DOs & DON’Ts: How to ace the Ethernet Cable installation process?

When it comes to connectivity or networking, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind? We are pretty sure that it’s ethernet cables. Whether it is networking in hospitals, schools, business offices, data centers, one thing that is common in all these organizations is the use of ethernet cables; as a matter of fact, when it comes to the healthcare sector, ethernet cables bulk are the backbone of networking.  

Ethernet plays a part even when it comes to wireless networking. Wireless devices get data packets/signals from wireless access points or routers that themselves are connected to the internet via an ethernet cable. Ethernet cables come in different categories like Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, and Cat7 ethernet cables. It means this whole ethernet cable’s installation process is not as simple as it looks and requires planning. The factors that influence the selection of an ethernet cable are as follow:

• Data speed requirements
• Bandwidth capacity
• Environments
• Place/space of installation (plenum, riser, or PVC) 

If you need an ethernet cable for high-speed data applications, then, your perfect cable will be either Cat6 cable or Cat6a cable; these two cables have data transfer rates of 10 Gbps up to a distance of 50 meters and 100 meters, respectively. Cat6 cable comes with a bandwidth capacity of 550 MHz whereas Cat6a cable comes with a bandwidth capacity of 750 MHz. 

Now as far as the place of installation is concerned, you will need a CMP-rated plenum cable for installation in the plenum/horizontal spaces, a CMR-rated riser cable for installation in the riser/vertical spaces, and a PVC cable for installation in the outdoor spaces. 

When it comes to ethernet cables, the environment is concerned with crosstalk and EMI. A harsh environment is one where both EMI and crosstalk are in excessive quantities and a normal environment is one where these two things are either very low or almost non-existent. 

DOs of Ethernet Cable Installation Process

1: Cable Management

Often completely ignored or being taken as something not important, cable management remains crucial to successful cable installation. You can begin cable management by labeling each ethernet cable. As a matter of fact, our experts recommend you label all ethernet cables and wires in your network. At some point, there’s a need to unplug a cable (for repair, replacement e.t.c) and if your cables are not labeled, you will land yourself in a mess. On the other hand, if you have properly labeled your ethernet cables bulk, then, you can trace them easily, if need be. 

2: Keep Your Ethernet Cables Organised

The problem with keeping ethernet cables loose is that they tangle. Even if you have installed a single cable and kept it loose, it will end up getting tangled in itself. Therefore, you should always keep your ethernet cables well-organized. 

3: Select the right cable

We have explained it already. The right cable is the one that meets your data transfer, bandwidth, and other requirements. 

4: Use Different Color Schemes

Using different color schemes keep your data lines organized, making the whole cable installation process convenient for you. 

5: Effective Wire Management System

Using an effective management wire system is the key. The first thing is to deploy an effective wire bundling device for organizing your Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat6a patch cables between the racks. Creating a map layout will go a long way in locating ethernet cables bulk for replacement or repair. And last but not least, always space your ethernet cables and wires out in a patch panel. 

Now let’s discuss the things that you should avoid when installing ethernet cables. 

DON’Ts Ethernet Cables Installation

1: Avoid Running Ethernet Cables in Unsafe Places

You should always avoid running ethernet cables in unsafe locations like edgy spaces or under heavy furniture. However, at one point or another, you may be left no choice but to run ethernet cables in dangerous places like walls or ceilings. If such a situation arises, you have to make sure that your Cat5e Cable, Cat6 Cable, or Cat6a Cable is not run over water pipes, electrical conduit, or beneath the floor. 

2: Never Bundle Ethernet Cables Too Tightly

Bundling your ethernet cables too tightly can inflict internal or external damage that will ultimately lead to performance degradation. 

3: Don’t: Leave Wires Exposed by Terminations

If you leave ethernet cables exposed by terminations, chances are high that wires/conductors can break inside the plug. 

These are the main things that you should keep in mind when installing ethernet cables. 

Whether you need a quality Cat5e cable, Cat6 Cable, or Cat6a cable, NewYork Cables is your one-stop-shop. What distinguishes us from others is that each of our ethernet cables exceeds industry standards, is fully tested against safety standards, and comes at market-competitive prices. We offer free shipping across the USA on orders worth $299.99 or more. So, get in touch NOW!