Ideally, the location you select should be free from surrounding obstructions and provide a clear path to run your Ethernet cable later on. Most Internet installers recommend setting up a new network jack a few inches from an existing outlet to establish a sense of symmetry and limit the number of potentially-unattractive wiring fixtures on other parts of the wall. [2] X Research source

Make your mark dark enough to be plainly visible so you won’t have to hunt for it while you’re doing other things.

Line the wall mounting bracket up as evenly as you can with the nearby electrical outlet. If desired, use a bubble level to ensure that the top and bottom edges of your outline are perfectly parallel with the floor.

Individual circuits should be plainly labelled on your breaker panel. If you’re attempting to install an Ethernet jack somewhere other than your own home, you may need some assistance finding the right breaker. If for some reason your breakers aren’t labelled, or they’ve been labelled incorrectly by mistake, an electronic circuit breaker finder can help you figure out which breaker to flip. [5] X Research source

You can also cut out the outline for your wall plate using a drywall saw, if you prefer. [7] X Research source Be careful not to make the hole too big. If you cut it too small, you can always go back and enlarge it, but if it ends up being larger than the mounting bracket for the wall plate, you’ll be out of luck.

In most cases, the hardware setup that provides wired access to the Internet will be found in the attic, basement, or crawl space beneath your home.

Avoid running the cable too close to electrical lines, water pipes, or other fixtures hidden behind your walls or beneath your floor. If for some reason you have no choice but to cross an electrical line, do it perpendicularly at a single point to reduce potential electrical interference.

Avoid overtightening the installation screws, as this could cause visible cracks in the drywall around the finished wall plate.

If you cut the cable too short, the resulting tension could damage the internal wiring or cause the entire cable to pull loose of the jack over time.

You should be able to find the exact gauge of your Ethernet cable listed somewhere on the package. If you don’t have a cable stripper, you can also slice through the cable covering using a utility knife or pair of scissors. Just be careful not to sever or otherwise damage any of the wires themselves. [15] X Research source

Keep in mind that you’ll need to do this for the end of the cable leading to your modem, as well. If you want to make things a lot easier on yourself, pick up a pre-connectorized Ethernet cable. This type of cable already comes fitted with the keystone connector ends designed to fit into your new jack, making it possible to simply plug-and-play. [17] X Research source

Many newer punch-down tools also clip the excess wire at the edge of each slot automatically. If yours doesn’t, just grab your wire cutters and trim them as close to the connector as possible. It may help to use a punch-down puck to brace the keystone connector as you work. A punch-down puck is a type of stabilizer base that holds small connector heads in place during crimping.

Be sure to buy a cover designed specifically for a keystone connectors. Otherwise, your cable won’t fit. If you like, you can use a cable tester to confirm that your Ethernet cable and keystone connector are wired properly before moving on. That way, you won’t have to disassemble the outlet later on if you experience connectivity issues. [21] X Research source

Don’t forget to vacuum up any loose drywall or other debris that’s found its way onto the floor in front of the outlet.