Factors to Consider In Determining the Ideal Telephone and Data Cabling Solution

The type of transmission medium you select for your planned cabling implementation is influenced by several factors, most importantly your present bandwidth requirements, your network setting as well as your projected future bandwidth needs. This article analyses each of these three main concerns in an effort to assist companies and businesses determine which wiring solution is best suited to your particular requirements.

Establishing Your Present Bandwidth Requirements

Understanding your network's size and present bandwidth needs will help you decide on the best suitable type of wiring to use. Basically, a large network has generally much higher bandwidth requirements. For instance, a small network comprising of 10 workstations will usually have a reduced volume of data traffic compared to a network that is designed to support over fifty workstations. So what's the best way to correctly ascertain your network's bandwidth needs? By hiring a professional electrical company to determine your present network traffic, they will employ the use of a special tool known as a network analyser to examine your network's present data traffic volume. A network analyser tool gives comprehensive analysis of data volume on a network segment. Coaxial cabling or fibre optic installation is recommended for networks with higher bandwidth needs.

Your Network Setting

Your network setting is also a significant factor in determining the ideal type of wiring you should opt for. Despite the fact that fibre optic cabling offers the best possible bandwidth, a number of settings are not ideal for fibre optic installation. In contrast to twisted copper cables, optical fibre is susceptible to transmission difficulties resulting from scratches and dirt on the fibre. This is typical of filthy or dirty environments, which aren't clean or welcoming to fibre technology. In such scenarios, twisted copper cabling offers the best option. On the other hand, certain settings pose problems with twisted copper cables. Twisted pair cables are prone to high radio frequency as well as electromagnetic interference, especially in hospitals. In such settings, optic fibre installation is the best possible cabling solution given that it is impervious to such attenuation or intrusion.

Future Bandwidth Needs

Rarely do people remember to factor in their businesses' future bandwidth needs when choosing a cabling solution. Alas, projecting future bandwidth demand is equally complex and largely speculative. However, with the help of a professional electrical company, you can actually make correct estimations. For example, the increase in the number of workers in a company may translate into an increase of the network bandwidth usage especially if the new employees are multimedia personnel, who normally have comparatively higher bandwidth needs. Additionally, an increase in the number of salespeople in a company may necessitate the need for higher bandwidth to accommodate the constant communication between them and respective clients. Due to such aspects as these, the network administrator of a company should be conversant with the future plans for a company when considering a structured wiring implementation.

If you have specific questions about data cabling, contact an electrician with a company like Austec Electrical to learn more about what solution will best fit your business.