Posted by How to ensure your cabling setup complies with UK regulations on
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Following the necessary standards is a crucial part of ensuring you have the right network cabling set up as it acts as a safeguard against various potential problems within your network. However, there are still a large number of companies that are making the same mistakes when it comes to the installation of their structured cabling solution.
Wiring
When it comes to wiring, there are two standards that apply to network cabling - T568A and T568B. As a general rule, it is never advisable to combine or interchange these formats, meaning that whenever you are applying updates or expansion plans to any network infrastructure, it is essential you check which wiring standard was originally used and continue with that standard.
The need for keeping wiring in line with the original standard is down to continuity. If your wires and plugs do not match up when they are connected, then the transfer of data signals becomes almost impossible.
There are occasional instances when the connection of T568A-wired components with T568B-wired components is more or less unavoidable. In these cases, there is a solution in the form of a crossover cable, (a patch cord that has an A-configured plug at one end, and a B-configured plug at the other). This device is hugely useful due to the fact it is capable of smoothly transitioning between standards without compromising data.
Cat5e, Cat6, or 10G
As outlined in another article, choosing the right type of cabling can be a tricky business for many customers, many of whom are keen to get their network running as quickly as possible.
However, many make the mistake of assuming that because they have a higher quality cable, their network will subsequently run at a faster speed. The truth is unless the switches and routers within a system are capable of handling those speeds, the network will not run any faster.
And while it is generally possible to enjoy a gigabit network using high-quality Cat5 cabling, it is always good to use Cat5e, or the even higher Cat6 cabling, which can be installed for Gigabit connectivity, even if it can only run 100 Mps.
The digital age is one that moves quickly and constantly, so it is always good to ensure you are prepared for future developments. By setting up your network with the cabling infrastructure needed to cope with Gigabit speeds, it is easier to ensure your system can cope when the necessary routers and switches become more readily available.
Set up
Setting up is a crucial aspect of a successful cabling infrastructure. For instance, each cable should be no longer than 90 metres and should not contain any joins or joints.
Cabling should also never be run next to electrical mains due to potential interference and should never be suspended or laid on ceiling tiles as this may violate building, health & safety, and fire regulations.
Most network cabling is comprised of solid wire, meaning it should therefore never be twisted or bent into a tight radius, while users should never use metal staples to secure cables nor tightly adjusted cable wraps.
No matter what the set up it is always important to remember that the installation of structured network cabling should only undertaken by trained and certified professionals.
