Even someone with experience can sometimes make these network cabling mistakes.
To most people, networking and working with cables is deceivingly difficult. People tend to ignore the basics until they can’t any longer, which may end up costing them their productivity or even costing money to fix later. If you have a poor network cabling setup, you may have to run costly maintenance tests down the road that could have been avoided in the first place. By avoiding these six common network cabling mistakes, you can ensure that your networking is efficient and functional.
1. Poor Cable Management
This is the pinnacle of networking cabling mistakes we see on job sites; no amount of testing or other diagnostics will help you if you’re mistreating your cables. Poor cable management can have a profound impact on your performance, maintenance capabilities, and general usability of your network. Everything should be properly labeled and easily accessible.
2. Breaking the Rules
There are a number of laws, standards, and codes out there that are in place at the local, state, and even federal level. Breaking these rules can result in hefty fines and costly networking changes but they can also be a safety issue. It’s best to make sure you’re following whatever legislation is in place from the beginning. Permits, inspections and codes for inside/outside cable are there for a reason and it’s important that your provider knows what these are.
3. Disregarding Distance Limits
Typically, 100 meters is about the limit for the length of a cable. And bear in mind that this standard also applies to patch leads. Of course, every kind of cabling has its own limits, but it’s important that you understand what the standards are and make sure you are properly using cables.
4. Failing to Control The Environment
The environment you run your cables through can make a distance. Areas that are too hot can lead to your network to fail, which is also true of excessive moisture. The best environments for cabling are areas that are cool and dry, so if your cables are run through an area that’s excessively hot or humid, you may need to set up equipment to help adjust those conditions. A burst steam pipe can wreak havoc on your system (yes, we’ve repaired that, too).
5. No Room For Cable Removal
IT work requires you to be dynamic and respond to problems on the fly. Being able to rapidly adapt to new needs means that you should also be able to remove cables when needed. This ties into cable management but is a good separate point to consider: leave more space than you think is necessary just in case.
6. Failing to Test Your Network
When everything is set up and you are happy with how you’ve laid everything out, make sure to test your network first. This can assist you in catching any errors that may have slipped past you and will help you keep data transmission running smoothly. Documenting with “As-Built” drawings can save time and money.
Get in Touch with FiberPlus
FiberPlus has been providing data communication solutions for over 25 years in the Mid Atlantic Region for a number of different markets. What began as a cable installation company for Local Area Networks has grown into a leading provider of innovative technology solutions improving the way our customers communicate and keeping them secure. Our solutions now include:
- Structured Cabling (inside and outside plant)
- Electronic Security Systems (Access Control & CCTV Solutions)
- Distributed Antenna Systems
- Public Safety DAS
- Audio/Video Services (Intercoms and Display Monitors)
- Support Services
- Specialty Systems
- Design/Build Services
FiberPlus promises the communities in which we serve that we will continue to expand and evolve as new technology is introduced within the telecommunications industry.
Have any questions? Interested in one of our services? Call FiberPlus today 800-394-3301, email us at info@fiberplusinc.com, or visit our contact page. Our offices are located in the Washington, DC metro area, Richmond, VA, and Columbus, OH. In Pennsylvania, please call Pennsylvania Networks, Inc. at 814-259-3999.
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