Network performance problems often get blamed on slow internet — but in many Bloemfontein offices, the real issue is what’s happening after the internet line reaches the building. If your team deals with dropouts, lag, or patchy Wi-Fi, outdated or messy network cabling might be the root cause.

LAN Systems, a Bloemfontein-based infrastructure provider, shares this practical guide to upgrading your office network. Whether you’re planning a new setup or fixing an old one, this checklist walks you through key cabling decisions — from cable types to cabinet placement and labelling best practices.

When Cabling Is the Real Bottleneck

You can have a fast fibre line, a premium router, and still face issues like:

• Inconsistent speeds between desks
• Wi-Fi signal drops in certain rooms
• VoIP calls breaking up
• Cameras losing connection
• Printers going offline randomly

In most of these cases, the culprit isn’t the service provider — it’s the internal cabling. Old or mismatched Ethernet runs, messy switch cabinets, and poor cable management can choke your network from the inside. This is especially common in small business IT environments that have grown without structured planning.

If your business is based in one of Bloemfontein’s expanding suburbs — such as Langenhoven Park, Westdene, or Universitas — and you’re operating in a converted house or shared commercial spOffice networkace, there’s a good chance your network cabling needs attention.

Structured Cabling Basics (in Plain English)

Structured cabling is a tidy, standardised way to build the digital plumbing of your office. Instead of adding wires as needs grow, it uses a planned system that includes:

• Data points at every desk or device location
• Cables running neatly to a central patch panel
• A switch cabinet that houses your networking gear
• Clear labelling so every port is identifiable
• Pathways (like trunking or ceiling trays) that keep cables protected and out of the way

It’s like having a proper electrical board for your IT — with room to grow, troubleshoot, and maintain safely. Whether you’re running VoIP, cloud tools, security systems, or basic email and printing, structured cabling gives your network the stability and headroom it needs.

Planning Your Points (Desks, APs, Cameras, VoIP)

Before pulling any cables, take time to map out where your data points need to go. Think beyond just desks.

Workstations and printers
Each desk or hot desk should have at least one dedicated Ethernet port — two is better if you want a fallback or plan for growth. Printers and scanners should have fixed data points too, especially if they’re shared across teams.

Wi-Fi access points (APs)
Wi-Fi still depends on cabling. Ceiling-mounted access points get power and data via Ethernet using PoE (Power over Ethernet). A properly placed AP every 10–15 metres is often needed for even coverage, depending on wall thickness and layout.

VoIP phones
If you use VoIP, each handset needs a LAN connection — or you’ll need to loop it through a PC. Plan for extra ports if you want direct connections for phones.

Security cameras
IP cameras also run on Ethernet and often use PoE. Avoid running long cables to a single switch. Structure them properly, and use dedicated ports on a switch that can handle the power draw.

Meeting rooms, shared spaces
Don’t forget boardrooms or shared areas. These often need ports for guest access, conferencing equipment, or screen-sharing tools.