Possible options for running Ethernet cable from 1st to 2nd floor?

[Metallica93]

In short, I'm trying to get an Ethernet cable from a first floor modem/router to a second floor desktop. I figured I would try and ask you fine folk and see what possible options I have before shelling out $50 to have someone come and say, "Well, just put a noticeable hole right there and you're good." I understand minimally invasive is not practical, but it is preferred to the best extent possible.

As simple as it would be to connect to the cable outlet directly behind my computer in terms of sheer distance, I don't know what that would require. I know we have a TV/Blast! Internet bundle with Comcast, but I'm fairly certain that would mean a 2nd cable box upstairs and a cable-to-LAN converter. Plus, I'm not even sure how that would affect download/upload speeds, if at all.

So, ignoring that, this is what I have to work with:

- One phone cable entering my room from the outside.
- It falls straight down to the patio door and follows that to the right.
- However, the desk with the modem/router sits directly behind this window.

This is where I get stuck. I could try going through the dryer exhaust, into the basement, and back up where the coax cable is in our family room. I could try to go through that outside outlet (it's below and opposite the stupidly painted over light switch on the ugly, orange wall), into the wall, and back into the house via an outlet beneath that white alarm system, but I'm fairly certain that's a support beam in the way.

I could also try going through the wall as there's an outlet in my room (just above the patio door curtains), but that support beam mixed with "How difficult is navigating wire through a wall?" has me a little puzzled.


So, is this a question of brainstorming, getting the right tools, and caution or is it more along the lines of, "Don't be dumb, just pay the professional"? In either case, I'd like to thank those who respond, nonetheless!

 

[bill001g]

If you have coax in both rooms already you could try a MoCA adapter. It will never be as good as ethernet but it already exists without holes.

There is likely no way to use existing passages between the floors they are likely sealed to prevent spread of fire. I have heard of people using the heating ducts and use plenum cable since it is fire resistant this is very against building codes so it would need to be removed to sell the house.

So the simple but ugly way is to do it like the cable tv guys do. Drill though the outside wall and run it on the outside of the building. You likely can use normal cable since it won't be submerged in water or buried. The sun may kill it eventually but paint normally prevents that.

To actually put it though the walls is most going to be based on you skills at repair drywall and painting. You want if you can to go in a interior wall that has a wall directly above it on the second story. Interior walls are easier because there is no insulation. You of course need to be sure there is not plumbing where you are going to try this.

They make special flexible fiberglass drill extensions. You pretty much make a hole in the wall and then bend the bit though the hole and drill though the wood. You then hope you can maneuver the bit close enough to the other hole to attach the wire and pull the bit back. I have never been skilled enough to get it done using the small box size holes.

 

[Metallica93]

Thank you for the fantastic reply, [bill001g]. Sadly, as is my luck, it's looking more grim than I thought. This sounds like somehow getting the floor plans (can you even do that as a renter?) and trying to see where the outlet wiring goes in the walls. Running it outside means making two holes in the exterior walls, painting it (yellow against blue siding), etc.

 

[bill001g]

Never know ask the landlord if you need the ability it is likely other tenants will also. As long as it is done in a way that does not reduce the value of the property the landlord will likely allow it. Depends how long you plan to stay.