The Backbone of Every Modern Business
In today’s connected world, almost every aspect of your business relies on your network, from video calls and VoIP phones to cloud storage, security systems, and smart devices. However, while most companies invest in fast internet plans, routers, and cloud software, few stop to consider the wiring behind it all.
That wiring, your data cabling infrastructure, is the backbone that connects everything. And just like any foundation, when it starts to age or isn’t built properly, everything on top begins to crack.
At Fixtel, we’ve seen this story play out hundreds of times across Australia. Businesses call us about “slow Wi-Fi” or “constant call dropouts,” expecting a quick router fix, only for our technicians to find that their cabling is decades old, tangled, or completely untested.
If your business has grown, moved offices, or upgraded systems recently, there’s a good chance your cabling hasn’t kept up. And that could be quietly costing you more than you realise.
How Outdated Cabling Slows You Down
You can have lightning-fast fibre internet at the door, but if your internal cabling can’t handle the bandwidth, your performance will bottleneck. Here’s how outdated or poor-quality cabling can affect your operations:
- Unstable Internet Speeds – Older Cat5 cables max out at 100 Mbps. In contrast, Cat6A supports up to 10 Gbps. That’s a 100x difference.
- VoIP & Video Dropouts – Inconsistent wiring or poor terminations cause packet loss, leading to lagging video calls and choppy audio.
- Frequent Disconnects – Aging cabling insulation breaks down, resulting in intermittent faults that are notoriously hard to trace.
- Overheating & Fire Risk – Overloaded cables or tight bundles can heat up, particularly in commercial spaces with high data usage.
- Reduced Lifespan of Network Equipment – When switches and routers compensate for poor cabling, they work harder and fail sooner.
Essentially, your cabling can become the weakest link in your digital chain, and that weak link can quietly drain productivity and revenue every single day.
The Rise of Remote and Hybrid Work: Why Cabling Matters More Than Ever
Before 2020, network infrastructure was largely an “IT concern.” But with hybrid and remote work now standard practice, your cabling affects far more than your office; it determines whether your teams stay connected no matter where they work from.
Modern offices aren’t just about computers and phones anymore. They’re powered by:
- Cloud collaboration tools (Teams, Zoom, Google Workspace)
- IP-based phones and video conferencing
- IoT devices and smart sensors
- Security and CCTV systems
- Automation and energy-efficient building systems
Each of these relies on fast, stable, low-latency connectivity. If your cabling was designed 10 or even 5 years ago, it may not meet these new demands.
The reality is: your network is only as fast as the cable it runs on.
What “Structured Cabling” Really Means
Structured cabling isn’t just about running wires neatly. It’s a complete, standardised system designed for performance, safety, and scalability.
A properly structured cabling setup includes:
- High-grade twisted pair or fibre optic cabling (Cat6A or higher)
- Patch panels, racks, and pathways arranged for easy access and future growth
- Labelled and certified connections tested to meet Australian and ISO standards
- Design integration with your switches, routers, servers, and endpoints
Fixtel’s structured cabling systems are designed to keep your business running at full speed and ready for what’s next.
Our engineers consider:
- Cable type and length limits
- Environmental conditions (heat, EM interference, airflow)
- Future expansion (extra ports, higher bandwidth)
- Compliance with safety and carrier standards
Whether you’re fitting out a new office, upgrading existing infrastructure, or managing a large commercial building, Fixtel ensures every connection is tested, documented, and certified for long-term reliability.
The Cost of Doing Nothing
Many businesses only notice cabling issues when things go wrong, usually during critical moments like video conferences, payment processing, or data backups.
But by then, the hidden costs have already added up:
- Lost productivity from dropped connections and slow speeds
- Increased maintenance costs for troubleshooting random issues
- Reduced energy efficiency from older, high-resistance cabling
- Downtime during network repairs that could have been avoided with proper planning
Investing in a structured cabling upgrade isn’t just about speed; it’s about protecting your business against downtime and ensuring your digital foundation is built to last.
The Fixtel Advantage
With more than 25 years of experience in electrical and communications infrastructure, Fixtel has become one of Australia’s most trusted names in structured cabling and network design.
We provide:
- Certified Cat6A and fibre cabling installations
- Comprehensive testing and certification reports
- Integration with VoIP, CCTV, and access control systems
- Commercial, industrial, and residential fit-outs
- Maintenance and cable management audits
From small businesses to large corporations, our approach remains the same: install it once, test it right, and make it last.
Future-Proof Your Connectivity Today
Your business network should be as future-ready as the technology it supports. Whether you’re expanding, relocating, or simply noticing slow performance, now is the time to assess your cabling infrastructure.
Fixtel offers a free structured cabling health check, a no-obligation assessment where our experts test your system, identify bottlenecks, and recommend the best path forward.
Don’t wait until your cabling fails — strengthen it before it slows you down. Call 1300 34 9835
