Learning Network Cable Management - Cat6 Install in Small Office

In this video I build an open frame network rack inside a very small office with just a couple of workstations. Follow along with me as I bring cat6 through the ceiling and utilize the existing EMT conduits to bring the wires down to each workstation. Our client is the IT company that wants to upgrade the computers and network, but they want to keep the old network in place while I install the new one. I build the rack as small and tight as possible and try to show all the steps involved.
Below are the items I used in this video - these are Amazon links that help me out, but of course you don't have to use them.
My Red Screw Driver - amzn.to/3nF48KP
Switch: amzn.to/47EbWyk
Router: amzn.to/3OFxtOL
Startech 8U Open Frame Rack - amzn.to/47tR7FQ
24 Port Blank Keystone Panel - amzn.to/3s79YpZ
All in One Crimp Tool - amzn.to/3KZn8ez
Crimp Tool Cat6 Jacks - amzn.to/3LlllBQ

[@jasonrm999]

Don't know if it was done here, but a good idea in general. If you're going to use a pull string to pull cable through a chase/pipe, make sure to pull a new piece of string with your cables. Helps the next guy, which might be you.

[@tciproductions]

To save space here I didn't bother with it, but yes, one should always do that. I'm fine with unrolling the service loop and briefly using one of the cables as a string, but a string would have been better.

[@abeardedbucket]

@@tciproductions I'll admit I did find it odd and a bit off-putting that you commended the previous installer for leaving a pull string on that run and then did not run one yourself on any of the runs. I get that you can use the existing cable and they are short enough runs that its not that big of an issue but it still stood out as a strange omission is in an otherwise clean and well thought out install.

[@itwithmike]

@@abeardedbucketyes I thought the same. More constructive feedback. Leave something the way you want it left for you. Overall really liking your videos!

[@ChiefNonsense]

Agreed! Any wall or chase that I have to fish, I want to be certain that nobody ever has to fish it again. Few dollars worth of string means more efficiency for all parties in the future.

[@V1N_574]

I don't even work in IT I have no idea why I'm watching this but I appreciate the professionalism!

[@Ant_Lambo]

🤣🤣

[@pawpaw7646]

The mark of a true professional was converting the run to a permanent link by replacing the RJ45 plug with a keystone jack. Good work! I wish more KZbin creators would emphasize this and point out the need for properly installed permanent links.

[@rl9702]

Could you explain that part? I didn't understand why you'd do that.

[@pawpaw7646]

@@rl9702 Very short explanation: Keystone jacks, patch panels, and true "field termination plugs" all use PCBs (printed circuit boards) inside that are component rated (i.e., Cat 5e, Cat6, etc) and help impedance-match your cable run. This is important for optimal performance. Simple plastic 8P8C modular plugs ("RJ45 plugs") do not have this, and there are fitment issues (proper fit with different brands or types of cables) as well. The ANSI/TIA-568.2 Specifications lay out the standards for balanced twisted pair cables, permanent links, channels, etc. Permanent links (including UTP cables in your walls) are optimally done "jack to jack" (keystone-to-keystone or patch panel-to-keystone) to ensure best performance in terms of crosstalk, return loss, "headroom", and other parameters that are tested with cable verifier or cable certifier equipment. While permanent link cables terminated on both ends with plastic RJ45 plugs might "work" in a given instance, these cable links demonstrate the worst performance when tested. For more info, start with TrueCABLE's website and search in their blog or videos for "Choosing the Right Termination - Keystone Jack vs RJ45 Connector ..", "Selecting the Correct RJ45 Connector", and "What Does a Bad Termination Look Like?" Hope this helps!

[@chrisharvie-smith486]

@@rl9702 The RJ45 rention catch comes off/is damaged easily and the people in the office aren't likely to fix that. With a socket/keystone jack you just replace a plug to plug lead with another & can buy off the shelf spares. I'd have gone for 6A (screened 10 Gbit capable) cable rather than 6 and at least 2 ports to each plate but that probably wasn't in their budget. It looks a whole lot nicer after that tidy up hopefully they can migrate away from the rat's nest in cupboards & under desks over time.

[@rl9702]

@@chrisharvie-smith486 Very helpful explanation. Thank you!

[@mrmotofy]

@@chrisharvie-smith486 Cat 6 will easily do 10Gb in that office so not really worth the trouble or cost

[@m.zackmccain9885]

Thank you for your video. I am about to run 350 drops and splice some fiber for our new 50,000 sqft building. Keep up the good work.

[@tciproductions]

Nice! I have one coming up that I hope to add as a vid soon.

[@zloinaopako]

I love the neatness of your jobs. A pleasure to watch. So relaxing.

[@todewalzer]

You inspired me to fix my own home network because, dear god, the way the "contractors" before I moved into my current house had it setup, was well, hot garbage. Drove me bonkers, so from your last video I bought the same rack and throwing in a UDM-Pro and POE switch, got a 3D printed rack mount for a 2.5GB PoE from Ubiquiti as well (my fiancé hates me) lol

[@robertb6276]

As a network professional since 1997, I have to say good job. One suggestion if you dont' have a cable comb, get one. Makes creating neat bundles of cable so much easier.

[@tciproductions]

Thanks! Yes, I use a cable comb often, you'll see it in other vids I put up.

[@pharpester]

Using the old wire for a pull string is genius👍🏻

[@michaelrichardson8467]

Man, the way it's wired. I love when I come into jobs like this and it's done so well. Wish they were all like this

[@m.g2944]

I feel spoiled working in a big fortune 500 company knowing our networks look nothing like that and I don't even work in the I.T field. i want to help out those I.T department people.. Great job. 👍🏽

[@Catzzye]

Thank you for the insight!! This was super interesting, will be tuning in for more!!

[@LanceGoyke]

Great work, Derek! Your attention to detail is calming.

[@iamtaijie]

This video was absolute insightful, I learnt a few terms I didn't know before. Thanks!

[@jasend.9161]

Just found your channel and have loved watching/listening to every video I've seen so far. Made me chuckle when you mentioned the supplied switch being oversized for the application as I think I just bought this same switch for my personal home network! I do have about 20 of the 24 ports already spoken for between ethernet drops around my house or other connected devices at least! Cheers!

[@slightlyevolved]

Those DB9 cables.... they used to literally connect machines via serial links. Case in point, the RadioShack register terminals (pre 1998-ish), ran serial RS232 via those, back to the backroom machine. My old store I worked at still had those cables pooled up in the ceiling all the way into the mid 2000's, when it went through a remodel and I took the chance to pull all of it out. Also, that gateway is a Mikrotik RB5009, it's not just PoE powered but can take any DC 24-57v via power adaptor and also has a direct input, and all three can be used for triple redundancy power. Also, great for a small place, they make a PoE OUT version, as well as it supporting docker containers, so it can do light server duty.

[@ronaldnaeyaert3653]

Great video with lots of good info. Putting the gromet in on the top shows you are a pro. I have a client where the cabling was done by somebody else and the holes in the top plate of the steel studs are not grometed and are ragged. I need to pull them all back up the wall and put in gromets. Now for the constructive criticism Using velcro to support the wire works fine but batwing based J hooks connected to the threaded rods would have been a little better way the support the cable above the grid. My only real issue is brining the cat6 cable in through the back of the cabinet and not though the top. A path from the top would make adding future drops much eaiser.

[@tciproductions]

I considered it briefly, I had j-hooks with me. I had my hilti gun with me as well to install my own supports but in the end I thought for a small office example it would just be ridiculous to show people that method in a space like this. The bat wing j-hooks I have need a threaded rod and just were useless with the ceiling wire hangers, so with that in combo with the overkill for 6-8 wires, I skipped it. I will use them soon and document it for sure.

[@waregle82]

do you have a link for red two-piece grommet here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmWVqWR8fp1prJY @@tciproductions

[@tciproductions]

@@waregle82 I do, it is this one: www.discount-low-voltage.com/rfg2-ez-path-firestop-grommit-kit

[@balaw8466]

This is so satisfying to watch.😊

[@WoodUCreate]

I have installed hundreds of runs back to a central rack before, both for small and large organizations. Your description was point on as you covered just about everything I could think of...except at the end. I like to run my wall port # to the port on the patch panel so it's easier to know where everything is. I understand it would have required longer patch cables, but it just keeps everything a bit more understandable.

[@tciproductions]

There are some good results long term for this method, nothing I hate more than a switch that doesn’t count it’s ports in the same direction as the panel :)

[@pawpaw7646]

To add to my earlier comment (converting the run to a permanent link by changing the RJ45 plug to a keystone jack) ... The type of surface mount keystone jack box you installed is excellent. It looks like a Cable Matters surface mount box. I have used many of those, both one-port and two-port sizes, to install permanent links that look professionally installed and work well. According to the 2018 revision of the ANSI/TIA-568.2 specification, a modular plug ("RJ45 plug") terminated link (MPTL) is acceptable for a fixed device such as an access point or security camera, but a keystone jack termination is better. Again, good job!

[@abrambearth6890]

DB9(serial) connection was likely used for connecting printers in other rooms to a old patient records server that was in that spot. A place I worked at had hp laser jet 4050 with removable interface cards would change the card to configure for serial or "jetdirect" for ip/network configuration.

[@Rockettommy]

LOVE this video, your attention to detail and your helpful insights to keep in mind. Keep up this great content.

[@GoreGamer]

Good Stuff again. Clean and well kept!

[@pharpester]

Thank you for your help, I appreciate that.

[@ricardolicon7696]

Greetings from Mexico. Very good job.

[@mrmotofy]

I had a small job for a friend that had to go about 35' over a finished ceiling in a basement. Wasn't bad after I got sections of 1/2" cpvc water pipe and a female, male threaded fittings. Glue 1 of each on each pipe section then thread together as needed after duct taping a tennis ball to the end of the first. Tape a wire or pull string to it and push it over the ceiling. The ball on the end and it helps it hop over stuff Most home stores have multiple sizes of Desk grommets in stock usually white and black available. Super cheap and easy.

[@Taylor1147]

Clean work! Keep the videos coming!

[@Oomtet]

Great video thank you..

[@fsm0552]

Loving your videos so far, tweaking my style to include some of your suggestions. Please list more of the tools you use. For example where can I get that extendable rod, what's the actual name\brand?

[@helmanfrow]

This will tide me over until Fiber Ninja's return...

[@themessenjur7140]

Nice video, great details. Thanks

[@pharpester]

I wanted to confirm the link on Amazon were to equipment that was compatible that you had used. The cable matters all in one, and the Linkomm cat6 slim keystone jacks. I am trying to buy the right things for my home network build. Mahalo!

[@pharpester]

I was also wondering, in my home I have cat6 cable can I put cat6a keystone? Or should I stick with cat6 keystones? I am also curious about patch cables, cat6a are more common, is that fine to use rather than cat6? I understand that the network is only able to go as fast as the slowest link. Again Mahalo for your time.

[@tciproductions]

Hi Paul, right now I am using this all in one tool: amzn.to/4aZMPXJ and I use it with these jacks: amzn.to/4d0A1lP The one linked in the video also works but I had trouble finding the jack in quantity so I've adjusted to the Everest brand.

[@tciproductions]

@@pharpester A cat6A keystone is a bit on the expensive side but a cat6 cable can terminate onto it just fine. It is also okay to use cat6a patch cords between things even if the panels and keystones are cat6, that won't cause any issue.

[@pharpester]

Thank you for the information on the all alarms punch tool, I was having difficulty finding the linkomm keystones as well. I was just trying to follow your suggestions in compatibility with all in one tools and Keystone jacks.

[@pharpester]

@@tciproductionsyea I was worried that cat6 vs cat6a cable vs keystone vs RJ45s. As a person who works networks, but does not install them, I’ve had a steep learning curve.

[@mrmotofy]

And keep your tools close together...don't spread out in 10 different areas or you'll tend to forget tools. I was working at a cabinet company many years ago. Got a message from a customer...someone had left a drill inside a cabinet LOL yea don't do that. Nice of them to contact us the manufacturer and get it returned. Luckily it was local in the city

[@MirZadran]

Nice and neat work👌

[@grantlarmstrong]

Very nice!

[@Chris_In_Texas]

8:05 Those were serial RS232 DS25 connections for dumb terminals to a Unix server. Put many of those in over the years. 🤠👍

[@tciproductions]

I used to install the DEC Vax terminals that way but the cable was super beefy, big diameter. They were orange pixel text only terminals and they were awesome. I wasn't sure how it would work in such a small office, wish I had seen these in action way back when.

[@richardshomenetwork4680]

Great video, nice to see that you take care with every detail, so many times i see cabling contractors just slamming the cables in with little thought. Who makes the cabling tool pouch you use?

[@tciproductions]

It is a simple dewalt pouch, nothing special. I linked it in the description if you want to examine it more closely. Most of my staff prefer much bigger ones.

[@samuel.f.koehler]

Hey, thank you for the video! In general, I wanted to ask why you prefer to use open racks rather than closed ones? I have only ever seen and used closed racks with glass doors. What would be your pro/con? Thank you!

[@tciproductions]

Open frames are almost all cons, I guess if I were charitable I would say they are cheaper and they are smaller so maybe they fit in a spot you couldn't use the big brother, but overall I don't really like them. It just happens that is what we were able to talk them into. I have forthcoming vids where you will see a full cabinet.

[@zgarrow]

Great video as always! Think you could provide an Amazon list for the items in your small pouch?

[@tciproductions]

Got my manual driver in Japan, I love it so I bought like 20. They are hard to find, but try ebay: www.ebay.com/itm/285147825773?hash=item426422866d:g:saEAAOSwkQRk02N~&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA4KD2OJBMY5C45DiFux8JYgCDXls66knIgTNlk3f3X%2F2xd5kD%2Fa4CzCwlFs9l4txukBBrYI%2FE3vjZZBeDsW4q%2F%2F79jIZvlXYbdep%2BKm9Asq0FjwWVRE8Wv79mzY6B0GBBL%2F28CbPrkg9KH5JFyZCK9XlboW1OmSXYWKFVGhCz5GAhnIO3cP%2BxeGK4S8lqqQJop%2FPNtTdI%2BPU2CmF%2BAja%2FH%2B4GBYjkcjS01Gdt%2FDINmNHmG%2FMRBsM3H5OchMe1G3JcvXZDNZJDaj6GPGI%2F%2BcmrUAyVG8A5TDbf4wfWFXLaeZvW%7Ctkp%3ABFBM_tOU3sBi My toolbag, and its contents: Bag - amzn.to/3QMyV4m Punch tool - amzn.to/3DYWoaW Crimper from vid - amzn.to/3P2KanS
A better crimper - amzn.to/3shOOFS Construction Pen - amzn.to/45dOg2m DeWalt Jab Saw - amzn.to/3O8ec9T Low Voltage Cutout - amzn.to/3pELzXP Voltage Sensor (Always-on version) - amzn.to/3LUrO5W Tape Measure - amzn.to/3QHYEea Cordless Screw Driver - amzn.to/3nF48KP All in One Crimp Tool - amzn.to/3KZn8ez Needle Nose - amzn.to/3slXhYs USB C Flashlight - www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08RZ9SG8Q/

[@alexshmalex]

Cool video and highly informative, thanks for sharing. One question: did the doors of the wooden cabinet fit back on afterwards?

[@tciproductions]

Hmm, they might have if the rack was a bit more shallow. As it was, the client asked to just get rid of them. I was as surprised as anyone at that, but it looks okay in the end.

[@alexshmalex]

@@tciproductionsThanks for the reply, yes I thought the rack looked about an inch too proud to get them back on.

[@timmannchicken]

Looks good. Glad to see the cables suspended above the ceiling. Velco is better than zip ties, had you considered using J-hooks?

[@tciproductions]

I actually had a bunch with me, but threaded rods were few in number and on a wire hanger for the ceiling grid the ones I had tend to just slide down anyway, so I saved them for another job. An excellent mention!

[@BladeWDR]

The only thing I found odd here was the choice to put a jack instead of a plug for the access point. Not sure what the intention with that was, I've always found it cleaner to just have it terminate into a regular RJ45 plug and connect it directly into the access point. Otherwise, nice video and a unique little office setup. I've done a lot of little one off offices like this myself, I wish I could say they were all as neat as this :D

[@tciproductions]

Sure, I'm happy to explain that. I was taught to make the horizontal runs "permanent links", which means a keystone at both ends and solid core wire. The idea is that the AP can be repositioned by lengthening the patch cord if needed, or the AP could be replaced with a newer one. After being in the ceiling for a few years, the RJ's become a bit brittle, so when it comes time to swap the AP they often break, or worse, just sort of become intermittent. We usually swap the patch cord at the same time and the keystone allows this without any tools or know-how needed. You don't have to do it this way, it is just how I like to do it and its stuck with me.

[@BladeWDR]

@@tciproductions Hey completely valid. Thanks for taking the time to respond! Always like learning new tricks by watching videos like these.

[@NickSteemans]

Hell who builds offices like this 😂

[@HeraldGood]

In your discussion, you mention about attaching your wiring to the nearest support. The problem is in the picture that you showed your attaching these two supporting hardware for the sprinkler system. According to NFPA 25, which is the maintenance of sprinkler systems, no attachment of any kind of wiring can be attached to a sprinkler system pipe or supporting component. It’s in chapter 5 of NFPA 25.

[@tciproductions]

Yes, I said it was not to code right?

[@PhobosTK]

8:15 - Token Ring maybe? That or RS232 or RS432

[@Eric-qx1kx]

Oh no, you didn't replace the pull string...!! lol, it would take about 10 seconds to fish that conduit, hell you could probably just push the cables down it. Its not like he took the string from a 100ft run above a hard ceiling or something...sheesh.

[@alimibrahem8120]

really interest in your work as I'm a low current system engineer..! we do all the thing that you do, i try to get a new idea from your work. i can send you our work if you like.

[@santana261]

Great vídeo, what`s the name for that red thig you use to protect the cables through the wall, if it`s possible, show us the manufacturer of. Thanks.

[@tciproductions]

It is a firestop grommet, pretty common in any hardware store, but that one is made by a company called STI: www.google.com/search?q=sti+firestop+grommet

[@santana261]

@@tciproductions thanks.

[@theglowcloud2215]

I had a project manager throw a hissy fit when I ran cable for a new coffee shop because he claimed the cables had to be supported from the corrugated steel roof by a J-hook or similar. I asked him to show me this in any building or electrical code, which he couldn't do. At the point that they brought me in the drop-ceiling grid was already up, so it would've been basically impossible for me to reach the steel roof without standing on top of a 16 foot step ladder. You run into a lot of Professional Experts like that asshole in this trade.

[@tciproductions]

I hear ya. On a recent one, we had the drywaller hassling my guys about how they were installing the cables :). You do run into a lot of strong personalities for sure.

[@theglowcloud2215]

@@tciproductions oh yeah, the drywallers on my job got hot mud in all of my keystones, so I had to redo them. Had to bill extra hours, but the PM at least understood I didn't cause the problem. As a rule, I never leave cables lying on top of ceiling tiles, so my solution was to suspend the cable bundle from existing conduit, but the PM didn't like that, and the general contractor said it was against code (again, *which* code? This is low voltage cable)

[@Joel-xx3pr]

DB 9 either serial or could have been token ring

[@albertas978]

the firewall if a mikrotik rb5009 router oooooo (currently waiting for mine to arrive)

[@tciproductions]

I bought two and they are just amazingly packed with features. I wish their interface was a little more modern, they would really take the pro-enthusiast portion of the market easily. A great brand.

[@mandurphy23]

Clean job with an attention to detail, keep putting out great content!

[@TheMchip]

may i ask why didnt you run a cat6 cable to the AP ? ... just a question ... nothing serious... BTW MIKROTIK IS AWSOME .. been using it for at least 10 years .. aps .. routers ...switches! they are AWSOME! and relatively cheap!

[@tciproductions]

There was an existing cat6 in that case, it was a recent addition to their office. I just cut the tip and made it ready for the newer AP that would be installed.

[@zMeul]

that Mikrotik router has optional "ears" for rack mounting

[@greedygringoprospecting6941]

that one of the fancy fluke testers. like $5,000. more or less

[@tciproductions]

It's the LinkIQ, it was about $3k on sale when I got it, if you can call that a sale :) But a tool that's worth saving up for if you do a lot of cabling.

[@FelipeAdventures]

Great video! Where did you get that red grommet?

[@tciproductions]

They are pretty common in various hardware stores, but online you can get them from Discount Low Voltage.

[@BlueCollarBachelor]

Why would they only run one drop? Wire is cheap.

[@MalcolmCrabbe]

At 8:30 you used a draw cable that the previous installers had left for the next guy to use, yet you missed the opportunity to attache a similar cable to the bundle of cat6 cables so that you are returning the favor for the next engineer who may need to run any additional cables in the future.

[@tciproductions]

Good point, I always forget to narrate something important. The white/grey cat5 cables I didn't remove will be made dead by the IT consultant when he cuts it away from the faceplate and it will become the pull cable for the next person, much as the dead wires were mine for some of the plates.

[@jayhyabusa]

hey great video but could you like your collapsible fish stick?

[@tciproductions]

Sure its this one: amzn.to/3P2DPZG

[@MelroyvandenBerg]

what a cable mess already in that office.

[@choochoo2246]

How did you power the switch?

[@mgpauly6888]

Where did you get your cable grommets from?

[@tciproductions]

I used one of these fellas: www.discount-low-voltage.com/rfg2-ez-path-firestop-grommit-kit

[@mrmotofy]

What do they need a new network for??? LOL

[@ICgasm]

You used an existing drag line, but didn't pull a new one for the next guy behind you. SHAME!! SHAME!! SHAME!!

[@IakobusAtreides]

Outstanding work! Can’t wait for the next one!!

[@Shenkie987]

There is something oddly satisfying watching a professional bring order to a type of chaos that plagues many mancaves: network cabling 🧐

[@FredsTech1]

Thank you! Your content keeps me interested in the installation part of the process 👍 I love the way you work!

[@maksiodzidek1]

Good Job

[@pepeshopping]

Stopped watching when I saw the new cables are all taped together on the rod, instead of staggering them so they use less space while pulling them…