Does the installation of network cabling require specialist knowledge and experience?
In a wordYES! However, some electricians and telephone engineers have had basic training in network cabling but they are few and far between. If you are unsure, discuss the cabling performance and IEEE-TIA compliance or network speeds and cross talk, attenuation and return loss with them. Find out which tester they use and the frequency range it scans at and whether it is Cat5e or Cat6 compliant – bear in mind that the hardware outlay for a good network tester should be around 3,500. Are all the components they use balanced at the specified frequencies? Also, find out who supplies their cable and components and whether they will support the installation and a manufacturer’s 15 year warranty. The rule of thumb on this one is BUYER BEWARE! Ask a lot of probing questions before committing yourself to an installer. A professional installation company will find the time to answer all your questions.
Answer… In a word YES! However, some electricians and telephone engineers have had basic training in network cabling but they are few and far between. If you are unsure, discuss the cabling performance and IEEE-TIA compliance or network speeds and cross talk, attenuation and return loss with them. Find out which tester they use and the frequency range it scans at and whether it is Cat5e or Cat6 compliant. Are all the components they use balanced at the specified frequencies? Also find out who supplies their cable and components and whether they will support the installation and a manufacturer’s 15 year warranty. The rule of thumb on this one is BUYER BEWARE. Ask a lot of probing questions before committing yourself to an installer. A professional installation company will find the time to answer all your questions.
