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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, Alta Labs, AMG Systems, APC, 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, GEWISS, Hanwha Vision, Haydon, Hikvision, HiLook, Knightsbridge, LigoWave, Luminite, Mercury, NETGEAR, Nitek, NVT Phybridge, OpenEye, Optex, Penton, Redvision, Rhino Guard, Riello UPS, Ruijie, Secure Logiq, Securi-Flex, SFX Cables, Tenda, TOA, TP-Link, TRENDnet, Ubiquiti, Uniti Power, 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. See also Ethernet & Network Sockets, Ubiquiti Products and Wi-Fi Extenders & Boosters. For IP camera systems, see CCTV cameras and CCTV installation accessories.

Frequently asked questions

What is network equipment?

Network equipment is the hardware that connects devices and moves data between them on a wired or wireless network. Typical kit includes switches, routers, wireless access points, media converters, patch panels, cabinets and cabling. In security work it also links IP cameras with their recorders. The range here includes network switches, media converters, fibre transceivers and data cabinets.

What equipment is needed for a network?

A small network usually needs a router for the internet connection, a switch to connect wired devices, and cabling such as Cat6 with RJ45 connections. Add wireless access points for Wi-Fi coverage, and a PoE switch if you are powering cameras or phones over the data cable. Larger sites often add patch panels and a data cabinet.

How do you find the IP address of a device on a network?

The quickest way is usually to open your router's connected-devices page, which shows the IP addresses of devices on the network. You can also use the maker's discovery tool or a network scanner app. Give fixed kit such as cameras and recorders a static or reserved address, so it stays the same after a restart.

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

Written by the West Midlands Electrics technical team

Updated

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