Recently Adept IT Solutions completed a switch upgrade and network cabling job for one of our valued clients.
While network cabling is only one of a number of services our expert team can provide for your business, when faced with the opportunity to perform a tidy up, our team always go above and beyond by providing a professional looking outcome.
We’re sure you’ll agree from the below before and after pictures the Adept IT Solutions team were meticulous in their approach.
Before
After
What did the network cabling and switch install job entail?
Our client is a growing business located in Newcastle that required additional network switches to be installed to allow them to continue to expand in both staff and office size.
While the Adept IT Solutions Newcastle team members were onsite installing these switches, they recommended and completed a tidy up of the existing network cabling.
Adept IT Solutions must do procedures for network cabling
Whenever a network cabling job is required, our team follow a number of steps to ensure the completed project is tidy, safe and secure.
Here are some of Adept IT Solutions network cabling do’s:
- Always measure the required length for cables: When configuring a network it helps to calculate the distance between ports to select an appropriate cable, complete the job neatly and avoid excessive overhang
- Follow the appropriate colour coding of the cables: Ethernet cables come in a range of colours that can be used to assist network cablers and IT Technicians to identify their purpose. While there’s no industry standard, below is an example of colour assignment that can help with cable management:
blue = data network
yellow = camera
white = security
black = phones
red = servers and critical devices
- Use Velcro ties to secure cables so they’re neat and tidy: When it comes to securing network cables, Velcro is the recommended tool for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it’s easy to add and remove and secondly, it can be reused time and time again. Velcro ties also help avoid unnecessary damage simply because the cables are less likely to get caught or be in the way when they’ve been secured properly
- Plan for the future: While a business might only want to install enough cabling to meet their current needs, it’s important to plan for the future. It’s recommended to project growth for between three and five years from now. A network should not only cope with those who are currently working onsite, but also those who might be employed in the future and for those who are going to be working remotely from home. Technology is always changing so it’s also important to choose cabling products that allow a network to grow and permit space to install extra connections neatly and easily if required
- Test to ensure the infrastructure is all working: After completing a network cabling job, it’s important to check that everything is working. This includes checking the network’s availability in addition to confirming all software and network devices are functional
The do not’s: network cabling errors to avoid
It’s not uncommon to find examples of IT networks which don’t follow best practices when it comes to keeping the cabling tidy.
Here are some of Adept IT solutions network cabling don’ts:
- Don’t create cable spaghetti: Cable spaghetti occurs when network cablers don’t follow many of the above network cabling recommendations, such as measuring and using only the required cable length and planning for future network expansion to avoid cabling crossovers
- Don’t overbend your network cables: A network cable should follow its natural curve to avoid kinks in the tube. Bending a cable too tightly can result in damage to the cable or interference in transmission of information to the network
- Don’t run network cables near electrical cables: While this part of a cabling job is usually done by a network cabler, rather than your IT technician, it’s important to ensure network cables aren’t installed close to electrical cables as this can cause signal interference
- Don’t choose cables, connectors and patch cords that are of poor quality: While some business owners might think choosing cheaper options will save them money from their budget, poor quality patch cords and cables can cause signal loss and be inadequate to cope with the amount of infrastructure onsite
Why network cablers are an important part of the equation
When setting up a network, Adept IT Solutions often work with dedicated network cabling professionals to help complete the job. This is because network cablers are often licensed electricians with qualifications that enable them to run the cable back to the network rack and patch them in.
How will your business benefit by enlisting Adept IT Solutions to look after your network?
When it comes to enlisting an external IT company to look after your network, it’s essential to choose a provider that can supply your business with a holistic approach.
Adept IT Solutions provides thorough technical support via both remote and onsite services to help maintain your business’ network computers, servers and devices.
To learn more about how Adept IT Solutions can assist your business with your network contact us on 1300 4 23378 (ADEPT) or email us at info@adept-it.com.au.
