Network Cabling Checklist

Bad cabling is one of the most common causes of "mystery" network problems -- intermittent drops, slow speeds on specific ports, devices that randomly disconnect. Most of it traces back to cabling done without following a few basic rules. This checklist covers what proper structured cabling should address.

Cable category selection

Cable type	Suitable for
Cat5e	Basic office networking, up to 1Gbps -- adequate for older or lower-demand setups
Cat6	1Gbps reliably, 10Gbps over shorter distances -- the practical standard for most new installations
Cat6a	10Gbps over full 100m runs -- worth it for high-bandwidth needs like heavy video or server traffic

For most Kenyan offices being cabled today, Cat6 is the sensible default -- it costs little more than Cat5e but gives meaningfully more headroom as network demands grow.

Checklist: planning

• Cable run distances mapped and confirmed under 100m per run (the standard Ethernet distance limit)
• Pathways (conduit, trunking, ceiling routes) planned before cables are run, not improvised afterward
• Cabling kept clear of power cables where possible, or crossed at right angles, to reduce electrical interference
• Patch panel and switch location planned with enough room for future expansion
• PoE budget considered if cameras, access points or phones will draw power over the network cable

Checklist: installation

• Cables run without excessive bending (respect the cable's minimum bend radius) or crushing under heavy loads
• Every cable run labeled at both ends -- this alone saves hours of troubleshooting later
• Termination done to a consistent wiring standard (T568B is the common default) across the whole installation
• Cable slack left at both ends for future re-termination if needed

Checklist: testing & documentation

• Every run tested for continuity and correct pin-out before being called complete
• Cable test results documented and kept, not just visually inspected
• A simple cable map or schedule provided showing which port serves which physical location
• PoE devices tested under actual load, not just powered on briefly

Structured cabling is largely invisible when done well -- the sign of a good job is that nobody thinks about the cabling at all, because it just works.