Most network issues don’t start at the switch or router. They start inside the walls, where cabling shortcuts quietly undermine performance long before problems become visible.
Many of these issues are the result of poor installation practices that could have been avoided with proper planning and standards-based design. For a broader look at how cabling impacts your entire network, see our Comprehensive Guide to Network Cabling.
Mistake 1: Untwisting Cable Pairs Too Far
Excessive untwisting increases crosstalk and signal loss, reducing performance and reliability. This is especially critical with higher-category cables like Cat6 and Cat6A, where maintaining twist integrity directly affects speed and stability.
We explain this in more detail in Why the Twists in Cat6 Cable Matter More Than You Think.
Mistake 2: Poor Cable Routing
Running Ethernet cables too close to electrical lines introduces electromagnetic interference that degrades signal quality. Poor routing decisions often lead to intermittent issues that are difficult to diagnose once walls and ceilings are closed.
Proper routing is a core principle of structured design, which is why many businesses move away from ad-hoc wiring approaches. Learn more in Structured Cabling vs Point-to-Point Wiring: What’s the Difference?
Mistake 3: Over-bending the Cable
Ethernet cable has a minimum bend radius. Ignoring it can damage the internal wire pairs, permanently degrading performance even if the cable still appears to function.
These physical installation details are part of why professional installation matters more than many businesses realize.
Mistake 4: Cheap or Improper Connectors
Low-quality or improperly installed connectors often cause intermittent failures that are difficult to trace. This includes poor terminations, incorrect pinouts, and inconsistent connector quality.
Connector choice and termination method play a significant role in long-term reliability, which we break down in Understanding the Difference Between Pass-Through RJ45 Connectors and Standard Ones.
Mistake 5: No Cable Testing
Without proper testing, cables may appear to work but fail under load. Untested cabling frequently leads to slow speeds, dropped connections, and unexplained outages once the network is fully deployed.
Professional installers test and certify cabling to ensure it meets performance standards before the network goes live.
Why These Mistakes Matter
These issues often go unnoticed during installation but surface later as slow speeds, dropped connections, or unreliable devices. At that point, troubleshooting becomes more expensive and disruptive.
Professional installation avoids these problems by following industry standards, validating performance, and designing cabling systems that scale cleanly. We explain the long-term impact in How Professional Cabling Prevents Future Network Failures.
If you want these problems avoided from the start, visit our network cabling services page to learn more about structured cabling design, installation, testing, and certification.