John Peters, IT and Network Consultant, LLC

Network wiring has been at the bottom of the priority list of every construction project I have been associated with. The mindset of the architects is that network wiring is electrical and integrate it with the work of the electricians. That’s fine if the electricians are knowledgeable of the ANSI/EIA/TIA standards for structured data cabling and the requirements for testing and certifying cable installations. However if they are not, the project will be plagued with all of the rookie mistakes; specifically, inadequate, insufficient, or non-existent wiring closets, unorganized patch panels, unmarked drops, and wiring runs that exceed the maximum length for the cable specified.

Don’t get me wrong, it takes a lot to become certified as an electrician and I have a lot of respect for electricians and what they do. The problem lies with the project managers and their failure to bring in people who specialize in structured network cabling to assist with the design an installation of network wiring.

The ANSI/EIA/TIA standards were developed in the late 1980’s/early1990’s. Internet connectivity requirements have increased exponentially over time. I have been involved with three new construction projects in the past twenty years and it still amazes me the lack of forethought that is put into network wiring. In all three projects, I had to be persistent and insistent to get the network wiring installed correctly.

Although the costs of proper network design and wiring are negligible in most construction projects, the failure to adhere to standards has the same impact on the customer as if the project neglected adequate heat, plumbing or electricity. At this point, there is no excuse for the lack of network planning in new construction and renovation. Inadequate and insufficient network wiring is a drain on a businesses resources and most often results in lost productivity and revenue.

Failure to plan is planning to fail