Data Points at Home: Wiring for Wi-Fi and a Home Office
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A data point is a wall socket that gives you a wired network connection. Putting them in the right rooms makes video calls, gaming and streaming more reliable than Wi-Fi alone. The best spots are the home office, the main living area and next to the router, with a cable to a central point.
Data, TV and antenna work is a regular part of our work: over 30 jobs for home owners in the 12 months to October 2026.
What a data point is
A data point looks like a power point with a small square socket in it. Behind the wall, a network cable runs back to a central spot, usually where your modem and router live. Plug a laptop, TV, game console or desk phone into the wall socket and you get a wired connection.
Wi-Fi is convenient, but walls, distance and neighbouring networks can make it patchy. A cable does not have those problems.
Where data points help most
- The home office, for steady video calls and file transfers.
- Behind the main TV, for streaming and consoles.
- Near the router or modem, as the hub.
- In rooms far from the router that have poor Wi-Fi.
- In a granny flat, studio or shed that needs a network connection (see our guide to running power to a shed).
- Next to a Wi-Fi access point in a larger or double-storey home.
Wired and Wi-Fi: how they work together
Wiring does not replace Wi-Fi. It supports it. A good home setup runs a cable to a central router and, in a large home, adds a wired access point at the far end. That gives strong Wi-Fi throughout the house, because the signal is not trying to pass through walls from one spot.
Even if you plan to rely on Wi-Fi, running cable while a wall is open or a renovation is under way is far easier than doing it later.
What the job involves
- We talk through where you want connections and where the router will sit.
- We plan cable routes through the ceiling, wall cavities or under the floor.
- Cables are run to each point and back to the central location.
- Wall plates are fitted and the cables are tested.
- We show you how to connect your router and devices.
Low-voltage data and phone cabling that connects to the telecommunications network must be done by a registered cabler under the ACMA cabling rules, so ask who will do the cabling and check their registration. Our licensed electricians look after the power side. Cable runs in older double-brick homes or houses with little ceiling access can take more planning. We will tell you what is practical when we look at the job.
Planning a home office
- Put a data point near the desk, not behind a bookshelf.
- Add extra power points next to the data point.
- Think about lighting, so your face is lit for video calls.
- Consider a second point for a printer or a docking station.
- Keep the router in a central, open spot rather than inside a cupboard.
Mention these things when you call and we can plan power, data and lighting in one visit.
TV and antenna points
If you are also moving a TV or want better reception, ask us about TV and antenna points. See our data, TV and antenna points page for details.
What to ask your electrician
- Can I see your licence number? (How to check an electrician's licence in SA)
- How many points do I need, and where?
- Which cable will you use, and will it suit future needs?
- How will the cables be labelled and tested?
- Is the quote fixed, and what could change it?
Call Hoile Electrical on 0482 099 388 to discuss your home office or Wi-Fi problem. Our SA electrical licence number is PGE 229 469.
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Common questions
Do I need data points if I have good Wi-Fi?
Not always. They help most with video calls, gaming and streaming, and in rooms where Wi-Fi is weak.
Can you add data points to an existing home?
Usually yes. Cable is run through ceilings, walls or under the floor. Older or tight homes need more planning.
Where should I put the router?
In a central, open spot, ideally where the main cable run ends. Avoid cupboards and the back of the house.
Is a data point the same as a TV point?
No. A TV point carries an antenna signal. A data point carries network data. Many homes want both.
Can I run network cable myself?
Cabling that connects to the telecommunications network must be done by a registered cabler under the ACMA cabling rules. Data points also sit beside mains power points, so it is best to have the work planned and done properly.
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