Running ethernet cables outdoors connects sheds, granny flats, security cameras, and other external devices to your home network. However, outdoor installations require special considerations that indoor cabling does not. This guide covers everything Australian homeowners need to know about selecting and installing outdoor ethernet cables, from cable types to weatherproofing techniques.
Why Standard Indoor Cables Fail Outdoors
Standard indoor ethernet cables are not designed to withstand outdoor conditions. The PVC jacket used on most indoor cables degrades when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight. Over months of exposure, the jacket becomes brittle, cracks, and eventually exposes the internal conductors to moisture and physical damage.
Australian weather presents particular challenges. Intense UV exposure during summer, temperature extremes between seasons, and occasional heavy rainfall create a harsh environment for cables. In northern Australia, tropical humidity and monsoon conditions add additional stress. Coastal areas introduce salt-laden air that accelerates corrosion of exposed metal components.
Moisture is the primary enemy of ethernet connections. Water ingress into a cable can cause corrosion of the copper conductors, leading to increased resistance and signal degradation. In extreme cases, moisture can cause short circuits that damage connected equipment. Even condensation forming inside improperly sealed connections can cause intermittent problems.
Temperature fluctuations cause cables to expand and contract, which can stress connections and cable entry points. Australian summers regularly see temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in many areas, while winter nights can drop below freezing in southern regions. Cables and enclosures must accommodate this thermal cycling without failure.
Types of Outdoor Ethernet Cables
Outdoor-rated ethernet cables feature several design elements that indoor cables lack. The most important is a UV-resistant jacket, typically made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or a specially formulated UV-stabilised PVC. These jackets are usually black, as black pigments provide the best UV protection, though some manufacturers offer white or grey outdoor-rated options.
Direct burial cables are designed for underground installation without conduit. These cables feature waterproof gel filling between the jacket and the twisted pairs, preventing water from travelling along the cable if the jacket is compromised. A robust outer jacket resists damage from rocks and soil pressure. Some direct burial cables include an additional armoured layer for protection against digging and rodents.
Aerial cables are designed for overhead runs between buildings. These cables either include a built-in steel messenger wire for support or are designed to be lashed to a separate support cable. The messenger wire bears the weight of the cable, preventing stress on the copper conductors that would occur if an unsupported cable were strung between attachment points.
For most Australian home installations, outdoor-rated Cat6 cable provides the best combination of performance and value. It supports 10 Gbps speeds at shorter distances and gigabit speeds at the full 100-metre limit, more than adequate for connecting external buildings, cameras, or access points. Browse our product selection for outdoor-rated options available in Australia.
Planning Your Outdoor Cable Run
Before purchasing cable or beginning installation, plan your route carefully. Measure the distance between connection points, adding extra for routing around obstacles and leaving service loops at each end. A service loop is extra cable coiled near the termination point, allowing for future adjustments or repairs without running new cable.
Consider how the cable will be routed. Underground burial provides the cleanest appearance and best protection but requires trenching. Aerial runs between buildings are faster to install but more visible. Running cable along fence lines or building eaves can provide a compromise, using existing structures for support while remaining relatively unobtrusive.
Identify entry points into buildings. Drilling through walls requires sealing the penetration to prevent water ingress. Purpose-made cable entry plates with weatherproof seals provide professional results. Where possible, enter buildings through underfloor spaces or roof cavities to minimise exterior holes.
Check local regulations before beginning work. In Australia, digging near utility services requires contacting Dial Before You Dig (1100) to locate underground infrastructure. Some areas may have planning requirements for overhead cables. Working on rental properties requires landlord permission, and strata properties may have additional restrictions on external modifications.
Installation Methods and Techniques
For underground installation, bury cable at least 300mm deep to protect against accidental damage from gardening or landscaping. In driveways or areas subject to vehicle traffic, increase depth to 600mm and consider installing in conduit for additional protection. Place warning tape above buried cables to alert future excavators.
If using conduit for underground runs, select conduit rated for direct burial. Orange electrical conduit is a common choice and is immediately identifiable as containing cables. Size conduit to allow easy cable pulling, typically at least 25mm diameter for single cable runs. Use long-radius bends rather than sharp elbows, which make cable pulling difficult.
For aerial installations, ensure adequate support for the cable's weight. Never support ethernet cables by their ends alone, as this stresses the conductors and can cause premature failure. Use cable clips or lashing wire to attach the cable to a steel messenger wire or existing support structure at regular intervals. Maintain proper catenary (sag) to allow for thermal expansion without over-tensioning.
At building entry points, create a drip loop, a U-shaped loop in the cable below the entry point. Water running down the cable drips off at the bottom of the loop rather than following the cable into the building. Seal penetrations with weatherproof sealant designed for outdoor use, such as silicone or polyurethane caulk.
Weatherproofing Connections
Connections are the most vulnerable points in any outdoor ethernet installation. Water ingress at connectors is a common failure mode that can be prevented with proper weatherproofing. Several approaches are available depending on your installation requirements and budget.
Weatherproof junction boxes provide enclosed spaces for connections. Mount boxes with their entry points facing downward to prevent water pooling. Use cable glands or weatherproof entry fittings to seal cable entry points. Inside the box, standard RJ45 connections can be used safely, protected from the elements.
Pre-terminated weatherproof connectors are available for simpler installations. These connectors feature sealed housings that protect the RJ45 connection when mated. They are convenient for temporary installations or situations where the connection may need to be disconnected occasionally, such as connecting removable equipment.
Gel-filled splice kits allow joining outdoor-rated cables while maintaining weatherproofing. These kits include connection hardware and waterproof gel that seals around the conductors. They are useful for extending cable runs or repairing damaged sections without the bulk of a junction box.
Common Outdoor Installation Scenarios
Connecting a garden shed or workshop to your home network is a common project. For distances under 100 metres, a single ethernet cable run provides gigabit connectivity. Use outdoor-rated Cat6 cable, either direct burial or run through conduit along a fence line. At the shed end, a small network switch provides multiple ethernet ports for computers, printers, or other equipment.
Security camera installations typically require outdoor ethernet runs. Power over Ethernet (PoE) simplifies installation by carrying both data and power over a single cable, eliminating the need for separate power cables to each camera. Ensure your cable is rated for PoE use (most Cat6 cables are) and use weatherproof connections at camera mounting points.
Wireless access points for outdoor WiFi coverage often connect via ethernet for backhauling data to your main network. Mounting an access point in a weatherproof enclosure with an ethernet connection provides far better performance than attempting to extend WiFi from indoors. This is particularly useful for large Australian properties where outbuildings or pool areas are beyond indoor WiFi range.
For granny flats or home offices in separate structures, ethernet provides reliable connectivity that WiFi cannot match. A properly installed outdoor cable run delivers consistent performance regardless of weather conditions or wireless interference. Consider running multiple cables if future bandwidth requirements may increase, as the cost of cable is minimal compared to the labour of installation.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Outdoor ethernet installations should be inspected periodically to ensure ongoing reliability. Check cable jackets for signs of UV damage, particularly on aerial runs or sections exposed to direct sunlight. Look for cracks, discolouration, or brittleness that indicate degradation. Replace affected sections before moisture ingress causes connection problems.
After storms or extreme weather events, check for physical damage to cables. High winds can stress aerial runs, and flooding may affect buried cables. Test connectivity and speeds to identify any degradation. Intermittent connection problems often indicate water ingress at a connection point or cable damage.
If speeds are lower than expected on an outdoor run, test the cable segment in isolation to rule out indoor network problems. Connect a laptop directly at each end of the outdoor cable and run speed tests. Lower-than-expected speeds often indicate a connection issue that can be resolved by re-terminating connectors or repairing damaged cable sections.
Need help selecting the right outdoor cable? Our cable finder tool includes options specifically suited for outdoor installations, helping you choose the right product for your Australian conditions.