Network cabling standards for schools and colleges

Government Network Cabling Standards for Schools and Colleges

Here at NM Cabling Solutions, we have been involved in data cabling installations in schools and colleges for over twenty-five years and have seen the recommended network cabling standard gradually evolve over that time as technology and access requirements have changed. Our expertise and experience can assist you in meeting the requirements for the network cabling standards for schools.

From supporting the London Borough of Barnet and their approximate 200 schools to individual bespoke primary and secondary schools through to Colleges and Universities

What are the network cabling standards for schools as per the DfE?

The Department of Education has specified three specific guidelines about network cabling standards for schools and colleges.

1. Copper Cabling should be Category 6A (Cat 6A)
2. Optical fibre cabling should be a minimum 16-core multi-mode OM4
3. New cabling should be installed and tested per the manufacturer's guidance, warranty terms, and conditions.

We will address each of these elements and why they are essential. 

Copper Cabling should be Category 6A (Cat 6A)

Cat6a cabling is the standard cable to install for 10 Gigabit transmission speeds. It is capable of 500MHz and will achieve the required transmission speeds up to 90 metres over a permanent link or 100 metres, allowing for patch leads or direct links.

The older standard of Cat6 only achieves 10 Gigabits up to 55 metres and hence is not recommended. 

Therefore, given the speed of technological advancement, it is imperative to install the correct cabling standard for current and future needs.

When should you install Cat6a data cabling?

The DfE has recommended that Cat6a is the standard for schools and colleges and should be installed in the following cases:

1. When upgrading a Wi-Fi or wireless network
2. Replacing the current underperforming network cabling system.
   1. For example, the cabling is limiting the capabilities of the IT Hardware 
3. When installing into a new build project
4. When expanding a current school or college

The choice of the correct data cabling is becoming especially important when considering the DfE recommendation for Wi-Fi installations. In addition to network cabling standards for schools, they advise on the best minimum Wi-Fi and broadband requirements.

From the following link, "Wireless network standards for schools and colleges", they state 

"The wireless network should use the latest standard approved by the Wi-Fi Alliance, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)."

As Wi-Fi 6 offers a maximum throughput of 9.6Gbps, your cabling must be capable of maximising that technology. 

Indeed, the DfE states in the same article, "The speed of your wireless connection may be affected by your internal network cabling."

How to Meet the Cat6a Cabling Standard

When installing a new data cabling standard, it is imperative that you classify not only the required cable but all the elements of a professional installation. If not installed correctly, a poorly installed Cat6a cabling installation will function no better than older standards.

Cat6a cabling standards have tighter testing requirements, so an expert installation is required.

From experience, we at NM Cabling recommend the following in accordance with and in addition to the DfE requirements.

1. For the category 6A cable, U/FTP – An unshielded outer shell/foil-shielded twisted pair is recommended.
2. Each cabling link is to be a maximum of ninety metres.
3. Euroclass Cca s1b.d2.a2. sheathed cable to be used for meeting fire regulations - For further information on cabling fire standards, please click here.
4. Additional containment is to be installed where required to support new cables and maintain standards for bend radius and separation from power cables and interference. 
5. All elements of the cabling links to be Cat6a
   1. Jacks / Modules
   2. Panels
   3. Patch Leads
6. All outlets and panels to have printed labels and unique identification (Cabinet / Number)
7. The installer is to supply a marked-up drawing showing the location of the outlets and their relevant outlet number and cabinets.
8. The installer is to be an approved installer of the recommended cabling system, such as an Excel Cabling Systems Partner, of which NM Cabling maintains its accreditation.
9. New cabling should be installed and tested in line with the manufacturer's guidance, warranty terms, and conditions.
10. The installer is to provide full test results from an approved cable certification tester, such as this list of testers.
    1. Without full test results, you will not know if it has been installed correctly.
11. A warranty supplied by the cabling manufacturer based on the test results
    1. The manufacturer will check everything is correct in your installation

Optical fibre cabling should be a minimum 16-core multi-mode OM4

Continuing with the preparation for 10 Gigabit transmission, the DfE standards also call for OM4 fibre optic cabling

OM4 fibre cabling can transmit 10 Gigabit up to 550 metres, so it should, in all circumstances, have enough headroom in distance to link cabinets and network hardware around any school or college

The 16 fibre cores will give you eight connections as fibre cabling works in pairs of cores, as one core transmits and the other receives signals.

Thus, having either network connections allow for future upgrades, different systems and flexibility

When should you install OM4 Fibre Cabling?

The main reason for installing OM4 cabling is to upgrade when your current system is not meeting its requirements.

OM3 fibre cabling will also achieve 10 Gigabit speeds but only up to 300 metres. In many cases, this might be enough.

However, older fibre grades such as OM1 and OM2 are unsuitable for 10 Gigabit and will significantly restrict your network's performance. Thus, if you have either of these fibre cables in your network, a school network upgrade should be considered.

OM4 upgrades could be undertaken in the following situations.

1. When installing new fibre cabling in a current or new school or college
2. Your current fibre cabling cannot support your technology requirements
3. When upgrading or installing a new Wi-Fi System
4. When upgrading or installing Cat6a horizontal cabling

All networks and cabling systems are only as effective as their weakest part. If you install 10 Gigabit Cat6a cabling but the links to that cabinet can only achieve 1 Gigabit, then your whole system is restricted to 1 Gigabit

How to Meet the OM4 Cabling Standard

The standards for installation of the fibre cabling should be the same as the Cat6a cabling installation in that:

1. The OM4 16 core fibre cable to meet Euroclass CCA fire regulations
2. The installer to be approved for the cabling systems being installed
3. All elements in the link to be OM4, including patch leads
4. Full test results for each fibre core to be supplied
5. A manufacturer Warranty is to be supplied

Panels to have printed labels and be marked on drawings

New cabling should be installed and tested according to the manufacturer's guidance, warranty terms, and conditions.

As mentioned previously in the Cat6a and OM4 cabling standards, an integral part of installing the correct cabling standard is making sure it is from a good quality manufacturer and it is installed correctly and to the relevant standards.

The manufacturer's warranty, which ranges from 20-25 years, ensures each part of the process is met in the following way.

Thus, by meeting these elements, you can ensure your installation and cabling system are up to standard and suitable for use.

The manufacturer's warranty is only awarded if the following are present.

1. The installer is an approved contractor and has undertaken the relevant training.
2. The correct manufacturer's cables and parts are used and registered with the manufacturer.
3. Full test results are undertaken and supplied to them for checking.
4. An approved tester is used as only industry-leading testers are approved for test results

When the warranty is awarded, you, as the client, can be confident that all the necessary steps have been taken to provide you with a cabling system that meets the standards.

Without any of these elements, you may have a Cat6a or OM4 cabling system, but it doesn't work as expected.

What to expect from NM Cabling when installing for Schools and Colleges

We have extensive experience with schools and colleges and in the cabling industry overall. 

We will dedicate a project manager throughout the proves from initial design, through to quotation, installation and handover. Thus, there is a consistency of communication between your team and ours.

As a minimum, you should expect from NM Cabling or any other cabling installer the following.

1. Proof of approved installer status for the proposed cabling system
2. Proof of calibration certificates of an approved tester from the approved list
3. Submission of technical submissions of proposed cabling systems that meet the standards above
4. Submission of full test results for each Cat6a cable and OM4 fibre core
5. Marked-up drawings post-project
6. Submission of a manufacturer warranty after completion

Additional Links to DfE Articles around network cabling standards for schools

Meeting digital and technology standards in schools and colleges

Broadband internet standards for schools and colleges

Meeting digital and technology standards in schools and colleges