Do you find it challenging to transition to network cabling? Transitioning to network cabling becomes difficult due to fear of experiencing downtime. And downtime causes disruptions in your routine operations.
Besides this, it also leads to decline in employees productivity, efficiency and customer satisfaction.
But worry not. Here are the best practices outlined below to minimize downtime while transitioning to network cabling installation.
Reasons for Reduced Downtime
Wondering the causes of frequent downtime? Some of the prominent causes of downtime include:
- Cybersecurity threats
- Natural disasters
- hardware/software failure
- Unstable hardware
- Outdated hardware
- Bugs
Tips To Minimize Downtime
Plan carefully
Planning the network cabling infrastructure is crucial before you begin the transition. Planning will ensure you have a reliable infrastructure that is less prone to downtime. The factors to consider during planning include:
- Number of devices connected to the network
- Amount of data that will be transmitted
- Distances between the devices
- Future growth and scalability
Keeping all these factors in mind while transitioning to network cabling will ensure that the cabling infrastructure accommodates new devices and technology whenever the need arises.
Use quality cabling components
Using low-quality cables during network cabling? The low-quality cables will lead to network issues such as slow speed, frequent downtime, and intermittent connectivity.
The best way forward is to use high-quality cables. High-quality cables not only ensure reliable connectivity but are designed to withstand wear and tear.
Moreover, the chances of signal loss which leads to performance issues and reduced downtime are also reduced.
Document cables clearly
An essential step in reducing downtime is labeling your cables. Labeling your cables enables you to identify and troubleshoot issues the moment they arise. But bear some key things while labeling such as:
- Consistent and clear labeling
- Label via unique identifiers such as numbers or codes
- Make sure labels are legible and durable so they don’t wear down with time
Organize cabling
Are your cables tangled? Disorganized or tangled cables are the biggest reasons for experiencing downtime and also make it challenging for you to fix them. As a result, an organized network cabling system is a must.
Organizing cables reduces the chances of cable damage, improves airflow, and makes it easy for you to add or remove devices from your network.
Test cabling infrastructure
A crucial step in reducing your downtime is testing your cabling infrastructure. Testing cabling infrastructure beforehand enables you to spot problems early before they turn severe. The issues include signal loss, interference, and others.
Testing is crucial before and after installation to make sure that the network cabling infrastructure meets the performance expectations and industry standards.
Routine Maintenance
The next best way forward to reduce downtime is maintenance. Routine maintenance of cabling ensures its longevity and decreases downtime. Conduct routine checks to ensure cables are connected, not damaged, and not under any kind of strain.
If left ignored, it can lead to frequent downtime which in turn can hinder your routine business operations. As a result, prioritize routine maintenance to fix issues before and save your time and money in the long run.
Opt for Professional installation
The network cabling installation should always be done by professionals and expert technicians. An expert ensures network cabling meets performance, and safety standards and minimizes the chances of downtime.
Besides this, the professionals also guide the best cabling components for your business needs and ensure that it is scalable as the technology evolves in the future.
Keep it simple
The more the number of devices you use, the more the complexity. This also leads to downtime. As a result, keeping it simple is the best way to reduce downtime. By keeping it simple, it becomes:
- Easier to manage
- More resilient
- Cost-effective
Update systems frequently
Outdated software can also be the reason you are experiencing downtime. This also fails to detect the latest security threats and stave them off. This is why updating software frequently is crucial to reduce the number of vulnerable access points across a network.
Monitor often
Keeping a check always helps. Monitoring the network cabling system often helps you spot vulnerabilities and fix network cabling issues before and after they happen. Monitoring also helps you stay informed about the cyber threats or your system being exposed to hackers or thieves.
Provide training to employees
Educate your team and employees on the network cabling infrastructure and provide them with the desired training. Doing so will ensure your team is well-equipped to manage and maintain network cabling systems even in your absence.
Wrapping Up
Understood the tactics to reduce downtime? So what are you waiting for? Implement the best practices for reducing downtime stated above and in return, have a reliable and scalable network cabling infrastructure in place.
