Looking for Tips on Reviewing Cabling Proposals as a New IT Administrator

First things first, forget about just using a checklist from an AI tool. Get a seasoned field expert to do a site survey. They’ll know how to analyze the space properly, not just the cables. If you can, have them walk the site with you to evaluate not just what you need now, but what could be needed in the future too. Also, make sure all design decisions are made by someone experienced in networking; it'll make a huge difference.

Make sure the proposal includes a labeled floor plan showing the numbers of all the drops—that’ll save you a lot of headaches later trying to remember where everything goes. It's also worthwhile to gather multiple quotes from different vendors, which gives you leverage when negotiating.

Take a close look and ensure no CAT6 runs are alongside power cables. They should only cross at 90 degrees. Also, check that the proposal includes testing for every jack. You don’t want to deal with bad connections later on.

Keep the focus on planning for the future—ideally, you'll want to install the most current standards, which could be CAT7 or even CAT8 instead of just CAT6. Think about how the office layout might change, too. Planning ahead for Wi-Fi access and fiber uplinks is essential for scaling up as the company grows.

Don't stress too much about the costs—that's more for the higher-ups. Focus instead on ensuring the right cables are specified, and you have enough ports where they’ll actually be used. Check for the quantity of drops as well—make sure there are ample connections for workstations, printers, and access points. It’s about usability more than just cost.