A Guide for Gamers, Remote Workers, and Streamers in South Bend
What Internet Lines Should I Run in My New Home?
When designing or building a custom home in South Bend, one of the most important and most overlooked aspects of the process is planning your network infrastructure. While it’s tempting to rely entirely on Wi-Fi, running the right Ethernet lines throughout your home can dramatically improve your speed, stability, and long-term connectivity options.
Whether you’re a gamer, remote worker, or a streaming enthusiast, your home’s wiring can make or break your experience. So, what cables should you run Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 6a, or even Cat 8? Let’s break it down so you can make the best decision for your build.
Why Wired Connections Still Matter
In the age of smart homes, 4K streaming, and high-speed fiber internet, it’s easy to assume Wi-Fi can handle everything. While wireless networks have come a long way, a wired connection still provides:
- Faster, more reliable speeds (no interference or signal drop-off).
- Lower latency, crucial for gaming and video conferencing.
- Greater security — wired networks can’t be intercepted as easily as wireless.
- Consistent performance for bandwidth-heavy tasks like 4K streaming or cloud backups.
Even if you plan to rely mostly on Wi-Fi, installing Ethernet during construction or renovation is a future-proof move. Once drywall is up, adding cables later can become expensive and inconvenient.
Understanding Ethernet Cable Categories
Ethernet cables are classified by “Category” (or Cat) standards, which define their performance, speed, and bandwidth. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options and what they’re suited for in a modern home.
Cat 5e (Category 5 Enhanced)
- Speed: Up to 1 Gbps (Gigabit)
- Bandwidth: 100 MHz
- Maximum Distance: 328 feet (100 meters)
- Use Case: Basic home networking, streaming, and light work-from-home setups
Cat 5e has been the standard for years. It’s affordable and sufficient for most households with moderate internet use. However, as gigabit and multi-gigabit internet becomes more common in South Bend and surrounding areas, Cat 5e may start to feel dated in the next few years.
Best for: Budget-conscious builds, moderate streaming, casual gaming
Cat 6 (Category 6)
- Speed: Up to 10 Gbps (for runs under 165 feet)
- Bandwidth: 250 MHz
- Maximum Distance: 328 feet (1 Gbps) / 165 feet (10 Gbps)
- Use Case: Modern home offices, gaming setups, 4K streaming
Cat 6 is often considered the sweet spot for most new builds. It’s capable of handling high speeds and provides more protection against crosstalk (signal interference) than Cat 5e.
Best for: Home offices, streaming rooms, moderate gaming setups
Pro Tip: Use Cat 6 for main runs from your router to key rooms — it’s cost-effective and future-ready for most applications.
Cat 6a (Category 6 Augmented)
- Speed: Up to 10 Gbps
- Bandwidth: 500 MHz
- Maximum Distance: 328 feet (100 meters)
- Use Case: Heavy streaming, home theaters, large homes, multi-device environments
Cat 6a doubles the bandwidth of Cat 6 and maintains full 10 Gbps speeds over longer distances. The cable is thicker and more shielded, making it ideal for large homes or when multiple devices are transferring data simultaneously.
Best for: Smart homes, professional streaming setups, heavy data use
Pro Tip: If you’re building your “forever home,” Cat 6a offers excellent longevity.
Cat 8 (Category 8)
- Speed: Up to 40 Gbps
- Bandwidth: 2000 MHz
- Maximum Distance: 98 feet (30 meters)
- Use Case: Data centers, server rooms, extreme tech enthusiasts
Cat 8 cables are incredibly fast but also overkill for most residential applications. Their short maximum run distance and high cost make them more suited for short server or rack connections.
Best for: Home data centers or serious tech hobbyists
Pro Tip: For most homes, Cat 6a provides nearly the same benefits at a fraction of the cost.
How to Plan Ethernet Runs in a New Home
When working with your custom home builder, ask them to include a structured wiring plan in your build. Here’s what to consider:
Central Network Hub
Designate a location for your main network panel or rack, usually near where your ISP’s line enters the home (often a utility room or basement). This area will house your router, switch, and possibly a patch panel.
Strategic Cable Runs
Plan runs from the central hub to key areas:
- Home office – For reliable video conferencing and uploads.
- Living room / media room – For TVs, streaming devices, or gaming consoles.
- Bedrooms – For future flexibility.
- Game rooms – For low-latency gaming.
- Smart home hubs – For connected devices, cameras, or security systems.
Wall Plates and Jacks
Install Ethernet wall plates for easy access and a clean look. Label each run at both ends, it’ll save headaches later.
Combine with Conduit
Consider adding flexible conduit (smurf tube) to key walls. This allows you to easily pull new cables in the future without opening drywall.
Wi-Fi Still Plays a Role
While Ethernet provides stability and speed, Wi-Fi remains essential for mobile devices and smart home technology. A wired backbone supports strong wireless coverage by connecting multiple Wi-Fi access points (APs) throughout your home.
For Optimal Wi-Fi Performance
- Hardwire each access point back to the main network hub.
- Use Wi-Fi 6 or 6E capable routers and access points.
- Position APs centrally in ceilings or hallways for maximum coverage.
Pro Tip: Even the best Wi-Fi performs better when backed by a solid wired foundation.
Matching Cable Choice to Lifestyle
Here’s a quick guide to help you choose based on your household needs:
Use Case | Recommended Cable | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
Casual Streaming & Browsing | Cat 5e | Affordable and reliable for 1 Gbps service |
Remote Work / Home Office | Cat 6 or Cat 6a | Fast and stable for video conferencing and uploads |
Gaming | Cat 6a | Low latency and 10 Gbps potential for future speeds |
Smart Home / Multiple Devices | Cat 6a | Handles heavy data traffic and interference better |
Home Theater / 4K Streaming | Cat 6a | Supports high bandwidth and consistent performance |
Tech Enthusiast or Server Room | Cat 8 | Overkill but ultimate speed for short runs |
Future-Proofing Your South Bend Home
As internet speeds continue to climb in Northern Indiana and the South Bend area, it’s wise to plan ahead. Fiber internet and multi-gig service are becoming more common, and a solid wired infrastructure ensures your home keeps up for decades to come.
A Few Final Tips
- Run more cables than you think you’ll need, adding extra lines during construction costs very little.
- Stick to Cat 6 or Cat 6a for most homes, it’s the best balance of performance, cost, and longevity.
- Combine Ethernet with strong Wi-Fi placement for total-home coverage.
- Label everything and keep a diagram for easy troubleshooting later.
Building Smart with River Valley Construction Group
At River Valley Construction Group, we believe a truly custom home isn’t just about beautiful finishes, it’s about smart planning and future-ready design. Whether you’re building a modern family home or a tech-forward estate, integrating the right internet infrastructure now will pay off for years to come.
Our team works hand-in-hand with clients in South Bend and across Michiana to ensure every wire, outlet, and connection enhances your daily life. From structured cabling to smart home integration, we’ll help you build a home that’s as connected as it is comfortable.
Ready to plan your connected custom home? Contact River Valley Construction Group today to start designing your dream home, from the foundation to the fiber.
