What makes a good CCTV system

• Resolution — enough detail to identify faces and number plates, day and night.
• Night vision — proper infrared or low-light performance for after-dark clarity.
• Coverage — the right camera types and angles for entrances, perimeters and blind spots.
• Recording & storage — an NVR/DVR with enough days of footage retention.
• Remote viewing — secure live and playback access from your phone.

How much does CCTV installation cost?

Cost depends mainly on the number of cameras, their quality, the recorder and storage, and the cabling required. A small home system with a few cameras sits at the lower end; multi-camera business systems with higher resolution, analytics and longer storage cost more. Because camera count and site layout vary so much, we quote after assessing your property — request a free CCTV quote.

POPIA and CCTV: what to know

If you record areas beyond your own private property, South Africa’s POPIA applies. In practice that means putting up visible signage that CCTV is in operation, only capturing what’s necessary, and storing footage securely. We set systems up with this in mind.

Our installation process

1. Site survey — we assess risk points, coverage and cabling routes.
2. System design — camera types, recorder, storage and remote access.
3. Installation — cameras mounted, cabled and configured neatly.
4. Setup — recording, motion alerts and phone viewing configured.
5. Handover & support — we show you how it works and stay available.

FAQs

Can I view my cameras on my phone?

Yes — we set up secure live and playback viewing on your smartphone.

How many days of footage will it keep?

That depends on camera count, resolution and storage. We size the recorder to the retention you need — commonly two weeks or more.

Do you offer remote monitoring?

Yes — ask us about remote CCTV monitoring for added peace of mind.

Get a free CCTV quote

Protect your home or business with a system that actually delivers. Request your free quote today.

The post CCTV Installation in Cape Town: A Complete Buyer’s Guide (2026) appeared first on AlphaTV.

What is structured cabling?

Structured cabling is a standardised, organised cabling system that runs from a central point (a server rack or comms cabinet) out to each “data point” — the wall sockets your devices plug into. Done properly, it’s neatly labelled, tested, and built to support future upgrades and higher speeds.

Cat5e vs Cat6 vs Cat6A — which do you need?

• Cat5e — supports up to 1 Gbps. Fine for basic offices, but largely superseded.
• Cat6 — the current business standard; better speed and less interference. Recommended for most offices.
• Cat6A — supports 10 Gbps over longer runs; ideal for future-proofing, larger sites and high-density networks.

What drives the cost

Cabling is usually priced per data point (drop) plus materials and any containment (trunking/conduit). The main cost factors are:

• Number of data points and cable length per run
• Cable grade (Cat6 vs Cat6A) and shielding
• Cable management — trunking, floor boxes, ceiling voids, drilling through walls
• A server rack / patch panel and labelling
• Testing and certification of each point

Because every building is different, cabling is quoted after a quick site assessment. We give you a clear per-point and total price up front — request a free cabling quote.

Our cabling process

1. Site assessment — we map data points, runs and the comms cabinet location.
2. Design — cable grade, containment and rack layout.
3. Installation — neat, labelled Cat6/Cat6A runs and terminations.
4. Testing — every point tested and certified.
5. Handover — documented, tidy, and ready for your network gear.

FAQs

Should I choose Cat6 or Cat6A?

Cat6 suits most offices today. Choose Cat6A if you want 10 Gbps headroom, longer runs, or to future-proof a larger site.

Can you cable an occupied office?

Yes — we schedule work to minimise disruption, and can run cabling after hours or in phases.

Do you also connect CCTV and WiFi to the cabling?

Yes. We design cabling to carry your WiFi access points and CCTV on the same structured backbone.

Get a free cabling quote

Neat, tested, future-ready cabling for your Cape Town office. Request your free quote today.

The post How Much Does Network Cabling Cost in Cape Town? (Cat5e vs Cat6 vs Cat6A) appeared first on AlphaTV.

What business WiFi installation actually involves

Consumer routers are built for a flat or small home. Offices, retail spaces and warehouses need enterprise access points (APs), structured cabling to feed them, and a controller to hand devices between APs seamlessly. A proper install means: a site survey to map coverage and dead zones, correctly placed and cabled access points, a business-grade router/firewall, secure network segmentation (staff vs guest), and testing under real load.

How much does business WiFi installation cost in Cape Town?

Costs depend on floor area, wall construction, number of users and how much cabling is needed. As a 2026 guide for the Western Cape:

The biggest cost drivers are the number of access points and the cabling runs between them. Getting this right the first time is far cheaper than repeatedly patching a consumer setup.

The installation process, step by step

1. Site survey. We assess your floor plan, wall materials, user count and dead zones.
2. Design. We spec the number and placement of access points and the cabling path.
3. Cabling & installation. Neat Cat6/Cat6A runs, mounted APs, and a business router/firewall.
4. Configuration. Secure SSIDs, guest network, seamless roaming and remote management.
5. Testing & handover. We test coverage and speed under load, then support you afterward.

Signs your office needs a professional WiFi install

• Dead zones in boardrooms, corners or upstairs
• Drop-offs during video calls or when the office is full
• One router “boosted” with extenders that keep disconnecting
• No separate, secure guest network
• You’re moving, expanding, or fitting out a new space

Wireless vs cabling: you usually need both

Great WiFi rides on good cabling. Access points are only as reliable as the wired backbone feeding them. That’s why we design WiFi and structured cabling together — and can add CCTV and access control on the same infrastructure.

Why choose Alpha TV

Alpha TV has installed networking, security and AV systems across Cape Town for over 40 years — from single offices to complex multi-site projects. We design, install and support it all, with workmanship you can rely on. Because we install what we supply, you get one accountable team from survey to sign-off.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a business WiFi installation take?

Most single-floor offices are done in a day. Larger or multi-site projects are scheduled in phases to avoid disrupting your business.

Which access points do you install?

We use business-grade access points such as Ubiquiti UniFi, matched to your coverage and budget after the site survey.

Do you offer a free site survey and quote?

Yes. We assess your space and give you a clear, no-obligation quote before any work begins.

Can you fix bad WiFi without replacing everything?

Often, yes — sometimes it’s placement, cabling or configuration. We’ll tell you honestly what needs upgrading and what doesn’t.

Get a free business WiFi quote

Tell us about your space and we’ll design reliable WiFi that covers every corner. Request your free quote today.

The post Business WiFi Installation in Cape Town: Costs, Process & What to Expect (2026 Guide) appeared first on AlphaTV.

But when comparing CAT6 vs CAT6A vs CAT7, which one is right for your business?
Let’s break down the differences in speed, shielding, performance, cost, and future readiness — with a focus on what truly matters for Ethernet & Network Cabling Installation for Cape Town businesses.

Understanding the Different Ethernet Cables

What is CAT6?

• Speed: Up to 1 Gbps (10 Gbps at short distances up to 55m)
• Bandwidth: 250 MHz
• Best for: Small offices, VoIP phones, POS systems, standard business networks
• Cost: Affordable and easy to install

CAT6 is ideal for small to medium-sized offices with standard internet needs, such as email, browsing, light file sharing, and cloud apps.

What is CAT6A?

• Speed: 10 Gbps (up to 100 metres)
• Bandwidth: 500 MHz
• Best for: Medium to large businesses, cloud data transfers, multiple users, video conferencing, IP cameras
• Cost: Slightly higher than CAT6, but better long-term performance

CAT6A doubles the performance of CAT6 and supports high-speed connectivity over longer distances. It’s perfect for data-reliant businesses, schools, healthcare, financial institutions, and technology companies.

What is CAT7?

• Speed: Up to 10 Gbps–40 Gbps (with compatible hardware)
• Bandwidth: 600–1000 MHz
• Best for: Data centers, large enterprise networks, future-ready smart buildings, and ultra-high security environments
• Cost: Most expensive and requires specialised connectors

CAT7 offers exceptional shielding and extremely fast speeds, but comes with higher installation costs and may require special equipment and network switches.

Performance Comparison Chart

Feature	CAT6	CAT6A	CAT7
Max Speed	1–10 Gbps	10 Gbps	10–40 Gbps
Max Distance (10 Gbps)	55m	100m	100m+
Bandwidth	250 MHz	500 MHz	600–1000 MHz
Shielding	Basic	Enhanced	Fully shielded
Ideal Business Type	Small Offices	Growing and Medium Businesses	Enterprise/Data Center
Future-Proof Rating
Cost Rating

Which Cable Is Best for Your Business Type in Cape Town?

Local Cabling Considerations for Cape Town Businesses

Cape Town businesses face unique technology and infrastructure challenges. When choosing your cable type, consider:

Building Type

• Waterfront and City Centre offices often have dense electromagnetic environments, making CAT6A or CAT7 preferable.
• Older buildings in Bellville, Wynberg, or Woodstock may need retrofitted trunking and structured cabling.

Electrical Interference

• Manufacturing, medical, and server environments need shielded cabling (CAT6A or CAT7) to prevent interference.

Fibre and Ethernet

Many Cape Town businesses use fibre and access points for internet connectivity, but still need Ethernet cabling internally. CAT6A is currently the most popular for hybrid fibre-Ethernet setups.

Installation Costs & Long-Term Value

Best Value for Money in 2025:
CAT6A is currently the most recommended cable for business in South Africa due to its balance of speed, cost, and future compatibility.

Professional Recommendation

For 80% of Cape Town businesses, CAT6A is the best choice for long-term network stability, speed, and cost-efficiency.

CAT7 is a great option—but only if you’re setting up a server room, data-heavy tech office, or future-ready smart building.

Frequently Asked Questions

1⃣ Is CAT7 worth it for my office?
Only if you’re running enterprise-level systems or planning for extreme future scalability.

2⃣ Can I mix CAT6 and CAT6A in the same building?
Yes, but it’s better to standardise on CAT6A for consistency and performance.

3⃣ Does CAT6A support PoE (Power over Ethernet)?
Yes — it’s excellent for powering devices like cameras, WiFi routers, and VoIP phones.

4⃣ How long does installation take?
Most offices (10–30 workstations) can be fully cabled in 1–3 days depending on complexity.

Need Expert Cabling Installation in Cape Town?

Whether you’re upgrading an existing office, expanding your network, or building from the ground up — we provide:

Structured ethernet cabling installation
CAT6, CAT6A, and CAT7 supply and setup
Office network design and optimisation
Access Points Installation
Fibre, WiFi, and Ethernet integration
Free site assessment & quote
Network and WIFI installation

Serving Cape Town CBD, Century City, Bellville, Durbanville, Somerset West, and beyond.

Book your free site assessment today!
Let’s build a faster, more reliable network for your business.

The post CAT6 vs CAT6A vs CAT7 — Which Is Best for Businesses in Cape Town? appeared first on AlphaTV.