Have you decided that it is finally time to replace your company network? Your computer network is at the heart of your business, and if you want to stay competitive, you must make the right choices to enable your business to thrive in the years ahead. An Ethernet and fibre optic cabling installation company can guide you through the design and installation of your new network. They will explain that there are several points that you must consider before you make your final decision about the type of network that you want to have fitted in your building.

Why does your network matter?

Most businesses understand the importance of their network to the day-to-day operation of their business, but how many of them think about how that network is constructed, and how long it will last? A properly installed network should last between 15 and 20 years, certainly much longer than most of your IT equipment, so it is worth taking the time to make certain that the network suits your needs. A network that doesn't work well or constantly causes your IT systems to go down could introduce significant extra costs for your company. Speak to your local Ethernet and fibre optic cabling installation company to see what solutions could work for your business. They will help you avoid excessive distances between network switches and your desks, as well as EMI problems or impractical radius bends for the cables. Perhaps the most important decision that must be made is whether to opt for a copper or fibre optic cabling installation.

Deciding between copper and fibre optic

Both fibre optic and copper can offer fast data transmission so, the choice isn't as simple as picking the most reliable choice, you could even opt for a mixed copper and fibre optic cabling installation. Traditionally, copper was the slower of the two options for data transmission but, as a copper cable network can now run at 10GB rates, it could be the right choice for your company. Perhaps the greatest disadvantage of copper cabling is the cost. A fibre optic cabling installation is cheaper than a copper installation; it is also normally physically smaller and more lightweight. However, where a fibre optic cabling installation shines is in providing less signal degradation with a smaller amount of power. To see whether a fibre optic cabling installation could be right for you, speak to your local installation company today.