STRUCTURED CABLING & NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE
Structured Cabling & Network Infrastructure
Reliable business technology starts with the infrastructure connecting everything together.
Computers, Wi-Fi access points, security cameras, point-of-sale systems, printers, phones, network equipment, and other business systems may all depend on properly installed network cabling.
HispanoTech helps small businesses plan, install, expand, troubleshoot, and organize structured cabling and network infrastructure for offices, commercial spaces, renovations, expansions, and new locations.
Whether you need one additional network connection or are planning the technology infrastructure for an entire location, we can help determine what needs to connect, where it needs to go, and how the infrastructure should support the business.
Support is available in English and Spanish.
THE PHYSICAL FOUNDATION
What Is Structured Cabling?
Structured cabling is the physical infrastructure that connects technology throughout a business location.
- Cat5e and Cat6 network cabling
- Ethernet connections
- Network drops
- Wall jacks and terminations
- Patch panels
- Network racks and equipment locations
- Communications closets
- Workstation connections
- Wireless access point connections
- Security camera cabling
- POS and business equipment connections
- Other network-connected equipment
You don’t need to know which cable, connector, or network component you need before contacting us. Tell us what equipment you’re trying to connect and how the business uses it, and we can help determine the infrastructure requirements.
RIGHT-SIZED FOR SMALL BUSINESS
Network Cabling for Small Businesses
Not every small business needs a large network.
A business may simply need connections for two computers, a printer, a wireless access point, a few cameras, and a point-of-sale system. Another may have multiple offices, workstations, access points, cameras, phones, network switches, and other equipment.
The infrastructure should fit the business rather than making a small operation unnecessarily complicated.
We can help plan cabling around the equipment you actually use today while considering reasonable future expansion.
WIRED + WIRELESS WORK TOGETHER
The Best Business Network Usually Isn’t an Either/Or Decision
Where Wired Connections Make Sense
Ethernet cabling can provide a stable, dedicated connection for fixed business equipment and systems where consistent connectivity is important.
- Desktop computers and workstations
- Security cameras
- Point-of-sale equipment
- Network printers
- Business phones
- Network switches and infrastructure
- Servers, storage, and other fixed equipment
- Wireless access points
Wired connections are not affected by Wi-Fi coverage in the same way as wireless devices and can be especially useful for equipment that remains in a fixed location.
Where Wi-Fi Makes Sense
Wi-Fi provides mobility and flexibility for devices that need to move throughout the business or where a physical network connection is not practical.
- Laptops
- Tablets
- Smartphones
- Mobile POS devices
- Portable business equipment
- Guest connectivity
- Devices used throughout a facility
A well-designed network can use Wi-Fi where mobility is valuable while using physical cabling where dedicated connectivity is appropriate.
Business Wi-Fi is wireless for the devices using it, but the wireless network itself often depends on wired infrastructure behind the scenes. Access points may use Ethernet for network connectivity and, when supported, Power over Ethernet (PoE).
Proper access point placement and cabling can help provide more consistent wireless coverage throughout offices, restaurants, retail locations, warehouses, and other business spaces.
For wireless planning, configuration, and troubleshooting, see our Wi-Fi, Networks & Internet service.
PLAN BEFORE THE WALLS ARE FINISHED
New Offices, Buildouts & Expansions
New Offices, Buildouts & Renovations
The best time to think about network cabling is often before walls, ceilings, furniture, and equipment are completely in place.
- Employee workstations
- Internet and network equipment
- Wireless access points
- Security cameras
- POS systems
- Printers
- Phones and communications equipment
- Conference or meeting areas
- Equipment rooms and network racks
- Future expansion
Planning these locations early can reduce the need for inconvenient changes after the business is already operating.
For planning the rest of the technology at a new location, see our New Office Technology Setup service.
Office Expansions & Additional Network Drops
Businesses often outgrow their original technology infrastructure. Additional cabling may be useful when:
- Adding employees or workstations
- Expanding into another office or work area
- Installing additional wireless access points
- Adding security cameras
- Moving printers or business equipment
- Installing or changing POS systems
- Reorganizing a business location
- Adding network equipment
We can evaluate the existing infrastructure and determine how new equipment can be incorporated into the network.
CONNECT THE SYSTEMS YOUR BUSINESS USES
Cabling for Cameras, POS & Business Equipment
Cabling for Security Cameras
Many modern IP security cameras use Ethernet cabling to connect cameras to network and recording equipment.
Power over Ethernet can also allow compatible cameras to receive network connectivity and electrical power through the same cable.
- Interior and exterior camera locations
- Network cabling
- PoE network equipment
- Recording equipment
- Network connectivity
- Equipment placement
- Future camera expansion
For the camera system itself, see our Security Camera Infrastructure service.
Cabling for POS & Business Equipment
Point-of-sale systems and other business equipment may depend on stable network connections.
- POS terminals
- Payment equipment
- Receipt printers
- Back-office computers
- Inventory systems
- Network printers
- Other connected business equipment
Planning connectivity around the actual equipment helps avoid discovering after installation that an important device has no reliable network connection where it needs to operate.
Learn more about our POS Systems & Business Technology services.
ORGANIZED INFRASTRUCTURE
Network Racks, Patch Panels & Equipment Organization
Cabling is easier to maintain when the other end of every connection is organized too.
Depending on the size of the network, infrastructure may include patch panels, switches, racks, cabinets, labeling, and organized equipment locations.
A clean and understandable network installation can make future troubleshooting, repairs, equipment replacement, and expansion easier.
TEST IT — DON’T JUST ASSUME IT WORKS
Professional Cable Testing & Certification
Installing a cable and seeing a network light turn on does not necessarily tell you everything about the quality or performance of the installed cabling.
For projects where documented cable performance is important, HispanoTech can provide professional network cable testing and certification using Fluke Networks DSX CableAnalyzer equipment.
Depending on the project requirements, certification can help verify installed cabling against applicable performance standards and provide documented test results for individual cable runs.
This can be especially useful for new installations, construction projects, troubleshooting, infrastructure upgrades, and situations where a business wants documentation of the installed cabling.
Experience with Larger Certification Projects
HispanoTech also has experience performing cable certification on larger installations. On one hotel project involving approximately 300 rooms, we used Fluke Networks DSX CableAnalyzer equipment to test and document the installed cabling and verify that the connections met the required Cat6 performance standards.
This type of certification goes beyond confirming that a cable is simply connected and working. It provides measurable, documented test results that can help verify that an installation meets the required cabling specifications.
Not every cabling project requires this level of certification. For many small-business installations, appropriate testing for the work being performed is sufficient. We can help determine when documented cable certification makes sense for the project.
THE RIGHT RESOURCES FOR THE PROJECT
When Installation Partners Are Needed
Project requirements vary considerably.
Depending on the size, location, construction environment, access requirements, schedule, and scope of work, HispanoTech may perform the technology work directly or coordinate with experienced cabling professionals and subcontractors.
This allows the project to use appropriate resources while HispanoTech remains involved in the technology requirements and how the cabling connects to the business systems it is intended to support.
YOU DON’T NEED TO SPEAK NETWORK CABLING
Tell Us What You’re Trying to Connect
You don’t need to call and ask for “six Cat6 drops with PoE.” You can simply tell us:
- “We’re adding three employees.”
- “We need Wi-Fi on the other side of the building.”
- “We want to add four cameras.”
- “We’re opening a new office.”
- “The new POS system needs a network connection.”
- “We’re remodeling and want to run the wiring before the walls are finished.”
- “We have cables everywhere and don’t know what goes where.”
- “We need to know whether the existing wiring is good.”
That’s enough to start. We can help translate the business requirement into the network infrastructure needed to support it.
And if explaining the project is easier in Spanish, you can do that too.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Structured Cabling Questions
Do we still need network cabling if we use Wi-Fi?
Usually, yes. Business Wi-Fi commonly depends on wired connections to wireless access points, and devices such as cameras, POS systems, desktop computers, printers, and network equipment may also benefit from or require wired connectivity. A well-designed network can use both wired and wireless connections according to the needs of each device and location.
Can you add network connections to an existing office?
Depending on the building and project requirements, additional network drops and infrastructure can often be added to support new employees, equipment, cameras, access points, or other business systems.
Can you provide cabling for security cameras?
Yes. Network cabling can be planned as part of an IP camera deployment, including appropriate connections for supported PoE cameras and related network equipment.
Can you test existing network cabling?
Yes. HispanoTech can test network cabling and, when appropriate for the project, provide professional cable certification using Fluke Networks DSX CableAnalyzer equipment.
Do you handle large cabling projects?
Project scope varies. Depending on the requirements, HispanoTech may perform technology work directly and may also coordinate with experienced cabling professionals or subcontractors for portions of an installation.
Can you help before construction or remodeling is finished?
Yes. Planning before construction or renovation is completed can be especially useful because workstation locations, access points, cameras, POS equipment, network racks, and other infrastructure can be considered before everything is closed or installed.
For additional questions, visit our Frequently Asked Questions.
BUILD ON A RELIABLE FOUNDATION
Build the Network Around Your Business
Whether you’re adding a few network connections, expanding Wi-Fi, installing cameras, moving into a new office, renovating an existing location, or planning an entire network infrastructure project, HispanoTech can help.
Practical structured cabling and network infrastructure for small businesses—in English and Spanish.