STRUCTURED CABLING · TECHNICAL GUIDE
Renewing cabling without a prior audit is one of the most expensive mistakes a company can make. The result is a network that looks new but replicates the same problems: no documentation, no real certification, no capacity for planned growth.
Most companies decide to renew their structured cabling when it already shows symptoms: frequent drops, speeds below expectations, or simply because it has been over 15 years since the last update. The problem is that many renovation projects become missed opportunities.
How many outlets, where they are, what condition they are in and what cable category they have. Without this inventory, the renovation budget is an estimate without basis.
Review available space for patch panels, switches and UPS, ventilation adequacy, and whether cable management (organisers, bend radius) is correct. An overloaded or poorly organised cabinet generates heat, interference and failures.
Cat6 is sufficient if speeds above 1 Gbps are not planned and distances are under 55m. Cat6A is the correct choice for new installations wanting to support 10 Gbps over the full 100m standard length. Installing Cat5e in 2025 is a mistake you will pay for in under 5 years.
Certification with a certified tool (Fluke, IDEAL) of all links must be a mandatory part of the project. The as-built documentation must be delivered alongside the installation — it is the foundation for any future maintenance.
| Feature | Cat5e | Cat6 | Cat6A |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum speed | 1 Gbps / 100m | 10 Gbps / 55m | 10 Gbps / 100m |
| Recommended for new work | No | Only if 10G not needed | Yes — recommended standard |
| Expected lifespan | Obsolete for new work | 10-15 years | 15-20 years |
RENEWING YOUR COMPANY CABLING?
We review the current state of your installation and deliver a report with improvement options, recommended category and cost estimate.
Request cabling auditCONTACT
entelsat@entelsat.com · +34 952 238 074
