What Network Cabling Issues Do Installers Face Most?

Without any doubt, network cabling is the backbone of the IT infrastructure. It becomes difficult for a business to run its routine operations without a solid network cabling infrastructure in the office. And guess what? The integrity of your network relies on how well the cabling is installed and maintained, irrespective of your business size. 

The data cabling contractors are aware of this, but still, even the most seasoned network cabling installers face numerous challenges during their work. The cabling issues directly impact the network’s overall performance and business continuity.

Wondering what issues network cabling installers face the most during their work? Read this blog till the end to find out about the issues faced by the data cabling contractors.

Network Cabling Issues Hampering Network Performance

Most businesses make the mistake of thinking that they can handle the network issues on their own. But this is far from reality. It’s best to hire professional network cable repair services to get rid of the cabling issues. Have a look at the common network cabling issues faced during the work.

No prior planning about the cable installation can result in structured cabling problems. Not paying heed to the future scalability and maintenance can result in problems later on.

Installing the structured cabling without proper planning can result in issues such as choosing the wrong cable types or exceeding the cable length limits, which in turn can affect the network performance drastically. 

Poor cable management

Improper cable management is one of the most common but underrated network cabling issues. The tangled wires, overstuffed conduits, or chaotic patch panels make it difficult for the installers to troubleshoot and make the desired upgrades. 

It is due to the lack of planning, rushed installation, and neglect the future scalability, which results in poor cable management. The key? Label the cables and use color-coded cables. Cable trays, ties, and velcro strips should be used for proper cable management. 

Outside interference and crosstalk

The electromagnetic interference and crosstalk between the cables are the next network cabling issues. It not only degrades the signal quality but also affects the overall network performance. It happens when installers place cables too close to the electrical lines. 

Improper shielding and twisted pair cables, when not terminated properly, also result in electromagnetic interference and crosstalk. The alternative? Maintain the proper distance from the power lines. 

Besides this, the installers also need to make sure of the correct termination techniques and grounding. Consider using shielded twisted pair or fiber optic cables in the high-interference zones. 

Incorrect cable lengths

The next network cabling issue is the incorrect cable lengths. When the maximum recommended cable length is exceeded, it affects the data transmission efficiency and also results in signal loss. 

The main reason why it happens is due to the failure to measure the cable lengths accurately before installation. Not planning the cable routes before also results in incorrect cable lengths. It’s best to use cable testers to measure the cable length properly and design the cabling systems appropriately. 

Poor terminations and connections

The reason why most network failures and connection dropouts happen is poor terminations and connections. It is the use of substandard connectors and rushing through punch downs or crimps that results in the faulty terminations. 

The installers must use the proper termination techniques, high-quality RJ45 connectors, and keystone jacks. Make sure to test each termination with certification tools. 

Failure to follow standards 

Speaking of the network cabling issues would be incomplete without talking about the most significant one, which is the failure to comply with the standards. Failing to abide by the compliance standards results in compliance issues, an unreliable network, and costly rework. 

This usually happens when there’s a lack of knowledge about the TIA/EIA and ANSI/BICSI standards and when businesses prioritize speed over best practices. Stay informed about the latest cabling standards and make sure to use the cabling designs as per the guidelines given. 

The installation process also needs to be documented thoroughly for the audits and future maintenance. 

Inadequate testing and certification

It’s not only about installing the network cables but also ensuring whether the network cabling infrastructure is working as expected or not. This can lead to undetected faults and also in dissatisfaction among clients. 

It happens when businesses resort to cost-cutting, choose improper equipment, and have the misconception that visual inspection is enough. Conduct proper testing after the installation using the cable testers to test the signal loss, attenuation, and delay. 

Besides this, the record of the test results should also be maintained, and also provide a certification report to the clients. 

Wrapping Up 

What may seem a simple issue at first can turn severe if left untreated. Businesses must address the network cabling issues at the earliest to ensure optimal network performance and business continuity in the long run. Hire the network cabling services, whether you’re planning to install a new cabling system or upgrade an existing one.