Frequently Asked Questions

HomeFrequently Asked Questions

These FAQs provide insight into our cabling and network wiring solutions to help you make informed decisions.

From small offices to large commercial facilities, structured cabling is the backbone of modern communication systems. However, if you’re not familiar with network wiring, it’s normal to have questions about installation, timelines, overall benefits, and more. We’ve provided clear, straightforward answers to common questions to help you understand how professional cabling solutions support your business now and in the future.

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What services does Network Connections provide?

Our team is proud to be your one-source solution for all your structured cabling and network wiring needs. Some of our specific services include network data and voice cabling installations, fiber optic cabling and termination, commercial Wi-Fi/Wireless/WLAN setup, Ethernet wiring, security and surveillance system installation, wireless VOIP, and point-to-point wireless.

Do you provide free estimates?

Yes, our team provides free estimates for all our cabling solutions, including fiber optic cabling.

Do you work with commercial and residential customers?

Yes. While we will provide solutions for both, most of our services are centered around supporting businesses that need assistance with cabling and network solutions.

How experienced are you?

Our team is highly certified, and we have been providing cabling and network wiring services for over 20 years.  

What makes your services unique?

We have extensive experience working with a wide range of platforms, sites, and businesses, which means we’re able to provide unbiased and strategic recommendations based on your unique needs. We’re not tied to any particular product or vendor; instead, we focus on providing solutions that actually work for your infrastructure and budget.

How does the process work?

We start with an on-site survey and consultation, which allows us to assess the workspace, current network capabilities, and get to know your long-term goals. Once we have a baseline, our team maps out a custom design, selects the right cabling materials, and handles the installation for you.

What, exactly, is structured cabling, and why is it important?

Structured cabling acts as the physical backbone of your IT infrastructure. Businesses focus heavily on devices and servers, but data can’t travel smoothly without a reliable physical path. Our team designs systems that handle horizontal cabling, backbone cabling, the entrance point, telecommunications rooms, equipment rooms, and individual work areas.

Do your installations follow industry standards?

Absolutely. In order to be classified as true structured cabling, installations have to follow strict industry regulations. We design and install all systems to be in complete compliance with the standards set by the Electronic Industry Alliance/Telecommunications Industry Association (EIA/TIA), as well as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). We also provide complete documentation about any system maintenance you’ll need and future expansion possibilities.

What kinds of network data cabling do you work with?

Our team works with all types of physical network infrastructure, but we specialize in Cat5e cabling, Cat6 cabling, and advanced fiber optic cabling.

Can you help troubleshoot an existing cabling network that is failing?

Yes – if you are dealing with connectivity drops or slowdowns with your current layout, our team can conduct testing to find the root of the problems and provide practical solutions.

When should a business opt for Ethernet over wireless?

Ethernet is the best choice if your commercial building hasn’t been upgraded to wireless, or if you have a wireless setup but still need a solid backup connection option. Hardwired connections like Ethernet offer exceptional stability, security, and consistent speeds for key business devices. We can help you assess your current setup and needs to help you make the right choice for your business.

How are Cat5e and Cat6 cabling different?

When compared to Cat5e, Cat6 offers higher bandwidth and faster internal network speeds over certain distances. Not every business will have the technical demand that makes Cat6 a strategic investment, which is why we evaluate the spaces we’re working with and unique business needs to provide a configuration that fits your space and delivers the connection you need without overcharging you for unnecessary specs.

Why do you use Cat5e over Cat5?

The “e” stands for “enhanced,” and that distinction is important. Cat5e provides as much as 10 times the speed of older Cat5 cabling and can handle longer distances without experiencing heavy data interference or “crosstalk.”

Is Cat5e considered sufficient for a modern office setting?

In general, yes, but there are special considerations. If your daily operations don’t require extreme internet or internal data transfers, Cat5e is highly sufficient for residential and commercial applications. Additionally, if your business does require an upgrade later as demands increase, it’s easy for us to perform a physical system upgrade. 

What are the advantages of swapping to fiber optic cabling?

Fiber optic is the future of connectivity. It’s uniquely engineered to hold up in high-demand environments and offers incredible data security, reliability, and lightning-fast speed even over long distances. Fiber optic cabling also offers significantly more bandwidth than traditional copper-based cabling systems.

When would you recommend fiber optic over Ethernet?

We generally recommend fiber optic if your organization requires exceptionally high bandwidth over long distances, or if you have a high-speed, high-demand environment that would suffer under traditional transmission limits.

Can you add fiber optic cabling to an existing office building or workspace?

Yes, we help with both new-build infrastructure and retrofits for older systems. We can seamlessly integrate fiber network connections within your work environment to deliver the performance you need.

What types of commercial wireless infrastructure do you install?

We offer complete commercial Wi-Fi, wireless, and Local Area Network (WLAN) system setup and installation. This includes wireless VOIP setups and high-performance point-to-point wireless connections that bridge networks together.