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Do I still need data points when Wi-Fi is available?

Yes — wired data points are more reliable than Wi-Fi for devices that benefit from a stable connection: smart TVs, gaming consoles, streaming devices, work computers and smart home controllers. Wi-Fi is convenient but subject to interference, congestion and dropouts. A wired connection eliminates these issues. For a new build, installing Cat6 cabling during construction is efficient and relatively inexpensive; retrofitting through finished walls is expensive.

What's the difference between Cat6 and Cat6a?

Cat6 supports speeds up to 1 Gbps (1000 Mbps) at distances up to 100m, and 10 Gbps at shorter distances (up to 55m). Cat6a supports 10 Gbps at the full 100m distance. For most homes, Cat6 is adequate — 1 Gbps is faster than the NBN speeds available to most Australian homes. Cat6a is worth it if you want to future-proof for 10 Gbps networking, but it costs 20–30% more than Cat6.

How much do data points cost during the build?

Each Cat6 data point costs $80–$200 during the build (cable, wall plate, termination). For a home with 6–8 data points, that's $500–$1,600. Retrofitting data points after handover costs $150–$400+ per point, as it requires running cable through finished walls and ceilings. Planning data points during the build is significantly cheaper.

Where should I place the NBN connection point?

The NBN connection point should be in a central, accessible location — ideally near where your router and network switch will live (the central hub). Avoid placing it in a hard-to-reach spot (under the house, in a ceiling cavity). Common locations: a laundry cupboard, a garage, or a hallway communications cupboard. Discuss the NBN location with your builder early, as it's determined by the NBN Co installation.

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Lighting, Electrical & Power

Data Points Guide: Where to Place Cat6 Points & Why Wired Still Matters

How to plan Cat6 data points in your new home — where to place them, NBN connection, networking and costs.

6 min read·Compare My Build — Independent Resource· Updated July 2026

Cost estimates only: Any building or upgrade figures in this guide are indicative, not fixed prices or quotes. Costs and inclusions vary by project, supplier, location and time. Confirm current written prices and specifications directly with your builder, suppliers and relevant trades.

Key Takeaways

Wired Cat6 data points are more reliable than Wi-Fi for streaming, gaming and smart home devices
Plan data points in the living room, study, media room, master bedroom, kitchen and garage
Each Cat6 point costs $80–$200 during the build; $150–$400+ to retrofit later
The NBN connection point and central hub location are essential planning decisions
Cat6 is adequate for most homes; Cat6a future-proofs for 10 Gbps networking

Why Wired Data Points Still Matter

Wi-Fi is convenient, but wired data points remain essential for a reliable, high-performance home network. Devices that benefit from a stable connection — smart TVs, gaming consoles, streaming devices, work computers, smart home controllers and security NVRs — perform better on a wired connection. Wi-Fi is subject to interference, congestion and dropouts; a wired Cat6 connection eliminates these issues.

For a new build, installing Cat6 cabling during construction is efficient and relatively inexpensive ($80–$200 per point). Once walls are closed, running new cables requires cutting into plaster, chasing through walls and patching — $150–$400+ per point. Planning data points during the build is one of the most cost-effective tech provisions you can make.

Where to Place Data Points

Recommended Data Point Locations

Location	Purpose	Priority
Living room	Smart TV, streaming devices, gaming console	High
Study / home office	Work computer, VoIP phone, network printer	High
Media room / theatre	Streaming, gaming, AV receiver, smart TV	High
Master bedroom	Smart TV, streaming devices	Medium
Kitchen	Smart home controller, smart appliances (future)	Medium
Garage	NVR (security), network switch, EV charger controller	Medium
NBN connection point	Entry point for NBN fibre/copper	Essential
Central hub / router location	Router, network switch, smart home controller	Essential

Tip

Even if you plan to use Wi-Fi for most devices, install Cat6 data points in key rooms anyway. A wired connection to a smart TV, gaming console or work computer eliminates Wi-Fi congestion and provides a stable, high-speed connection. It's much cheaper to install during the build than to retrofit later. You don't have to use them all immediately — they're there when you need them.

Cat6 vs Cat6a

Cat6 and Cat6a are the two common data cable types:

Cat6 — supports 1 Gbps (1000 Mbps) at distances up to 100m; 10 Gbps at shorter distances (up to 55m). Adequate for most Australian homes, where NBN speeds are typically 100–1000 Mbps.
Cat6a — supports 10 Gbps at the full 100m distance. Future-proofs for 10 Gbps networking but costs 20–30% more than Cat6.

For most homes, Cat6 is the right choice — it handles current and near-future speeds at a reasonable cost. Choose Cat6a if you want to future-proof for 10 Gbps networking or if you work with large files (video editing, 3D rendering) and need very high internal network speeds.

NBN Connection Point

The NBN connection point is where the NBN fibre or copper enters your home. Its location is partly determined by NBN Co, but you can discuss preferences with your builder. Plan the NBN connection point in a central, accessible location — ideally near your router and network switch (the central hub). Avoid placing it in a hard-to-reach spot (under the house, in a ceiling cavity).

Central Hub / Network Switch

Plan a central hub location — a designated cupboard, shelf or enclosure — where all data cables terminate and your router and network switch live. This should be:

Near the NBN connection point
In a central location for good Wi-Fi coverage
Ventilated (routers and switches generate heat)
Accessible for maintenance and upgrades
With adequate power points for the NBN box, router and switch

Watch Out

Don't place your router in a metal enclosure, behind a brick wall, or in a far corner of the house. Wi-Fi signal is degraded by metal, brick and distance. For good Wi-Fi coverage, place the router centrally, up high and away from metal and brick. If coverage is an issue, plan for a mesh Wi-Fi system or additional wireless access points connected to your wired network.

Data Point Costs

Example Data Point Costs

Item	Cost (during build)
Cat6 data point (per point)	$80–$200
Cat6a data point (per point)	$120–$280
Full home (6–8 points)	$500–$1,600
Retrofit (per point, after handover)	$150–$400+

Smart Home Wiring Guide

Data points are part of a complete smart home wiring plan.

Read the Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

All costs are real-world examples only. Actual costs vary by builder, electrician, region and specification. NBN installation is arranged by NBN Co and may have its own requirements. Always confirm data point provisions and pricing at your electrical appointment.