services.

How much does a computer cost?

The price of a basic computer system starts at about $ 800, which relies on a reasonably large monitor, enough memory and storage for everyday use. This price has risen sharply for applications such as games that require a larger monitor, more memory, and a dedicated graphics card. A small business may also need computers with more storage

Can I install Ethernet myself?

You can install the Ethernet cable yourself if you use a prefabricated cable and it does not lead to walls or other confined spaces. When routing the cable through the walls, be careful not to bend it too much when twisting. It is also important to avoid loading the connector with the weight and position of the cable.