How many Ethernet drops should a new home have?
Plan two drops at every TV location, desk and office wall, one ceiling drop per floor for a Wi-Fi access point, one to each camera position, and one to any structure you may later use as an office. For a typical new home that is roughly twelve to twenty drops — cheap before drywall, expensive afterward.
Room by room
Two at each TV wall (streaming device plus a console or soundbar). Two at each desk. One in the kitchen for a hub or display. One ceiling stub per floor for an access point, plus one exterior soffit location. One per camera position. One or two spares at the equipment location for future use.
Why more is cheap now
During construction, the incremental cost of a second cable along an existing path is small. In a finished home, the same drop requires attic or crawlspace access, wall fishing and patching — often several times the price.
Terminate everything on a patch panel at one equipment location so unused runs are live the day you need them.
Best for
New construction and major remodels.
Things to consider
- Two drops per TV and desk
- One ceiling stub per floor
- Cheap before drywall, expensive after
What we recommend
Twelve to twenty drops for a typical new home, all terminated on one patch panel.