While many people now use Wi-Fi for internet access, wireless connections can be prone to instability.
Wired connections using LAN cables, on the other hand, offer faster and more stable speeds, as well as relatively better security.
LAN outlets are essential for wired connections, and with the growing number of devices that need internet access, some people may find themselves without enough LAN outlets.
This article covers the basics of LAN outlets, how to install or add them, and important considerations when doing so in a rental property.
If you've been wondering how to get more LAN outlets, read on for helpful guidance.
What Is a LAN Outlet?
For those unfamiliar with LAN outlets, let's start with the fundamentals.
We'll also cover the internet connectivity landscape in rental properties, so be sure to check that out as well.
LAN Outlet Basics
A LAN outlet is a port for plugging in a LAN cable, used to connect devices such as computers to the internet via a wired connection.
It is typically installed on the wall alongside a power outlet, and in some locations it may be accompanied by a TV terminal port or a modular outlet used for telephone connections.
LAN outlets and modular outlets look similar, but LAN outlets are labeled "LAN" on the upper portion, making them easy to distinguish.
Note that LAN outlets are also sometimes referred to as "LAN jacks."
LAN Outlets Are Standard in Rental Properties
When connecting to the internet via a wired connection, you can use either a LAN cable or a fiber optic cable.
Fiber optic lines are now the standard in single-family homes, so newly built houses are often equipped with "fiber optic outlets," which are the connection points for fiber optic cables.
However, it is uncommon for apartments and other multi-unit rental properties to have fiber optic outlets; instead, "LAN outlets" are more commonly installed.
Even in multi-unit buildings that have adopted fiber optic lines, if a LAN wiring scheme is used, residents connect to the internet via LAN outlets.
The Difference from "Powerline LAN"
Next, let's clarify "powerline LAN," which is often confused with LAN outlets.
What Is Powerline LAN?
Both "LAN outlet" and "LAN jack" refer to the same thing — a port for a LAN cable — just with different names depending on who you ask.
A term that is often confused with these, despite having a different meaning, is "powerline LAN."
"Powerline LAN" refers to a technology that uses existing electrical power lines as an internet communication channel.
This technology is also known as "PLC." It allows internet access from any outlet connected to the same electrical distribution board.
In a single-family home, every outlet in the house can serve as a wired LAN connection. In an apartment building or condominium, it is even possible to enable wired LAN access through every outlet in every unit.
Pros and Cons of Powerline LAN
Many people think of internet connectivity as a choice between wired LAN using a LAN cable or wireless LAN using Wi-Fi.
However, there is actually a third option.
That is powerline LAN, the communication technology introduced above.
Powerline LAN has the advantage of being usable in places where running wired LAN cables is difficult, or where Wi-Fi signals don't reach well.
Another appeal of powerline LAN is that complex installation work is not required.
However, communication speeds are roughly 1/2 to 1/4 that of wired LAN, which is fine for sending and receiving emails or browsing the web, but is not suitable for business use.
LAN Outlet Form Factors and Standards
If you are considering installing or adding LAN outlets, it is worth understanding the different form factors and standards involved.
The types of LAN outlet form factors and standards are as follows.
LAN Outlets Come in One Shape — But Standards Vary
If you lift the tab on a LAN outlet, you will see eight metal pins inside.
This form factor is called "RJ-45," and all LAN outlets installed in ordinary homes use the RJ-45 standard.
LAN cable connectors are also uniformly RJ-45, so you will never encounter a situation where the cable and outlet are incompatible in shape.
However, standards differ by supported speed, so caution is required.
To achieve the full speed of your internet connection, make sure to use equipment that meets the appropriate standard.
How to Check the Standard Supported by a LAN Outlet
To find out which standard a LAN outlet supports, look for the text "CAT○" printed near the port.
This "CAT○" designation indicates the category of LAN cable the outlet is compatible with.
Please refer to the table below for LAN cable categories and the corresponding LAN outlet standards.
For example, if a LAN outlet is labeled "CAT6A," it supports speeds up to 10 Gbps; if labeled "CAT6," it supports speeds up to 1 Gbps.
How to Check the Standard Supported by a LAN Port
The LAN cable port on the device side — the counterpart to the LAN outlet — is called a "LAN port."
To find out which standard a LAN port supports, check the product's specification sheet.
For a computer, you can also check by clicking "Control Panel" → "Device Manager" → "Network Adapters" in that order.
For other home appliances such as TVs or printers, the supported speed may be listed near the LAN port in the format "LAN (○/○)."
For example, if it reads "LAN (10/100)," the supported standard is 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX, meaning it supports speeds of 10 to 100 Mbps.
Can You Add a LAN Outlet on Your Own?
When the number of devices needing internet access grows and LAN outlets become insufficient, some people may wonder whether they can add more outlets themselves.
Here we explore whether it is possible to add LAN outlets without calling a professional.
Running LAN Cable Is Relatively Straightforward
The short answer is yes — even a beginner can add a LAN outlet on their own.
Normally, work involving 100–200V electrical systems requires an electrician's license, but the current flowing through a LAN cable is much lower, so no special license is required.
When it comes to running the LAN cable itself, the process is relatively simple as long as you have a cable of the right length and type.
No license is required to install a LAN outlet either.
However, unlike simply running a LAN cable, installing an outlet does require a certain level of technical skill.
Installing a LAN Outlet Is Difficult for Beginners
The most technically demanding part of installing a LAN outlet is "in-wall wiring" — running the LAN cable through the conduit inside the wall.
Before doing in-wall wiring, you first need to check whether there is a CD conduit inside the wall.
A CD conduit is a tube used to route power cables, phone lines, and similar wiring; you can check for its presence by removing the outlet cover from the wall.
Once you confirm a CD conduit is present, you use a fish tape to thread the LAN cable through it — but if the cable is the wrong length or type, it can get stuck inside, halting the work.
If there is no CD conduit at all, safe in-wall wiring is simply not possible.
Attempting in-wall wiring without proper preparation and prior knowledge can, in the worst case, cause structural damage to the building. Always make sure you fully understand the necessary tools and steps before beginning work.
Anyone who feels uncertain about doing this alone is advised to hire a professional.
How to Install a LAN Outlet: Methods and Steps
As mentioned above, installing a LAN outlet requires a certain level of technical skill, but it is not impossible to do on your own.
Here is a detailed guide for those who have decided to install a LAN outlet themselves.
What You Need to Prepare
First, gather the tools you will need.
The minimum tools required to install a LAN outlet are as follows.
・Phillips screwdriver & flathead screwdriver
・Nipper
・Box cutter
・LAN tester
A LAN tester is a device used to check for broken wires or incorrect connections, also called a "LAN checker."
While not strictly required, a crimping tool is a convenient addition.
It combines a nipper, cutter, and wire stripper (used to remove cable sheathing) into one tool, eliminating the need to buy each separately.
In addition, a punch-down tool is useful when you need to firmly seat the terminals all the way into the slots of the LAN outlet.
Three Methods for Adding LAN Outlets
There are three main approaches to adding LAN outlets.
① Add a standalone LAN outlet
② Add one to an existing power outlet
③ Use a switching hub as an alternative
The following sections cover methods ① and ② in detail.
Adding a Standalone LAN Outlet
To add a standalone LAN outlet, use a faceplate designed for LAN outlets only and follow the steps below.
① Turn off the circuit breaker and unplug the LAN cable from the device.
Remove the outlet cover and mounting bracket.
Insert a fingernail or flathead screwdriver into the gap between the wall and the outlet cover to remove it, then use a Phillips screwdriver to loosen the screws on the mounting bracket and remove it as well.
② Strip the sheathing from the end of the LAN cable.
Cut off the connector at the end of the LAN cable, then carefully strip about 3 cm of sheathing from the end, taking care not to nick the inner wires.
Next, use a nipper to cut away the plastic cross-shaped filler in the center of the four wire pairs.
③ Secure the inner wires to the LAN outlet.
The eight wires are organized into four color-coded pairs; secure each wire into the corresponding slot according to the markings on the outlet.
As a noise-reduction measure, try to keep the twist in the cable pairs intact as much as possible.
Use a punch-down tool or similar to push the wires firmly all the way into the slots.
④ Trim the excess wires and attach the cover.
Trim any excess wire as short as possible, then attach the cover.
⑤ Mount the LAN outlet to the wall.
Snap the LAN outlet into the mounting bracket, then attach it to the wall.
Be careful to orient it in the correct direction.
⑥ Reattach the outlet cover.
Reattach the outlet cover to the wall as it was before, and the work is complete.
Adding to an Existing Power Outlet
Here is how to add a LAN outlet to an existing power outlet.
① Turn off the circuit breaker and unplug the LAN cable from the device.
② Remove the outlet cover and mounting bracket from the wall.
Insert a fingernail or flathead screwdriver into the gap between the wall and the outlet cover to remove it, then use a Phillips screwdriver to loosen the screws on the mounting bracket and remove it as well.
③ Thread the fish tape through the conduit.
After confirming there is a CD conduit inside the wall, insert the fish tape and pull it out from the other end of the conduit.
④ Use the fish tape to pull the LAN cable through the conduit.
Attach the LAN cable to the end of the fish tape you pulled out, then pull the fish tape from the other side to draw the LAN cable through the conduit.
Secure the fish tape and LAN cable together firmly with tape so they don't come apart midway.
If the cable is difficult to thread through, do not force it — use lubricant or make small adjustments until it passes through.
⑤ Prepare the end of the cable and attach it to the mounting bracket.
Prepare the cable end and attach it to the mounting bracket in the same way as when adding a standalone LAN outlet.
⑥ Reattach the mounting bracket and outlet cover to the wall.
⑦ Once the mounting bracket and outlet cover are back on the wall, the work is complete.
Using a Switching Hub as an Alternative
In rental properties where drilling holes in walls is not permitted, a switching hub can be used as an alternative to adding LAN outlets.
However, if you need to distribute the connection to another room, you will need a long LAN cable, and exposed wiring can be conspicuous.
In that case, try to route the cable along the wall or conceal it with cable covers.
Things to Keep in Mind When Adding LAN Outlets in a Rental Property
If you live in a rental property and want to add LAN outlets, there are some important considerations that differ from those in a privately owned home.
Let's take a look at what to be aware of.
Do Not Add Outlets Without Permission
Adding LAN outlets in an apartment or other multi-unit building without permission is likely to cause problems down the line.
Therefore, always check with the property management company or owner before proceeding.
Any addition that requires drilling holes in walls could escalate into a compensation dispute.
However, since adding LAN outlets involves very little of the potentially hazardous work required for power outlet additions — such as modifications that could cause fires — many property managers and owners are willing to grant permission.
Problems arise specifically when LAN outlet installation work is carried out without authorization.
This rule applies not only to rental apartments and condominiums but also to individually owned condominiums, so be aware.
Some Properties Make Adding Outlets Difficult
Some properties use concrete for their wall materials.
In such cases, DIY installation becomes much more difficult.
When hiring a professional, the difficulty of drilling through concrete drives up labor costs.
Additionally, if the CD conduit needed to route LAN cables inside the wall is absent, a new one must be installed.
This raises the bar for adding outlets considerably.
Higher labor costs may push the project over budget, potentially making it necessary to abandon the plan altogether.
However, if adding outlets is difficult, running exposed cabling is another option to consider.
This can involve using a switching hub, securing LAN cables along the wall with double-sided tape or hooks, or concealing them with cable covers to make them less noticeable.
Note that using cable covers for concealment in a rental property may trigger restoration obligations when you move out.
Pay Attention to LAN Cable Length and Standards
When adding LAN outlets, pay close attention to the length and standard of the LAN cable.
Failing to check these in advance can lead to problems such as the cable being too short, or the cable category being incompatible with your internet environment.
This results in the extra time and expense of redoing the DIY work or buying replacement parts.
It is best to determine in advance how long a LAN cable you will need for the intended location, as well as the speed of your contracted internet service, before purchasing what you need.
Work Carefully and Methodically
Adding a LAN outlet involves tasks such as drilling holes in the wall and removing faceplates.
Drilling in the wrong spot or at the wrong size will require repair work, adding extra hassle.
In a rental property, there is a high likelihood that you will be charged for the cost of repairs.
It is also not uncommon for existing faceplates to be deteriorated.
If they are, forcing them off can cause them to crack, so you must work with extreme care.
Beyond that, dropping tools or parts while working with a hole open in the wall is a common mistake, so always approach the work carefully and methodically.
How Much Does It Cost to Install or Add LAN Outlets?
Many people choose to hire a professional rather than do it themselves when it comes to installing or adding LAN outlets.
You may be wondering what kind of costs to expect when engaging a professional.
Here is a breakdown of the costs involved in LAN outlet installation and addition work.
Cost of Adding a LAN Jack to an Existing Outlet
The typical cost of adding a LAN jack to an existing outlet ranges from approximately 10,000 to 50,000 yen.
Costs can be kept relatively low because existing wiring and circuits can be used, and no new holes need to be drilled in the wall.
The factors that have the greatest impact on cost are the distance from the starting point of the cable run and the type of LAN cable used.
Longer cable runs or the selection of higher-performance cables such as Category 5e or Category 6 will increase the cost.
Cost of Installing or Adding a LAN Jack on a Different Floor
Installing a new LAN jack on a different floor — which requires running conduit from scratch — typically costs between 40,000 and 100,000 yen.
Adding to an existing installation on a different floor, where conduit is already in place, can be done for approximately 10,000 to 50,000 yen.
This is because the existing conduit can be used to route the new cable.
As with adding a LAN jack to an existing outlet, costs vary significantly depending on cable run distance and cable type.
For an accurate quote, consult your prospective contractor and ask them to provide as precise an estimate as possible.
Other Ways to Add LAN Ports Without Installing New LAN Outlets
There are ways to increase LAN ports beyond installing or adding LAN outlets.
Here are a few alternative methods worth considering.
If you are looking to add LAN ports without going through the effort of installing or adding outlets, these options may be helpful.
Install a Hub
If you want more LAN cable ports, installing a hub (switching hub) is a practical solution.
A hub is a device that connects multiple devices on a LAN and enables communication between them.
Installing a hub requires no construction work.
However, note that a hub cannot address situations where the devices are in separate rooms far apart, or on different floors such as the first and second floors.
The only cost involved in setting up a hub is the price of the unit itself.
Prices vary by performance, with budget models available for around 1,500 to 2,000 yen and higher-performance models costing around 20,000 yen.
Hubs differ in terms of standards and number of ports, so choose a model that suits your intended use.
Install Powerline LAN (PLC)
Powerline LAN (PLC) is a communication technology that uses electrical power lines.
With this technology, a standard power outlet functions as a substitute for a LAN cable connection.
This means you can access the internet without running or adding any new LAN cables.
It is particularly useful for rooms that are far from a LAN cable port or where Wi-Fi signals are weak.
However, you should also be aware of the downsides of powerline LAN (PLC): speeds often do not exceed 100 Mbps, and it is susceptible to electrical noise, which can make the connection unstable.
The cost of setting up powerline LAN (PLC) typically ranges from 5,000 to 30,000 yen, varying depending on the adapter.
Higher-priced adapters generally offer better speeds and stability.
While this option is less expensive than LAN wiring work, whether the connection speed and quality meet your needs will depend on how you use it.
Switch to Wireless LAN
If the number of devices you need to connect to the internet has grown, switching to wireless LAN is also worth considering.
Installing or adding LAN outlets involves cost and effort.
It can also result in a tangle of cables that makes your living space look cluttered.
To avoid that, consider adopting wireless LAN.
With wireless LAN, you can connect multiple devices without worrying about cable layout.
Being able to connect from anywhere within the signal range is another major advantage.
However, wireless LAN tends to be less stable and slower than wired LAN.
Setting up your environment so that wired and wireless LAN can be used together depending on the situation will help you address any shortcomings.
For Maximum Speed and Stability, Consider a Fiber Optic Outlet
If internet speed and stability are your priorities, a fiber optic outlet is worth looking into.
This type of outlet connects to a fiber optic line.
If a fiber optic outlet is not already installed, you will need to have installation work done to enable fiber optic connectivity.
Here is a closer look at what fiber optic outlets are and how they work.
About Fiber Optic Outlets
A fiber optic outlet is a port used to connect fiber optic cable to an ONU (Optical Network Unit).
Fiber optic cable is brought in from the utility pole and the fiber optic outlet is installed inside the home.
The ONU is then placed in the room and connected via cable, enabling use of the fiber optic line.
These outlets are labeled "光" (fiber optic) or "光コンセントSC," so they are easy to identify when you look at the wall.
Since fiber optic service varies by provider, switching providers may require new installation work in some cases.
Differences from LAN Outlets and Modular Jacks
In addition to fiber optic outlets, LAN outlets and modular jacks are other options for internet connectivity.
Let's take a look at what LAN outlets and modular jacks are.
・LAN Outlet
A LAN outlet is a method of bringing the fiber optic line — which runs to the common areas of a building such as an apartment — into individual units via LAN cable.
The outlet is labeled "LAN" and you simply plug in the cable to use it.
It is highly convenient since it requires nothing more than plugging in a cable.
However, connection speeds are lower than those of a fiber optic outlet.
It is also important to note that speeds can drop further when other home appliances are in use.
・Modular Jack
A modular jack is a telephone-style connection port installed in each room, used to connect to the internet.
A dedicated device called a modem is required.
The building's common area is connected via telephone cable, with a single cable serving the entire building.
This means it is not possible to upgrade just one unit to a fiber optic outlet.
Speeds are slow, so streaming video or making online calls may place enough load on the line to prevent smooth usage.
Fiber Optic Outlets Come in Two Types: Integrated and Separate
It is also worth knowing that fiber optic outlets come in two types: integrated and separate.
・Integrated Type
The integrated type combines the fiber optic outlet with power, coaxial cable for TV, and LAN cable ports into a single faceplate.
The fiber optic outlet is located on either the left or right side of the faceplate.
The more sections included, the larger the overall faceplate area.
Faceplates come in single, double, and triple configurations, with more sections accommodating more outlet types.
If you are considering an integrated fiber optic outlet, think carefully about what other types of outlets would be convenient before deciding.
Integrated outlets are also difficult to add after the fact, so if you are renting, it is a good idea to confirm their presence before moving in.
・Separate Type
With the separate type, the fiber optic outlet is installed independently from ordinary power outlets.
This type is characterized by the absence of power or other ports on its face.
The way fiber optic cable is routed also differs from the integrated type.
With the integrated type, the cable is typically routed through the same conduit used for telephone lines and similar wiring.
With the separate type, however, the cable is more often brought in without going through a conduit.
Common entry points include air conditioner ducts or windows.
In less common cases, the cable may be brought directly through a hole drilled in the wall.
Pros and Cons of Fiber Optic Outlets
The main advantage of a fiber optic outlet is that if one is already installed, you can start using the internet as soon as the ONU arrives.
Being able to get connected quickly and easily is a significant benefit.
The downside is that the outlet cannot be used with a different fiber optic provider.
If you switch providers, you may need to have new installation work done.
If you need internet access right away, it is advisable to check for the presence of a fiber optic outlet and confirm the provider during the property viewing.
When using the internet at home, you may find yourself considering installing or adding LAN outlets to improve convenience.
If the property is your own, there are generally no restrictions on what you can do, but rental properties are a different matter.
You must always check with the property management company or owner before carrying out any work.
If installing or adding outlets is not feasible, knowing alternative ways to increase LAN ports can go a long way toward improving your quality of life.
Choosing a property that already has a fiber optic outlet installed is also a viable approach.
