Self implemented cable test

[Ditto]

I'm aware a a recent post about cabling, but my request is a bit different and I don't want to hijack.

We have no evidence our structured cabling is failing but we have no documentation on the original implementation either. Our IT provider would like us to have a full structured cabling test - but for it's looking to be very expensive.

If I wanted to self-check our cabling, what approach would you recommend?

 

In terms of kit, lets go with a single router, 3 switches and patch panels, 3 APs, a couple of printers and about 50 wall surface mount RJ45 face-plates. The goal is to get further confidence that our structured cabling is sound. Wifi checking is out of scope presently.

What minimum spec on testing equipment would help make the task worthwhile. If you think only a full professional structured test with certification is sensible, do say, I won't be offended.

[Guest Guest]

As your having no issues seems like a waste of time and money to me

 

We have no documentation of the installation of the majority of our cabling, we only ever have testing carried out when we’re having issues

[Jamman960]

I imagine you could hire a decent fluke tester to do it, I’ve been tempted myself as I’m sure some of ours is a little ropey - found a cable joined with electrical tape a while ago!

[chazzy2501]

My thought is, if it isn't broke don't fix it. I don't know if cables have a life span but unless the PCs start having issues, just leave it be.

[Oaktech]

That sounds like something your IT provider needs to sort out if they want it.

 

I had a similar thing in reverse - we had an IT provider that we moved on because on because it was taken over by our MAT. I was also new in post, and in the process of due diligence we realised that we'd never had any our cabling certificates for the cabling they'd installed but that it was itemised on the invoices.

 

Turns out they hadn't done it at time of install. A stink was raised by the MAT and a very grumpy pair of installers came to test all the cabling and unpleasant amount of it failed. Further stinks were raised and long story short, they didn't rectify any of it, but they also didn't get the contract get out payment of close to 20k. The incumbent IT person and staff hadn't noticed because devices had failed back to 100mb or even 10mb in some cases and just kept going.

[djm968]

I would question why your IT Provider wants it tested? If they are not prepared to support your cabling as it is or test it themselves, I would tell them to jog on! I'm sure there are plenty of other IT providers around that would be more than happy to support what you have as it is.

[mavhc]

Your IT provider wants a test so they can save money sorting any problems out, if they want to save money it's up to them to pay for it, if they don't think it's worth it to them, then they won't.

 

Are they planning to give you a discount if it's all great?

[Chris_Cook]

I think you can hire the fluke testers from various companies rather than buying them.

 

Its probably worth reviewing cabling and cable terminations from time to time and having that documentation available about what you have. There can be some issues when you upgrade to 1g links to desktops for example, but if you've done that then its probably ok if it works.

 

Its also worth considering how much longer you will need most of that cabling, and if you are moving more things to wifi/mobile devices. You still have uplinks and the cabling to support APs that you probably want to be of a high standard and able to support 10g in the near future. Knowing what state that's in would be my priority.

 

Issues for me would be the quality of terminations (not too much wire untwisted at each end), type of cable (cat5, 5e, 6 etc, Copper-clad aluminium or proper copper), fire rating and recognisable brand of cable, cable routing - avoiding noisy equipment like lighting, lifts, etc, and that the cables are physically supported along their whole length probably every 30-50 CMs, and using some form of non-combustible (i.e. metal) fixings over corridors, doors and fire exits. Fire seals where it goes through walls and ceilings, Also internal cable used externally. Labelling end points and identifying where cables end up. Most of this isn't reasons to rip and replace, but does give an indication over the overall quality of the job. It might also help make the case for replacing cabling that is coming to the end of its useful life. Some of it can be fixed without replacing the cable.

 

There's many things that can hide with cabling and become issues over time as usage changes, or cables/sockets degrade. Knowing what you've got is worth while and lets your support company charge appropriately. If I was doing external support then yes, I'd want to charge more if the cabling is not up to scratch and likely to result in more support calls. In house, I want to be replacing or repairing cabling before it goes wrong at a critical moment.

[Davit2005]

How far do they want you to go as far as testing. Do they need to know the cabling type i.e. CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6, CAT6a, shielded, etc. And whether the cabling installation is to correct spec, Crosstalk readings, cable lengths etc.