{"id":4465,"date":"2021-11-07T09:45:05","date_gmt":"2021-11-07T14:45:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iesmartsystems.com\/?p=4465"},"modified":"2021-11-15T09:55:57","modified_gmt":"2021-11-15T14:55:57","slug":"upgrade-structured-cabling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iesmartsystems.com\/upgrade-structured-cabling\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Signs Your Structured Cabling Needs Upgrading"},"content":{"rendered":"
Although structured cable<\/a> is an integral part of the modern world, it is a technology with a multi-era legacy. Once upon a time, basic phone cables crisscrossed America, connecting nearly every home and business. Today, it\u2019s high-speed structured cable that ties us together, even cell-phone towers move data across wires into data centers.<\/p>\n Office buildings often host multiple types of structured cable, for good or ill. And these systems eventually demand an upgrade, especially if the existing cable is constrained to slow speeds or outdated tech \u2014 a network is only as fast as its slowest link, especially if that link services multiple users.<\/p>\n<\/div> Structured cabling is used for telecommunications and other applications where signal transmission is the primary purpose. It contains either copper wires twisted together in pairs (and possibly shielded) or fiber optic strands. Fiber optic cables<\/a> offer the cutting edge of signal transmission performance, it moves information quickly and in the case of multi-mode cable, can handle many concurrent data streams. Alternatively, copper cable, also known as Ethernet, offers moderate speeds and some PoE (power over Ethernet) possibilities. The two types of cable are not compatible unless using signal converters, but one is not necessarily superior \u2014 it comes down to identifying your needs and budget.<\/p>\n<\/div> Once you know what you\u2019re looking for the signs are clear enough. It\u2019s easier to blame your internet service provider (ISP) than to look at your own network infrastructure, but often the problem lies somewhere within your physical domain.<\/p>\n<\/div> Is your IT team forever troubleshooting connection issues? Do you replace similar parts and cables just to have them fail weeks later? Data transmission may not seem like a mechanical process where moving parts can break, but electrical components do have a finite lifespan. If you\u2019re running into similar issues or repeat failures of the same parts across the network, it is probably a sign that your infrastructure is crumbling and needs a refresh.<\/p>\n<\/div> No matter how new a building is, your IT department should evaluate the existing structured cable network and determine if it meets your needs. It\u2019s much easier to upgrade network infrastructure before everyone has settled into their workstations.<\/p>\n<\/div> Are you paying for high, or symmetrical speeds from your ISP and yet nobody ever quite enjoys the performance you\u2019re supposed to get? Check your structured cabling. It\u2019s possible that you\u2019re leaning on outdated equipment, or even equipment that was designed for a different ISP and is incompatible with your current one.<\/p>\n<\/div>What Is Structured Cabling?<\/h2><\/div>
Signs That You Need A Structured Cabling Upgrade<\/h2><\/div>
Constantly Requires Repairs<\/h3><\/div>
Moving Offices<\/h3><\/div>
Slow Speeds<\/h3><\/div>