Network failures often seem like an unavoidable part of operations. But what if the problem lies in something overlooked—like the cables themselves?
Whether it’s a natural disaster or a construction mishap, poorly protected cables can lead to costly disruptions. The risks are real and often underestimated.
Research shows that cabling issues account for a significant portion of severe network outages each year. These failures disrupt business operations, delay emergency responses, and result in expensive downtime.
Yet, cable protection is often overlooked during the planning stages of infrastructure projects, leaving network infrastructure exposed to damage and failure.
The Hidden Risks of Poor Cable Protection
Network cables are essential for reliable network connectivity, yet poor protection leaves them vulnerable to major disruptions that can arise from both natural and human causes.
Storms, floods, and other natural events often destroy unprotected cables. According to AccuWeather, California’s record-breaking rainfall caused widespread damage to fiber optic cables, leading to outages. In more extreme cases, volcanic eruptions severed undersea cables, cutting off entire regions for weeks.
Construction accidents are another leading cause of cable damage.
Independent research focused on the global IT/telecommunications sector shows that underground cables in the U.S. are hit every one to two minutes, often by digging equipment or anchors. These incidents disrupt services and result in expensive repairs.
The Chain Reaction of Network Infrastructure Failures
When network infrastructure fails, the consequences can be severe.
For example, emergency services depend on uninterrupted networks to operate effectively. In one case, damaged critical infrastructure on the Texas Gulf Coast from Hurricane Beryl reportedly caused a statewide 911 outage in South Dakota.
Such network disruptions can delay vital responses during emergencies, putting lives at risk.
The High Cost of Network Outages
Poor cable protection also affects businesses, leading to frequent network failures.
According to industry research, cabling issues accounted for 9% of severe outages in 2022, resulting in significant costs for businesses. Each hour of downtime means lost revenue, unexpected repair expenses, and halted operations.
The financial and operational fallout from network failures extends far beyond the initial disruption. While outages directly impact connectivity, their broader effects on businesses can be even more damaging.
Over time, these disruptions weaken customer trust and damage a company’s reputation.
Clients expect dependable service, and frequent failures can drive them to competitors. Rebuilding that trust takes time and resources, making reliability a key factor for long-term success.
THE TRUE COST OF NETWORK OUTAGES FOR YOUR BUSINESS
| Halts business operations & productivity. | |
| Leads to lost revenue & added expenses. | |
| Damages customer trust & brand reputation. |
How Network Outages Disrupt Business Operations
Network failures also create major operational setbacks for businesses.
Communication breakdowns are common during outages, slowing recovery efforts and complicating decision-making. These disruptions can delay teams from coordinating an effective response.
Remote business operations face additional hurdles. As AccuWeather reports, severe weather can make infrastructure inaccessible and put employees at risk. These delays and complications add to the challenge of resuming normal operations after a network outage.
Addressing vulnerabilities in network infrastructure helps businesses avoid these costly and disruptive setbacks, keeping business operations steady even during unexpected events.
Cable-in-Conduit (CIC): The Shield Your Network Infrastructure Projects Needs
Imagine a suit of armor for your cables—strong, adaptable, and built to endure the toughest conditions. That’s cable-in-conduit (CIC).
Investing in reliable network cable conduit is key to preventing outages and their costly consequences. Cable-in-conduit (CIC) provides a smart solution designed to protect your network while streamlining installation.
With CIC, you not only protect your cables, you p your operations, your reputation, and your bottom line.
WHY CABLE-IN-CONDUIT WORKS FOR YOUR PROJECTS
| Maximum protection against damage. | |
| Reduces downtime & maintenance costs. | |
| Tailored to your project specs. | |
| Streamlined installation process. |
Built for Protection and Performance
CIC is the ultimate defense against cable damage.
Surrounded by HDPE conduit, CIC provides maximum protection for cables, reducing the risk of damage from weather events and human interference. This protection minimizes maintenance needs and helps prevent the downtime that disrupts operations and incurs financial losses.
What really sets CIC apart, though, is its flexibility.
Cables are pre-installed into HDPE conduit tailored to your specifications. The cabling system also fits seamlessly into various installation methods.
Whether a project involves trenching or horizontal directional drilling, CIC is compatible with various installation methods. This adaptability makes it the ideal choice for projects of all sizes.
Designed to Save Time and Costs
Time is money, and CIC saves both.
CIC’s streamlined installation process saves time and reduces labor costs. Simplifying the installation of cable and conduit into a single step lowers the risk of errors and speeds up project timelines while still keeping quality intact.
But it’s not just about saving time—it’s also about reliability.
CIC has a proven track record of protecting against common network threats, from accidental damage to harsh environments. With CIC in place, businesses can maintain consistent connectivity and avoid the cascading issues caused by network outages.
For businesses looking to future-proof their network infrastructure, CIC is a proactive step toward building networks that can withstand the unexpected and operate seamlessly in even the most challenging conditions.
Protect Your Cables–Protect Your Business
Strong cable protection lays the foundation for better network performance.
At Atkore, we understand the challenges of building reliable infrastructure in today’s fast-paced, unpredictable environment. That’s why our HDPE Cable-in-Conduit (CIC) offers a proven solution to safeguard cables, minimize risks, and support long-term operations.
Our experience in delivering high-quality solutions speaks for itself. In Southern California, for example, we partnered with a contractor and distributor on a major infrastructure project facing tight deadlines and market volatility.
By working together, we expedited conduit delivery and provided the expertise needed to keep the project on schedule. Projects like this highlight our ability to provide the materials and support needed to meet demanding requirements and deliver success.
Whether you’re upgrading existing systems or planning new cable installations, we’re here to help improve the reliability and resilience of your network infrastructure. Discover how Atkore CIC can support your next project.