Network cabling is the physical infrastructure that connects devices to a network and ensures efficient and reliable communication for businesses of all sizes. Small and midsize businesses must know the importance of proper network cabling installation to prevent system failures, data loss, and downtime while enabling scalability as they grow.
Different types of cables—such as ethernet, fiber optic, coaxial, and plenum—serve various networking needs, with each offering distinct advantages in speed, durability, and data transmission.
Regular maintenance, including inspections and cable testing, is essential to prevent performance issues and costly repairs. While professional installation isn’t mandatory, it significantly enhances accuracy, efficiency, compliance, and scalability, making it a worthwhile investment for businesses aiming for long-term network reliability.
What Is Network Cabling?
Network cabling refers to the physical wiring that connects equipment and devices to their associated networks. It’s the infrastructure of computers and networks and typically involves cables like ethernet, fiber, coaxial, and plenum.
What Do Small and Midsize Businesses Need to Know About Network Cabling?
Whether your team of ten people or less operates out of a small 2,000-square-foot office, or your 100-man team operates out of a multi-story facility, here are some crucial things you need to know about network cabling for your small or midsize business:
Network Cabling Is Crucial to Your Business Operations
Network cabling, especially proper network cable installation and organization, is crucial for small and midsize businesses. Companies with poorly or incorrectly installed cables risk dangerous events like system or network failure, data loss, costly downtime, and more. Plus, poor cabling can damage newly invested equipment.
Network cabling requires accurate and optimized connections to ensure strong, continuous communication between the network and connected devices so that all systems remain up and running effectively and efficiently. It also protects against unnecessary damage or system failure.
Additionally, well-optimized and organized network cable infrastructure allows for scalability as your business grows and transforms.
There Are Different Types of Low-Voltage Cables Used in Network Cabling Infrastructure
Depending on the equipment in your network, you could rely on several types of low-voltage cable, including:
Ethernet Cables
Ethernet cables are often used to connect computers or devices to the business’s network.
These cables are sometimes referred to as CATx cables, which include:
- Cat5e
- Cat6
- Cat6a
- Cat7
- Cat8
Each variation of a CATx cable offers a certain level of speed and connection/data transmission quality, and each variation is best fit for different applications. For instance, Cat6 and Cat6a cables are appropriate for businesses in need of reliable and fast data transfer up to 10 Gbps (gigabits per second). Cat7 and Cat8 are better suited for more demanding applications like data centers.
Fiber Optic Cables
Fiber optic cables can be used in a business’s network cabling infrastructure. They offer reliable speed, strong connections, and little to no interference. Plus, they are ideal for transferring data quickly across longer distances.
Fiber works by converting data into a pulse of light that is sent down the thin stands of glass within the cable. The light pulse quickly reaches a decoder on the receiving end, where it is converted back into data for the receiving device to use.
Fiber is ideal for businesses that need faster internet speeds or stronger network connections.
Coaxial Cables
Coaxial cables, sometimes called coax cables, can transmit data, video, and radio frequencies in a network cabling system. They use copper as their central conductor and are reliable for systems involving internet, cable TV, and satellite.
Networks May Require Plenum Cable Installation
Plenum cables are used whenever network cables are stored in the plenum space of an office—areas below raised floors and/or above dropped ceilings that are used for airflow management.
The air that flows through the plenum space is distributed to areas where people work throughout the day. The cables stored in these areas must be plenum-grade, meaning they meet strict fire-safety standards and are designed to not release toxic fumes should they overheat or catch fire. As a result, plenum cables have a more specialized protective jacket that can withstand harsher environments and temperatures than standard ethernet cable jackets.
Should your network cabling system utilize the plenum space, you will require plenum-grade cable installation.
Network Cabling Systems Should Be Maintained and Tested Regularly
When designing a network cabling system, it should be well-organized and optimized to enhance network performance and speed. It should also be inspected on a routine basis to ensure there is no wear or tear on any cables, no interference, and no outdated cables in use.
Technicians in charge of maintaining the network cabling system can and should use cable testers to check performance and uncover any minor problems early. The sooner an issue is discovered and addressed, the lower the risk of system failure, data loss, and costly downtime.
Professional Installation for Network Cabling Is Highly Recommended
There’s no rule saying you have to have a professional install your network cabling system. However, there are huge benefits that come with choosing a trusted team of IT professionals to take care of your network infrastructure for you.
Having your network cabling system professionally installed helps ensure:
- Accuracy
- Optimization
- Reliability
- Efficiency
- Compliance
- Scalability
- Easier troubleshooting
- Fewer risks
- Cost-effectiveness
Plus, many installers can offer warranties on both labor and materials for even more protection in case something goes sideways.
Network cabling is crucial to the Success of Any Small or Midsize Business. Companies in Tampa, FL, or Palm Beach, FL, Can Rely on MHD for All Their Network Cabling Needs.
The network cabling professionals at MHD understand network cabling, structured cabling, and everything that goes into ensuring your networks and devices are well connected. From recommending the best cables for every application to installing and organizing your cables for optimal performance, we have the network cabling solutions you need to drive your business forward.
To learn more about our network cabling services for your Florida business, contact an MHD specialist today: 833-MHD-INFO (833-643-4636).
MHD is your premier IT partner, serving businesses in and around Tampa, Florida, and West Palm Beach, Florida.
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