What is data cabling?

Data Cabling and Why Business Needs It

There was a time when data cabling was only of interest to high tech companies. But it’s no longer the limited preserve of these companies. Thanks to advances in technology and falling prices, network cabling is now easily affordable for even the smallest businesses. And this is good news as it has the potential to take your business to the next level. It does this by simultaneously enhancing your productivity and maximizing your competitiveness.

We’re all aware of what cables are, but cabling for data is a little different. And cabling in office, commercial, warehouse and education settings is incredibly important to their operation. Accordingly, data cable installations are of interest to virtually every business. But what is it?

In its simplest definition, data or network cabling involves multiple devices within an IT network being connected by cables. This IT cabling comes in a number of categories such as CAT5e, CAT6 and fibre options. Typical data cabling installations will run from a specific device to a central communication cabinet to help facilitate the flow of data.

Cat5e, Cat6 or Cat6a cables, which are made from copper, can run at speeds of up to 1000 and 10,000Mbps respectively, but only over distances of 100m. Fibre cables, meanwhile, are also capable of speeds of up to 10,000Mbps, but this can be maintained over distances of up to 500m – 2Km. Copper cables, therefore, are suitable for shorter distances and fibre gives you more flexibility over longer distances.

How Your Business Uses Data Cabling

Data cable or Structured Cabling can provide a crucial boost to your business by being used in the following ways:

Connectivity: The most obvious benefit of data cables is that they can connect multiple devices to a central infrastructure. This allows information to flow seamlessly and quickly from point A to B. Almost every device within your business from photocopiers through to network servers should be able to benefit from data cabling.

Data Cabinet Relocations: Structured cabling solutions are perfect when it comes to relocating data cabinets. IT cabling has, traditionally, consisted of many different types of cabling and this has contributed to complex setups. But the simplicity of modern cabling ensures that data cabinet relocation can be completed quickly and with the minimum of fuss.

Enhancing Competitiveness: Modern data cable solutions have allowed businesses to become more competitive. For example, the rise in popularity of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has allowed telecommunications to use just one data for telephone and internet connections. This maximizes not just space, but also the efficiency of your IT setup. And, in turn, this allows you to push your IT systems and grow your business.

Bolster Scalability: The use of structured cabling allows businesses the opportunity for scalability. Data cable installations, therefore, ensures that your IT and telecommunication systems have room for growth and, given the compatibility of different data cables, allows your systems to remain future proof.

With Cat5e, Cat6 or Cat6a cabling now available to every business it makes sense to implement it within your infrastructure. Perfect for any form of IT setup, data cabling can future proof your technology and deliver results that will boost your productivity.

Learn more about Cabling for Business or call to discuss your requirements.