5 Tips Every Small Business Should Know for Successful Network Cabling Installation

For many small businesses, network cabling installation is a process that’s nearly as foreign and complicated as astrophysics. But if not performed properly, a faulty network cable installation will almost certainly diminish telecommunications performance.

Whether it’s keeping all your valuable data safe and secure or establishing proper accessibility and integration for all of your telecommunication equipment, installing a proficient network infrastructure design is crucial for optimal telecommunications productivity. But before you start drilling holes, wiring foot after foot of cables, and attaching dozens of jacks, it’s essential to know what exactly goes into a successful network cable installation.

From plotting out your installation process to ensuring optimal accessibility, here are five essential tips every small business should consider before installing their next network cabling system.

1. Proper Planning Leads to Proper Installation

This initial step may go without saying, but is all too important not to review. Before you even think about picking up any power tools or cables, you should have thoroughly plotted out your installation process and created an in-depth blueprint that can serve as a step-by-step resource.

After you’ve established which type of network you’re going to create, the next step is to assess which areas of your working environment will work best for accessing your network.

Essential questions you need answered prior to installation can include:

• Where and how long will your cable run?
• Which rooms in your office need connectivity?
• Are your network cables going to be wired through the ceiling, walls, or under your building?
• Which types of cables are you planning to install?
• What are your bandwidth requirements or expectations?
• Do you plan on remodeling or altering your workplace anytime soon?
• How many data points do you need for each office?
• What is the total amount of cable needed for installation?

The more thought out your installation planning is, the smoother the entire process will run.

2. Know Which Materials & Tools You’ll Need

The next step in your network cabling installation process is ensuring you’ve gathered all the correct materials and tools necessary for the project. This means assembling everything from ethernet network adaptors, hubs or switches, routers, modems, wire hooks, punchdown or crimping tools, modular connectors, network testing tools, and more.

If you’re unsure about all the materials and equipment you’ll need for the job, then it’s probably wise to at least consult with a telecommunications specialist to ensure you’re not missing out on any essential resources. 

3. Keep Cables Separate From Electrical Wires

Any structured cabling you plan on installing for all your communication and connectivity needs  should be completely separated from any electrical wires. Data cables consist of twisted pairs of wires which produce a magnetic field, which can easily be distributed if within close proximity of any set of electrical wires.

Installing structured cabling near electrical wires will most likely result in having to reinstall your entire network infrastructure, clearly costing you precious time, money, and energy.

4. Emphasize Efficiency

Perhaps the most important aspect to keep in mind throughout the network cabling installation process is that your overarching goal is to improve efficiency within your work space, as far as communication performance goes.

You need to create a structured cabling environment that’s organized and outlined for more energy-efficient wiring solutions. You also need to emphasize accessibility, as having instant access to your wiring systems will allow for faster, more effective maintenance services.

Any opportunities to reduce energy consumption as well as lower utility costs should also be implemented wherever necessary.

5. Hire a Professional

At the end of the day, if you’re remotely unsure about how to approach installing your new structured cabling system, then it’s probably time to consider hiring a professional.

At Telecom Technologies, we have decades of experience when it comes to network cabling installation for businesses of all sizes and industries. We’ll work directly with you to assess your premises, evaluate your expectations, and implement a network infrastructure that aligns with your telecommunications needs.

When you need expert network cabling installation assistance, contact Telecom Technologies to get in touch with our team of maintenance and repair professionals!