Top 5 Cable Tips for a Network Engineer

Wires pervade our entire lives, and have for many years, so much so, that we sometimes forget that they are more than just a black line running along the floor. Under that plastic coating there are delicate wires that must be treated with respect, especially if you expect to get the highest possible performance out of them. 

Here are five important tips that are easily overlooked when dealing with network cabling.

Never Tug on the Cable

When you’re threading your cable under the desk, around the file cabinet or through the little hole in the back of the desk, it’s easy for it to get caught on something and the urge is always to give a little tug. This is one of the worst things you can do. Kinking your network cable is going to impede the flow of signal through the copper, much like water through a kinked hose.

Connectivity problems caused by something as small as a damaged network cable are sometimes difficult to diagnose. As cables are usually hidden, tugging on them may cause damage and will have you scratching your head wondering what’s wrong with your server or why your Internet carrier isn’t providing you the speeds they said they would.

Go as Short as You Comfortably Can

This is more a rule of thumb. A longer network cable will likely work just fine, especially if it’s a high quality cable. However, signal does degrade and the longer the cable, the more signal loss you’ll experience.

Invest in quality cables to avoid potential problems.

Do Not Let Your Network Cables Hang

Sometimes the best place for a computer isn’t the most convenient, especially as we try to conserve money. It’s frequently a tempting idea to run cables up and over our heads and drop down right at the computer location.

The problem with this is gravity. Over time, a hanging network cable will stretch and stress on the wires inside will lead to poor or no signal. Again, you’ll suspect your computer or drivers at first only to find you’ve wasted time diagnosing something that could have been avoided.

Network Cables Should Be Separated From Power Cables

Network cables may be covered in plastic; however, it is copper that passes the signal. The same is usually true for power cables, but the load they carry is far different. Power cables emit “noise” which will get picked up by network cables and will interfere with your network connection signal. 

It’s best if you keep as much distance as possible between the two.

Be Gentle When Anchoring Your Cables

It may satisfy the neat freak in you to pull your cables taut and use staples or zip ties to keep cables tight to the wall, but if done too zealously this will kink the copper inside and your signal will degrade. It’s okay to be tidy, but be gentle. Staples and zip ties should be loose enough that the cable can still slide through without a problem.

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