The comms cabinet is the heart of a building’s network. Every data outlet, Wi-Fi point and networked device runs back to it. When it’s done well, anyone can trace a cable in seconds and add or move devices without disruption. When it’s done badly, it becomes a tangle that costs time every time something changes.
On this commercial fit-out we installed a wall-mounted comms cabinet with five 24-port Cat6 patch panels, giving 120 ports for the building’s outlets.
Every port numbered
Every port has a printed label that matches the outlet it serves on the floor. Ports 1 to 86 run in sequence across the building, with additional outlets added during the job given matching “a” numbers next to their neighbours. A separate W series is kept apart so that group can be identified at a glance.
That means:
- anyone can find the right port for a desk or device straight away
- the IT provider can patch the network switch quickly at handover
- future moves and changes are a five-minute job, not an afternoon of cable tracing
Cable management behind the panels
The front of the cabinet is what people see. The back is where quality really shows.
Each group of cables was:
- dressed into neat looms and tied to the cabinet’s frame, with no slack left hanging across the cabinet
- split per panel, so each 24-port panel has its own bundle
- supported on rear cable management bars, keeping the weight off the terminations
- left with a service loop in the cabinet, so cables can be re-terminated later if needed without running new cable
Terminated and tested
Every cable was terminated on the patch panel and at the outlet, then tested to confirm it was correctly wired and performing to Cat6 standard. The test results were handed over with the job, so the client and their IT provider have a record of every link.
Finished and secure
The cabinet is wall-mounted to save floor space, with a lockable glass door that keeps the equipment secure while leaving the labels visible. There’s room below the patch panels for the network switches, router and other equipment, and space to grow.
Planning your own network cabling?
Read our guide to data cabling in office and shop fit-outs for the planning points to agree before ceilings go in. Positive Contractors delivers commercial fit-outs across London and Essex, with power, data, lighting, fire safety and finishes from one team. See our fit-outs and refurbishments service or call 020 8227 0035 to discuss your project.
We cover London and Essex, with our own engineers working every day across Chigwell, Loughton, Buckhurst Hill, Woodford, Ilford, Romford, Brentwood and Epping.