What Mistakes to Avoid During Ethernet Cable Installation?

Have a plan ready for your network, device locations, and potential future expansions as your business needs will grow with time. 

Plan the cable routes keeping in mind the aesthetics and the potential obstructions and ensure optimal performance. 

Choosing the wrong cable

Which cable to choose and which not to also matters the most during the ethernet cable installation. This is especially true because ethernet cables come in numerous categories such as Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, Cat7, and so on. 

Each cable type is designed differently for the different performance levels. If you choose the wrong cable type, then it might result in poor performance. 

Consequently, make sure to choose the right cable that aligns perfectly with your needs, challenges, and future goals. 

Running cables parallel to electrical wires

Running ethernet cables parallel to electrical wires is also a significant mistake most people make during ethernet cable installation. It results in frequent electromagnetic interference and can also degrade your network performance. 

So, make sure to avoid running the ethernet cables parallel to the electrical wires to get the ideal performance you’re looking for. 

Ignoring cable length

The next common mistake is ignoring the cable length limitations. Every ethernet cable has the maximum cable length limitations to maintain the performance levels. Failing to comply with the cable length can spell trouble for businesses. 

For instance, professionals recommend that cat5e and cat6 cables should not exceed the maximum cable length. Exceeding these length limits can result in signal degradation and also data loss. 

Missing cable management

It’s not about installing the cables but also about managing the cables well. But most businesses leave cables messy or hanging loose which not only looks dirty but also results in connectivity issues over time. 

The alternative? It’s proper cable management. Manage the cables effectively by using cable trays, ties, and conduits. This not only keeps the cables organized but also protects them from physical stress. 

Improper cable termination

The next mistake to avoid during the ethernet cable installation is improper cable termination. Faulty cable termination can result in connection drops and signal loss, making the proper cable termination a must. 

This is why it is crucial to use high-quality connectors and a proper crimping tool to ensure a secure and reliable connection. 

Missing cable testing 

Do you test the cables after installation? Well, most businesses do not and this costs them a lot in the long run. It leaves the issues unattended which in turn can cause trouble while troubleshooting and affect the network performance. 

The key? Make sure to test the ethernet cables properly after the installation. This lets you know if everything is working as you planned or not such as signal strength and proper termination. It not only improves the performance but also simplifies future upgrades. 

Not abiding by the standards

Missing the industry standards outlined is another blunder made by most businesses. It results in non-compliant and unreliable installations. Abiding these standards is no longer optional but a must. 

Make sure to abide by all the industry standards throughout the installation to ensure performance and compatibility with network equipment.

Missing labeling cables

Leaving the cables unlabeled is also a big mistake most make during the ethernet cable installation. It makes maintenance and troubleshooting difficult. 

The key is to label the cables during the installation to easily identify the connections while troubleshooting and simplify future upgrades. 

Missing future expansion

Thinking only about your business's current needs during the ethernet cable installation costs you a lot. You also need to think about your future needs as well as your business demands to grow in the future and not remain the same. 

Consequently, plan for future expansion by utilizing the higher-category cables, and leaving the extra pathways for additional connections in the future. 

Wrapping Up