15 mistakes to avoid when installing network cables (2023)

Relocation is always an important task, be it professional or personal. While moving your office or home space physically from one place to another, there are so many things that you need to take care of. Among all, its installationnet cableit is one of the most important but complicated things too, especially for the professional field. You cannot imagine a modern office with full functionality without the support of the internet. And to get an uninterrupted Internet connection, you need to install the network cable in the best possible way.

Business of all sizes need the constant support of a fast, hassle-free and efficient network to upload and download heavy files. In case you do not pay the required attention to this problem. Your business may face additional costs, maintenance issues and problematic network performance.

There is a saying that says learn from mistakes. Well, here's your chance to create a bug-free and efficient network by learning from the common mistakes people make when setting up their network cable.

Things to keep in mind before installing the network cable

For a layman, installing the network cable can be a difficult task. When the person does not have the proper knowledge, it is obvious that they have to overlook some important aspects and end up creating a faulty network. Therefore, before starting the work, you must know all the technical aspects along with the common mistakes.

Here are the common but dangerous mistakes to avoid and some practical tips that are really useful for this lesson.

Mistake 1. Ignore improper cable management:

Cable management is an important aspect of networking. It helps to sort and manage cables for future use as well. You can easily manage cables without any hassle quickly whenever you need them. Many people avoid this stage as they see it as an additional expense. However, it is actually a mistake and for that, they may pay a bigger amount later.

Mistake 2. Focusing on the Immediate Need:

Everyone can understand how eager you are to set up your office without any delay. However, this rush can lead to a huge mistake if you compromise the immediate business need for Ethernet networking. You may have overlooked the potential growth of your business and for which you may need some expansion. When planning the installation of the network cable, you need to consider the company's future plan for at least the next five years. As 1Gbps has become more common, are you really settling for 100Mbps for now? If you have to reinstall the cable in a few years, you will have to spend on the hardware as well as labor costs. Therefore, when planning, consider your future prospects so that you do not have to upgrade the network system.

Mistake 3. Compromising quality:

You must remember that the internet network is not temporary but a permanent system that will support your business in every possible aspect. However, many people forget the basic truth and settle for low quality materials like Ethernet cables. As a result, many of them face short circuit problems in their network cables. Therefore, it is good to have high quality and stronger network cables. When you have stronger and better quality cables, they are resistant to overload which is a common problem associated with cable wear. It doesn't mean you have to invest in a higher quality cable, but you can make a smart decision by choosing affordable yet quality cable within your budget that ensures a solid and secure connection.

Error4. Compromise the version:

The technology industry changes its dimension quite rapidly and upgrading is a very common phenomenon in every respect. When installing the cable, many people do not prefer the latest version and use the older version of the cable. Ultimately, it ends up with outdated networking with poor speed and interruptions. Therefore, it is very important to choose the latest version of cables to make the network future-proof.

Error5. Separate cable for voice and data:

If you ask any professional who deals with network cable? it has to be said that this is the most common networking mistake people make to date. In the past, when twisted pair cable was an expensive option for networking, people used two separate cables for voice and data. However, with time, modern networking cables are not so expensive. On the other hand, the modern telephone system needs data layer cabling that does not support separate voice and data paths. So, if you are thinking ahead, you must avoid the mistake of installing two separate voice and data cables.

Error6. The correct installation method is not followed:

Each cable has a set of instructions for twisting and setting the coat. However, in the rush, many people abandon the basic rules and overlook the safe way to install cables. Among all, neglecting secure links is one of the most common mistakes. If you have long links then it will lead to slower designs. For this reason, it is very important to follow the correct instructions for packaging and fixing the links. If you place the PVC covered joints on the roof or back area of ​​the building then it can be fatal in case of fire or any other crisis.

Error7. Do not reserve space to remove cables:

Nothing is permanent in the IT industry and everything around it evolves so fast that you may need to change hardware in the next few days. During the hardware change, you may need to replace the cables. If you don't leave any place to change the cable then you have to leave it there and this can be dangerous in future. Therefore, when installing the cables, make sure that there should be some space to remove them when required.

Error8. Installation near noisy devices:

Many people are unaware of the fact that loud and intense noises can affect the mechanism of the cable data network. Many factors such as noisy motors or bright fluorescent lights and some other devices can interrupt data transmission as they create electromagnetic waves. It can also interfere with the general mechanics of the cable. In addition, it is very important to keep the cables cool to avoid power surge problems. Always place the data cable far enough away from the power cable to avoid increasing noise.

Error9. Install data cable in parallel with power cable:

As we have discussed that the electromagnetic field can disrupt the connection. Sometimes, you may lose connections or cause very slow transmission over the wires. Therefore, while planning the cable route, make sure that you do not run it parallel to the power cable.

Error10. Failure to keep cable cool and dry:

Cable quality can be hampered by heat and humidity. The internal parts of Ethernet cables are made of copper, and the data transmission capacity of the metal is greatly affected. The network cabling standard provides some guidelines on methods of keeping cables cool and dry, otherwise it can cause problems and disrupt operation and security as well. Along with this, you need to think about the cooling and humidity control aspect at the design stage before starting the installation.

Error12. Ignore the distance limitation:

Many people neglect to check the distance the cable must cover for the installation process. Each cable has its own respective distance limitation which can create confusion in the whole process. So before starting the installation, you need to check the distance parameters of the network cable for better performance.

Error13. Cut the cord without measuring:

In a proper networking system, no cable is stretched too far to reach its destination or has enough slack hanging here and there. To avoid this, you should measure the required length and cut the wire just a few inches longer than that. Remember, don't cut them too long or too short. In case you have a much longer cable than the required length, then you may experience slower and more annoying.

Error14. Skip the cable test:

Do you go all out to install and end up with faulty networking? No one wants to complete a mammoth task that will produce no results. The trial part of the installation process should be high on your priority list. Use the appropriate tools to test the infrastructure and other components as well. You must ensure that the cable must support the required transmission speed for error-free operation. During rush hour. it may sound like a time-consuming task when you are paying heavy labor costs for the installation. However, it will be a better option to pay them more later to fix any faulty connection.

Error15. Congestion connection:

To avoid the extra cost of cable, you might consider running network cables through multiple or mini switches. As a result, data will become congested and reduce network speed. In fact, cables are quite affordable now. So, it will be better to use extra cable unless the reason is quite compelling.

So, there are so many mistakes that people often make in the cabling process, but luckily now you know them from this blog. Finally, it is authentic advice to take the help of the professionals who are experienced in the expertise of the networking process and ensure that you have a fast and smooth connection operation that will definitely support your business growth