Data cabling is an extremely tricky operation, and it's incredibly easy to make mistakes if you don't have the adequate training and knowledge. Even technicians with a solid background face such a wide array of technologies that it's easy to end up with unhappy pairings or discontent systems. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when it comes to network cabling.

Mistake #1: Not Thinking Ahead

While cost plays an important role of any large scale project such as this, you should not compromise on quality just for the sake of spending less money initially. When it comes to data cabling, you should not install anything below a CAT5e quality. When taking into consideration the speeds and memory needs of applications nowadays, as well as predictions for future systems, it makes sense to install a cable that offers an upgrade possibility over time. The installation will always be the most expensive part of the project, so think about getting either CAT5e or a CAT6 cables installed.

Mistake #2: Using Different Voice & Data Cables

There was a time when twisted pair cabling was considered too expensive for most companies, and data was given the more expensive cabling, while voice received the cheaper cables. Because of the recent advances in VoIP technology, voice requires data level cabling as well. VoIP does have a built-in Ethernet switch that is capable of latching onto any already installed data cable, which helps with the installation costs.

Mistake #3: Placing Data Cables Next to Electrical Cables

One of the reasons data cables work is that they have a twisted pair of wires inside them which produce small magnetic fields whenever low voltages pass through them. When placed near any electrical cable, the magnetic field produced by the data cable is disrupted and affects the transmission speed of data, ultimately slowing down the rates to turtle speed. In some cases it could even prevent the data from making it to its destination.

This only happens when the cables are installed in parallel, so if you absolutely must place the cables near a power line, try installing them at perpendicular angles to avoid the total disruption of service.

Mistake #4: Forgetting Cable Management

Even though items such as ladder racks add up to the cost of installation, you should generally factor these things into your budget. Not only will they make the installation look better, but it will also help it run better and make it easier to upgrade in the future. Aside from using data cable management tools, you should also label or colour code the cables in order to find things easier at a later date.

Learn more about avoiding these mistakes by contacting resources like J.A.G. Power & Data Solutions.