Networking services

What networking services cover

Depending on the site and what is already installed, work may include:

• Structured cabling

  Data cabling run, routed and terminated to fixed points around the premises.

• Containment and protection

  Conduit, trunking or ducting where cable runs are exposed.

• Switch installation

  Switches fitted and connected in a sensible, accessible position.

• PoE infrastructure

  Powering devices over data cabling where the equipment supports it.

• Routers and network equipment

  Installation and basic setup of routers and related equipment.

• Device connectivity

  Cameras, recorders, controllers and intercoms connected and reachable.

• Wireless links

  Point-to-point links where cabling a route is impractical.

• Fibre links

  Fibre where distances exceed what copper cabling can carry.

• Labelling and tidy-up

  Cables labelled and dressed so future work is straightforward.

• Expansion

  Adding ports, runs or capacity to infrastructure already in place.

Achievable speeds, distances, port counts and power budgets depend on the cabling and equipment used on the site. These are confirmed against the actual hardware, not assumed.

Where networking work applies

Most security disciplines rely on network infrastructure at some point.

• Networking

  The cabling, switching and connectivity layer for the whole premises.

• Fibre optics

  Long runs between buildings, and conversion back to Ethernet at each end.

• CCTV surveillance

  Cabling and PoE for IP cameras, and connectivity for the recorder.

• Access control

  Network links between controllers, readers and management software.

• Intercom systems

  Connectivity for IP door stations and indoor monitors.

• Intruder alarms

  Connectivity for panels that report or are managed over the network.

When networking assistance helps

• IP cameras or other devices need cabling and power from a switch.
• The existing network cannot take any more devices.
• Cabling was run informally and is now unreliable or impossible to trace.
• Two buildings or a gatehouse need to be linked to the main network.
• A run is too long for copper cabling and needs fibre or a wireless link.
• Remote viewing or remote access does not work reliably.
• Devices drop off the network intermittently and nobody knows why.
• A system is being expanded and the infrastructure has to expand with it.

How networking work runs

1. 01

   Understand what must connect

   Which devices need connectivity, and where they are located.

2. 02

   Review existing infrastructure

   Cabling, switches and routers already on site, and their condition.

3. 03

   Plan routes and positions

   Cable routes, switch positions, and where containment is needed.

4. 04

   Confirm scope and quotation

   Cabling, equipment and labour set out in writing.

5. 05

   Install cabling

   Runs pulled, protected and terminated at both ends.

6. 06

   Install and connect equipment

   Switches, routers and links fitted and powered.

7. 07

   Configure and connect devices

   Addressing and connectivity so devices are reachable.

8. 08

   Test, label and hand over

   Connections tested, cabling labelled and the layout explained.

What to tell us when you enquire

None of this is mandatory, but the more of it you can share, the fewer questions we need to come back with.

• Site location

  The area or town, and how many buildings are involved.

• What needs connecting

  Cameras, recorders, controllers, computers, access points or a mix.

• Rough distances

  Approximate cable run lengths, especially anything over a long distance.

• Existing network

  Whether there is a switch, router or cabling already in place.

• Internet service

  Whether there is an internet connection and who provides it.

• Building type

  Ceiling and wall construction, and whether conduit already exists.

• Power availability

  Where power is available for switches and network equipment.

• Photos where possible

  Pictures of the existing rack, switch or cabling.