Introduction

The right selection of Brands of Data faceplates impacts the performance of your network for years to come. These small parts are not expensive and protect the ports on your devices. They keep dust out and improve the look of your cabinets. Many businesses neglect faceplates, but failing to use a high-quality faceplate can loosen ports and cause downtime. This article reviews various faceplates and explains what to look for when purchasing faceplates.

The Role of Faceplates in Networks

Although faceplates typically cover wall sockets, they serve an important role in networks by securing RJ45 or fiber connectors and protecting them from dust and moisture. A weak faceplate creates an extended risk to the entire cable run. For offices in Nairobi and East Africa, the faceplates need to withstand dust and heat on a daily basis, and therefore are even more important.

Leading Brands of Data Faceplates in Kenyan Offices

There are many different manufacturers that dominate the local market of data faceplates because the price vs. durability balance is given. The ease of installation also plays a big role in their popularity. Each brand targets a particular type of customer ranging from small businesses to enterprise data centers.

Vention Faceplates – Budget-Friendly Cable Management

Vention focuses on inexpensive, reliable cabling accessories and offers faceplates that have great reviews. Their faceplates are easily installed and hold ports very well without the need for tools. Because of this, they are extremely popular for home networks and small offices. That said, buyers should note the available port count for faceplates; they have both single and dual-gang faceplates.

Siemon Faceplates for Top Quality Fiber Networks

The positioning of Siemon’s faceplates reflects its positioning in the market as more premium. Siemon’s faceplates incorporate fiber ready designs that are geared towards data center and large enterprise deployments. Because of this, Siemon’s faceplates carry a higher cost, but offer stability and longevity. For businesses deploying a fiber backbone, Siemon’s faceplates are almost always the first selection.

UniFi Faceplates by Ubiquiti for Smart Offices

Being that the Ubiquiti UniFi line of networking equipment is attractive and clean in its design, Ubiquiti UniFi faceplates also provide a stylish, clean solution for your networking needs. In addition to simply looking good in modern offices, these faceplates hold connectors securely. For shops already running UniFi networking equipment, faceplates are an inexpensive way to maintain an aesthetically pleasing solution.

D-Link Faceplates for Reliable Data Points

As one the most recognized vendors of networking equipment, D-Link retains a reputation for quality faceplates as well. D-Link faceplates pair well with standard keystone jacks. Most D-Link components pair well with most popular trunking systems. In addition to quality components, D-Link has competitive pricing which accounts for why D-Link has a lot of resellers in Kenya.

Things to Consider When Purchasing Data Faceplates

It is always important to consider factors beyond just the name of the brand when purchasing faceplates. A faceplate’s resistance to impact and UV light affects how long it lasts, even before you consider fire safety. Deployments near outdoor facing windows should consider discoloration over time caused by UV light. For this reason, faceplate transparent plastic should always be UV resistant. Always review the spec sheet.

Material Quality and Build Durability

Cheap faceplates often use low-grade plastics that can easily crack during installation or regular use. Furthermore, applying pressure while fitting them can cause the material to break, leaving the faceplate damaged or unusable. Faceplates commonly utilize polycarbonate material as they are heat resistant and are less likely to break with daily use. While the upfront cost is slightly higher, buying faceplates that use better components will help lower your total cost from replacements. To protect your financial investment it is best to contact the supplier to learn what grade of plastic they will be using for the production of the parts.

Port Configuration and Compatibility

Wall plates can be single, double, four-port, or can even be modular. The amount of cable runs for each wall point will dictate your choice. For the faceplate, it is preferred to match the keystone jack brand to avoid having a loose wall plate. While in some circumstances mixing brands can yield a functional solution it most often results in an aesthetically unpleasant finish.

Ease of Installation and Time Savings

Snap-in designs offer considerable time savings for technicians during installation. Screw-mounted options pose more of a time commitment, but provide more assurance in high traffic locations. Tool-less designs work well for office roll-outs that require a great deal of wiring in a short timeframe. Choose the design style that allows your installation team to work within the time constraints of the project.

Comparing Data Faceplate Brands Based on Price

There are notable variances in price across the market, from a few hundred shillings to high-end enterprise pricing. Vention and D-Link are low-priced options. Siemon and some high end lines of Ubiquiti are on the other end. Consider the total cost of the project over the cost of the individual unit.

Warranty and Post-Purchase Support for Brands of Data Faceplates

A warranty is an indication of the manufacturer’s opinion of their product. Most reputable manufacturers offer a 1-year warranty on faceplates and connectors. Always purchase from a supplier who can provide that warranty locally. Hubtech provides Nairobi and Beyond with reliable, high quality after-sales support.

Selecting Brands of Data Faceplates on Cabinet Style

Your faceplates should integrate functionally and visually with your cabling infrastructure. White faceplates are flexible enough to work with almost any workspace, while metallic or industrial finishes are more geared towards industrial workspaces. Faceplates should be chosen in tandem with trunking and cabinetry to ensure a clean finish.

Aesthetic Finish in Office Interiors

Although small, details such as wall sockets can be noticed by clients or employees, contrary to what a mistake might lead a business to believe. Having a clean, flush faceplate conveys attention to detail throughout the office. On the other hand, having cracked or mismatched covers gives the opposite message. Having a consistent finish in all rooms leads to a polished and organized office.

Thoughts on Structured Cabling Accessories

Wall faceplates are a small component of a network system. Quality assurance in faceplate selection will protect the entire network investment from failure and eventual costly repairs and downtime. When considering a faceplate, consider it like a modem or a switch. A small initial investment will pay off over the life of the cabling system.