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Data & Networking

Data and networking is the parent collection for the whole networking range: switches and PoE, routers, wireless access points and bridges, fibre media converters, SFP modules and fibre cable, Ethernet extenders, copper cabling, patch panels, data outlets, network cabinets, UPS and power distribution. Makers include AMG Systems, Comnet, Connectix, D-Link, Eaton, Hikvision, Nitek, Ruijie and TRENDnet, and the main parts of the range have their own collections, linked below.

Choosing Data & Networking

Plan a network from the core outwards: switches first, then links between rooms and buildings, then cabling, racks and power.

Switching and PoE

Switches connect wired devices, and PoE models also power cameras, access points and phones. Examples include the D-Link DGS-1210-10P Web Smart switch, the Ruijie RG-CS83-24GT4XS-P with 10G SFP+ uplinks, and the hardened Dahua DH-HS4412-8ET-120. For one extra device, a PoE injector such as the AMG150-1GBT-P90 adds power to an existing link.

Fibre, extenders and wireless

Copper Ethernet is planned to 100m; beyond that, use fibre, an extender or radio. The AMG S18941 SFP reaches about 10 km over single-mode fibre, and Comnet CNFE2MC media converters carry Ethernet over optical fibre. The Nitek EL1500CP-W1 extends Ethernet and PoE over coax up to 500m.

Cabling, racks and power

Structured cabling covers Connectix fibre and network cable, SFX armoured Cat5e and Cat6, patch panels, and Knightsbridge RJ45 outlets such as the CL45BC. All-Rack cabinets include the 6U CAB6WB600BLK wall-mount and the 18U CAB186X6 floor-standing model, and Eaton UPS units such as the 5PX1500IRTNG2BS keep equipment running through a power cut.

NeedExampleNotes
Office routerRuijie RG-EG310GH-P-E8 PoE ports, 1.5 Gbps
Link another buildingAMG S18941 SFP10 km, single-mode LC
Reuse coax for IPVeracity VLS-1N-LCHIGHWIRE Longstar coax extender
Rack housingAll-Rack CAB186X618U, 600×600 mm
Test a runMercury 505.993UKRJ45, RJ11, USB, BNC

Brands we stock in Data & Networking

Adastra, Advanced, All-Rack, AMG Systems, AV:Link, Axis Communications, Belden, Bosch, BTicino by Legrand, CIE Group, Comelit PAC, Comnet, Connectix Cabling Systems, D-Link, Dahua Technology, Dantech Electronic Engineering, Dynamic, Eaton, ESP, Fermax, Folk Safe, Genie, Hanwha Vision, Haydon, Hikvision, Knightsbridge, LigoWave, Mercury, Nitek, NVT Phybridge, OpenEye, Optex, Penton, Rhino Guard, Ruijie, Secure Logiq, SFX Cables, Tenda, TP-Link, TRENDnet, Ubiquiti, Vanco, Veracity, Verint, Vigitron and Xtralis by Honeywell.

AMG Systems, Comnet, Connectix Cabling Systems, Hikvision, Knightsbridge, Ruijie and TRENDnet make most of the range.

Related categories

Go to network switches and PoE, including PoE switches; Wi-Fi and wireless hardware, including access points and wireless bridges; fibre optic networking; network cables and accessories, including Ethernet cables and patch panels; and server racks and cabinets. For IP camera systems, see CCTV cameras and CCTV installation accessories, or our Help & Support guides.

Frequently asked questions

What does a small business network need?

A router to the internet, a switch for wired devices, access points for Wi-Fi, and structured cabling back to a cabinet. The Ruijie RG-EG310GH-P-E, for example, is an office router with 8 PoE ports and VPN, and an All-Rack wall-mount cabinet such as the CAB6WB600BLK houses the patch panel and switch.

What is the difference between a switch and a router?

A switch connects devices within one network, while a router connects that network to others, such as the internet, and directs traffic between them. The Ruijie RG-EG310GH-E router adds VPN tunnels and several WAN ports, and Layer 3 switches such as the Ruijie RG-CS83-24GT4XS-P add routing between internal networks.

When should I use fibre instead of copper?

Use fibre for links beyond the 100m reach of copper Ethernet, between buildings, or where electrical interference is a concern. A single-mode SFP such as the AMG S18941 reaches about 10 km, and Connectix Starlight SWA uni tube fibre cable, the 002-005-004-91, is suitable for direct burial between buildings.

Can I reuse existing coax or long copper runs for IP cameras?

Yes, with an extender. The Nitek EL1500CP-W1 carries Ethernet and PoE over coax up to 500m, the Veracity VLS-1N-LC HIGHWIRE Longstar extender re-uses long runs of legacy coax, and the NVT Phybridge NV-FLX-04 adapter, used with a FLEX switch, runs 4 IP endpoints from a single long UTP cable with PoE+ (30W).

What does a media converter do?

A media converter joins two cable types, typically copper Ethernet to fibre, so a copper device can use a fibre link. Comnet CNFE2MC converters carry 10/100 Mbps Ethernet over optical fibre through selectable SFP options. Some units on this page, such as the Nitek EL1500CP-W1, instead extend Ethernet over coax.

What size network cabinet do I need?

Add up the rack units (U) of the patch panels, switches, shelves and UPS, then allow space for growth and airflow. All-Rack cabinets include the 6U CAB6WB600BLK and 18U CAB18WB550B wall-mount models and the CAB186X6, an 18U floor-standing cabinet at 600×600 mm with lockable front and rear doors.

Do I need a UPS for network equipment?

Yes, if the network must stay up through a power cut: a UPS keeps switches, routers and recorders running and gives time for an orderly shutdown. Eaton options include the 3SM36 mini UPS with 36W DC output, the 3S550B tower UPS at 550 VA, and the 5PX1500IRTNG2BS, a 1500VA line-interactive rack/tower UPS with a network card included.

How do I test a network cable run?

Use a cable tester on finished runs before connecting equipment. The Mercury 505.993UK is a handheld 4-in-1 test meter with a detachable remote that finds continuity and wire or pin faults in network, telephone, USB and coaxial cables, before and after installation.

What if I cannot run a network cable to a room?

Use Wi-Fi, or powerline adapters that carry network data over the mains wiring. Of the TP-Link powerline kits, the TL-PA7017P KIT is an AV1000 Gigabit passthrough kit, and wireless access points or a wireless bridge cover rooms and outbuildings without a data point.

  • Established 1975
  • Birmingham trade counter
  • UK-only supply

Written by the West Midlands Electrics technical team

Updated

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