Installing Ethernet Cables? Keep These Things in Mind!

In today’s world of Internet of Things and Industrial Automation, the utility of Ethernet Cables has become inevitable. According to the concept of Internet of Things, even the everyday objects have network connectivity, which enables them to send and receive data. But in order to make the data exchange smooth, it is important to install Ethernet Cables properly.

By doing so, you will be able to decrease the downtime and enable the exchange of data between your data systems and network devices like modems, routers, adapters and other objects that ask for a connection. If you are installing Ethernet Network Cables, you need to keep certain things in mind.

How to plan for Ethernet Cable Installation?

Once you have decided the place where all your cables will terminate, you can plan your Ethernet cable installation. You must remember that the location for your cables should be big enough to accommodate your ongoing project. Also consider the future data network expansion plans in your plant.

In case your cable is going to be exposed to extreme environmental conditions, select a cable which is flexible and resistant to UV light, oil, chemicals, cutting, abrasion, oil etc. Thereafter, you need to take the following steps:

Choosing an Ethernet Cable

Before choosing networking cables for yourself, you need to know the features of each Ethernet cable. Details of each of these cables are given below.

CAT5E: CAT 5E cables can replace CAT5 and CAT3 and support up to 100Mbps at 100MHz. It also curbs cross talk and offers good speed.

CAT6: CAT 6 cables are backward compatible with the previous version of CAT cables, can be run in long lengths, have bigger gauge wires and support up to 10 Gb/s at 250 MHz bandwidth. CAT6 cables are also longer lasting. CAT 6A cables on the other hand enhances the capacity of CAT6 as it can perform up to 500Mhz and can cover distances up to 100 meters.

CAT 7A: This type of Ethernet Cable is a good alternative to fiber optic cabling. It supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet and frequencies of up to 1000Mhz.

Things To Keep in Mind

While you are installing Ethernet Cables, Keep the following things in mind:

1. Cross Power the Cable at 90 degrees: In case you have to cross the data network cabling, keep it at a 90º degrees and you can avoid interference.

2. Don’t pack them together: If the cables are kinked, they can affect the network and compromise with the quality of cables. So try not to create a snake pit out of it.

3. Go for different colours: Choose different colours for different cables so that there is no confusions and your data lines can remain organized.

4. Keep the cables away from risky places: In case if you are running the cable through ceiling or wall, ensure that it doesn’t come in contact with the ceiling tiles. Also, don’t run it over water pipes and electrical conduit as it is dangerous and might cause accidents.

5. Make use of an efficient wire management system: It is important to organize patch cabling between the racks. To organize efficiently, you can use wire bundling device or cable ties or Velcro.

Keep the above mentioned points in mind and start installing your Ethernet cables at the earliest.