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Network cabling

Ready for High-Performance Structured Cabling?

From design to seamless ethernet wiring connectivity.

Why Opt for Merchtel?

Long Term High Value than just a network cabling setup

With Merchtel, you'll get future-proof solutions that enhance efficiency, reliability and scalability with every ethernet wiring project.

Why choose Merchtel as your network cabling contractor?

Licensed Journeymen

• Professionalism at every job site

Permitted Projects

• Code-Compliant Installations

Certified Installations

• ANSI/TIA Standards Guaranteed

Merchtel's Communications Infrastructure Design & Build

Merchtel’s Communications Infrastructure Design & Build  oversees the design and implementation of the physical-layer infrastructure, including telecommunications rooms, pathways, and cabling, to support voice and data services across your enterprise. Our role extends to assisting you in navigating intricate system changes and relocations. Additionally, we handle the daily installation of voice and data cabling up to the station jack.

Because tech should serve - you.

Partnering with Merchtel for your network cabling projects comes with the added bonus of ongoing support, with our dedicated team ready to assist you post-installation for any maintenance, upgrades, or additional requirements.

800-991-9030

Network Wiring Contractor

How does your network shape your business?

A network cabling infrastructure serves as the critical foundation for connectivity within an network ecosystem.

Outside Plant or Inside Plant, you are covered.

Office and Commercial Spaces

• Network infrastructure
• Circuit Extensions
• Riser room maintenance

New construction

• Design Build
• MDF / Server Room Build outs
• Conduit work and trenching
• Aerial and underground installations

Data Centers

• Servers and storage systems
• Network switches and routers
• High-speed data transmission

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the right fit

Pressing network infrastructure challenges impacting your operations?

Take the first step towards optimizing your network infrastructure with a no-obligation site survey where our experts will thoroughly assess your current setup, identify any existing issues, and provide valuable insights tailored to your specific cabling needs.
avoid cabling failures

Here are the top four reasons for Ethernet cabling failures:

Ethernet cabling failures can occur for various reasons, and troubleshooting these issues is crucial for maintaining a reliable network. 

Addressing these common issues through proper installation, right cable type, regular maintenance, and quality components can significantly reduce the risk of Ethernet cabling failures.

  • Issue: Physical damage to cables, such as kinks, cuts, or crushes, can lead to signal degradation or complete failure.
  • Cause: Improper installation, maintenance, or exposure to environmental factors like moisture, heat, or excessive bending can contribute to cable damage.
  • Solution: Regular inspection, proper cable management, and using high-quality, durable cables can help prevent damage.

Using an incompatible or insufficiently rated cable may result in power loss, voltage drop, and inadequate data transmission, impacting the functionality and reliability of PoE devices. It's important to choose the appropriate cable that meets the power and data requirements of the specific PoE application to ensure optimal performance and prevent potential failures.

The right cable for Power over Ethernet (PoE) applications depends on the power requirements, distance, and data transmission needs of the specific devices. Here are common types of cables used for PoE:

  1. Category 5e (Cat5e): Cat5e cables are a minimum requirement for most standard PoE applications. They provide reliable data transmission and can support low to mid-power PoE devices.

  2. Category 6 (Cat6): Cat6 cables offer higher data transmission speeds and improved performance over Cat5e. They are suitable for higher-powered PoE devices and can often handle Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) applications.

  3. Category 6a (Cat6a): Cat6a cables provide even higher data rates and improved shielding, making them suitable for high-performance PoE applications and Power over Ethernet Plus Plus (PoE++) devices.

  4. Category 7 (Cat7): Cat7 cables offer enhanced shielding and can support higher data rates and power levels. They are suitable for demanding PoE applications.

  5. Fiber Optic Cables: For very high-power or long-distance PoE applications, fiber optic cables may be used. They provide excellent data transmission and do not suffer from the same distance limitations as copper cables.

It's important to consider the power budget, distance, and specific requirements of your PoE devices when selecting the cable. Additionally, adhering to industry standards and ensuring the cable is properly installed and terminated is crucial for reliable PoE operation. Always consult with the device and cable specifications to make the right choice for your PoE infrastructure.

  • Issue: Problems with connectors, such as loose connections, damaged pins, or incorrect termination, can lead to signal loss or poor connectivity.
  • Cause: Inadequate termination practices, using incompatible connectors, or mishandling during installation can result in connector issues.
  • Solution: Adhering to proper termination techniques, using quality connectors, and ensuring a secure connection during installation can mitigate connector-related problems.
  • Issue: External electromagnetic or radio-frequency interference can disrupt the signal transmission, causing data loss or degradation.
  • Cause: Proximity to electronic devices, power cables, or other sources of electromagnetic interference can lead to signal interference.
  • Solution: Proper cable shielding, maintaining distance from interference sources, and using twisted-pair cables with effective insulation can help minimize the impact of EMI and RFI.
Reviews

Customer Feedback

answers to

FAQs

If you’d like to learn more about topics not covered here, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Ethernet generally offers faster and more stable network connectivity compared to Wi-Fi. There are several factors that contribute to this:

1. Speed: Ethernet connections can provide higher speeds compared to Wi-Fi. The most common Ethernet standard, such as Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps), offers faster data transfer rates than standard Wi-Fi (typically up to 866 Mbps for Wi-Fi 802.11ac).

2. Wired Connection: Ethernet cables provide a direct and dedicated connection between devices and the network infrastructure, resulting in more consistent and reliable speeds. In contrast, Wi-Fi signals are susceptible to interference from other devices, physical obstacles, and distance from the access point, which can lead to fluctuations in speed and signal quality.

3. Network Congestion: In areas with a high density of Wi-Fi networks or devices, the wireless spectrum can become congested, affecting Wi-Fi performance. Ethernet connections are not affected by this congestion, as they operate over dedicated cables.

4. Latency: Ethernet connections generally have lower latency (delay) compared to Wi-Fi. This can be crucial for applications that require real-time or low-latency communication, such as online gaming or video conferencing.

However, it's worth noting that Wi-Fi technology has made significant advancements over the years, and the latest Wi-Fi standards, such as Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), offer improved speeds and reduced latency compared to previous versions. In some cases, Wi-Fi can deliver satisfactory performance, especially for everyday internet browsing, streaming, or casual gaming.

Ultimately, the choice between Ethernet and Wi-Fi depends on your specific needs, the network infrastructure in place, and the devices being used. For high-performance requirements, tasks that demand consistent speeds, or situations where a wired connection is readily available, Ethernet is generally the preferred option.

Network cable installers are professionals responsible for the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of network cabling systems. Their primary tasks include:

 

  • Planning and Design: Network cable installers assess the networking requirements of a location and develop a plan for cable layout and installation. They determine the most suitable cable types, routing paths, and infrastructure components to ensure optimal performance and reliability.

  • Cable Installation: Installers physically deploy network cables, including copper cables (such as Ethernet cables) and fiber optic cables, according to the predetermined plan. This involves running cables through walls, ceilings, floors, and conduits, and properly terminating them at the appropriate endpoints.

 

  • Cable Testing and Certification: Once the cables are installed, network cable installers use specialized testing equipment to verify the integrity and performance of the cabling infrastructure. They conduct tests to check for continuity, signal quality, attenuation, and other parameters, ensuring that the cables meet industry standards and specifications.

 

  • Troubleshooting and Maintenance: In the event of connectivity issues or network disruptions, cable installers diagnose and troubleshoot the problems. They use various diagnostic tools to identify faults, repair or replace faulty cables or connectors, and restore network functionality. Installers also perform routine maintenance activities to prevent potential issues and ensure the ongoing performance of the cabling system.

 

  • Documentation and Labeling: Network cable installers maintain detailed records of the installed cables, documenting their locations, specifications, and connections. They also label the cables and related equipment, facilitating easier identification and future maintenance or expansion activities.

 

  • Collaboration and Communication: Installers often collaborate with other professionals, such as network engineers, electricians, or IT teams, to ensure seamless integration of the cabling system with other infrastructure components. They communicate effectively with clients or project stakeholders, providing updates, addressing concerns, and ensuring customer satisfaction.

 

Overall, network cable installers play a crucial role in establishing reliable and efficient network connectivity by implementing high-quality cabling infrastructure and ensuring its proper functioning throughout its lifecycle.

The most popular network cabling options currently are Category 6 (Cat6) and Category 6a (Cat6a) cables, known for their high-speed performance and capability to handle gigabit Ethernet. Category 7 (Cat7) and Category 8 (Cat8) cables are newer advancements in network cabling with higher specifications.

Cat7 cables are designed to support 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GBASE-T) up to 100 meters and offer improved shielding for reduced crosstalk and electromagnetic interference. They are suitable for high-performance applications and environments where reliable and fast data transmission is crucial.

Cat8 cables, on the other hand, are designed to support even higher data rates. They can handle 25 Gigabit Ethernet (25GBASE-T) and 40 Gigabit Ethernet (40GBASE-T) up to shorter distances, typically up to 30 meters. Cat8 cables also feature improved shielding and are suitable for data centers, server rooms, and other environments with demanding networking requirements.

Both Cat7 and Cat8 cables provide higher performance and better shielding than Cat6 and Cat6a cables, making them ideal for applications that require extremely fast and reliable data transmission. However, it's important to note that Cat7 and Cat8 cables may require specialized connectors and equipment to fully leverage their capabilities.

Cat6 cable can support Ethernet connections up to a maximum distance of 100 meters (328 feet) when used for 10/100/1000BASE-T (Gigabit) Ethernet. This distance is measured from the network switch or router to the network device (such as a computer or a switch) that is connected via the Cat6 cable.

It's important to note that the maximum distance of 100 meters applies to the total length of the cable, including any patch cords or patch panels that are part of the overall network cabling setup. It is recommended to follow proper installation practices, including avoiding excessive cable bending or stretching, to maintain optimal performance.

If longer distances are required, additional networking equipment such as switches, repeaters, or extenders can be used to extend the reach of the network beyond the 100-meter limit. Fiber optic cables are also an option for longer distances as they can transmit data over greater distances without experiencing significant signal degradation.

Not everybody  can nor should pull data cables, however, handymen are not qualified to assess network requirements or plan for future bandwidth aggregations. That's why you always want to use licensed telecommunications or ICT contractors that specialize in data communications such as ethernet cabling, optical fiber and network design and deployments.

Moves adds and changes

Expanding or Moving ?

New Construction
Our approach focuses on scalability and future-proofing, enabling your business to expand and integrate emerging technologies seamlessly. We handle the entire process, from planning to installation, ensuring that your new cabling infrastructure meets industry standards and performance expectations.
Remodels
During remodels, we evaluate your current cabling infrastructure and provide customized solutions that align with your upgraded technology requirements. Our team seamlessly integrates upgraded cabling, maximizing performance and minimizing disruptions during the renovation process.
Relocations
Moving your business network infrastructure to another location is a complex task that requires careful planning and execution to minimize disruptions. Our team can help you move every piece of IT equipment without a hitch and transfer all of your connectivity services as well.
How it works

Streamlined process to help you.

At Merchtel we have a systematically approach to ensure each customer receives outstanding products and services.

Step
1

Initial Conversation

We go over project requirements.
Step
2

Survey Location

We ensure that your plan is feasible and documented.
Step
3

Provide a prompt proposal

Always timely quotes.
Step
4

Installation and Delivery

Merchtel professional team of technicians and engineers will complete your project as promised.
Get pricing

Free no obligation quotes

Request for quotes are for business only. However, we will refer you to a residential service provider in your area for your needs.

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Get top-rated voice and data cabling services across Portland and its surrounding regions. Our  network cabling installation experts specializing in comprehensive structured cabling solutions. Whether it’s voice/data cabling or network wiring services you’re seeking, our list encompasses experts ready to meet your needs in Portland and beyond. Coverage extends to a wide range of locations including, but not limited to: Amboy, Amity, Ariel, and Aumsville, stretching through Beaverton, Boring, and Bridal Veil, reaching out to cities like Camas, Canby, and Carlton, and even further to areas such as Dallas, Dayton, Deer Island, down to Lake Oswego, Longview, and Manning, and broadening out to Oregon City, Portland, Rainier, with services extending to Vancouver, Vernonia, Warren, and many more surrounding cities. Our professionals are equipped to provide top-notch network wiring and voice/data cable installation services tailored to your specific needs, ensuring seamless connectivity for your home or business.

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