Ethernet runs, patch panels, PoE cabling for Wi-Fi and CCTV, cabinet builds, and certification testing across NI
Every Wi-Fi access point, CCTV camera, VoIP desk phone, and networked device in your building depends on the cable behind it. Bad cabling causes intermittent faults that are hard to diagnose: phones that cut out, cameras that drop offline, Wi-Fi access points that reset, and network speeds that never reach what your broadband is capable of.
We install Cat5e and Cat6 structured cabling for offices, warehouses, retail premises, clinics, and commercial buildings across Northern Ireland. Every run is terminated properly, labelled, tested, and documented.
Our standard for all new installations. Cat6 supports speeds up to 10Gbps over short runs and 1Gbps up to 100 metres. It handles PoE+ power delivery better than Cat5e (important for Wi-Fi access points and cameras that draw more power) and gives you headroom as network demands grow. If you are running new cable, there is no reason to use Cat5e in 2026.
Still adequate for many applications and often found in existing buildings. Supports 1Gbps Ethernet and standard PoE. If your building already has Cat5e in good condition, we will not tell you to rip it out - but any new runs will be Cat6.
Not just individual cable runs, but a properly designed cabling infrastructure: patch panels in a wall-mounted or floor-standing cabinet, tidy cable management, clearly labelled ports at both ends, and a cable schedule documenting what connects where. This means changes are easy, faults are diagnosable, and the next person who works on the network can understand the layout without guessing.
Wi-Fi access points and IP cameras are typically powered over Ethernet (PoE). This means one cable carries both data and power - no separate power supply at the device. We run Cat6 to every AP and camera location, terminated back to a PoE switch in the cabinet. This is cleaner, more reliable, and easier to maintain than running separate power feeds.
Wall-mounted cabinets for small offices. Floor-standing racks for server rooms and larger installations. Patch panels, PoE switches, fibre patch panels where needed, cable management, and power distribution. Everything labelled, tidy, and accessible for future changes.
| Feature | Cat5e | Cat6 |
|---|---|---|
| Max speed | 1Gbps | 10Gbps (short runs), 1Gbps (100m) |
| PoE support | Standard PoE (15W) | PoE+ (30W) and PoE++ (60W) more reliable |
| Crosstalk protection | Basic | Better shielding, fewer interference issues |
| New install recommendation | No - use Cat6 for new runs | Yes - standard for all new work |
| Existing cabling | Fine to keep if in good condition | Upgrade path when extending |
Data cabling installation across all of Northern Ireland: Belfast, Lisburn, Newry, Derry/Londonderry, Bangor, Craigavon, Ballymena, Antrim, Omagh, Enniskillen, and everywhere in between. For larger projects or ongoing cabling contracts, we also serve border counties.
Cabling is infrastructure that other systems depend on. If you need ongoing support for the network that runs over these cables - managed switches, Wi-Fi access points, CCTV, VoIP phones, or firewall and security - we offer managed IT and support contracts that cover the full stack.
Need ongoing network maintenance after installation? Ask about our support contracts.
| Marketplace enquiry | Direct with Drakos |
|---|---|
| Your details go to several unknown companies | You speak directly to the person doing the work |
| Price often comes before a proper survey | We survey first, then quote accurately |
| Harder to judge technical quality | You can ask exactly how the install will be done |
| Installer may be subcontracted | You know who is responsible from survey to handover |
| No ongoing relationship | We offer maintenance and support after installation |
Tell me what you need cabled - number of drops, building type, and what the cables will carry. I will visit, check routes, and give you a fixed price. Ask about ongoing monitoring and maintenance cover.
Need ongoing support after installation? Ask about our managed IT and telecoms support contracts.
Based in Belfast. Working across Northern Ireland. Direct contact. Onsite support across NI. Remote support across Ireland and UK where suitable. No lead marketplace. No anonymous subcontractor chain.
Cat5e cabling typically costs between £80 and £120 per point, while Cat6 ranges from £100 to £150 per point. The exact price depends on cable run length, containment needed, building access, and how many points you need. Longer runs or difficult routes (external walls, concrete ceilings) cost more. We provide a fixed price after a site survey so there are no surprises.
Cat5e supports speeds up to 1Gbps and handles standard PoE. Cat6 supports up to 10Gbps on shorter runs and handles PoE+ more reliably due to better shielding and reduced crosstalk. For any new installation in 2026, Cat6 is the standard choice. It costs slightly more per run but gives you headroom for higher network speeds as your equipment upgrades over time.
A small office with 10 to 20 cable drops can usually be completed in 1 to 2 days. Larger buildings with 50 or more drops, multiple floors, or complex routes typically take 3 to 5 days. We confirm timescales after the site survey once we know the cable routes and any access constraints.
Yes. Every cable run is tested using a Fluke cable certifier. This checks for correct wiring, signal performance, and confirms the cable meets Cat5e or Cat6 standards. You receive test certificates for each run, along with a cable schedule documenting what connects where.
Yes. We regularly cable occupied offices, clinics, and commercial buildings. We use surface trunking, dado trunking, and ceiling void routes to keep disruption to a minimum. Work can be scheduled outside core hours if needed. We discuss access and timing during the site survey to plan around your operations.