Wi-Fi is convenient, but hardwired ethernet delivers the speed, reliability, and low latency that wireless simply cannot match. Whether you work from home, stream 4K video, game online, or run a home-based business, a wired network connection gives you consistent performance without the dropouts, interference, and congestion that plague even the best wireless setups.
More Aiken homeowners than ever are investing in structured network cabling -- especially since the shift to remote work. A properly installed Cat6 or Cat6a network provides gigabit speeds to every room in your home, supports PoE devices like security cameras and access points, and adds real value to your property. Unity Power & Light installs professional-grade data and network cabling for homes and small businesses throughout Aiken, North Augusta, New Ellenton, and surrounding areas.
What We Install
We design and install complete structured cabling systems tailored to your home or office networking needs.
Cat6 Ethernet Runs
In-wall Cat6 cable runs from a central patch panel to ethernet wall jacks throughout your home or office. Cat6 supports speeds up to 10 Gbps at distances under 55 meters and 1 Gbps at the full 100-meter limit -- far beyond what most internet connections can deliver today.
Cat6a Ethernet Runs
For future-proofing or longer runs, Cat6a cable supports 10 Gbps at the full 100-meter distance. Ideal for home offices handling large file transfers, video production, or connections between buildings on larger Aiken properties.
Patch Panels & Structured Wiring
A central patch panel where all network cables terminate in one organized location. Combined with a small network cabinet or shelf, this gives you a clean hub for your router, switch, and NVR. Every cable is labeled and documented.
Home Office Networking
Dedicated ethernet drops for your desk, VoIP phone, printer, and video conferencing equipment. A hardwired home office eliminates the video call freezes and connection drops that cause real problems for remote workers.
Wi-Fi Access Point Wiring
Ethernet drops at ceiling or wall locations for wireless access points. A single router cannot cover most Aiken homes effectively. Wired access points placed strategically throughout your home provide fast, reliable Wi-Fi coverage in every room.
Outdoor & Detached Building Runs
Network cable runs to detached garages, workshops, pool houses, and outbuildings. We use outdoor-rated cable or conduit protection for underground and exterior runs to ensure long-term reliability in South Carolina weather.
Our Installation Process
Assess Your Networking Needs
We discuss how you use your network today and what you anticipate needing in the future. We identify every room that needs an ethernet drop, determine the best location for your central network equipment, and plan cable routes through your attic, crawlspace, or wall cavities.
Install Central Panel and Cable Pathways
We mount your patch panel and network equipment shelf in a clean, accessible location -- typically a utility closet, garage, or basement. We establish cable pathways from this central point to each room, using existing routes where possible to minimize wall openings.
Pull Cable and Terminate
We pull cable to each location, maintaining proper bend radius and avoiding kinks that degrade performance. Each cable is terminated at a keystone jack in a wall plate on the room side and at the patch panel on the central side. Every termination follows TIA-568B wiring standards.
Test, Label, and Document
Every cable run is tested with a professional cable certifier to verify it meets Cat6 or Cat6a performance specifications -- not just continuity, but crosstalk, return loss, and signal-to-noise ratio. Each cable is labeled at both ends and we provide a simple network map showing every drop location.
Why Professional Installation Matters
Network cable is not like running extension cords. The performance of your network depends on how the cable is handled, routed, and terminated.
Termination Quality
Cat6 cable has four twisted pairs of conductors, and each pair must maintain its twist rate right up to the termination point. Untwisting too much cable at a keystone jack or patch panel degrades the signal. We use punch-down tools and follow TIA standards to maintain full cable performance at every termination.
Cable Handling and Bend Radius
Pulling network cable too hard, kinking it around corners, or stapling it too tightly changes the geometry of the twisted pairs inside. This creates crosstalk and signal degradation that slows your network below the cable's rated speed. We pull cable carefully and use proper supports to maintain the manufacturer's minimum bend radius.
Separation from Electrical Wiring
Network cable running parallel to or bundled with electrical power cable picks up electromagnetic interference. NEC code requires minimum separation distances between low-voltage data cable and power wiring. We maintain proper separation and use perpendicular crossings when cables must pass near each other.
Certification Testing
A basic cable tester only confirms that wires are connected. A cable certifier measures actual performance metrics -- bandwidth, crosstalk, return loss -- and confirms the cable meets the rated specification. We certify every run so you know your network is performing as designed, not just connected.
Data & Network Cabling Pricing
Unity Power & Light provides flat-rate pricing for network cabling projects. Every job is quoted after a site assessment so you know the exact cost before work begins.
Pricing depends on the number of drops, cable run distances, accessibility of attic and wall cavities, and whether Cat6 or Cat6a cable is used. Single-story homes with accessible attics are typically the most affordable installations. We provide a detailed written quote after assessing your home.
For guidance on setting up a reliable home office network, read our blog post: Network Cabling for Your Home Office in Aiken, SC
Why Choose Unity Power & Light
Need other electrical work done at the same time? We offer a full range of residential electrical services including outlet installation, lighting upgrades, panel work, and more. Combining projects in a single visit saves you time and money.
Need Data & Network Cabling?
Serving Aiken, SC and surrounding communities including North Augusta, Graniteville, New Ellenton, Jackson, and Clearwater. Get your flat-rate quote today.