Businesses stress so much about other things such as equipment, technology, and teams that they forget what matters the most for their business. It is none other than the network cable installation.
Proper network cable installation is no longer optional but a must for ensuring reliable connectivity, getting optimal performance, and also future-proofing your network infrastructure.
Professional fiber optic cable installers recommend adhering to the best practices during the network cable installation for connecting the endpoints. Wondering how it is done?
Hear straight from the cable installation companies regarding how they ensure proper network cable installation for the endpoints.
Proper Network Cable Installation For Endpoints
You need to look after plenty of things while ensuring that the network cable installation is done properly for the endpoints. One small mistake can waste your entire investment. So, here are the best practices for the proper network cable installation for endpoints.
Needs and environment
First things first. Begin the network cabling by assessing your business needs and environment. This includes mapping out the locations of all endpoints and measuring the distance between the network equipment and endpoints.
Besides this, identify the potential obstacles and plan accordingly for future expansion needs as your needs arise.
Pick the right cable type
Your network cable installation depends on the cable you choose. So, it is crucial to choose the right cable type to ensure proper installation for endpoints. The different types of cables include cat6/cat6a, cat5e, fiber optic cable, and shielded cables.
Every cable is different and serves different purposes. For instance, cat 6 cables are suited for modern office environments and fiber optic cables for longer distances.
Plan cable route
The next crucial thing that determines your network cabling installation is the cable route. To ensure the network cable installation for endpoints, you need to plan the cable route properly.
Identify the location of your network devices and plan the shortest and the most direct path to avoid unnecessary cable lengths and potential hazards.
Use proper tools
Network cable installation is nearly impossible without using the proper tools. It’s crucial to gather the proper tools required for the network cable installation which includes a cable stripper, crimping tool, cable tester, and a punch-down tool if required.
These tools are not optional but mandatory for ensuring the proper network cable installation and proper performance.
Cable management
It’s not only about installing the cables but also about looking after the complete cable management. The cable management includes using cable trays and conduits for the overhead runs.
Another way is to secure cable runs using cable ties. This keeps the cables organized and also prevents them from getting damaged.
Terminate cables properly
The next best cabling practice is to terminate the cables properly. To terminate the cables properly, strip the cable ends precisely, insert the wires into the RJ45 connector, and crimp it using the crimping tool. This ensures a secure connection.
But care must be taken while terminating the cables. Consider using high-quality connectors and patch panels while terminating.
Separate power cables
There’s no purpose for network cabling installation when you are likely to experience electromagnetic interference. Fortunately, you can prevent this by separating the power cables.
For this, keep the network cables at a safer distance from power cords and this will reduce the electromagnetic interference and ensure smooth routine operations.
Wall plates and patch panels
Consider using the wall plates and patch panels during the network cable installation for endpoints. The main reason behind this is to keep the cables organized.
Not only this, using the wall plates and patch panels also enables you to connect multiple devices efficiently.
Note cable specifications
Most do not care much about this but it is crucial to take note of the cable specifications during the network cable installation. This includes maintaining the minimum bend radius and avoiding stretching or crushing the cables.
Besides this, ensure to maintain proper separation between network cables and power cables.
Testing and certification
Once done with the network cabling installation, the next thing to do is testing and certification. Consider using a network cable tester to test the cables and verify that each cable has proper continuity.
Testing and certification of the cables also pins configuration before the final network cabling installation.
Label the cables
The next notable cabling practice that professional fiber optic cable installers pay heed to is to label the cables. Label both ends of the cable with clear identification.
Clearly labeling the cables during the network cabling installation facilitates future maintenance and troubleshooting.
Final Words
This is how to ensure a properly structured cabling solution during the installation. Now, the next step is to find one of the best cable installation companies to get the network cabling installation done at your business facility.
