Network Infrastructure Guide
Best practices for structured cabling, from cable selection to testing and documentation.
Ethernet Cable Categories
Cat 6 (Category 6)
Recommended- • Speed: 1 Gbps (up to 10 Gbps for shorter runs)
- • Bandwidth: 250 MHz
- • Best for: General office, residential, most business applications
- • Max Distance: 100 meters (328 feet)
Cat 6a (Category 6 Augmented)
Future-Proof- • Speed: 10 Gbps
- • Bandwidth: 500 MHz
- • Best for: Data centers, high-performance networks, future-proofing
- • Max Distance: 100 meters at 10 Gbps
Cat 5e (Category 5 Enhanced)
Budget Option- • Speed: 1 Gbps
- • Bandwidth: 100 MHz
- • Best for: Existing installations, basic networking needs
- • Note: Not recommended for new installations
Shielded vs Unshielded
UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair)
Most common, lower cost. Suitable for most office environments with minimal electromagnetic interference.
STP (Shielded Twisted Pair)
Better protection against EMI. Required near heavy machinery, medical equipment, or high-voltage areas.
Hierarchical Network Design
Main Distribution Frame (MDF)
Central hub for all network equipment. Houses core switches, routers, servers, and internet connection. Should be located in a secure, climate-controlled room with adequate power and ventilation.
- • Core network switches and routers
- • Main patch panel for backbone connections
- • Internet service provider equipment
- • Network monitoring and security appliances
Intermediate Distribution Frame (IDF)
Satellite wiring closets on each floor or building section. Connects to MDF via backbone cabling and distributes to local work areas.
- • Floor or department switches
- • Patch panels for local connections
- • PoE switches for cameras and access points
- • Fiber backbone connection to MDF
Horizontal Cabling
Runs from IDF to individual work areas. Should not exceed 90 meters (295 feet) to allow for 10 meters of patch cables at each end.
- • Cat6/Cat6a cables to wall jacks
- • Avoid running parallel to electrical for more than 12 inches
- • Use plenum-rated cable in air-handling spaces
- • Label both ends clearly with room number and jack ID
Fiber Optic Backbone
For distances over 100 meters or when high bandwidth is required between buildings/floors, use fiber optic cabling for the backbone.
Single-Mode Fiber
Long distances (up to 10km), higher cost, used for building-to-building connections.
Multi-Mode Fiber
Shorter distances (up to 550m), lower cost, suitable for most campus backbone needs.
PoE delivers both data and electrical power over a single Ethernet cable, simplifying installation of network devices.
PoE (IEEE 802.3af)
15.4W per port- • Suitable for: IP phones, basic IP cameras, wireless access points
- • Power delivered: 15.4W (12.95W available to device)
PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at)
30W per port- • Suitable for: PTZ cameras, video phones, advanced access points
- • Power delivered: 30W (25.5W available to device)
- • Most common standard for modern installations
PoE++ (IEEE 802.3bt)
60-100W per port- • Suitable for: High-power PTZ cameras, LED lighting, thin clients
- • Type 3: 60W, Type 4: 100W
- • Required for advanced surveillance and specialty devices
PoE Switch Sizing
Calculate total power budget: Count all PoE devices, add their power requirements, and add 20% overhead. Example: 24-port switch with 12 PoE+ cameras (30W each) requires minimum 432W PoE budget (12 × 30W × 1.2).
Maintain Minimum Bend Radius
Never bend cables tighter than 4× cable diameter. Sharp bends damage internal conductors and degrade performance.
Avoid Excessive Pull Tension
Maximum pull tension: 25 lbs for Cat6. Use cable lubricant for long runs or multiple turns.
Proper Termination Techniques
Follow T568A or T568B wiring standard consistently. Untwist no more than 0.5 inches. Use professional-grade connectors and termination tools.
Cable Management
Use J-hooks or cable trays. Avoid zip ties that compress cables. Leave service loops (3-5 feet) at patch panels.
Testing & Certification
Test all runs with a cable certifier (not just a toner). Document test results showing pass/fail for each cable run.
Comprehensive Labeling
Label both ends of every cable run with location, jack number, and cable type. Create a master spreadsheet or diagram.
Documentation
Provide as-built drawings, cable schedule, test results, and equipment specifications. Include photos of installations before walls are closed.
❌ Using incorrect cable category
Don't use Cat5e for new installations or PoE applications. Always use Cat6 minimum.
❌ Exceeding distance limits
Ethernet has a 100-meter (328 ft) limit including patch cables. Use fiber or switches for longer runs.
❌ Running cables parallel to electrical
Maintain 12-inch separation from power lines. Cross at 90-degree angles when necessary.
❌ Poor cable management
Tangled, kinked, or improperly supported cables lead to performance issues and difficult troubleshooting.
What happens next
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Clear scope and price before mobilization means fewer surprises—for you and for our crew. We earn trust with transparency, not pressure to book before you’re ready.
What you’re requesting
- Highly qualified tradespeople matched to your trade and scope—not a random dispatch
- Written agreement on scope and price before we start quoted work
- Realistic scheduling—we cap priority visits so timelines stay honest
Clear scope before we start
On quoted work, we agree on what we’re doing and what it costs before we begin—so you’re not surprised by extra charges without your approval.
We keep you in the loop
If we’re delayed for your scheduled window, we reach out—we don’t leave you guessing whether we’re coming.
We stand behind our work
If something we installed or repaired fails under normal use within 14 days because of our labor or materials we supplied, we’ll make it right.
Scheduling
We limit how many priority jobs we book each week
We cap same-week priority visits on purpose so we can stay organized and give each job proper attention—instead of overbooking and rushing.
Priority spots fill up quickly during busy weeks
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