Computer Cabling Systems

Written By Steve Bryan

Computer networks are essential to most businesses, even those businesses with just a few employees. Before installing computer cabling systems, however, it's a good idea to plan ahead and make a few preparations.

Getting ready for the installation
Depending on how your offices are arranged, putting in computer cabling systems can be a long, messy, and complicated process. Here are some important things to keep in mind before, during, and after the installation:

• Employee downtime: During the installation, there will be long stretches where your employees will not be able to use their computers, so plan accordingly. For most businesses, the ideal time to put in computer cabling systems is the weekend (Friday evening through Sunday evening).
• Physical requirements: Installing computer cabling systems may involve running cables under the office floor and through the ceiling. If your in-house staff does not have experience with this type of work, you may need to hire outside contractors.
• Backups and disaster recovery: Even a well-planned installation can go wrong at times, so it's advisable to backup and archive all critical data in the days before the installation. If possible, set up an auxiliary computer system that you can use in case the installation takes longer than expected. You can also work with a remote backup dealer to ensure you protect your data for this installation and beyond.
• Know your system requirements: Network cables come in different flavors, and each one is suitable for different applications. If you are just upgrading the phone system, unshielded twisted pair copper cables are a good choice. For faster data needs, fiber optics are a better choice for companies that need room for a network to grow.
• Testing: At various points during the installation process, it’s critical to test the network to verify that each cable and component works properly. Once the network is back up and running, perform what is known as an "end-to-end" test to make sure that the employees are able to perform all of their critical job functions.

Structured computer cabling systems
When planning for an installation, you may want to consider using a structured approach to computer cabling systems instead of simply having the installers add additional cables to the network. This means following a set of standards and procedures set up by the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and the Electronics Industry Alliance (EIA).

Structured cabling takes a little more time and may cost more money, but this type of network setup makes future expansion and maintenance easier and more cost-effective.

BuyerZone can help you set up computer cabling systems for your business. Complete our free and simple request for cabling and wiring services form, and we’ll match you to multiple suppliers who will review your needs and come up with the appropriate solution.