{"id":71437,"date":"2026-04-23T11:02:08","date_gmt":"2026-04-23T14:02:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/a3aengenharia.com\/en-us\/content\/technical-articles\/avoid-common-problems-structured-cabling-systems\/"},"modified":"2026-04-23T11:32:19","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T14:32:19","slug":"avoid-common-problems-structured-cabling-systems","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/a3aengenharia.com\/en-us\/content\/technical-articles\/avoid-common-problems-structured-cabling-systems\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Avoid Common Problems in Structured Cabling Systems"},"content":{"rendered":"

A structured cabling project<\/strong> is essential to ensure the efficiency and durability of a corporate network. However, many companies opt to simply hire a cable pulling service without a preliminary study and a solution scope that will keep the company’s operational connectivity for many years. This strategic error can compromise network performance and generate additional costs.<\/p>\n

In this article<\/strong>, we will present some of the common problems in structured cabling installations without a Project and the best practices to avoid them.<\/p>\n

Check it out!<\/p>\n

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Underdimensioning of Structured Cabling<\/h4>\n

The problem:<\/strong>
One of the most recurring errors in structured cabling projects is the underdimensioning<\/strong> of the infrastructure. This occurs when the number of network points or the capacity of the cabling are not sufficient to meet the company’s demands, in both the present and the medium and long term.<\/p>\n

Consequences:<\/strong>
Underdimensioning can result in network bottlenecks, limiting the data transmission capacity and causing slowness. Furthermore, the need to expand or modify the cabling system later can generate high costs and interruptions in the network’s operation.<\/p>\n

How to avoid:<\/strong>
Hire a specialized company to elaborate a project to define the scope that meets the current needs of the company and also the expected growth<\/strong>. Performing a detailed technical survey and predicting the scalability of the infrastructure are crucial steps to avoid underdimensioning. The recommendation is always to plan with a margin for future expansions, ensuring that the network can support the increase in devices and volume of data without major restructurings.<\/p>\n

Inadequate Choice of Components<\/h4>\n

The problem:
<\/strong>Another common error is the inadequate choice of components<\/strong> for the cabling project. Using cables, patch panels, switches, or keystone jacks that do not meet the required technical specifications can compromise the performance and longevity of the infrastructure.<\/p>\n

Consequences:
<\/strong>Incorrect choice of components can result in low network performance, communication failures between devices, and the need for early replacement of materials. In some cases, this can even cause the loss of important data.<\/p>\n

How to avoid:
<\/strong>A company with proven experience will provide materials from the best manufacturers on the market and with the certifications of that manufacturer can offer an extended warranty. For companies that require high-performance networks, higher quality materials should be used, materials that are normally not found in the retail market as it works with low-cost<\/em> materials; therefore, it is necessary to hire a company specialized in structured cabling projects, as due to its proximity and relationship with the main manufacturers, it can offer high-value-added materials and services and an extended warranty of 25 years.<\/p>\n

Disorganization in Cabling Distribution<\/h4>\n

The problem:
<\/strong>The lack of organization<\/strong> and identification during cabling installation<\/strong> is a recurring error, especially in large-scale installations. The absence of proper organization of cables within racks, ducts, and distribution panels can make maintenance and fault diagnosis difficult.<\/p>\n

Consequences:
<\/strong>Disorganization can cause physical interferences<\/strong> and increase downtime when there is a need to solve problems or perform maintenance. Furthermore, overlapping cables or inadequate occupation of trays and ducts can affect signal quality and, consequently, network performance.<\/p>\n

How to avoid:
<\/strong>Organization is essential<\/strong> in a structured cabling installation. Using appropriate racks, ducts, and cable management to keep cables organized and separated is fundamental to facilitate maintenance and prevent problems. Furthermore, cables must be properly identified and mapped, allowing any technician to quickly locate and solve problems on the network.<\/p>\n

Not Considering Electromagnetic Interference<\/h4>\n

The problem:
<\/strong>Installing cabling without considering electromagnetic interference<\/strong> (EMI) from other equipment is another common error. Cables installed close to interference sources, such as industrial motors, generators, or large power sources, can suffer signal degradation.<\/p>\n

Consequences:
<\/strong>Electromagnetic interference can result in data loss, intermittent network failures, and performance degradation, especially in longer cabling or industrial environments.<\/p>\n

How to avoid:
<\/strong>To avoid interference, it is essential to follow standards and observe the distancing between network cables and EMI sources. Furthermore, in environments that exhibit high interference levels, the use of shielded cables<\/strong> (STP \u2014 Shielded Twisted Pair) or even fiber optics<\/strong>, which are not susceptible to electromagnetic interference, is recommended. Another sensitive issue in this case is the grounding of metallic structures such as cable trays and technical cabinets.<\/p>\n

Lack of Technical Documentation<\/h4>\n

The problem:
<\/strong>The lack of documentation<\/strong> for a structured cabling installation is an error that can generate large problems in the future. Without accurate documentation, it is difficult for technicians to perform maintenance, expansions, or solve problems efficiently. Much time is lost with diagnosis before actually solving the problem.<\/p>\n

Consequences:
<\/strong>The absence of documentation can lead to lost time in identifying problems, increased maintenance costs, and even the need to restructure parts of the network to perform expansions or adjustments.<\/p>\n

How to avoid:
<\/strong>Demanding that complete documentation<\/strong> be produced is fundamental. This documentation should include network diagrams, mapping of connection points, location of racks and ducts, specification of the components used, network certification report, and As-Built<\/strong><\/em> drawing of the installation. Keeping this documentation updated is also important for future interventions.<\/p>\n

Not Performing Testing and Certification<\/h4>\n

The problem:<\/strong>
Not performing testing and certification<\/strong> of the network after the cabling installation is a serious error that compromises the quality of the structured cabling installation delivery. Only with the certification of the points is it possible to ensure that the installation was done correctly; waving the certification because the installer doesn’t have the necessary equipment or to “save” a minimal amount compared to the installation value will certainly compromise the delivery and bring the problem to the contractor, as they accepted the installation without certification.<\/p>\n

Consequences:<\/strong>
Without proper testing, attenuation, interference, and continuity problems can go unnoticed, resulting in network performance failures, connectivity drops, and even data loss.<\/p>\n

How to avoid:<\/strong>
After installation, all cables must be subjected to compliance testing<\/strong>, such as checking for continuity, attenuation, crosstalk, and other relevant parameters. Structured cabling certification<\/strong> ensures that the infrastructure was installed correctly and is in compliance with the technical specifications and current standards. Using professional testing equipment is indispensable to ensure the quality of the installation.<\/p>\n

Considerations on Structured Cabling Project<\/h3>\n

Structured cabling is the basis of all technology infrastructure in a company. When well planned, it provides efficiency, security, and scalability for network systems, ensuring that day-to-day operations are executed stably and continuously.<\/p>\n

Hiring a technical project elaborated by specialized professionals is indispensable, whether for new installations, adjustments, or to correct already existing problems. This detailed planning considers factors such as the physical environment, performance needs, expected growth, and applicable technical standards.<\/p>\n

The initial investment made to hire a specialized company to elaborate the structured cabling project<\/strong> is easily absorbed because, with project consultancy being done by a specialized engineering company, it is possible to considerably reduce the material acquisition costs for project execution, and this saved amount is far superior to the amount paid for the project.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, it is possible to discount the project value by hiring the same company to perform the project execution, which in itself is a good practice, as no company will execute a project like the very one that elaborated it.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h3>\n

Avoiding common errors<\/strong> in structured cabling installations is fundamental to ensuring the efficiency, longevity, and flexibility of the corporate network. From the correct dimensioning to the choice of materials, organization, and certification, each stage of the project requires attention to technical details that guarantee the success of the installation. Careful planning, combined with the best installation and documentation practices, prevents problems and ensures that the network meets the current and future demands of the company, without compromising performance or incurring unnecessary additional costs.<\/p>\n

With 28 years of experience and an extensive technical collection, A3A Engenharia de Sistemas<\/strong> offers specialized services in Project Elaboration and Consultancy<\/strong> for the implementation and adjustment of structured cabling<\/em><\/strong> systems.<\/p>\n

Why hire A3A Engenharia?<\/h4>\n