Cabling is one of the few IT decisions in a new office that's genuinely difficult and expensive to fix later - once walls, ceilings, and flooring are closed up, adding a missed data point means real disruption. Getting it right before the fitout starts is worth the planning time.
Before the Fitout: Planning
- Map out desk layout and confirm data point locations against it, not the other way around after cabling is done
- Count data points per desk (two is a reasonable minimum), plus meeting rooms, reception, and any shared equipment areas
- Identify locations for wireless access points, based on coverage needs, not just wherever's convenient to run a cable
- Confirm where the comms room or cabinet will sit, and that it has power and ventilation - see our guide on server room and physical security for what this space should provide
- Plan for growth - a small amount of spare capacity is far cheaper to install now than to add later
Cable Specification
- Cat6 as a sensible baseline for new fitouts, supporting gigabit speeds with reasonable headroom
- Cat6a where higher speeds or longer cable runs are likely to matter within the cabling's working life
- Confirm cable length limits are respected - runs over roughly 90 metres to a switch need a different approach entirely
During Installation
- Every cable run properly labelled at both ends - this sounds minor but saves enormous time during any future troubleshooting
- Cables run through appropriate containment (conduit, trays), not loose above ceiling tiles where they're vulnerable to damage
- Data and power cabling kept appropriately separated to avoid interference
- Patch panel properly organised and labelled to match the port labelling at each desk
Testing and Certification
Every cable run should be tested and certified against the relevant cabling standard before the fitout is signed off - this confirms each run actually performs to its rated speed, not just that it's physically connected. Insist on a copy of the test results, not just a verbal confirmation everything passed.
Coordinating With Other Trades
Cabling typically needs to go in before walls and ceilings are closed and flooring is finished, which means it has to be scheduled early in the build sequence and coordinated directly with the builder, not treated as something IT handles independently at the end. See our guide on the office relocation IT checklist for how cabling fits into the broader move timeline.
What Happens After Cabling Is In
Once cabling is complete and certified, the next steps are switches, firewall, and access point installation and configuration. See our guide on business network setup cost for how these pieces are typically priced, and our guide on what happens during a Wi-Fi site survey for confirming access point placement is right before it's finalised.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many data points should each desk have?
Two is a reasonable minimum for most desks - one for the workstation, one spare for a phone, docking station, or future need. Meeting rooms and shared spaces typically need more, depending on how many devices connect there simultaneously.
What cable category should be used for new cabling?
Cat6 is the current sensible baseline for a new office fitout, supporting gigabit speeds with headroom. Cat6a costs a little more but supports higher speeds over longer distances, worth considering if the office is larger or if 10-gigabit needs are plausible within the cabling's working life.
Should cabling be done before or after other fitout trades?
Cabling generally needs to happen before walls, ceilings, and flooring are closed up, which means it needs to be scheduled early and coordinated with the builder's overall trade sequence, not treated as an afterthought once the space is otherwise finished.
Is wireless enough, or is cabling still worth the cost?
Wireless still relies on access points connected back to the network via cable, and wired connections remain more reliable and higher-bandwidth for anything demanding - desktops, printers, and access points themselves all benefit from a proper cabled backbone even in a Wi-Fi-first office.
We plan, install, and certify structured cabling for Perth office fitouts, coordinated directly with your builder's timeline.
Network Setup Services →Planning a new office fitout?
Call 0433 087 091 - we'll help you plan cabling before your fitout starts, no obligation.
Get a Free Cabling PlanFor related reading, see our guides to the office relocation IT checklist and business network setup cost.