Best Practices for Cabling Installation & Management – Part 2
As discussed in Part 1, structured cabling should be the foundation of your network infrastructure. Running point-to-point, conventional cabling directly connects hardware by utilizing jumpers or patches. Differing in approach, structured cabling deploys a series of trunks or patch panels that can connect to the hardware.
These patch panels then link to another patch panel within the Main Distribution Area (MDA), the nerve center of a structured cabling system. As a result, MACs (moves, additions, and changes) at the MDA can be accomplished with ease by using short patch cords.
Part 2 will discuss Color Coding, Properly Sized Ceiling Cable Trays, and High-Quality Cables.
Color Coding
It is easy for a building with many cables to become disorganized as time passes. This is why using a pre-determined variety of colors to identify the specific purposes of network cables is critical from the beginning. Just like labeling, color coding will make network maintenance faster and easier. MACs can be performed more efficiently, minimizing downtime.
Properly Sized Ceiling Cable Trays
Typically, cables will be run throughout a facility, including the ceiling. Thus, cable trays are needed to run cables to ensure they are out of the way. Unfortunately, many organizations make the mistake of overloading cable trays.
Overloading can crush cables, which can result in network issues. In addition, overloaded cable trays will make it more difficult and slower to perform maintenance or replace defective cables.
During the planning stage, work with a professional on installing ceiling cable trays of the right size, ensuring they will meet your needs throughout the service life of your cabling installation.
High-Quality Cables
Many companies have mistakenly bought the cheapest cables on the market to economize. Buying cables is more than about the best deal because the quality of your cabling will greatly determine the performance of your company’s network.
Purchasing poor-quality cables will force your business to replace them sooner than higher-quality ones. Cheap cables are manufactured with low-quality materials, so they are less durable, and their low performance will negatively impact your network.
Consult with your installation professional about purchasing high-quality cables that ensure optimal performance, high reliability, and great durability.
Progressive Office Cabling
Founded in 1986, Progressive Office’s success has resulted directly from years of commitment to seeking cost-effective solutions. Progressive teams are committed to getting your data cabling, access control, and telecom systems installed and operating while minimizing disruption and downtime. Call our toll-free number (800) 614-4560 today.
