Recognised cabling standards
There are three main standards in place to cover structured network cabling.
These are the EIA/TIA 568A Commercial Building Standard; the IS 11801, a generic ISO international cabling standard based on the EIA/TIA 568A and the European market standard, the EN 50173, based closely on the IS 11801.
It is Source's aim not just to meet the requirements of these industry accepted standards but to exceed them.
Cables come in a number of different categories called "CAT" numbers.
The most recently ratified standard for voice and data cable is the CAT 5e (where e stands for enhanced).
CAT 5e is capable of handling data transmission rates of up to 1000Mbps (1Gbps) and the commercial building standard has been appended to EIA/TIA 568A-5.
Newer standards including CAT6 (capable of transmitting data at 1000 Mbps, for which the standard will be EIA/TIA 568B) and CAT 7 (capable of running at 6000Mbps, yet to be officially standardised) are being proposed but have not yet been officially ratified.
Source recommends that you consider network cabling infrastructure of at least the CAT5e standard, to ensure your computer network continues to meet your needs well into the future.
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Cable Types
There are three main types of cable used in structured cabling installations: UTP, ScTP and fibre optic.
 Most computer networks are cabled using UTP or 'unshielded twisted pair' as it is a versatile product capable of supporting most system and network protocols.
ScTP or 'screened twisted pair is used in place of UTP in environments where there is high ambient noise or electro-magnetic interference, for example hospitals and military bases.
Fibre optic cable is used for high speed, high bandwidth applications. Fibre cable is available in two formats, singlemode, widely used in telephony and multimode suitable for network communications. Multimode fibre is capable of handling large bandwidth, with high speed data transmission and is compact and easy to install.
Universal patch panels are available from Source to integrate UTP and fibre cable with the older style coaxial cable, for combined cable networks.
Site surveys
When commencing a new project for any size or type of organisation a site survey is carried out.
This survey enables engineers to get a feel for the building into which they are installing the network cabling.
Factors which affect the installation methods include:
Size
Age
Function
Solid floors
Solid ceilings
Existing cabling infrastructure
Existing cabling trunking
Once these factors have been investigated Source will be able to provide your organisation with a comprehensive project plan and quotation as well as an installation schedule.
This will enable you to plan when the work is best carried out.
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Installation and testing
After your site survey has taken place Source will arrange for a convenient time for installation.
You can be reassured that Source takes its health and safety responsibilities very seriously and complies with the very latest health and safety guidelines.
Installations can be noisy if there is drilling involved, so Source will keep you informed of when this is likely to take place so any disruption is kept to an absolute minimum.
Once installation is complete Source will test every part of the system to ensure that all the products are performing correctly. Performance certification is available should it be required.
The cabling infrastructure installed by Source carries a minimum of 15 years warranty, to protect customers from product defects or reduced system performance.
Future expansion
Source works with its customers to build cabled network infrastructure which can be extended as the organisation changes and grows.
A team of dedicated network designers works with customers to understand their current and future requirements for voice and data outlets within their building(s).
Quite often it will be more cost-effective to 'flood wire' a building or room with as many outlets as possible, rather than return to add further points at different intervals.
Source will be able to advise you how you can ensure your network continues to meet your needs.
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