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Network cabling
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Networking and Cabling Services

MCL has been installing networks since the mid-80's. The first network was a small college department network using 10Base2 cable connecting a server running Novell, and 8 PCs, later extended to a further 8 PCs.

Subsequent projects have involved "structured cabling" using Cat5 and 5e cabling for data and phone systems. We have also been involved in installing phone systems in conjunction with 4Thought Telecommunications.

If you have a need for data and or phone cabling please contact us.

WiFi is growing in popularity with many companies in offices and SOHOs. Many families are also installing WiFi to get the broadband Internet distributed around the house. This is a great business to be involved in. But it brings its own problems. Wireless transmissions travel beyond your boundary. Outsiders can receive those transmissions, capture and read them. You should encrypt your radio traffic, but there is a reduction in performance. Others could access the Internet via your WiFi service. Yes, you can lock the WiFi down so that only certain devices can use it. Home users and a surprising number of companies don't bother. In all, the security implications are serious and often ignored.

Another problem with WiFi is that the radio band is license-free; this means more and more services are competing for the available bandwidth. As interference from nearby devices increases, the performance of your WiFi devices will fall and more often mysteriously fail. Also, the distances claimed by the manufacturers for their kit cannot be repeated where you are.

Having said all that, if you are interested in exploring the world of WiFi, please contact us to discuss how we can help you.

Network Equipment.

We provide the best equipment available. For switches and routers we use Cisco. We are part of the Cisco Partner Program.

Cabling, patch panels, floor and wall ports, wall-mounted or free standing cabinets are from the best manufacturers. Click here for a short tutorial on terminating cable in the cabinet and on the data module.

We install to Cat5e and Cat6 standards. Testing wire map and continuity are part of the standard service. Certification is an additional service.

Contact Mick Walker to discuss your cabling needs.

CAT 5, 5e, 6
are current standards for cabling used for data and voice applications. See the Glossary for more details.

Switches and Routers
Most networks are based on structrued cabling schemes where computers are connected to a switch or bank of switches within a building. These are then connected through a router to other buildings within the organisation or with the outside world (Internet). CISCO is the leading manufacturer of this equipment, and Microchip Computers is proud to be able to offer switching and routing solutions.

VOIP
Voice Over IP is the up and coming technology. Industry pundits say that most of the world's telephones will be IP phones in 5 years. The advantage to putting VOIP into an organisation is that the data and phone needs for each desk can be supplied by a single cable. Externally, phone calls can be made over a fast data link to other parts in the organisation at no additional cost per call, and advantageous rates for non-VOIP phones. In some environments, DECT or WiFi based VOIP portable phones can be used rather than desktop phones. While these may seem a bit "Bleeding Edge" it is the future.