Data Cabling |
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The Ingredients of Quality Data Cabling
We install both Category 5 and Category 6 network installations.
When data cabling is not installed properly, you will have unimaginable problems with computer network.
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Networks never become smaller or less complex. Bear this in mind when planning a network.
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Always install more network outlets than you currently require. Extra points always come in useful.
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Plan for higher speeds than are currently available today. Just because 1000 Base-T network is not a requirement for you today, it does not mean it won't be a requirement in five years time.
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Documentation of network structure (e.g., a network map) and layout should be provided to you by the installers of your network.
The Cost of Poor Quality Cabling
The frustration and downtime that can arise from a poorly planned and poorly implemented cable network can be staggering.
One company which moved into new office space used the existing cable infrastructure, which was supposed to be Category 5. Almost immediately 100 Mbps Ethernet users reported intermittent connection problems. The problems included exceptionally slow time reading email, saving documents and accessing the sales database. Other users reported their operating systems locking up when accessing shared files across the network. After many months of frustration, the company had the cable runs tested. The cabling was of such poor quality it did not even meet the minimum requirements for a Category 5 installation. Moreover, the cabling was installed and terminated incorrectly.
Mini Case Study
One of our customers in Ballsbridge, Dublin had quite at strange problem. They had an intermittent network connection problem. We checked all their routers, switches, desktops and server and discovered that their network configuration appeared to be correct. We asked their staff did they notice any pattern to the problem and one lady mentioned that she only noticed the problem happening when it rained! This led us to believe that maybe some of the cabling was exposed to the elements. After some searching, we eventually found a small length of cable (approximately three quarters of a metre long) that was outside the building. It was badly frayed and was obviously getting damp when it rained. We replaced the cable with an exterior black polyethylene external grade cable specially designed with cope with dampness, icy and hot conditions. On follow-up of this case the client reported the problem did not reoccur since the small length of cable that was situated on the exterior of the building was replaced.