Why Cabling Matters

Network cabling is the physical foundation of your IT infrastructure. Copper and fibre cables carry data between devices, connecting computers to switches, switches to routers, and your network to the internet.

Poor cabling causes intermittent problems that are frustrating and expensive to diagnose. Good cabling, properly installed, works reliably for decades.

Understanding Cabling Standards

Category Ratings

Ethernet cables are rated by category, which determines their speed and frequency capabilities:

Cat5eSupports gigabit speeds (1 Gbps) at up to 100 metres. Minimum acceptable for new installations.

Cat6Supports 10 Gbps at shorter distances (55m) or gigabit at full 100m. Improved noise resistance.

Cat6aSupports 10 Gbps at full 100 metres. Thicker cables, larger bend radius requirements.

Cat7 and Cat8Higher speeds still, but less common in typical business installations.

For most businesses, Cat6 or Cat6a provides good current performance and future-proofing at reasonable cost.

Installation Standards

Cabling must be installed to standards for proper performance:

Maximum length100 metres total (90m permanent link plus patch cables).

Minimum bend radiusCables can't be bent too tightly without affecting performance.

Separation from interferenceDistance from electrical cables and other interference sources.

Proper terminationCorrect technique at patch panels and outlets.

TestingCertification testing verifies installed cabling meets standards.

Components of a Structured Cabling System

Horizontal Cabling

The cables running from a communications room to outlets at desks and work areas. This is the bulk of any cabling installation.

Each outlet location should have more drops than currently needed—adding cabling later is disruptive and expensive.

Vertical Backbone

In multi-storey buildings, backbone cabling connects floors. May be copper or fibre depending on distance and speed requirements.

Patch Panels

Where horizontal cables terminate in the communications room. Patch cables connect patch panels to switches.

Proper patch panel arrangement:

Organised by location or function
Clearly labelled
Colour-coded where helpful
Adequate rack space for management

Outlets

Wall outlets where devices connect. Standard business installations use dual-port faceplates.

Considerations:

Location relative to desks and equipment
Quantity for expected needs plus growth
Labelling corresponding to patch panel

Cable Management

Trays, ducts, and conduits that route cables neatly:

In ceiling/floorJ-hooks, cable trays, or conduit.

In wallsConduit or cable channels.

In comms roomVertical and horizontal management keeping patch cables organised.

Planning Your Installation

Assess Current and Future Needs

Consider:

Desk locationsWhere do people work now? Where might they work in future?

Equipment locationsPrinters, CCTV, access control, wireless access points.

DensityHow many drops per location? At least two per desk; more for technical areas.

GrowthBuilding for current needs only requires re-cabling when things change.

Wireless Doesn't Eliminate Cabling

Wireless access points need wired connections. Increasing wireless coverage often means more cabling, not less.

Plan access point locations based on coverage requirements. Cable runs need to reach those locations.

Consider All Systems

Network cabling may serve:

Computers and printers
IP phones
CCTV cameras
Access control
Wireless access points
Audio-visual equipment

Plan comprehensively rather than adding cable runs incrementally.

Installation Best Practices

Hire Qualified Installers

Cabling installation requires:

Understanding of standards and best practices
Proper tools and equipment
Testing and certification capability
Licences where required

Data cabling is a specialised trade. General electricians may not have appropriate expertise.

Require Testing and Documentation

Professional installations include:

Certification testingEach cable run tested and certified to standards.

Test resultsDocumentation showing each cable passed.

LabellingClear labels on patch panel and outlets matching a schedule.

As-built documentationDrawings showing what was installed and where.

This documentation is essential for future troubleshooting and changes.

Plan for Maintenance Access

Cables need to be accessible for:

Adding new runs
Troubleshooting problems
Making changes

Don't bury cables in inaccessible locations.

Common Cabling Problems

Poor Installation Quality

Symptoms:

Intermittent connectivity
Slower-than-expected speeds
Devices frequently disconnecting

Causes:

Improper termination
Damaged cables during installation
Exceeding bend radius
Insufficient testing

Inadequate Capacity

Not enough outlets leads to:

Daisy-chained switches creating bottlenecks
Long cable runs across floors
Tripping hazards and unprofessional appearance

Poor Documentation

Unknown cabling creates:

Difficulty troubleshooting
Uncertainty about capacity
Problems making changes

Age and Obsolescence

Older cabling may not support current requirements:

Cat3 or Cat5 limiting speeds
Damaged insulation from age
Insufficient fire rating

Maintaining Cabling Systems

Cabling is relatively maintenance-free, but periodic attention helps:

Regular inspectionCheck for damage, proper support, and organisation.

Documentation updatesKeep records current when changes occur.

Testing after changesVerify performance after modifications.

Lifecycle planningBudget for eventual replacement of aging infrastructure.

When to Upgrade

Consider cabling upgrades when:

Current cabling limits network performance
Moves or renovations provide opportunity
Adding significant new equipment or locations
Cabling age creates reliability concerns
Compliance requirements mandate standards

Upgrading cabling is disruptive but provides benefits for many years afterward.

Well-planned, properly installed structured cabling supports whatever technology requirements emerge. It's an investment in reliability and capability that pays dividends over its lifetime.

Structured Cabling: The Foundation of Your Business Network