There are a variety of types of network cables available on the market, including Cat5e, Cat6 and Cat7 which vary in characteristics and frequency. Although businesses can use a combination of the three (as well as older models such as the Cat3), the most common type now used by many is Cat5e.

Known as an Ethernet cable, the Cat5e network cable is an upgraded version of the Cat5 and was initially released in 1999. Designed to keep up with the ever-evolving advances in technology, it’s twisted pair cabling that’s very cost-effective – allowing businesses to easily budget for office data cabling.

With an increased bandwidth of 100 megahertz, the ability to prevent any operational issues that occur due to an update and an improved capacity to carry signals across a building, it’s a reliable solution. Carrying the signals up to 100 metres at a rapid speed of 1 gigabyte, it can support networks that are running between 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps.

A Cat5e also offers improved protection against any crosstalk interference. This means that not only is the speed enhanced but there is a high-quality network performance. With tightly twisted wire pairs which are protected by heavy-duty shielding, Cat5e network cables are extremely durable and built to last.

Within network cabling, there are four main standards bodies. These are directly responsible for developing protocols within the industry.

Specifying the different performance levels that are required by the various components (including the cables, installation and connectors), these recognised standards ensure that each system performs to their required level. This not only allows customers to compare the various products available, but the peace of mind that the systems have been tested and are of a high-quality.

The four main standards bodies for those wanting to understand the basics of network cabling are:

British Standards Institute (BSI)

Although the British Standards Institute endorses CENELEC (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation) standards, they also produce their own national standards, including BS 6701-2010 and BS 7671:2008 + A3:2015.

For cables, the BSI also introduced Kitemarks for Cables which is an electrical testing and certification scheme. The standards for these are:

• IEC 60245
• IEC 60227
• EN 505225BS
• EN 50214
• BS 6004
• BS 7629
• BS 8346
• BS 7211

International Standards Organisation (ISO/IEC)

The ISO has produced the ISO 11801 standards which are required for both fibre optic cabling and copper cabling. A strict requirement, they are vital for businesses and commercial premises.

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation (CENELEC)

A direct equivalent to the ISO 11801 standards, CENELEC has a series of standards known as the EN50173. European standards that apply for electrical engineering, it’s something all network cabling services should be aware of.

American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

Although this is not necessarily used in the UK, it’s still one of the core electrical standards that all network cable engineers should know. The series of standards within this is the ANSI/TIA-568-D that are designed for telecommunications infrastructure.

So how do businesses choose the best network cabling for their requirements? Although a cabling engineer can recommend the various specifications, for those wanting to know the network cabling basics, here are some of the key codes and their applications:

BSI

BS 6701-2010 – This applies to telecommunications cabling and equipment. There are specifications within this standard for network cabling installation, operation and maintenance.

BS 7671:2008 + A3:2015 – this applies for all electrical installations.

ISO

ISO 11801 Edition 2 –  2010: cabling used for many IT systems.

ISO 11801-1 – used for generic cabling.

ISO 11801-2 – typically used in office premises.

ISO 11801-3 – typically used in industrial premises.

ISO 118011-4 – typically used in single-tenant households.

ISO 118011-5 – typically used in data centres.

ISO 118011-6 – typically used in distributed buildings.

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation (CENELEC)

EN 50173 – typically used in generic cabling systems, such as within information technology.

EN 50173-1:2011 – the generally required specification under CENELEC.

EN 50173-2:2007 + A1:2010 – typically used in office premises.

EN 50173-3:2007 + A1:2010 – typically used in industrial premises.

EN 50173-4:2007 + A1:2010 – commonly used in homes.

EN 50173-5:2007 + A1:2010 – used for data centres.

50173-6:2007 + A1:2010 – used in distributed building services.

When looking at the various types of cabling, businesses need to weigh up the level of performance that they want to achieve from the system, what devices it needs to support (e.g. if it’s handling WiFi, the phone system, etc. a business will require a powerful Cat5e or above cabling system) and how it will complement your business.

For example, a manufacturing business might require an industrial-grade cabling system that will be durable and reliable within the environment.

It’s also worth discovering the difference between copper and fibre cables. Many businesses favour fibre-optic cables as they can run for further distances and are protected from electrical interference.

When installing a network cable system, there can be several infrastructure constraints that make the network cable installation difficult from the beginning. That’s why it’s vital to carefully plan the design of the installation from start to finish.

It’s so much more than simply pulling cable through a ceiling – it’s a complex task that involves integrating various cabling types, future capacity requirements and determining the best type of system depending on the architecture of the building. Which is why a thorough site survey is carried out before a system is recommended for a business.

One of the main constraints that comes with cable installation is the restrictions that revolve around cabling activities. For example, it’s a little-known rule that network cables can’t be installed too close to other electrical lines or on top of fluorescent lights. There are, of course, documents and codes that help to dictate the placement of cabling systems so that they align with local law requirements.

Similarly, if a cabling system needs to be installed so that it can work over numerous floors. To overcome this and ensure that there is optimal performance, a network cabling engineer can suggest the most appropriate and aesthetically-pleasing solution.

When looking at structured cabling systems, it’s important to recognise that they are all unique.

This is because of variations in the structure of the building which will house the cabling system, the connection and cable products, the functions of the cabling system, a customer’s bespoke requirements for the system, the types of equipment that the cabling will support in both the current and the future and the configuration of a system which has already been installed in the building.

However, structured cabling typically has the following components:

• Vertical and horizontal backbone pathways
• Entrance facilities
• Vertical and horizontal backbone cables
• Horizontal cables
• Horizontal pathways
• Cross-connect facilities
• Consolidation points
• Transition points
• Repeaters
• Bridges
• Token ring
• Equipment rooms
• Telecommunications closets
• Wall plates
• Cable jackets
• A Wireless Plenum (for cables that run between floors).

Within the entrance facility, there are specific cabling components which are required to provide a way of connecting the exterior facilities to the cabling.

This will include the likes of service entrance pathways, circuit protection devices, transition hardware and associated cables. The location of the entrance facility wholly depends on the type of building, the route of the cabling and the aesthetic appearance of the structured cabling.

A structured cabling system is a system that has a series of cabling and associated hardware, which provides a business or a residential property with a comprehensive and reliable telecommunications infrastructure. Serving a wide range of uses, including transmitting data within a computer network and providing a telephone service, there are numerous benefits as mentioned above.

A centralised system, everything is kept within one location to allow for optimal efficiency and convenience.

When deciding whether a structured cabling system is right for a business, it’s worth watching a network cabling tutorial, which will demonstrate different network cabling methods, along with wire insulation. Then, a business owner or manager can start to search for ‘structured cabling near me’ if it’s the right decision for them.

Structured cabling is vital and used for a variety of purposes within a business. Especially important for smaller businesses that are hoping to expand in the future and maximise their operations, it’s simple to set up and to update over time as the business grows. Reducing overall infrastructure costs, the system will run at an optimal level at all times.

There are several key benefits of structured cabling that signifies its importance within a business. Firstly, when all of the cables are organised through a single location, it makes a workplace far more organised and safer for employees. This is particularly advantageous as it means that a business can move the structured cabling system with them if they change location.

Secondly, a structured cabling system can significantly reduce employee downtime within a business; when there is a fault, it will become clear straight-away as to what the issue is within the system, which can then be fixed asap by a network cabling engineer.

Network cabling installation is available to all businesses to help improve their IT infrastructure. Offering a high ROI potential, there’s no reason why businesses shouldn’t invest in structured network cabling services from the moment they set-up their operations.

A structured cabling technician will set up and maintain network cable infrastructure for businesses. Their main duties include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Building the infrastructure of telecom networks – including Wide Area Networks (WANs) and Local Area Networks (LANs).
• Designing and installing networks to meet a client’s bespoke requirements.
• Troubleshoot and maintain copper cables, fibre-optic cables, etc.
• Explain and verify network cable systems, including specifications and instructions.
• Aid in arranging routers and hubs within an office premises.
• Install support structures, including racks, switches, etc.
• Verify cable and pull pathways (including copper cabling).
• Conduct surveys across a site for customers to showcase the best location for the system and how it will integrate into the premise.
• Oversee the progress of all cabling projects undertaken.

An incredible specialised role, they must keep up to date with the latest standards within network cable installation and internet cabling installation and be aware of the best practices and techniques to use. Working with a business from the start, they will suggest the best network cabling services for a business’ unique requirements.

They can also recommend the most suitable type of network cabling for each client's needs. Whether they require Cat5e cabling, Cat6 cabling or another type.