Frequently asked questions

Voice and Data Cabling

What is the difference between voice and data cabling?

Voice cabling refers specifically to wiring used for traditional phone lines the voice communication while data cabling is used for transmitting digital data between computers and other network devices although in modern systems both voice and data offer use the same type of cable particularly when utilizing voice over IP type of technology.

Can I use the same cables for both voice and data?

Yes, you can generally use the same cabling typically a category 5E or greater twisted pair for both voice and data transmissions especially using voice over IP technology.

What is the impact of poor cabling on voice quality?

Poor cabling unmanaged or improperly terminated can cause interruption data loss as well as employee downtime with less production. Your link to the outside world depends on the quality of cabling installation and management.

How can I ensure optimal performance for voice and data applications?

It starts with the installation it properly installed cabling network utilizing category 5 or greater cabling as well as management from the termination on the wall to the termination and the data closet or telecom closet is the key to optimal performance.

What are the best practices for managing voice and data cables?

Proper cable management starts at the beginning when you're building your first wall or renovating your last office all cabling should be labeled identified tested and secured whether to the wall utilizing a wall plate or in the data closet utilizing a patch panel structured cabling solution from there it becomes the responsibility of your IT group whether managing it remotely or on property the key to successful daily operations is management managing the cabling managing the equipment identifying and troubleshooting when needed.

General Cabling Questions

What type of cabling solution is best for my small business?

Your network is only as good as your weakest link a great practice in today's day and age would be starting with category 6 Ethernet cabling Gigabit speeds keeping in mind that your weakest link is the speed you would receive. Utilizing category 6 throughout your office environment and plugging in your devices with a category 5 cable will give you category 5 speeds. It would be your weakest link to the outside world. Keeping informed with structured cabling and utilizing category 6 products throughout from the data closet patch panel to the patch cord connected to your PC.

How much does a basic cabling installation cost?

With new construction you should anticipate an average cost of 5 to 8% as the overall cost of a construction project to be utilized for cabling network backbone or better known as structured cabling. In this day and age technology has changed tenfold where it is no longer required to have a hardwire to every device now with Wi-Fi and USB as well as Bluetooth this technology works with your network wirelessly.