Things to Avoid in a Network Cabling Installation

Network cabling is tricky to install, which is why a network cabling installation should always be carried out by trained professionals. In days gone by, it was not uncommon for those in semi-related professions, who lacked the appropriate training and knowledge, to be lumbered with the task of running network cables. This might have been those in the electrician or telephone technician trades, who were roped into running network cables because they had some experience with other types of cabling. Things like telephone cabling, however, can tolerate significantly more error than twisted pair network cables, which need to be installed correctly in order to ensure that network performance is not compromised. In this article, we take a look at some of the things you should avoid in a network cabling installation.

Avoid thinking short-term

A cabling installation project can be costly, so it’s tempting to try and keep the costs down by compromising on the cables and simply installing the bare minimum to meet your current needs. However, this is a false economy. With the rapid pace of technological advancement, we have a need for greater network speeds and performance than ever before and these demands are only increasing. If you don’t plan for future-needs as well as those of the present, you will either find yourself having to devote more time and resources to upgrading your infrastructure in the not too distant future, or your ability to keep up with the competition will suffer. A quality, adequate cabling network should serve you well for a minimum of ten years and can last up to twenty years. By skimping, you may save money now but it will cost you more in the long run.

Avoid using different cabling for data and voice

In the past, it was pretty much standard practice to install different types of cables for data and voice requirements. This made sense because twisted pair cabling was pricier back then and the cheaper cabling was sufficient for voice requirements in the vast majority of cases.  Although a cabling installation is still costly today, cabling itself is relatively cheap and the priciest part of an installation is the labour.  Today, there is an increased need for combined voice and data networks, particularly with the rise of technology such as VoIP replacing traditional voice communications. With services such as VoIP, voice has now largely become a data need also. Whilst separate cabling can be used for telephones, it’s advisable to match the data cabling type for this.

 

Avoid overlooking cable management

Cable management – colour coding, ladder rack, labelling and such like – may take longer and add to the cost of the installation, but it can make your network easier to maintain and manage later on. Your cabling infrastructure is likely to be upgraded and added to over time, so having a well-managed network will help with identifying cables later down the line. Cable management should not be viewed as an unnecessary extra that would be nice ‘in an ideal world’.

Avoid running data cables in parallel with electrical cables

Unshielded twisted pair data cabling is less expensive than the shielded alternative and is adequate for most indoor environments. However, if it is installed in parallel with electrical cables, its magnetic field can be disrupted and this will result in a significantly deteriorated network performance. When installing these types of cables in close proximity to electrical cables, it’s advisable to cross them in perpendicular as opposed to parallel.

Avoid running data cables too close to equipment that may cause interference

This is related to the previous point; much like electrical cables can cause interference, so too can other devices and fixtures within your network. Items that shed magnetic or electrical interference will compromise the quality of your network performance if located too close to your cables. When planning a data cabling installation, make sure that you leave a pathway that avoids equipment and fixtures that may cause interference.

Avoid ignoring distance limitations

Various cabling standards have specific distance limitations, over which maximum networks speeds can be achieved. If these are ignored, or even slightly over-ran, network performance will be reduced. For example, if you have requirements for 10Gbps up to a distance of 100 metres, you should be using Cat6a cabling as a minimum standard.

Avoid ignoring rules & regulations

Failing to adhere to the proper rules and regulations governing installations can seriously compromise safety. Beyond the danger element, you run the risk of being fined a considerable amount of money and having to pull up the cables and have them replaced. It’s simply not worth the risk. Always make sure that you are aware of the rules and regulations that must be followed and that any contractors you may be working with are as well.

If you’re looking for a reputable company to plan and carry out a network cabling installation in Redditch or the wider West Midlands area, contact us at Midland Networks today. All of our engineers are experienced and highly trained professionals, committed to ensuring you enjoy a reliable cabling network that lasts for many years to come.