Two points per desk
One for the computer and one for a phone or a second device. Spare points cost far less now than adding cables later.
Cat6 vs Cat6a: Structured Cabling Guide for UAE Offices
How to choose the right network cable, plan your data points and understand what drives the cost of structured cabling.
Cabling Guide
Why the cable still matters
Wi-Fi gets the attention, but every access point, desk phone, CCTV camera and printer still depends on the cables in your walls and ceiling. Structured cabling is planned so every cable runs neatly from a desk or device back to a labelled patch panel in one network cabinet. Done well, it lasts ten years or more and makes moves and fault-finding easy.
Compare
Cat5e, Cat6 and Cat6a
| Cable | Speed and distance | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Cat5e | 1 Gbps up to 100 m | Existing small sites only. Not recommended for new offices. |
| Cat6 | 1 Gbps up to 100 m, 10 Gbps up to about 55 m | Most offices, shops and villas: desks, phones, CCTV and Wi-Fi points. |
| Cat6a | 10 Gbps up to 100 m, better shielding against interference | Server rooms, Wi-Fi 6/6E/7 access points, long runs and offices planning for the future. |
Planning
How to plan your data points
Ceiling points
Plan cables for Wi-Fi access points and CCTV cameras at the same time, so they can be powered over the network (PoE).
One labelled cabinet
Every cable ends on a numbered patch panel, so any desk can be traced in seconds.
Test every point
Each cable should be tested after installation, with the results handed over with the job.
Cost Factors
What affects the cost of cabling
Cabling is usually priced per data point, and the price per point falls as the number of points goes up because the cabinet, testing and setup are shared. The main things that change the price are the number of points, Cat6 versus Cat6a, the distance from each desk to the cabinet, ceiling and floor access, containment such as trunking and cable trays, the cabinet and patch panels, and whether work has to happen after office hours.
Many commercial buildings in the UAE ask for low-smoke (LSZH) cable and approved containment as part of fit-out approval, so check your building's requirements before work starts.
FAQ
Structured cabling, answered
Should I choose Cat6 or Cat6a for my office?
Cat6 is enough for most small and medium offices in the UAE. Choose Cat6a for server rooms, the latest Wi-Fi access points, long cable runs or if you want the network to support 10 Gbps everywhere for years to come.
How many network points does an office need?
Plan about two points per desk, plus points for printers, meeting rooms, Wi-Fi access points and CCTV cameras. Adding a few spare points during installation is much cheaper than adding them later.
How is structured cabling priced in Dubai?
It is usually priced per data point. The price depends on the number of points, the cable category, cable lengths, ceiling access, containment and the network cabinet. Send us your floor plan for an exact quote.
Can you rewire an office that is already in use?
Yes. Work can be planned in stages or after office hours to keep disruption low.
Do you test the cables after installation?
Yes. Every point is tested and labelled so faults can be traced quickly in the future.
More From Apex GenZ
Related pages
Planning cabling for a new or existing office?
Send us your floor plan and number of desks, and we will recommend the cable, the points and a clear price.