Blog

Networking cabling in a rack

Don’t Let Bad Cabling Slow Down a Great Business: Why Structured Cabling Still Matters

April 14, 20253 min read

Let’s be honest—when most business owners are planning a move or renovating a space, structured cabling isn’t the first thing on their mind.

And yet, it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make for the long-term performance, security, and scalability of your technology.

In today’s world of high-speed internet, cloud-based applications, wireless everything, and increasing reliance on cameras and PoE devices, your cabling infrastructure can either carry your business forward—or quietly hold it back.

Here’s what I tell clients:
If you’re investing in a new space or planning to stay put for a while, invest in the wiring that powers it.


⚡ The New Demands on “Wires You Don’t See”

There’s a common belief that cabling doesn’t matter as much anymore because “everything’s wireless.”
That’s only half true.

Yes, wireless access is essential—but guess what powers those lightning-fast wireless access points (WAPs)?

👉 Cabling.
And not just any cable—high-quality Cat6 or Cat6A, properly routed, terminated, and tested.

Today’s wireless standards (Wi-Fi 6 and soon Wi-Fi 7) require faster uplink speeds and more consistent power delivery—especially when your APs are running Power over Ethernet (PoE).


🎥 More Cameras, More Bandwidth

Security and compliance requirements have led most businesses to increase their video surveillance footprint.

Whether it’s:

  • Entryway and parking lot coverage

  • In-office monitoring

  • Cloud-connected NVRs or smart AI-based systems

These IP cameras also run on PoE and consume far more bandwidth than their analog predecessors. A poorly planned cabling run—or cheap materials—can lead to degraded performance, dropped frames, or entire systems going offline.


🏢 Moving Into a New Space? This Is Your Moment

If you're moving into a new office, building out a suite, or signing a long-term lease, now is the time to future-proof your infrastructure.

I’ve seen too many businesses move in, focus on furniture and finishes, and then scramble to rewire six months later when they hit performance issues.

Some key questions to ask:

  • Are you using Cat5e because it was “already there”?

  • Do you have enough drops for expansion, VoIP phones, or cameras?

  • Are your runs certified and tested for high-speed use and PoE?

Spending a little more now on professional-grade cabling saves you thousands later in downtime, rework, and missed productivity.


🧠 What Smart Cabling Looks Like

Here’s what we install for businesses that want to get it right the first time:

  • Cat6, Cat6A or Fiber cabling to support high-speed data and future-proofing

  • Proper labeling and documentation for easy management

  • Plenum and/or Shielded cabling and quality patch panels for interference reduction

  • Clean, centralized IDF and MDF setups

  • Cabling plans that account for AP placement, PoE requirements, and future growth

It’s not just about making things look neat—it’s about performance, safety, and longevity.


🔧 How Big Water Technologies Can Help

We’ve installed structured cabling systems across industries—legal, healthcare, accounting, professional services, manufacturing—and we know how to plan, install, and maintain infrastructure that lasts.

We’ll walk your site, assess your needs, and give you a cabling plan that’s:

✔ Technically sound
✔ Scalable
✔ Cost-efficient for your timeline and goals

Whether you're remodeling, expanding, or building from scratch—don’t let your business outgrow your wiring.


📩 Need help with your new office, suite, or facility? Let’s talk before the walls go up. Structured cabling is an investment—and we’ll help you do it right the first time.

John Lowery is the CEO of BigWater Technologies, where he leads with a passion for innovation and excellence in delivering advanced IT solutions. With over two decades of experience in the tech industry, John specializes in strategic planning, operational efficiency, and driving customer success.

John Lowery

John Lowery is the CEO of BigWater Technologies, where he leads with a passion for innovation and excellence in delivering advanced IT solutions. With over two decades of experience in the tech industry, John specializes in strategic planning, operational efficiency, and driving customer success.

Back to Blog

Ready For A No-Nonsense Approach To IT?

  1. Hire us to set your IT strategy up for sustainable success.

  2. Learn about our proven No-Nonsense approach.

  3. Get an IT roadmap designed specifically for you.

  4. Fearlessly grow your business.

Get in Touch with us!

Call us at (248) 220-7714 or or fill out the form below.

Featured Posts

Networking cabling in a rack

Don’t Let Bad Cabling Slow Down a Great Business: Why Structured Cabling Still Matters

April 14, 20253 min read

Let’s be honest—when most business owners are planning a move or renovating a space, structured cabling isn’t the first thing on their mind.

And yet, it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make for the long-term performance, security, and scalability of your technology.

In today’s world of high-speed internet, cloud-based applications, wireless everything, and increasing reliance on cameras and PoE devices, your cabling infrastructure can either carry your business forward—or quietly hold it back.

Here’s what I tell clients:
If you’re investing in a new space or planning to stay put for a while, invest in the wiring that powers it.


⚡ The New Demands on “Wires You Don’t See”

There’s a common belief that cabling doesn’t matter as much anymore because “everything’s wireless.”
That’s only half true.

Yes, wireless access is essential—but guess what powers those lightning-fast wireless access points (WAPs)?

👉 Cabling.
And not just any cable—high-quality Cat6 or Cat6A, properly routed, terminated, and tested.

Today’s wireless standards (Wi-Fi 6 and soon Wi-Fi 7) require faster uplink speeds and more consistent power delivery—especially when your APs are running Power over Ethernet (PoE).


🎥 More Cameras, More Bandwidth

Security and compliance requirements have led most businesses to increase their video surveillance footprint.

Whether it’s:

  • Entryway and parking lot coverage

  • In-office monitoring

  • Cloud-connected NVRs or smart AI-based systems

These IP cameras also run on PoE and consume far more bandwidth than their analog predecessors. A poorly planned cabling run—or cheap materials—can lead to degraded performance, dropped frames, or entire systems going offline.


🏢 Moving Into a New Space? This Is Your Moment

If you're moving into a new office, building out a suite, or signing a long-term lease, now is the time to future-proof your infrastructure.

I’ve seen too many businesses move in, focus on furniture and finishes, and then scramble to rewire six months later when they hit performance issues.

Some key questions to ask:

  • Are you using Cat5e because it was “already there”?

  • Do you have enough drops for expansion, VoIP phones, or cameras?

  • Are your runs certified and tested for high-speed use and PoE?

Spending a little more now on professional-grade cabling saves you thousands later in downtime, rework, and missed productivity.


🧠 What Smart Cabling Looks Like

Here’s what we install for businesses that want to get it right the first time:

  • Cat6, Cat6A or Fiber cabling to support high-speed data and future-proofing

  • Proper labeling and documentation for easy management

  • Plenum and/or Shielded cabling and quality patch panels for interference reduction

  • Clean, centralized IDF and MDF setups

  • Cabling plans that account for AP placement, PoE requirements, and future growth

It’s not just about making things look neat—it’s about performance, safety, and longevity.


🔧 How Big Water Technologies Can Help

We’ve installed structured cabling systems across industries—legal, healthcare, accounting, professional services, manufacturing—and we know how to plan, install, and maintain infrastructure that lasts.

We’ll walk your site, assess your needs, and give you a cabling plan that’s:

✔ Technically sound
✔ Scalable
✔ Cost-efficient for your timeline and goals

Whether you're remodeling, expanding, or building from scratch—don’t let your business outgrow your wiring.


📩 Need help with your new office, suite, or facility? Let’s talk before the walls go up. Structured cabling is an investment—and we’ll help you do it right the first time.

John Lowery is the CEO of BigWater Technologies, where he leads with a passion for innovation and excellence in delivering advanced IT solutions. With over two decades of experience in the tech industry, John specializes in strategic planning, operational efficiency, and driving customer success.

John Lowery

John Lowery is the CEO of BigWater Technologies, where he leads with a passion for innovation and excellence in delivering advanced IT solutions. With over two decades of experience in the tech industry, John specializes in strategic planning, operational efficiency, and driving customer success.

Back to Blog

Enroll in Our Email Course

Learn How a No-Nonsense IT Strategy Benefits Your ComBullet listpany:
  • Strategies to allocate your IT budget efficiently

  • Enhance cybersecurity defenses on a bButtonudget

  • Ensure your technology investments continue to serve your business as it grows