You have access to our group of devoted, knowledgeable data cabling engineers when you choose CCR Systems for your structured cabling installation. Our specialist team of engineers have installed thousands of miles of data cabling for education, healthcare, construction, and businesses throughout a wide range of environments.
Looking for data cabling for business? There is a range of data cable types that can provide varying speeds across a number of distances. Compare the cable types and find the difference between OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4 and OM5 fibre optic cabling and how they can benefit your business as well as much more. Find out key information about structured cabling variants, along with our expert view in the table below.
Found something that meets your requirements? Contact us today to discuss further with our expert team.
| Cable Type | Our Expert View | Data Speed / Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Cat.5 (copper twisted pair) | Not available | 100Mbps / 100m |
| Cat.5e (copper twisted pair) | Slightly cheaper than Cat.6 | 1Gbps / 100m |
| Cat.6 (copper twisted pair) | Most popular for internal building wiring | 1Gbps / 100m |
| Cat.6a (copper twisted pair) | For data centres or where equipment demands high current PoE | 10Gbps / 100m |
| Cat.7 (copper twisted pair) | There is no equipment available with connectors supporting this standard (Not Recommended) | 10Gps / 100m |
| Cat.7a (copper twisted pair) | There is no equipment available with connectors supporting this standard (Not Recommended) | 10Gps / 100m |
| Cat.8.1 (copper twisted pair) | Standard not ratified by ISO and will only be intended for data centres | 10Gbps / 100m |
| Cat.8.2 (copper twisted pair) | As Cat.8.1 but connector interface not backward compatible with RJ45 | 10Gbps / 100m 25/40Gbps / 30m |
| OM1 (fibre optic) | Be careful, different size fibre to OM2,OM3,OM4,OM5 | 1Gbps / 275m 10Gbps / 32m |
| OM2 (fibre optic) | Use OM4 | 1Gbps / 550m 10Gbps / 82m |
| OM3 (fibre optic) | Use OM4 | 1Gbps / 550m 10Gbps / 300m 40Gbps / 100m 100Gbps / 100m |
| OM4 (fibre optic) | Use between buildings or where distance between cabinets is >90m or 10Gbps links required | 1Gbps / 1100m 10Gbps / 550m 40Gbps / 150m 100Gbps / 150m |
| OM5 (fibre optic) | Standard not ratified by ISO. Wideband version of OM4 supporting higher speeds. Primary use: Data Centre. | As OM4 but with – 400Gbps / 150m |
| OS1 (fibre optic) | Use OS2 | 1Gbps / 2km 10Gbps / 2km 100Gbps / 40km |
| OS2 (fibre optic) | Extended distance between buildings | 1Gbps / 40km 10Gbps / 10km 100Gbps / 5km |
Structured data cabling is a standardised network infrastructure system that connects servers, switches, access points, CCTV and devices throughout a building.
It uses organised cabling layouts, patch panels and network cabinets to ensure reliable, scalable connectivity. A properly designed structured cabling system reduces downtime and simplifies troubleshooting.
To implement correctly, businesses should invest in a professional cabling design rather than ad-hoc wiring. This ensures future expansion can be accommodated without costly reinstallation.
A data cabling audit identifies performance issues, outdated cabling types and infrastructure risks before installing new hardware.
Many businesses operate on legacy cabling that cannot support gigabit or multi-gig speeds required by modern EPOS, VoIP and Wi-Fi systems. An audit reveals bottlenecks, poor termination points and non-compliant installations.
To avoid network instability, conduct a full infrastructure audit prior to any upgrade. This ensures switches, servers and access points are supported by appropriate cabling standards.
Cat5e supports up to 1Gbps, Cat6 supports up to 10Gbps over shorter distances, and Cat7 supports higher shielding and bandwidth for advanced applications.
Cat5e is suitable for basic office connectivity. Cat6 is commonly recommended for modern commercial installations. Cat7 provides additional shielding and performance stability in high-interference environments.
To futureproof a business network, most organisations now deploy Cat6 or higher. Choosing the correct cable at installation stage prevents expensive re-cabling later.
Cat6 is typically the most suitable data cabling standard for hospitality environments.
Restaurants, bars and hotels rely on cloud EPOS, payment terminals, access points and CCTV operating simultaneously. Cat6 supports high bandwidth demands and stable device connectivity.
To ensure reliability during peak trading hours, hospitality venues should combine Cat6 cabling with managed switches and correctly configured VLAN segmentation.
Yes, inadequate or outdated cabling can significantly limit Wi-Fi performance.
Access points rely on stable Power over Ethernet connections and sufficient bandwidth to deliver consistent wireless speeds. Inferior cabling can cause intermittent dropouts and reduced throughput.
To maximise Wi-Fi efficiency, ensure access points are connected using tested, certified cabling that meets current bandwidth requirements.
Yes, server environments require high-performance, well-organised cabling to ensure uptime and efficiency.
Servers handle large volumes of data traffic and often connect to switches, backup systems and firewalls. Poor cable management can cause overheating, signal interference and maintenance challenges.
To maintain reliability, implement rack-mounted patch panels, labelled terminations and structured cable routing. This supports scalability and reduces troubleshooting time.
To eliminate the risks associated with keys, businesses should implement a managed access control platform that allows centralised user management. By assigning role-based permissions and removing access in real time when staff leave, you significantly reduce internal security risks and unauthorised entry.
Installation time depends on building size, cable quantity and complexity of infrastructure.
A small office may be completed within a day or two, while multi-floor hospitality or warehouse environments require phased installation.
To minimise disruption, schedule installation outside peak trading hours and coordinate with other infrastructure upgrades such as CCTV or access control deployment.
The most effective way to control cost is to conduct a structured site survey. This identifies current vulnerabilities, cabling infrastructure and scalability requirements. Investing in a system that can expand as your business grows avoids expensive retrofitting later and ensures a predictable return on investment.
Yes, structured data cabling is a foundational investment that supports future expansion.
Upgrading to higher-category cabling enables businesses to adopt faster broadband, cloud services and advanced security systems without infrastructure limitations.
To futureproof growth, design cabling layouts with spare capacity and clearly documented network mapping.
To maximise security performance, businesses should choose a unified security ecosystem rather than isolated systems. A professionally installed, integrated solution reduces blind spots, simplifies management and provides centralised reporting across all entry points.
Yes, structured cabling can support multiple systems when properly configured.
Access Control, CCTV cameras, EPOS terminals and VoIP phones all operate over IP networks. The key is ensuring adequate bandwidth and segmentation.
To maintain performance and security, implement VLAN configuration and managed switches. This prevents one system from negatively impacting another.
To mitigate risk, systems should include battery backup units and be installed in compliance with UK fire safety standards. Regular maintenance and remote system health monitoring help prevent downtime and ensure compliance with insurance and safety obligations.
Yes, commercial cabling installations must meet UK building and fire safety regulations.
This includes appropriate cable ratings, safe routing and compliance with structured cabling standards. Improper installation may invalidate insurance or pose safety risks.
To ensure compliance, use certified installers and maintain documentation of test results and cable certification reports.
The key is selecting a modular system that grows with your business. Starting with one or two controlled doors and expanding as operational needs evolve allows smaller organisations to improve security without significant upfront disruption or cost.
Data and network cabling is a method of connecting multiple devices within an IT network. These devices can range from computers, CCTV cameras and servers to WiFi access points. The infrastructure utilises two data cable types of copper, and fibre with a number of different grades that can provide different results.
Our technical experts in data cabling for business will discuss your requirements and consider the servers and equipment and your available space so we can evaluate what you need now and in the future. They will also assess your environment to ensure security, power, and cooling is appropriate and consider any impact of noise pollution which can come from the cabinet.
We see no harm in you installing long patch leads, however, we recommend that you avoid installing structured cabling. You will not have the appropriate tools, training, or testers. A trained professional will be able to install it quickly and safely, leaving you free to do your day-to-day tasks with a data cabled network that is much less likely to encounter problems or worse, failures.
Consider whether your electrician has invested in training and testers and can provide you with a system warranty, along with certified results of the data cabling installation. If that’s not the case, then no, don’t let them install your data network cabling – get in touch; CCR Systems are here to help.
Most of our office installations are based on Cat.6. We use Cat.6a for data centres or feeding Wireless Access Points (WAPs) where they demand higher power.
This will depend on the distance between your cabinets and the speeds at which you wish to operate. If Gigabit links are okay and your cabinets are within 90m, then we feel Cat.5e or Cat.6 is sufficient.
When “flood wiring” a building, 2 ports are generally installed per desk, whilst ensuring there are plenty of spares for other network devices, such as printers, franking machines, Internet radio player, etc.
However, with VoIP based telephone systems, only a single port is required per desk to connect both the PC and telephone. This can represent a significant saving in the cost of your data cabling, which would justify the upgrade to a VoIP telephone system.
Also consider installing data cables for CCTV cameras, wireless access points, access control systems, displays & projectors, cashless catering etc.
We can support businesses of all sizes throughout the UK. No matter what sector or industry, we can advise you on the right data cabling solution for your business from healthcare and hotels to construction and everything in between. Our team of experts know what systems work.
We can help your business become faster, more effective, and ultimately more successful.
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