How to plan network infrastructure in warehouses
Planning network infrastructure in a warehouse isn’t just about running a few cables and plugging in switches, it is about designing a resilient, scalable and safe system that supports everything from stock management and automation to security systems and VoIP.
With over 40 years experience delivering structured cabling solutions across the UK, Data Installation & Supplies (DIS) know what it takes to design a system that works for both today and future growth.
In today’s blog post we introduce how to plan your warehouse cabling…
Understand the warehouse environment:
Warehouses pose unique challenges not seen in typical office environments:
- High ceilings and wide floor spaces
- Racking and machinery obstructions
- Environmental factors (dust, temperature and vibration)
- Operational activity (24/7 usage, forklifts, MHE’s, etc)
Prior to any cabling work commencing, we survey:
- The building layout and zones
- The purpose of each area
- Current and future equipment needs
- Type of traffic you handle to determine bandwidth
- Do you handle any sensitive/ confidential data
- Future considerations, such as cloud adoption
We design a scalable cabling layout:
A well-designed network layout reduces downtime and future upgrade costs, and we also make sure to recommend the right cable type, typically:
- Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, Cat7 and Cat7a to deliver fast, reliable data and voice connectivity across your site, click here to understand the difference between these cabling systems.
Our engineers will also assess whether shielded cabling is needed based on electrical interference and machinery.
Plan cabinet and Patch Panel locations:
Efficient network cabinets reduce cable length and maintenance time, we:
- Install all cabling in protected, accessible locations
- Use labelling and colour-coded patching for clarity
- Ensure adequate ventilation and power backup
We also plan for Power over Ethernet (PoE) if devices like IP CCTV cameras, or access points require it.
Minimise downtime during installation:
Many of our customers operate around the clock, so we schedule:
- Installations outside of core operating hours
- Phased rollouts, by area/ zone etc
- Temporary network setups (if required)
Working with an experienced team like DIS ensures the project runs smoothly, with minimal disruption to your business.
Documentation and testing:
Once the installation has been completed, we:
- Fully test and certify every cable
- Provide detailed documentation
- Offer post-installation and on-going support
Warehouse network infrastructure isn’s something to rush or guess. Done correctly, it provides a backbone for your organisation and supports business growth.
At DIS, we’ve delivered network cabling solutions for Warehousing & Logistics operations across the UK, from single site upgrades to large scale new builds.
Get in touch:
If you would like to talk to one of our experienced team members about planning your warehouse cabling please call us on 01274 869 099, or request a callback using the enquiry form below, we offer free site surveys, full cabling design and nationwide installation and look forward to helping you in your next project.
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