Voice and data cabling is an important part of any network.
Network cables are a fairly simple piece of equipment that’s inexpensive. Maybe due to its low cost, most people do not realize they are one of the most important aspects of any network. No matter how complex or state-of-the-art your computer and telecommunication devices are, they are virtually useless without a good voice and data cabling network. If they are not connected correctly, they will not communicate or function to their full capacity.
Hence, you need to take voice and data cabling seriously and only use professional services, like those from Communication Solutions Inc. in Jacksonville, Florida, for installations and maintenance.
Let’s discuss some expert tips for voice and data cabling so you know exactly what to do for your next upgrade or even a brand new installation.
Expert Tips for Voice & Data Cabling
Here are some expert tips for voice and data cabling that you should keep in mind when opting for an upgrade or a brand new installation.
- Future Planning
Telecommunication technology is evolving rapidly, and we see improvements and upgrade faster than ever before. In recent years, we have seen voice and data cabling evolve from Cat5 to Cat5e, Cat6, fiber optics, and beyond, supporting up to 1000 mbps of data easily.
These cables are typically backward compatible and work with older cables. For example, Cat6 cables can be used with Cat5e, Cat5, and even Cat3 equipment. This backward compatibility is great for people using older equipment. However, when installing voice and data cabling, many forget to think about the future.
Installing the cabling you need now is important; however, it is equally important to think of the future and plan your voice and data cabling accordingly. Every cable is limited by its specifications, which means cables with higher specifications would be more future-proof and will last you longer with future equipment.
When it comes to voice and data cabling, always think of what your needs will be five years from now. Opting for newer cables that future-proof your business will give your voice and data cabling network a longer lifespan, which simply means more bang for your buck.
- Avoid Cutbacks
Everyone wants to save money, and businesses will often make cutbacks on certain expenses to save money, which is understandable. However, installation of voice and data cabling or structured cabling in general is not where you want to make cutbacks.
Often people may buy inexpensive cables without understanding the consequences or hire a common electrician to run the cabling for them because it costs less. Such cutbacks can cost you more in the long run and are not an ideal, long-term cabling solution.
Inexpensive cables do not future-proof your network or even provide quality transmissions for that matter. In contrast, improper installations that do not follow standards, important network equipment, or requirements may not be capable of properly supporting your network.
You may end up paying more for experts to fix problems that eventually arise from these cutbacks in your voice and data cabling. Hence, it is always better to opt for professional installations from experts like Communications Solutions Inc. in the first place.
- Professional Installations
The importance of professional installations cannot be understated, and you should always opt for professionals when it comes to voice and data cabling installations. Many people do not realize that most connectivity issues that you face are not network-related; rather, they are cabling and infrastructure-related.
Improper cabling results in interferences from a host of different things, like a light or bent cable. It may still function but it will not function properly or to its full capacity. Voice and data cabling is more than just running cables, and you need to understand the importance of professional installations.
This cabling network will connect your computers, phones, and other devices crucial to your business, which means you cannot afford mistakes or incompetence. If the installation is not done correctly, problems will arise in the future inevitably.
- Testing
Just because your devices and networks are connected does not mean it is a good voice and data cabling installation. It simply means that all the wires are connected. Voice and data cabling is an investment, and like any other investment, you should ensure it is protected; this is where testing comes in.
Upon installation, you should always test the capabilities of your voice and data cabling network. You should ask the installers to give you printed test results that show the network meets the full specifications of your cabling.
Testing equipment is expensive, but if you use professional end-to-end services like Communications Solutions Inc. in Jacksonville, Florida, they will have the testing equipment. The test results should closely coincide with the full specifications of your cabling with a 5 to 10 percent margin for error.
Moreover, you need to test your voice and data cabling network periodically. This testing is done to ensure the cables in the network are functioning properly and there are no obstructions. A good rule of thumb is to get your cabling network tested every eight to ten years.
However, if you have done any recent renovations or have faced recent issues in your voice and data cabling, you should test it again regardless of when the last test took place.
Conclusion
Voice and data cabling is one of the most important elements of any business’s infrastructure and should not be taken lightly. Always plan ahead, avoid cutbacks, opt for professional installations, and get periodic tests to get the best out of your investment.
Not only will it save you money in the long run but will also maintain the integrity of your voice and data cabling network for longer. Your business will face less downtime and experience improved telecommunications.
If you want to learn more expert tips for voice and data cabling or want the best cabling solutions from Communications Solutions Inc. in Jacksonville, Florida, please Contact Us Today.