Latest News
News Article
09/03/2007 13:56:52 - Networking and Cabling 2007
Many vendors say that Cat5e cabling is the minimum standard of cabling required to support Gigabit Ethernet, while some recommend Cat6. With the advent of Cat7, just how would you advise a network manager to select a suitable standard of cabling for their network? What are the dangers of them selecting the wrong type of cabling?
Q1. Many vendors say that Cat5e cabling is the minimum standard of cabling required to support Gigabit Ethernet, while some recommend Cat6. With the advent of Cat7, just how would you advise a network manager to select a suitable standard of cabling for their network? What are the dangers of them selecting the wrong type of cabling?
[Graham Granville] Cat5e is the minimum cabling requirement to support Gigabit Ethernet, but on a new installation we would recommend Cat6. Dependant on the system this would represent in the region of a 15% increase in system cost over Cat5e and gives a little more headroom. Cat6 is more than adequate for 99% of business in the UK. Don't forget to install a wireless overlay as well.........great for mobile users and those hard to reach places.
Q2. Although cabling standards now enable 10Gigabit Ethernet, many network managers would argue that there isn’t an urgency for them to upgrade – that the types of applications which would make best use of high-bandwidth cabling aren’t “there yet.” How do you respond to this? How should a network manager go about cost-justifying a new cabling system to a department manager?
[Graham Granville] Don’t!!!!! Unless you have such application requirements Cat6 is more than sufficient. No matter what the manufacturers are saying we can only see value in installing such systems in Data Centres. This may change with the decrease in copper, but it would be hard to justify the expenditure today.
Q3. How would you advise a network manager to go about selecting a cabling installer? What competencies should an installer be able to display with regards to planning, installing and maintaining a cabling installation?
[Graham Granville] A good cabling installer should be BSI approved and have a range of systems to offer. Certification with major brands is essential and a good track record in the industry an absolute requirement. Always go and see a reference site and speak to customers.
Q4. Could you describe the electrical and other safety considerations that should be taken into account when planning a new cabling implementation? How might these effect an implementation?
[Graham Granville] There are standards that must be followed that all bona fide installers are aware of. Ensure that the installer has dedicated health and safety staff which in the current climate is a must. [Graham Granville] Risk Assessments and method statements should be provided that reflect the local site issues. Avoid companies that provide all such documentation that is generic. [Graham Granville] Finally, should their Engineers show up with bandages and plaster casts adorning their bodies ...........turn them away.
Q5. Upgrading a cabling installation can be expensive. How should a network manager plan for growth, within an initial cabling design/layout? How can they minimise upgrade costs?
[Graham Granville] The most cost affective way is to over provide the cabling. On many occasions we return to sites after carpets are laid to install extra outlets. This usually results in out of hours working at greater expense. If in doubt, why not run cables and leave them un-terminated?? At the initial install phase this amounts to pennies yet can save a lot of cash and inconvenience later. There seems to be a reluctance to spend money on cabling infrastructure in favour of network boxes with lots of flashing lights. Trust me , this is a false economy.
Q6. What tests should be conducted to assess the quality of cabling as part of regular maintenance?
[Graham Granville] On a well installed system there should be no requirement for regular maintenance. Most quality installs provide a 25year application warranty. However, should the wiring closets look a mess and records be lost there are many audit tools available from continuity testing to full blown re-testing with an approved tester (fluke or similar). Try managing the network cabinets after install to prevent bird nests due to poor patching by IT staff, this is the source of 90% of network problems.
Q7. What cabling trends do you predict for the industry in 2007?
[Graham Granville] Prices will double with cable installation companies making profits similar to those of the major oil companies. Sorry......just dreaming. The market will probably remain static with cat 6 remaining the most commonly installed system. Prices should remain stable with (hopefully) no price increases due to re-newed stability in copper costs. Perhaps slight growth in 10 G copper and perhaps demand for managed solutions finally comes to the fore. Well that's my guess anyway!!!!
ENDS
date:09/03/2007 13:56:52
