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I – Project Scope

Cable pulling, termination and testing for 50 workstations

II – Materials Estimate

Quantity Unit Description
10 Boxes CAT5e UTP Cable
25 pcs Wall Plate (white)
50 pcs snap-in connectors (RJ-45)
25 Pcs 1.5m patch cord (white)
25 pcs 3.0m patch cords (blue)
1 unit 24-port patch panel
1 Unit 24-port Ethernet switch
1 Unit 2ft. IDF cabinet


FLOOR PLAN

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by CimmerianX

Dani AI

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A few practical corrections and a short checklist to get a reliable quote and a working installation.

The immediate gap to fix is port and equipment sizing. A 50-drop job needs enough patch-panel and switch ports (plus uplink/spares) and an IDF with room for cable management, power and ventilation. Confirm the exact number of user drops, any VoIP phones or APs (PoE?), and whether runs will be grouped into one or more IDFs before buying gear.

How to estimate cable quantity (quick method): measure each horizontal run on the floor plan along the planned cable path, add service slack (typically 2–3 m at each end plus extra for vertical riser/trays), sum all runs, then add ~10% for mistakes/spares. Most bulk cable boxes are ~305 m (1000 ft), so divide total meters by 305 to size boxes. For standards and channel length limits see the Ethernet/twisted-pair guidance and cable specs: Ethernet over twisted pair and Category 5e cable. For new installs, consider Cat6 for better headroom and PoE support: Category 6 cable.

Patch-panel and switch choices: pick a patch panel with at least as many user ports as drops (48 is common for ~50 drops) or two panels, and a switch (managed recommended) with matching port count plus uplink and spare ports. Plan cable managers and labeling so each horizontal run is documented — patch-panel ports and wall jacks must be 1:1 and clearly labeled. See basic patch-panel concepts here: Patch panel.

Testing and documentation: test every run after termination (continuity/pair map, length, and ideally certification for alien crosstalk if using higher speeds). Keep a wiring diagram and a CSV of jack-to-panel mappings and test results. As asked, define the outcome you want (quote, BOM review, or install steps). As suggested, use commodity vendors for price checks, but finalize quantities and spec (Cat5e vs Cat6, managed switch, PoE, rack depth) before buying.

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Member Avatar for roottybrian

I quite don't get it! What help do you want?

Member Avatar for CimmerianX

You looking for a quote or something? Just hit up blackbox or monoprice for prices.

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