09 Aug Five Common Structured Cabling Mistakes to Avoid
Just as to-do lists can be a key part of planning, do-not-do lists can be helpful reminders to avoid mistakes that others have made. In the realm of structured cabling installation, avoiding common pitfalls can save both time and money, ensuring a more efficient and reliable network infrastructure. Here are five common cabling mistakes to avoid:
1. 40% Load Out
New technologies are popping up every year. When planning your network rack or cabinet, give yourself some room to grow. For example, three patch panels and three switches require 6U of space, but what about your ISP fiber connections, security panels, or battery backups? What if in two years a new series of switches is needed? Give yourself some space.
Future-proofing your network setup is crucial. Overloading your rack space not only makes it difficult to manage and maintain but can also lead to overheating issues. A good rule of thumb is to keep your racks at no more than 60% capacity to allow for future expansion. This foresight can save you from having to do a complete overhaul down the line when new equipment is introduced or when your network needs to scale up.
2. Review with the Team
Collaboration is key in ensuring that the network infrastructure meets the needs of all departments. For instance, the marketing team might need high-speed internet for digital campaigns, while the HR department might require secure access for sensitive employee information. By involving all stakeholders in the planning phase, you can anticipate and accommodate these needs, avoiding disruptions and additional costs once the project is underway.
Involve your marketing, human resources, AP/AR, and other departments to create the best network strategy. Review if and where a TV will be in a conference room or if there are certain levels of access when getting into the building and/or a certain room. Talking it out with the proper key personnel will avoid costly change orders during the project.
3. Rely on Experienced Installers and Management
Structured cabling is more than just hanging a few wires together. It is very important to adhere to building codes as well as paying attention to the appearance of the cabling and, most importantly, the bandwidth of your network. Review your project goals and the reason you are building out your network infrastructure. To ensure that your network is complete, a labeled network map and PDF cabling reports are key. Picking a structured cabling company with a strong project management background will help you reach your goals.
Experienced installers understand the intricacies of building codes, network performance, and aesthetic considerations. They can provide valuable insights into the best practices for cable management, ensuring that your network is both functional and organized. Additionally, professional project management can help keep the installation on schedule and within budget, minimizing disruptions to your business operations.
4. Who is Working on the Site
Ensure the quality of your structured cabling project and do not just settle with the lowest price. Hire a company with technicians that offer protection of warranty and have a high customer rating, such as on Google. Protect yourself by asking for the certificate of insurance (2 million is the basic level of protection). Also inquire on whether the personnel are payroll employees or are subcontracted. This one question can help further protect your project.
The quality of your cabling project is directly tied to the expertise and reliability of the technicians working on it. By choosing a company with well-trained, insured, and highly-rated personnel, you can reduce the risk of errors and ensure a higher standard of workmanship. Subcontracted workers might not always adhere to the same standards as full-time employees, so it’s important to understand who will be on-site and their level of experience. To get the best technicians around to perform any of your needed structured cabling services, contact Bridge Cable at 877-832-1206.
5. Plan a Strong Network
One of the biggest forgotten rules is that CAT6 cabling must not exceed 328 feet, or you will experience a loss of bandwidth no matter how expensive all of the computer equipment is on the other end. Plan for primary and secondary points to ensure a strong connection from every part of the building.
Adhering to cable length limitations is critical for maintaining network performance. When planning your structured cabling layout, consider the distance limitations of the cables you are using. For longer distances, you may need to incorporate additional network equipment, such as switches or repeaters, to ensure a strong and reliable connection 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 the needs of your organization now and in the future. Taking the time to plan carefully, involve the right stakeholders, and hire experienced professionals will pay off in the long run, ensuring a smooth and successful structured cabling project.
For help with any project or installation in the New Jersey or Philadelphia area please call us at 877-832-1206.
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