I'd like to add a ceiling-mounted Wi-Fi Access Point to the upper floor of an already existing house (USA, wood studs, built 1998).
I have access to the attic above and would run Category 6 ethernet (UTP, CMR or CMP) to this location.
If I use an AP like the Unifi AP Lite, which can be ceiling mounted, what's the best way to handle the "appearance" of the ethernet cable in the ceiling? I believe the choices are:
- (a) hole in ceiling, push the cable through the hole from above, and terminate the cable with a plastic 'RJ45' plug, or a fancy Category 6 version. Cover the hole with the AP. Mount the AP with screws and drywall anchors to the drywall ceiling. (The
UBNT community doesn't seem to worry about the weight of the
AP.) - (b) wall plate on the ceiling with keystone-style punchdown jack
and a very short 6" patch cable to the AP (I believe it has a recess
to stow the cable) - (c) old-work box mounted to a ceiling stud (attic joist). Bore a hole
in the ceiling the size of the old-work box. Terminate the ethernet
cable inside the old-work box. (This seems like overkill).
Is a plain-old hole ("a") an okay way to go here– Any concerns about losing the cable up into the hole?
And, I know they say "it's just as easy to pull two cables as one" but do I really need to pull two cables to this location? I can't imagine needing a second ethernet cable in the ceiling at this exact location!
Best Answer
This is a very short answer but I'd just use the mounting disc that comes with the AP, drill a small hole in the ceiling and put a plug on the cable and you're done. The instructions for the AP show how to mount it but it's really just a matter of three screws and drywall anchors and when mounted no cable visible. Look at the disc and you'll see where the hole needs to be.