A reliable network infrastructure is the backbone of any modern organization, especially in environments like schools, hospitals, and businesses where technology evolves rapidly. As highlighted by Darren Walters from Nex-Tech and Cody Clark from Hubbell, regularly evaluating your cabling is crucial to ensure your network can support current and future demands. 

Why Evaluate Your Cabling? 
Outdated or inadequate cabling can result in network downtime, poor device performance, and expensive troubleshooting, particularly as more devices such as AV equipment, wireless access points, PoE devices, VoIP phones, and security cameras are added to the network. To maintain a high-performance system, it is essential to follow industry standards like TIA and EIA for structured cabling. This includes: 

• organizing logical cable pathways
• keeping cables separated from sources of interference
• using standardized connectors and components for easier maintenance and upgrades.

Proper grounding and bonding are vital, especially in sensitive environments like hospitals, to protect equipment and maintain optimal performance. 

Physical Inspection and Cable Management 
Physical inspection and good cable management practices are also key. Regularly check that cables are neatly bundled, routed without sharp bends or kinks, and that pathways are not overfilled, which can lead to heat buildup and make servicing difficult. Proper labeling helps prevent accidental disconnections and makes it easier to trace connections. Environmental hazards like moisture and poor ventilation should also be addressed to protect critical equipment. 

Testing and Certification 
Testing and certification of cabling go beyond basic continuity checks. While simple tests confirm correct installation, certification tests are necessary to guarantee data performance and qualify for manufacturer warranties. These tests measure signal loss, crosstalk, and interference, which are especially important for high-performance cabling like Cat 6 and Cat 6A. Accurate labeling of test results to specific jacks further aids future troubleshooting. 

Common issues encountered during testing include: 

• insufficient space for expansion in cable pathways or equipment closets 
• improper grounding and bonding 
• cables bundled too tightly or exposed to damage during maintenance

Recommendations for Modern Networks 
For new installations, Cat 6 is the minimum recommended standard, particularly for PoE applications, while Cat 6A is preferred for wireless access points and AV systems due to its higher bandwidth and future-proofing capabilities. For fiber optic cabling, upgrading from legacy OM1 to OM3/OM4 or single mode is advised for better compatibility and performance. Using plenum-rated cable throughout a facility simplifies inventory management and ensures code compliance.  

Identifying and selecting the right cables is straightforward if you know what to look for. Cable jackets are marked with information such as type (e.g., Cat 5E, Cat 6A), shielding, rating, manufacturer, and footage. Fiber cables are similarly marked with mode (single or multi), strand count, and jacket rating. If you are unsure about your cabling, taking a photo of the markings and consulting an expert is recommended. 

Conclusion 
Regular evaluation, adherence to standards, proper installation, and thorough documentation are critical for a reliable, scalable network. Investing in quality cabling and certification protects your technology investment and prepares your organization for future growth. 

Human Intervention and Compliance 
While SIEM systems can detect anomalies, human intervention is crucial for remediation. Security Operations Centers (SOCs) play a vital role in monitoring and responding to threats. Additionally, certain industries, such as the financial and medical sectors, are required to retain logs for compliance purposes. This combination of technology and human expertise ensures that organizations can effectively manage and respond to security threats.

For instance, the deletion of a virtual machine from a server farm or the clearing of Windows event logs are activities that could indicate a security breach.  Another example is the “impossible travel” alert in Microsoft 365, which flags logins from geographically distant locations within a short time frame. These examples illustrate the practical applications of SIEM systems and their ability to identify potential threats. However, follow-up by a human will determine if it is an actual threat or legitimate activity.

Insurance and SIEM 
Cybersecurity insurance often requires organizations to have SIEM systems in place. Insurance questionnaires may ask about centralized log collection and management, as well as the duration of log storage. Having a SIEM system can impact an organization’s ability to obtain coverage, and the terms of that coverage. This requirement underscores the importance of SIEM systems in maintaining network security and ensuring business continuity.

Conclusion 
In conclusion, SIEM systems are essential for modern network security. They provide valuable insights into network activities, help detect and respond to threats, and ensure compliance with industry regulations. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the role of SIEM systems will become increasingly important in safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining business continuity.