Your current bandwidth needs, your network environment, your future bandwidth needs and your budget determine the type of cabling you need.

Your network’s bandwidth depends on the number of workstations connected to it, and the type and volume of the data they use. A small network of 8 workstations will usually need a much lower bandwidth than a network of 75 workstations. However, if those 8 workstations belong to a multimedia company where designs and videos are in regular use, they will demand more bandwidth than a similar-sized company principally using Word.

You can assess your network traffic using a network analyser like the Network Monitor utility built into Windows servers, or a product such as Ethereal (available free), Network General Fast Ethernet Sniffer, Cinco NetXRay, AG Group EtherPeek, Novell LANalyzer for Windows or Intel LANDesk Traffic Analyst. Whichever product you choose, be sure to assess data over several days, or weeks, and at different times of the day to get the most complete picture.

Once you have assessed your bandwidth, you need to examine your environment to decide on the most suitable type of cabling. Optical fibre offers the fastest bandwidth and “future proofing”, but is prone to transmission problems if it gets dirty or scratched, making it unsuitable in dirty or dusty environments. Twisted copper mediums like Cat5e or Cat6 are harder wearing, but can be susceptible to high RF (radio frequency) and EMI (electromagnetic interference), so they are not advised in environments where equipment will interfere with their operation, such as hospitals.

Don’t forget to consider your future bandwidth needs. Replacing your cabling is an expensive process, so allowing extra capacity at the start can save you a lot of money. Knowing about your company’s long-term aims will help you to make a realistic estimate. More employees mean more bandwidth. More bandwidth-hungry software and files means more again.

When you’re planning and managing your budget, always remember that with something as costly and important as IT, it really is vital to get it right the first time. The wrong cabling or too limited a network will end up costing you more than if you spend a little extra to get it right in the first place.[1] [SG2] 

This is from the existing FAQs on the website. Would you like to keep it?

 [SG2]I think this is a good base to start with. It could be modified later.

Depending upon the number of people and the available bandwidth & channels on the Wi-Fi Point, we recommend the use of wired data points for permanent connections such as PCs or telephones, Wi-Fi points are recommended for spaces with mobile devices, laptops & hot desks as it allows more freedom to move around. Wi-Fi points still require a data point to be wired to it but have a more extensive range than a fixed data point.

Planning your communications cabling should be done at the same time that you plan your electrical needs, construction changes, and modular furniture. IDC Solutions can assist you in the planning of your cabling infrastructure  if we are brought into the loop early in the process.