Did you know outdated cabling infrastructure can cost your business up to 40% in lost productivity? It’s true, especially in older Utah buildings, where aging materials and outdated layouts can wreak havoc on your network performance. If you’re feeling the strain, it might be time to rethink what’s behind the walls. Here are 10 questions to ask a structured cabling installer in Utah to help you get started.
In plain terms: if your network is slowing you down, it’s time to upgrade your office cabling. Whether you’re dealing with dropped connections, sluggish speeds, or can’t keep up with your growing team’s needs, the fix might not be your internet, it might be your wires.
Key Takeaways:
- Slow speeds and dropped connections often point to outdated cabling.
- New tech and business growth require stronger infrastructure.
- Cabling upgrades ensure compliance, safety, and performance.
- Organized cables aren’t just tidy—they’re essential.
- Future-proofing with modern standards like Cat6a protects your investment.
8 Warning Signs Your Network Cabling Needs an Upgrade (Especially in Older Utah Buildings)
1. Slow Network Speeds
If file transfers feel like watching paint dry, your cabling might be to blame. Many older Utah offices still use Cat5 or even coaxial cables, which were never built for today’s data-heavy applications. With businesses routinely transferring massive files (think 4K videos, large datasets, or real-time backups) these outdated types simply can’t keep up. A single high-resolution video file can be several gigabytes in size, and when multiple users are transferring large files simultaneously, legacy cabling becomes a serious bottleneck. Modern cabling ensures speed, reliability, and the ability to scale as your data needs grow.
2. Frequent Connectivity Issues
Dropped Zoom calls, random disconnects, and glitchy systems? These headaches could be caused by degraded or low-quality cabling. In many older Utah buildings, it’s not uncommon to find brittle Cat3 or even legacy coaxial lines that were originally installed for voice or television—not modern data. Even worse, some properties are still wired with aging copper lines, which are highly susceptible to corrosion over time. This corrosion can cause intermittent outages, degraded signal quality, and even total connectivity loss. A clean, well-installed network using modern materials keeps your team connected, reduces downtime, and ensures your business runs smoothly in today’s high-demand environment.
3. Outdated Cabling Standards
Still using Cat5 or Cat5e? It’s time to upgrade to Category 6 or 6a cabling, or even fiber optic, where possible. These modern standards are designed to handle gigabit and multi-gigabit speeds with minimal signal interference, making them perfect for the high bandwidth demands of cloud computing, VoIP, video conferencing, and more. In Utah, where many commercial buildings were wired decades ago, relying on outdated copper cables can bottleneck your entire network. Fiber and Cat6 solutions future-proof your infrastructure and ensure reliable, fast, and secure performance. Explore our on-site cabling services here.
4. Your Business Is Growing
As your company scales, your infrastructure should too. Expansion means more users, more devices, and more bandwidth, something your old cabling may not be able to support. This is especially true when deploying managed Wi-Fi hotspots in buildings with thick concrete or brick walls that interfere with signal transmission. Running additional cabling to these areas ensures seamless connectivity. Plus, modern business environments rely on smart systems, security cameras, and other IoT devices that all demand reliable and high-capacity cabling. Without the right infrastructure in place, you risk dead zones, lagging systems, and security vulnerabilities.
5. Poor Cable Management
Tangled, unlabeled cables? That’s not just a visual nightmare; it’s a fire hazard and a troubleshooting nightmare. In cluttered network closets, often tucked away in basements or backrooms of older Utah buildings, this disorganization can slow down maintenance and lead to costly errors. Imagine trying to troubleshoot a critical outage and having to trace unlabeled cords through a mess of wires. Proper labeling and organized cabling ensure safer environments, better airflow, and faster resolution of issues, saving your team time and reducing downtime.
6. Aging Infrastructure
Cables aren’t immortal. Over time, they wear down, corrode, or become less reliable—especially in Utah’s older commercial properties. Many offices occupy spaces that were once historic homes or vintage storefronts in cities like Salt Lake, Ogden, or Provo. These buildings often contain outdated infrastructure not built for today’s tech demands. If your building is over 10 years old and hasn’t had a cabling upgrade, or if you’re in a converted space, chances are you’re running on borrowed time—and bandwidth. Upgrading to newer standards like Cat6 or fiber ensures your connectivity is as modern as your business goals.
7. Compliance Gaps
Technology and building codes change fast. If your cabling doesn’t meet current standards, you could face fines, lawsuits, failed inspections, or costly insurance complications. Many insurers require documentation showing that your infrastructure complies with current fire safety and electrical codes. Furthermore, certified installations by licensed professionals are often necessary to meet those criteria. Overlooking these details can expose your business to unnecessary liability or delays in permitting and occupancy. Staying compliant means staying secure, avoiding financial penalties, and protecting your operations. Check why your IT team shouldn’t manage network security alone, for example.
8. New Tech = New Demands
If you’ve recently invested in managed Wi-Fi, cloud software, or IoT devices, your current setup may not be up to the task. Higher-speed cabling like Cat6a or even Cat7 can help future-proof your business. As newer technologies like 8K video conferencing, real-time AI-powered analytics, and immersive virtual training platforms enter the workplace, your network must be ready to handle massive data loads with minimal latency. Without high-performance infrastructure in place, these cutting-edge tools become unusable bottlenecks. Here’s what to know about managed Wi-Fi.
Bonus Tips for Utah Businesses
- Start with a Site Audit: Many older Utah buildings—especially those repurposed from homes or retail—have hidden wiring quirks. Schedule a site survey to uncover cabling blind spots and electrical code violations.
- Use Certified Local Installers: Ensure your upgrades meet state and municipal regulations by hiring certified professionals familiar with Utah’s building codes.
- Plan for Growth: Even if you’re a small business now, choose scalable solutions like fiber or Cat6a to avoid costly future upgrades.
- Document Everything: Label cords, record installation maps, and keep compliance documentation on file. It’s invaluable during audits or expansions.
- Leverage Local Grants and Programs: Some Utah municipalities offer small business tech improvement grants or utility incentives—check with your local chamber of commerce.
Stay Ahead with Better Cabling
In the age of cloud computing, remote work, and nonstop digital collaboration, your network cabling is more important than ever. Investing in a structured, scalable, and secure solution isn’t just smart—it’s necessary. If you’re unsure where to begin, start by reviewing where to place your network closet to optimize performance from the ground up.
Ready to streamline your network, eliminate downtime, and set your business up for long-term success?
FAQs
How often should I upgrade office cabling?
A general rule of thumb is every 5–10 years, especially if you’re upgrading your tech or expanding your team.
Does upgrading cabling mean tearing up walls?
Not always. Professional installers can often route new cables with minimal disruption, especially in commercial environments.
Is Cat6 enough for most businesses today?
Yes, Cat6 supports gigabit speeds and is a great balance of performance and cost. For future-proofing, Cat6a or higher may be recommended.
Can I still use Wi-Fi if my cabling is outdated?
Yes, but the speed and reliability of your Wi-Fi still depend heavily on your wired infrastructure—especially with managed Wi-Fi solutions.
