Tag Archives: Network Performance

As discussed in Part 1, the performance issues of your company’s network may be directly related to improper cabling. Part 2 will discuss Compatibility, Patch Cords, and Poor Installation.

Compatibility

Issues occasionally arise when coupling cabling and connectivity from various manufacturers. The use of jacks from one manufacturer with cabling from another, and then patch panels from a third firm is an example. This combination may result in compatibility problems. When components that are not intended by design to function together are used, network performance issues will likely result.

Purchasing top of the line high-performance cables, while utilizing lower-quality connectivity components, will produce a weak link in the chain. Cable of the highest quality will be unable to attain its full performance potential when it is married to jacks, patch panels, and plugs that are not rated to support its capabilities.

Patch Cords

Patch cords may be the top reason why there are issues in network performance.

Your company may have installed a high performance cabling infrastructure of the highest quality, but if low-quality patch cords were purchased to economize, network speed, signal quality, and overall performance will be compromised.

Poor Installation

Vetting the cabling services team you hire is perhaps the most important factor in the prevention of network performance issues. Check that the company you are considering has technicians that are properly trained and certified to install the cabling system you have chosen.

When cable installers are not properly trained, it will greatly increase the probability that your company’s structured cabling system will not be properly installed. Incompetent installation can result in problems such as improper pulling, excessive bending, and cable being installed too near sources of signal interference like large motors and machinery.

Poorly trained technicians will leave cabling that is not properly terminated or correctly polished. Sloppy work and insufficient attention to detail during installation will usually result in poor network performance, along with costly and time-consuming efforts to address the problems the substandard work caused.

Progressive Office Cabling

Founded in 1986, Progressive Office’s success has been a direct result of years of commitment to seeking solutions on behalf of our clients in the Washington, D.C. and New York City areas. Efficiently working together, Progressive teams get cabling installed and operating as fast as possible while minimizing disruption and downtime. Call our toll free number (800) 614-4560 today.

Your employees are dissatisfied by their company’s network performance, and it is affecting their productivity. A number of factors must be taken into consideration. How many users are attempting to use resources simultaneously? Have you taken into account how much the use of devices has grown? Is your network equipment sufficient to meet demand? Answering the above questions will help, but network issues may be directly related to your company’s structured cabling.

Outdated Cabling

In many instances, the age of your structured cabling system may be responsible for poor network performance. 15-year-old cabling may have met standards when it was installed, but now it may be unable to handle the ever increasing network traffic needs of your company.

An internet service provider (ISP) provides the cable that provides the connection from your company’s network to the internet. When this backbone component fails to meet today’s bandwidth standards, bottlenecks may occur.

In situations where you are attempting to operate at speeds that are too high or carry excessive bandwidth via a cable that not rated for the capacity, it will be noticeable to users and their productivity will decline, hampering business operations.

Quality of Cabling

Cabling manufacturers rate their cables in terms of capability and performance. For example, CAT6 and CAT6a cabling have different capabilities, CAT being an abbreviation for category. A manufacturer must meet the performance standards set by the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) for each category of cabling.

Cabling that exceeds minimum standards will attain higher network speeds without having to upgrade your cabling. In contrast, for cabling that only meets the minimum standards, the company network speed will be unable to expand much beyond the rating of the cable.

It is helpful to understand cable standards and ratings. Even though a cable is labeled Category 6A, it is not automatic that it meets the minimum performance standards of this category. The brand name and manufacturing quality will play a big role in the cable’s output.

Part 2 will discuss Compatibility, Patch Cords, and Poor Installation.

Progressive Office Cabling

Founded in 1986, Progressive Office’s success has been a direct result of years of commitment to seeking solutions on behalf of our clients in the Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Pittsburgh and New York City areas. Efficiently working together, Progressive teams get cabling installed and operating as fast as possible while minimizing disruption and downtime. Call our toll free number (800) 614-4560 today.

As discussed in Part 1, the improper I can result in poor network performance, maintenance issues, and concealed expenses. Part 2 will discuss four more network cabling errors to avoid. Remember to consult with a cabling company that is experienced and provides excellent service.

Mistake No. 5: Ignoring Distance Limitations

The standard distance limitation for UTP cabling with Ethernet at 1 Gbps is 100 meters. For cabling used for 10 Gbps or 40 Gbps, it is important to be aware of the distance limitations of the kind of cabling that will be used. Let’s say your project plans to run 10 Gbps for a maximum of 100 meters over UTP cabling. This will require utilizing at least CAT 6A cabling.

Mistake No. 6: Bypassing Codes

Bypassing local codes may result in endangering first responders. In most facilities, it is prohibited to use PVC-jacketed cabling within air handling spaces. When PVC cabling burns, it produces poisonous fumes that can be hazardous to firefighters and other first responders who must enter the facility during an emergency.

The failure to comply with local codes with respect to low voltage cabling may result in costly fines and perhaps even being ordered to completely remove and reinstall cabling, an expensive exercise. Working with a reputable cabling service company that is knowledgeable regarding local ordinances will avoid future problems.

Mistake No. 7: Neglecting Testing

After cabling is installed, testing should be performed on every cable, using equipment that can verify functionality. The verification of cable lengths and specifications is also important. For certain transmission rates, it must be verified that the cabling is capable of adequately providing support.

Mistake No. 8: Non-Compliance with Standards

Your company’s project should comply with technical standards to ensure the proper functioning of its network. Non-compliance will make noise and interference more likely, leading to inefficiency and poor network performance.

Network cabling standards are used worldwide and are drafted by ISO/IEC, CENELEC and the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). TIA (USA) issues the ANSI/TIA-568 standards for telecommunications cabling in commercial facilities.

Progressive Office Cabling

Founded in 1986, Progressive Office’s success has been a direct result of years of commitment to seeking solutions on behalf of our clients in the Washington, D.C. and New York City areas. Efficiently working together, Progressive teams get cabling installed and operating as fast as possible while minimizing disruption and downtime. Call our toll free number (800) 614-4560 today.