August 09 Five Common Structured Cabling Mistakes to Avoid
in structured cables
Just as to-do lists can be an essential part of planning, don’t-do lists can serve as useful reminders to avoid mistakes that others have made. In the structured cabling industry, avoiding common mistakes can save you time and money, ensuring a more efficient and reliable network infrastructure. Here are five common cabling mistakes to avoid:
1. 40% download
New technologies emerge every year. When planning a network rack or cabinet, give yourself some room to grow. For example, three patch panels and three switches require 6U space, but what about your ISP’s fiber connections, security panels, or battery backups? What if a new set of switches is needed in two years? Give yourself some room.
Future-proofing your network setup is critical. Overloading your rack space not only makes it difficult to manage and maintain, but it can also lead to overheating issues. The golden rule is to keep your racks at 60% capacity at most to allow for future expansion. This anticipation can save you from having to do a major overhaul in the future when new equipment is introduced or your network needs to expand.
2. Review with the team
Collaboration is essential to ensure that your network infrastructure meets the needs of all departments. For example, your marketing team may need high-speed internet for digital campaigns, while your HR department may require secure access to sensitive employee information. By engaging all stakeholders at the planning stage, you can anticipate and meet these needs, avoiding disruption and additional costs once the project is underway.
Involve marketing, human resources, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and other departments in creating the best network strategy. Consider whether a TV will be placed in the conference room or whether there will be specific levels of access when entering the building and/or a particular room. Discussing this with the appropriate key personnel can avoid costly change orders during the project.
3. Rely on experienced installers and management.
Structured cabling is more than just splicing a few wires together. It is very important to comply with building codes as well as the appearance of the cabling and, most importantly, the bandwidth of your network. Review your project goals and why you are building your network infrastructure. To ensure your network is complete, a labeled network map and cabling reports in PDF format are key. Choosing a structured cabling company with a strong background in project management will help you achieve your goals.
Experienced installers understand the intricacies of building codes, network performance, and aesthetic considerations. They can provide valuable insights into cable management best practices, ensuring your network is functional and organized. Additionally, professional project management can help keep your installation on schedule and within budget, minimizing disruption to your business operations.
4. Who works on the site?
Make sure your structured cabling project is of quality and don’t settle for the lowest price. Hire a company with technicians who offer warranty protection and have high customer ratings, like Google. Protect yourself by asking for a certificate of insurance (2 million is the basic level of protection). Also ask if the employees are on the payroll or subcontractors. This question can help further protect your project.
The quality of your cabling project is directly related to the experience and reliability of the technicians working on it. By choosing a company with well-trained, insured, and highly rated employees, you can reduce the risk of mistakes and ensure a higher level of quality. Subcontractors may not always be held to the same standards as full-time employees, so it’s important to understand who will be on-site and their level of experience. For the best technicians to perform any of the structured cabling services you need, call Bridge Cable at 877-832-1206.
5. Plan a strong network
One of the most forgotten rules is that CAT6 cables should not exceed 328 feet in length, otherwise you will suffer loss of bandwidth no matter how expensive all the computer equipment on the other end is. Plan for primary and secondary points to ensure a strong connection from every part of the building.
Adhering to cable length limits is critical to maintaining network performance. When planning your structured cabling layout, consider the distance limits of the cables you are using. For longer distances, you may need to incorporate additional network equipment, such as switches or repeaters, to ensure strong, reliable connectivity throughout your facility. Proper planning can prevent signal degradation and ensure optimal network performance.
By avoiding these common cabling mistakes, you can create a robust, scalable, and efficient network infrastructure that meets your organization’s needs now and into the future. Taking the time to plan carefully, engage the right stakeholders, and hire experienced professionals will pay off in the long run, ensuring a smooth and successful cabling project.
For assistance with any project or installation in the New Jersey or Philadelphia area, please call us at 877-832-1206.
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