Wireless technology continues to evolve, and your business needs to keep up. However, even high speed, wireless networks rely on a physical cabling system to deliver fast data rates and consistent connectivity. Even if your business is operating out of a small office, it depends on network cabling for efficient communication and data transmission. In this article, we’ll explain what network cabling is, how it affects your business, and how to create a solid network cabling plan.

What Is Network Cabling?

Network cabling refers to the physical structure used to connect computers, servers, networking equipment, and other connected devices. Its primary purpose is to facilitate data transmission and communication across a network. Unlike broader structured cabling systems that may support multiple low-voltage technologies, network cabling focuses specifically on computer networking and data communications.

A typical network cabling system may include:

• Ethernet cabling such as Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6A, Cat7, and Cat8
• Fiber optic backbone connections
• Cabling between switches, routers, servers, and storage systems
• Connections to wireless access points
• Cabling for network-enabled devices and workstations

These components work together to create a reliable infrastructure capable of supporting your business’s technology.

To put it simply, network cabling is the foundation of all business connectivity. It supports everything from internet access and cloud applications to wireless networks and data center operations. It connects you with your customers, while passing valuable information to your team without using pen and paper. As your business needs grow, so will your network cabling needs.

What Does Network Cabling Support?

Network cabling is the foundation of your business’s digital operations and supports a wide range of networking functions, including:

• Local Area Networks (LANs)
• Wide Area Network (WAN) connectivity
• Internet access
• Cloud-based applications
• Data center infrastructure
• High-speed data communications
• Wireless network access points
• Server and storage connectivity

Without a properly designed network cabling system, your business will experience slower performance, connectivity issues, increased downtime, and technology limitations.

How to Determine What Your Network Cabling Needs Are

Many organizations don’t think about network cabling until they encounter performance problems or begin implementing new technologies. However, this pitfall can be avoided with the proper network cabling plan. When you create your plan, ask yourself the following questions: 

• How many workstations will your business need? 
• How many wireless and hardwired locations will you need? 
• What equipment should be included in your security plans? 
• Does your business require an access control system? 
• How many VoIP phones or POS systems will be used? 
• Will you have a conference room or video-conferencing location?
• Where should your network closet or rack room go?

If you need help answering these questions, consider the following factors for your business:

• Number of employees you currently have and how many you plan on hiring
• Expected growth over 5–10 years 
• Your current office layout and what your possible expansion options are
• What types of cabling each workstation will require to be functional
• Internet bandwidth needs for today and when your business grows
• Your building’s security and monitoring needs 
• Your current and future conference room technology needs
• Current and future plans for A/V equipment and digital signage 

What Should Go Into Your Network Cabling Plan?

Create Your Device Plan First (What Devices Need What Cabling) 

Before you design your cabling plan, start with your device map first. This will determine where your switches, access points, cameras, phones, and other devices will go. Then, you can route your cabling to each workstation and establish what cables should be dropped in what locations. This will eliminate confusion and missing cable drops in the correct locations.

Network Closet or Main Distribution Frame (MDF)

Your network closet should include rack locations, power requirements, and uninterrupted power supplies (UPS locations). This location will become your networking hub. Most network closets (also known as a rack room) should have proper cable management. This will help your network installer/IT department perform routine maintenance and upgrades when necessary. 

Wireless Network Design

Your wireless network design should include access point locations, cabling routes, and PoE requirements. Your network installer should provide a plan with an accurate number of drop locations based on the size of your building and the number of workstations you plan on using. Tip: Cat6 horizontal cabling is normally used as the primary cable for access points.

Security System Cabling

Your security system should include three components: cameras, access control, and intrusion detection. When you wire for your security system, think about where cameras will be located and what devices (wired or wireless) will be used for motion detection. 

Audio/Visual Design

AV design includes conference room technology, video conferencing, video walls, digital signage, and all other AV-over-IP systems. In most business spaces, AV equipment is usually spread throughout the entire building. When your network installer creates your AV plan, make sure every room has its own network design. This can range from speakers in restrooms, to a large video wall in a training or board room.

Internet Service Providers (ISP) Entry (DMarc Cabling)

Your ISP’s DMarc cabling is one of the most critical components of your network cabling plan. It serves as the bridge between the outside telecommunications provider and your internal network infrastructure. In other words, the DMarc is where your ISP’s responsibility ends, and your responsibilities begins. Once the DMarc is in place, your network installer will create a pathway to get the signal from the outside and into your business. 

Your DMarc Plan should include:

• Fiber service 
• Ethernet service 
• Internet circuits 
• MPLS circuits 
• WAN connectivity

Don’t Forget to Future Proof Your Network Plans

Most network cabling plans include what your business needs today. For that reason, the best new-construction cabling plans are designed with future growth in mind from day one. The cost of installing additional cable during construction is a fraction of the cost of adding it after walls, ceilings, and finishes are complete. 

Your cabling plan should anticipate:

• More employees/workstations 
• Additional devices added to your network
• Increased bandwidth 
• Future Wi-Fi upgrades 
• Additional cameras 

Note: If you are moving into an existing building, you can still optimize your cabling plan to include future network improvements. During your retrofit (opening walls to run new cables), make sure your network installer runs additional cables to support future network upgrades.

Hire a Company that Can Do More Than Just Network Cabling 

There are a lot of low-voltage companies who will happily wire up your building for a low, affordable price. But what happens when it’s time to install your network equipment? When you hire a network installation company, pick someone who can execute your network cabling plan and install all necessary devices to get your business up and running. 

At Audio EnVision, we can design and install both your network cabling and all the necessary equipment, so your business can run from day one. No matter what your network needs are, we can help you achieve optimal network performance without the headache of constant network upgrades. If you are moving into a new business location or if you’d like to improve your current business network, contact us for a complementary network assessment.