As organizations accelerate their digital transformation, the need for faster, more reliable, and resilient network infrastructure has never been greater. From cloud computing and IoT to high-bandwidth collaboration tools, every modern technology depends on the strength of its physical foundation — the cabling that connects it all. Yet with every upgrade comes an often-overlooked consequence: electronic waste (e-waste).
Across industries, old cables, switches, and connectors are often discarded during upgrades, even when much of this infrastructure remains fully functional. This “rip-and-replace” cycle drives up costs and adds to the growing global e-waste challenge.
At Orion, we see the physical layer as the backbone of sustainable digital growth. By prioritizing high-quality standards — particularly Cat6A cabling — and reusing existing infrastructure wherever possible, we help clients build networks that perform stronger, last longer, and generate far less waste. Our goal is simple: install once, support for decades, and create smarter, future-ready networks.
E-waste is one of the fastest-growing waste categories globally, with the IT and telecommunications sectors contributing significantly. Frequent network upgrades — driven by advancements like WiFi 6E, WiFi 7, multi-gigabit Ethernet, and increasing PoE (Power over Ethernet) demands — often lead to the premature replacement of functional cabling that no longer meets performance requirements.
Common causes of cable waste include:
This cycle of replacement not only increases operational costs but also contributes to mounting global e-waste volumes.
A future-ready cabling system is engineered to perform reliably across multiple generations of network technology. It is the foundation of sustainable connectivity — adaptable, scalable, and built for longevity.
Key characteristics of future-ready cabling include:
Orion US specializes in these facets: in a recent project they upgraded an office/warehouse facility, installed dozens of new Cat6A runs, and re-used existing Cat6A runs that were found to meet performance standards — demonstrating exactly this future-ready approach.
Building infrastructure with a long-term view supports both environmental goals and day-to-day operations:
Aligning technology decisions with sustainability objectives helps organizations stay efficient while demonstrating environmental responsibility.
In modern smart-building environments, lighting, HVAC, security, connectivity, and IoT systems frequently share a unified cabling platform. Cat6A is now widely viewed as the standard foundation for long-term reliability and consistent performance.
When installed and maintained correctly, this type of infrastructure can remain effective for 15–20 years, supporting shifts such as Wi-Fi 6 to Wi-Fi 7 upgrades, multi-gigabit uplinks, and future technologies. The outcome is a network that grows with your needs while reducing repeated equipment turnover.
Building a future-ready cabling strategy begins with understanding your long-term technology needs. A clear plan helps ensure the infrastructure you install today can support future generations of devices and standards. The points below outline the key actions organizations should focus on:
Reducing e-waste starts long before devices reach the end of their lifecycle—it begins with intentional choices about the infrastructure we deploy. Selecting high-quality, future-ready cabling establishes a foundation that not only meets today’s bandwidth and power requirements but also adapts to new technologies as they emerge. When organizations install cabling built for longevity, they significantly decrease the frequency of rip-and-replace cycles, which are among the largest contributors to unnecessary material waste.
Partnering with a provider like Orion US, who emphasizes quality workmanship, sustainable design principles, and the practical reuse of existing cabling where feasible, helps organizations extend the lifespan of their physical network layer. This approach ensures that systems installed today remain relevant for years, even as wireless standards, PoE capabilities, and network speeds continue to evolve. It also supports broader sustainability goals by reducing the volume of discarded materials and minimizing the environmental footprint of IT infrastructure projects.
By focusing on durability, efficiency, scalability, and responsible reuse, organizations aren’t simply upgrading their networks—they are building resilient, long-term technology ecosystems. These decisions strengthen operational reliability, lower total cost of ownership, and contribute meaningfully to a more sustainable digital future.
Please get in touch with the experts at Orion US today.