Network Cabling Installers
Network cabling is also called structured wiring and is a simple, cost-effective system that connects most business systems to a network. These typically include computers, VoIP phones, printers, servers, NAS devices, CCTV cameras and wireless access points. More specialist devices like HDMI over IP devices for connecting TVs to video sources are also available
19 inch Cabinets
There is generally a 19-inch rack where all the network points terminate at a patch panel. These comms cabinets can be floor-standing or wall-mounted. Generally, wall-mounted is better for smaller installations if above head height, which saves space. Floor-standing cabinets are usually better for larger offices or where limitations in the building don’t allow for wall mounting.
19 inches denotes the spacing of the rails to which the equipment bolts. Business-class routers, switches and other equipment typically come with mountings to fit these cabinets. The cables and fittings comply with various standards; the ones mentioned most often are RJ45 which refers to the network plug, and UTP, which stands for Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) which is the cable. A quality network cabling installation will add value to your premises.
With a new installation, the design is paramount. Installation is much easier before the office is finished, so it is essential to get it right the first time. The cable is relatively cheap compared to the labour of installing it, so don’t scrimp on the number of sockets. Plan for current needs as well as possible expansion. We recommend using good-quality cable and fittings as they are less likely to break and will last longer.
Getting the cabling company back to add extra cables will be disproportionately expensive and might disrupt your operation.
Choosing Cat5e, Cat6, Cat7 or Cat8 network cable
The correct choice of cable type is essential. Many installers always recommend Category 6 (Cat 6) cable and fittings. Cat 6 is superior and allows speeds up to 10GBps over 55m, however, most equipment used in the home or small and medium business installations needs 1GBps, so will not benefit from Cat 6 or later cable.
For this reason, we recommend Cat 5 Enhanced (Cat 5e) cabling for most installations. Cat5e cable and fittings are both cheaper, cat 5e cable is thinner, more flexible and easier to work with, all of which reduce cost. Cat 5e supports Ethernet up to 1000 Mbps or 1 Gigabit, which is standard on most computers and other network equipment.
Installation of network cabling
The cost of installation mainly varies according to how difficult it is to run the cables. Unshielded network cables can’t run with power cables. Network cable installation is much quicker if false ceilings or floors are present. Cables can also run in plastic trunking, and choosing the correct type is essential, as is working out the best cable runs and locations of network sockets.
A common mistake is to install cables and sockets for current needs and forget devices like printers and payment terminals.
Installing network cabling in the home
Networking in the home is different from business premises for several reasons. The main reasons are cost and the need not to affect the home’s decoration. For these reasons, wireless is heavily used in the home environment, and most devices are wireless capable. Wireless performance is not always sufficient, and services like video streaming are poor. The answer is to run cables to some devices and connect wireless access points to the router with cables for better performance.
Running network cables in a functioning home with a high standard of decoration is usually not acceptable to the homeowner, and homes never have easily accessible floor and ceiling spaces. Running cables on the outside of the building solves these problems. Exterior cabling will have little or no impact on the decoration of the building and reduces the need to move furniture. The Exterior cable is black and is resistant to ultraviolet light. Alternatively, cables can be run in exterior trunking which is a better option if multiple cables are required or cable clips won’t provide good fixings to the wall.
Network cables to outbuildings
When cabling exterior buildings, using Steel Wire Armoured (SWA) network cable gives protection against accidental and animal damage. If the building is new or not connected to power, then using a combined power and network cable is a good solution. This cable type was designed for EV charge points and included a CAT6 cable inside an SWA power cable. The cable is expensive but saves compared with installing separate SWA power and network cables. Combined network and power cables are also neater than two separate cables. New installations of combined power and network cables must comply with BS7671:2018+A2 and be certified.
Networking on large premises
Larger premises with cable runs of 100m or more require fibre optic cabling.
Atomik.biz will help with planning and installation for all your networking needs. We also offer troubleshooting and repair of existing networks and advice on upgrades.