5 Network Cabling Problems That Can Compromise Your IT Systems
Imagine this: every email you send, every file you open from the cloud, and every video call you make all depend on one thing you might not notice – your network cabling. When it works well, your business runs smoothly. But when it doesn’t, small problems can cause major issues like downtime, interruptions, and security risks.
In this article, we’ll help you determine whether your cabling meets the mark by highlighting the top 5 common problems you might encounter and the best cabling practices.
5 Common Network Cabling Problems
Network cabling might not be something you think about often, but ignoring it can cause critical problems. Here are five typical issues that can harm your IT systems:
1. Messy Cables
Scattered, jumbled cables might not seem significant, but it can cause real problems. Tangled wires can get damaged easily, making it hard to find and fix issues. Over time, this can lead to system failures and costly delays as your IT team works to resolve the issues.
2. Wrong Type of Cable
Different networks need specific types of cables, and using the wrong one significantly reduces connection speeds. For example, if you use Cat5 cables instead of Cat6 for fast internet, your network won’t work as well. The wrong cables can also cause interference, which makes your internet slower and less reliable.
3. Incorrect Cable Installation
Bad installation is a major reason why networks do not work properly. For instance, using cables that are too long or bending them too much can weaken the signal. This can lead to sluggish internet speeds or connections that keep cutting out.
4. Ignoring Environmental Conditions
Cables placed in hot, moist, or high-traffic areas can get damaged over time so without proper protection, their performance may degrade or fail entirely. Also, nearby electrical devices can cause interference, making your network less reliable and secure.
5. Not Testing or Maintaining Cables
It’s easy to think cables will keep working forever, but this is a mistake. Over time, cables can get worn out, connectors can come loose, and the signal can get weaker. Testing and maintaining your cables regularly is important to avoid making small issues into major, costly problems.
Tangled cables? Slow speeds? Poor installation? Whatever the issue, our team at CAB IT Services can provide expert cabling services to resolve these problems before they impact your business. Explore our IT support packages to see how we can help.
Common Cabling Errors Explained
Let’s take a closer look at some frequent mistakes you might be making and explore ways to fix them.
Incorrect cable length
One common mistake is not considering the length of cables. Ethernet cables like Cat6 can only go up to 100 metres. If they are too long, the signal becomes weak, which can cause connection problems. You can fix this by adding switches or repeaters to extend the network without losing speed.
Improper cable shielding
Another mistake is not using proper cable shielding, leading to interference from nearby machines. Shielded twisted pair cables (STP) help reduce this, but they must be grounded properly to work. If they are not grounded, the shielding can make the problem worse by carrying unwanted signals.
Poor cable routing
A further problem is poor cable routing – if cables run next to power lines, they can pick up interference that disrupts data signals. It’s better to cross power lines at 90-degree angles because this causes less interference.
Being mindful of these details can help ensure a stable and reliable network.
Best Practices for Network Cabling and Organisation
After reading the above cabling mistakes, you might be left scratching your head, wondering how to avoid them altogether. Well, here’s some of our best practices to follow.
Plan and organise
Good network cabling begins with careful planning, as a well-organised setup ensures scalability and long-term reliability. This means labelling cables, using colours to tell them apart, and keeping cables tidy with ties or ducts. Organising cables properly also improves airflow, which stops overheating, and makes it easier to find and fix problems.
Choose the correct cables
Select the right cables for your needs. For most modern networks, Cat6 or Cat6a cables are best because they offer faster speeds and less interference than older Cat5e cables. If your business needs to transfer large amounts of data, fibre optic cables are a great option, offering very fast and reliable connections.
If you’re confused about the different types of cables you can use, take a look at our previous blog: What is Data Cabling & How Can It Help Your Business?
Don’t rush the installation
When installing cables, plan and execute the layout properly. Use cable trays or ducts to keep cables safe from damage, especially in busy areas. It’s also a good idea to plan for the future; adding extra cables when you first set up your network can save time and money later as your business grows. Avoid excessive bending, as it can damage cables, and prevent stretching, which weakens their connections.
Regularly maintain and test your cables
Regular maintenance and testing are crucial. Use tools like cable testers or network analysers to detect weak signals or loose connections early. Set up a regular schedule to check connectors, replace aging cables, and ensure everything is functioning well.
If your team is unsure, your business may benefit from professional support to ensure your systems are set up perfectly. Explore these 9 Signs Your Business Needs Better IT Support.
Stay Connected, Stay Productive: Secure Your Network Today
Network cabling might not be the most exciting aspect of IT, but it plays a crucial role in keeping your systems running smoothly. If you ignore it, you can face problems like slow performance or system breakdowns. By understanding common issues, using the right cables, organising them well, and doing regular checks, you can protect your IT infrastructure.
Don’t let simple cabling mistakes harm your business. Act now to make sure your network is set up and maintained for long-term success. A reliable network is key to any modern business, and if you’re not sure where to start, seeking professional guidance is the best step forward.
At CAB IT Services, we specialise in identifying and resolving network cabling issues to keep your IT systems running at peak performance. Our expert team delivers tailored solutions that align with your business needs and budget. Trust us to keep you connected and secure — contact us today to learn more.
See more: How to Improve IT Network Performance
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