FAQs

A network cable drop or a “drop” for short, is an ethernet keystone jack with a faceplate. If there is a four-port faceplate, it would be four network cable drops. Network cable drops provide points of connection ran from the wall where the faceplate is located, to the network room/rack. This term typically refers to the LAN (local area network) inside a customer’s suite or office. When receiving quotes, the number of “drops” is ultimately the number of jacks or network plugs to use for computers, VoIP telephones, Wifi routers, modems, printers, POS stations, switches, and any other kind of network device.

1. Determine the amount of network cable drops.

This requires a walkthrough of an office and gathering the number of network drops one will need. Identify how many network printers, computers, VoIP telephones, wireless access points (WAPs), and all network devices to submit the number of network drops. Do not stress about the exact number. Get a rough estimate and begin the process. If the customer doesn’t know where to begin, it is recommended to start the process at step #2, getting quotes.

2. Decide with local provider what internet speed to purchase, this will tell the type of network cable.

The strength of cable depends on the speed of internet. If purchasing gigabit speeds, CAT6 cable would be required to reach the potential speeds provided. Any speed under one gigabit, CAT5e is all that is needed. It’s recommended if a customer has fiber internet, they use CAT6 cable which can handle speeds up to 10 gigabits.

3. Call and request site walkthroughs and quotes.

Schedule local telecommunication contractors to walk-through the office. Every job is different with network cabling making walk-throughs a crucial step. If step #1 was overwhelming, count the number of network drops/network cables needed with a telecommunications contractor.

Price is always something to consider in decision making but do not sacrifice quality for a price. Untested and unlabeled outlets/ network drops are a hindrance to business operations. We recommend not buying a price, but a quality product.

4. Have the work performed and conduct a final walkthrough with the telecommunications contractor.

Once the work has been done, walk through the jobsite to ensure complete satisfaction with the network cabling. Each network cabling drop should be tested and have a label on the faceplate that corresponds to the patch panel. Now the IT company is free to come in and install your routers and network equipment. A well-planned data/network installation makes the IT company’s job easier, and the business run smoother.

In today’s internet of things, we use the internet for everything. Devices that are on a LAN (local area network) all have data/network cabling run to them. Network cabling are the veins and the carriers of information for businesses around the world. With proper network cabling, we shouldn’t think about it daily, it is the silent hero of a business. If a business finds itself with poorly installed data/network cabling, it is a constant battle of what connection goes where, in and out connections, and missed opportunities. Nothing in the modern business environment gets done without a stable and well installed network.

We recommend using CAT6 for scalability and changes through time. AT&T and Cox Communications are in the process of switching all old copper feed cables to fiber cables. Fiber internet can provide the fastest speeds possible. CAT5e cable used to be the standard network cabling in San Diego and nationwide. But technology advances exponentially and CAT5e will soon be outdated by CAT6. By installing CAT6 in your business now, you have future-proofed your office and business.

It is a case-by-case scenario of which cable to use, CAT5e or CAT6. Call to discuss with one of our representatives to determine which will fit your business best.