Christchurch · Dunedin · Nationwide
Network Cabling Services for Businesses
Exodesk plans and manages network cabling for New Zealand businesses. Our Christchurch and Dunedin teams design the outlet layout, organise patching and comms-cabinet work, and coordinate trusted partners who run, terminate and test the cable.
Whether you are fitting out an office, adding work areas or investigating unreliable connections, we agree what needs to change before installation starts.
Supporting New Zealand businesses since 1989
The short answer
What is structured network cabling?
Network cabling is the fixed wiring that connects work areas, access points and equipment to your network. Structured cabling organises it into planned routes, labelled outlets, patch panels and a comms cabinet, so each connection is easier to identify, test and change.
Switches, routers and firewalls are active equipment that use the cabling. Wireless design sits with our business WiFi service, wider changes to servers and network equipment with IT infrastructure projects, and office moves with office IT relocation.
Cabling projects are available to any business, whether or not Exodesk supports your IT. Exodesk has supported New Zealand businesses since 1989. Today, our Christchurch and Dunedin teams support businesses nationwide, with site visits and partner attendance agreed for each project.
What we cover
What our network cabling service covers
The project scope lists the outlets, routes, cabinet work and tests involved, and names who carries out each part, so responsibilities are clear before anyone starts on site.
Plan
Layout and design
Outlet positions, cable routes, copper or fibre selection and cabinet space, planned around desks, access points, phones and meeting equipment.
Cabinet
Patching and cabinets
Patch panels, labelling and cabinet organisation, with network equipment connected by Exodesk once the cabling is in place.
Install
Installation and testing
Trusted partners run, terminate and test the cable, with test results and records supplied at handover.
Switches, WiFi equipment, electrical work and ongoing support are identified separately in the quote where needed. Where a cabinet needs backup power, our guide to UPS and power protection covers the options.
Layout
Office data cabling planned around your workplace
We consider how each area is used, where devices sit and how cables can reach them, alongside cabinet space, building access and any existing installation.
The internet service arrives at the carrier equipment and passes through a router or firewall to the switch. Patch leads connect the switch to the patch panel, fixed links run from the panel to wall or floor outlets, and short leads connect the devices. A fibre link between cabinets ends at suitable optical equipment, separate from the internet service.
Existing links are retained, repaired or replaced according to their condition and tested capability. Meeting rooms can need extra outlets for displays and conferencing equipment, which our meeting room technology work covers.
Diagnosis
Investigate before recabling
Slow WiFi, dropped video calls and an untidy cabinet are reasons to investigate, not proof of a cabling fault. Radio conditions, devices, switching, applications and the internet connection can produce similar symptoms.
Age or appearance alone does not establish that cable performance is inadequate. Testing the links in question, checking the equipment they connect and reviewing how the network is used show whether new network cabling, repairs or a different change will help.
Wired uplinks to access points are preferable where practical, but some access points connect through wireless mesh backhaul. New cabling supports a WiFi design rather than fixing coverage by itself, so the wireless layout is checked alongside it.
Cable and power
Choosing the cabling and power requirements
Cable choice depends on the required speed, run length, equipment and installation conditions. Cat6 and Cat6A are common copper options; fibre can suit links between cabinets or longer routes.
- Cat6A. Designed to support 10GBASE-T over a compliant channel up to 100 metres.
- Cat6. Can support 10G over shorter links, subject to length and installation conditions such as nearby cables.
- Lengths. Under the cabling standards, a fixed copper link is limited to 90 metres, within a complete channel of up to 100 metres including patch and equipment cords.
- Power over Ethernet. Copper cabling can carry power to compatible phones, cameras and access points when the switch or injector supports the required PoE standard and has enough power for each connection and all connected devices. Fibre does not carry electrical power.
Spare capacity is planned against the layout and budget rather than added everywhere by default.
How it works
How a cabling project runs
Each project starts with the connection needs and the existing cabling, and the tests and acceptance criteria are agreed before installation begins.
Survey and requirements
Record the areas, devices and connections needed, the existing cabling and cabinet, and building access.
Design and quote
Agree the outlet layout, routes, cable type, cabinet work, partner tasks, tests and costs.
Install and test
Partners install, terminate and test the cable within agreed change windows, with interruptions identified beforehand.
Connect and hand over
We connect and check the network equipment, then hand over test results, labelling and records of any outstanding work.
Testing answers different questions at different levels. Fluke Networks explains how verification, qualification and certification differ: whether a cable is wired correctly, whether it can support a network technology, and whether it meets a cabling standard. The scope names the level required, and network checks after installation remain separate from cable acceptance.
Cost
What affects network cabling cost?
Cost depends on outlet numbers, routes, building access, existing infrastructure, cabinet work and testing. The quote identifies partner installation, equipment and any electrical work.
- Outlets and routes. How many connections are needed and how cable reaches them.
- Site conditions. Ceilings, floors, walls, building rules and access times.
- Cabinet work. Patch panels, labelling, tidying and any new cabinet.
- Testing and records. The agreed test level, results and documentation.
- Separate items. Switches, WiFi equipment and electrical work, shown separately where they apply.
Questions
Network cabling questions
What is structured network cabling?
It is a planned system of fixed cable links, outlets, patch panels and labelling that connects work areas to the network. Switches and routers use that cabling but are separate active equipment. A clear layout and records make connections easier to identify and change.
Does Exodesk install network cabling?
Exodesk plans and manages the cabling project, including the layout, patching, comms-cabinet organisation and connection of network equipment. Trusted partners run, terminate and test the physical cable. The project scope names who handles each task and what is supplied at handover.
Do we need to be a managed IT client?
No. Cabling projects are available to any business, whether or not Exodesk supports your IT. If you also use our managed IT services, the cabling records can be added to the network documentation we maintain.
Which areas does the cabling service cover?
Our Christchurch and Dunedin teams support businesses nationwide. Site visits, partner attendance and any travel are agreed for the particular project before work starts.
Can faulty cabling cause slow WiFi?
Yes, a faulty or unsuitable wired uplink can limit an access point. Slow WiFi can also come from interference, placement, devices or other network issues. Some access points use wireless mesh backhaul, so the design and fault need checking before cabling is replaced.
Should we replace our existing cabling?
Only where its condition, performance or layout no longer meets the requirement. The cable grade, route, terminations and relevant tests help establish suitability. Age alone does not mean that every link needs replacing.
What is the difference between Cat6 and Cat6A?
Cat6A supports 10GBASE-T over a compliant channel up to 100 metres. Cat6 can support 10G over shorter links, subject to length and installation conditions. The required speed, equipment and route determine the appropriate choice.
What testing should a cabling project include?
Agree the links, test method and acceptance criteria before installation. Basic wiring checks do not provide the same assurance as application testing or standards certification. Network checks also confirm the agreed connections after installation; they do not replace cable testing.
Can cabling be upgraded while we keep working?
Some work can be staged around occupied areas, but reconnecting devices or changing cabinet connections may interrupt service. Building access and partner availability also affect the schedule. Agree the affected areas, change windows and checks before work starts.
How much does network cabling cost?
The quote depends on outlet numbers, cable routes, site access, existing cabling, cabinet work and testing. Equipment, partner installation and electrical work are included or excluded explicitly. A site-specific scope is more useful than a single price per outlet.
Next step
Discuss the cabling your workplace needs
Tell us the site location, whether this is a fit-out, move or upgrade, and which areas or devices need connections. A floor plan is useful if you have one. We can then scope the cabling work and the partners involved.
Get in touch
Talk to us about your site
Tell us where the site is, what is changing and roughly how many connections you need, and we will be in touch to arrange a time that suits.
Prefer to talk?
Christchurch
Level 1, 85 Riccarton Road
Christchurch 8011
03 343 3124
Dunedin
Level 3, Bartons Building
2 Stafford Street, Dunedin 9016
03 479 2941