Case Study: A Detailed Look at Underground Cabling at Lillypilly

In the ever-evolving world of telecommunications, the installation and maintenance of underground cabling are tasks that require precision, expertise, and a deep understanding of the technology involved. This case study delves into a complex cabling issue in the Sutherland Shire suburb of Lillypilly, where SECURE A COM‘s skilled team was called upon to replace an old and improperly installed CAT5 cable.

The Challenge

Background

The customer at Lillypilly had been experiencing persistent issues with their internet connection. Upon initial inspection, we discovered that the problem stemmed from an old CAT5 cable that had been incorrectly installed underground.

The Problem with CAT5

CAT5, while a common choice for internal networking, is not suitable for underground installation, especially when placed in a conduit. The existing cable was out of specification, and only one pair was somewhat functional.

A Temporary Fix

Understanding the urgency of the situation, we installed a temporary CAT5 cable to ensure uninterrupted internet access. The customer’s location, situated in a low-reception area with four children relying on the Internet for higher education, made this a priority.

The Solution

Phase 1: Digging and Planning

The job began with meticulous digging to lay the new cable. The morning was dedicated to preparing the ground, ensuring that the new cable would be properly protected.

Phase 2: The Pool Challenge

The property’s layout presented a unique challenge: the cable had to be laid across a pool area. This required careful planning, a steady hand, and a balancing act to ensure secure placement.

Phase 3: Selecting the Right Cable

For the underground installation, we chose a gel-filled, grease-filled two-pair lead-in cable. Unlike CAT5, this cable is designed to withstand moisture and is suitable for underground use, ensuring long-term reliability.

Phase 4: Installation and Testing

The cable was strategically snaked around the property, drilled through the wall, and connected to a socket near a power point. The old cable was disconnected, and the new installation was thoroughly tested.

Conclusion

A Successful Outcome

Despite weather challenges and the complexity of the installation, the job was completed successfully. The customer now enjoys a reliable and robust cabling solution tailored to their needs.

Lessons Learned

• Understanding the Cable Types: Knowing the difference between internal and external cables, such as CAT6 and gel-filled cables, is crucial.
• Adaptation: Being able to provide temporary solutions while planning for a permanent fix is essential.
• Precision: The job required careful planning, especially around the pool area, showcasing the need for precision in cabling work.

SECURE A COM’s Expertise

This case study underscores SECURE A COM’s commitment to quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Our expertise in NBN fault-finding, socket installations, data cabling, and more sets us apart in the industry.

Contact Us

For more information about our services, contact us at 02 9188 1577. We are open Monday to Friday from 7 am to 5 pm, ready to assist you with all your internet, phone, and data cabling needs.