Many startups rely on their IT specialists to install the cables around the office. While phone cables tolerate a number of mistakes when it comes to cabling, data systems are less tolerant. One mistake is enough to break the entire work flow and no one wants to end up with a messed cabling system. Here are the most common mistakes people make when they are trying to install a network cable system.
Planning for the moment
Most entrepreneurs think about their Structured Cabling needs at the present moment, but you need to plan ahead. If you are going to move to a new location or you want to upgrade the cabling system, your current system needs to allow it. Another fact you need to think about is the amount of data you need.
Using two types of cables for voice and data
Voice cables are less expensive than data cables, so many business owners opted for using different types of cables to save money. However, this is a major mistake because you might found that your voice system needs to be used as data system. If your voice cabling is based on old technology, you might be forced to invest in updating it, which is a loss of resources. Bottom all, you should install one, high quality cable for both data and voice.
Lack of cable management
Most people think of cable management as something redundant, so they prefer to skip investing in it and direct their funds towards other areas of their businesses. Cable management might seem optional, but it can ease the maintenance process a lot. Implementing color codes, labeling and using ladder racks enables you and any specialist who takes a look at the cable system to easily identify each cable. At the same time, if you change the person who does the maintenance, having a cable management system is going to help them get accustomed with your system quicker.
You don’t test the cabling system
Another common mistake is not testing the cable infrastructure on site, to make sure it is suitable for your business and that it can match your needs. Before getting everything in place, each cable needs to be tested for speed.
Installing electrical cables next to data cables
Voice and data cables should never be installed next to electrical cables. Data is transmitted by using a magnetic field, which can be disrupted by electrical cables which run in parallel with the data cable. This problem is particularly common in UTP cables. When the communication flow is disrupted by electrical cables, the data sent from one point to another will be slowed down or not transmitted at all.
When distances are a limitation
Each type of cable has its own limitations when it comes to distance. For example, the distance limit for UTP with Ethernet up to 1 Gbps is 100 meters. But if you need 10 Gbps or more, you need to follow the cable’s distance requirements. You might also need to switch to another type of cable. Failing to follow these guidelines regarding the cable system can lead to a slow connection.