Golden Rules of Data Cabling

Excerpt from CABLING

The Complete Guide to Network Wiring

If your cabling is not designed and installed properly, you will have problems that you can’t even imagine. We have come up with a list of rules to consider when planning structure-cabling systems.

·        Networks never get smaller or less complicated.

·        Build one cabling system that will accommodate voice and data.

·        Always install more cabling than you currently require.  Those extra outlets will come in handy some day.

·        Use structured cabling standards when building a new cabling system.  Avoid anything proprietary!

·        Quality counts!  Use the highest quality cabling and cabling components.  Cabling is the foundation of your network; if the cabling fails to perform, nothing else will matter.

·        Don’t scrimp on installation costs.  Even quality components and cable must be installed correctly; poor workmanship has trashed more then one cabling installation.

·        Plan for higher speed technologies than are commonly available today. Just because 100Base-T Ethernet seems unnecessary today does not mean it won’t be a requirement in five years.

·        Documentation, while dull, is a necessary evil that should be taken care of while you’re setting up the cabling system.  If you wait, more pressing concerns may cause you to ignore its importance later.