We typically use Unifi WAPs and place them on the ceiling of closets, etc. It strikes me that the most professional way to trim out the wiring at the WAP location is to use a single port RJ45 female plate and then use a small patch cable over to the WAP. However, with this approach, you wind up with a bit of clutter.

Alternatively, you can just poke the cat6 through the ceiling, put on a male end, and go straight into the WAP. While this seems like the most streamlined approach, it also seems sloppy.

What do you guys do?

How is that sloppy?
The wap mounts over the hole and the wire is never seen.
What more do you want to do?

I dont understand?

You're right that it doesn't look sloppy. It just seems sloppy in that you wind up with an unfinished hole in the ceiling and the possibility that the wire at some point could wind up being pulled back into the hole.

Perhaps, however, this isn't an issue. After all, that's how thermostat wiring is done, right?

I'm just not sure. That's why I'm looking for feedback.

We poke a hole in the drywall, then terminate the cable. You could insert some sort of grommet in the hole or use a drywall ring. I prefer a small hole that preserves thermal and sound isolation properties of the drywall.

Or, use the In-Wall access points at power outlet height.

We do the second approach eg. run the cable through the ceiling and stick and RJ45 on it. No patch / plate required.

I dont think its sloppy at all as its not seen once installed. Its similar to the cabling approach for an IP CCTV cam.

I just put an end on the wire and mount the WAP right over the top of the JBox.. Pretty clean install if you ask me.

Thanks for all the input. I’m pretty satisfied now that the second approach is the way to go.

Less is more. Small hole in the ceiling with a male RJ45 sounds the cleanest.

Maybe a 45 degree hole to keep the Cat5 from kinking? [Link: lowes.com]

In Alberta, we have to use a weatherproof box for anything going on an exterior wall or ceiling.
We just wire into that on the ceiling and either install WAP or a blank plate if they aren't doing a WAP. No keystone or anything.

The wire won't get pulled back into the ceiling as long as you tie a knot in it

Lol please don't do that.

Probably cost more the the WAP....

[Link: whyreboot.com]

Wonder if there has been REAL studies to show if that adversely affects the performance?

Single gang j-box, and terminate the wire with a male end, not a female. The mounting brackets will mount right to the J-Box, and stay. No anchors, no reamed out Sheetrock. And it’s easy to tuck extra wire back up into the ceiling.

Missed this the first time I skimmed through the answers. I’m amazed more here aren’t doing this