About Stu Kushner

Stu Kushner earned an Engineering Degree from the University of Maryland, College Park. From there he worked at Boeing Commercial Aircraft, Hexcel Corporation and Case-Rixon as a computer design engineer and systems manager. He now works as the marketing director and project manager here at Progressive Office since its founding in 1986.

Washington DC Cat6 Fiber Office Cabling

How to Optimize your Company’s Data Center – Part 2

22 Dec 2018

Fiber Cabling Company DC Pittsburgh PA Atlanta GAAs discussed in Part 1, companies that process significant volumes of data are constantly searching for methods that will maximize their existing data centers. Part 2 will cover Physical-Layer Management and Transitioning to Optimized Infrastructure.



Physical-Layer Management


Data centers can also optimize their operations by employing physical-layer management for cabling, patch panels, and fiber frames. Physical-layer management revolves around the utilization of cabling with intelligent patch panels, fiber frames, and patch cords for registering the connection state and type of each circuit and updating database records.


A physical-layer management system deploys an embedded chip on every patch cord which interfaces with managed patch panels or fiber frames. These chips transmit data about the connecting components, including the unique ID number for every cable assembly and component, performance ratings, assembly lengths, cable colors, polarity, part numbers, and manufacturer locations and dates. Upon connecting a patch cord, the physical-layer management system begins transmitting and documenting to advise the operator regarding the connected equipment.


Physical-layer management systems are capable of working independently or integrating via middleware with other network-management systems or data center infrastructure management (DCIM). As a result, the network management team will not be required to become familiar with a new interface or tool for managing the data center.



Transitioning to Optimized Infrastructure


Deciding on what needs to be upgraded and when to do so are critical steps. As previously mentioned, standardizing infrastructure and implementing physical-layer management will be required for full optimization. However, the process can be accomplished in incremental stages. Perhaps standardization can commence one component at a time as determined by the resources available to an organization.


The expansion or construction of a data center must be considered by management in light of its remaining capacity. Tools that measure the performances of standardized infrastructure and physical-layer management will allow technicians to accurately evaluate current capabilities and assess how much optimization is possible.



Progressive Office Cabling


Founded in 1986, Progressive Office’s success has been a direct result of years of commitment to seeking solutions on behalf of our clients in the Washington, D.C. and New York City areas. Efficiently working together, Progressive teams get cabling installed and operating as fast as possible while minimizing disruption and downtime. Call our toll free number (800) 614-4560 today.

Office Cat6 Cabling Pittsburgh PA

How to Optimize Your Company’s Data Center – Part 1

12 Dec 2018

Office Cat6 Cabling Pittsburgh PACompanies that process significant volumes of data are constantly searching for methods that will maximize their existing data centers. User demand is projected to increase rapidly due to the booming growth of video and mobile device usage for business. Optimization can be accomplished through a number of methods.



Virtualization


Virtualization optimizes server and switching infrastructure through the placement of frequently used servers and switches in the same location. The placement of cooling resources there will also increase cooling efficiency and conserve power. Other methods that minimize costs involve co-location and cloud storage.



Passive Infrastructure Standardization


Perhaps underutilized for data center optimization is passive infrastructure standardization. Passive infrastructure is comprised of the products needed to support a data center’s active equipment. This includes copper and fiber cabling, cabinets, racks, and pathway solutions. Structured cable management is crucial for standardizing passive infrastructure, so technicians must properly route patch and trunk cables. Below are four aspects of employing standardized passive infrastructure.


Fiber – When considering fiber structured cabling, management must decide whether to select single-mode or multimode fiber. Less costly, multimode fiber is ideal for shorter runs, such as those between racks in the same row or within the same rack. However, for longer runs spanning mega data centers or between several data centers, the preferred practice is using single-mode fiber.


Operations – In constant flux, data centers frequently undergo changes, additions, and moves. Technicians who perform tasks with standardized infrastructure can finish their tasks faster and with less effort. Moreover, a standardized infrastructure will be less costly.


Reliability – Standardized infrastructure with proper cable management reduces the potential for bent or broken fibers because there’s a proper place for every cable.


Cooling Costs – Using the correct diameter cabling will often increase airflow surrounding active equipment. Smaller diameters will decrease cooling and energy costs, with cooling costs representing the greatest expense in running a data center.


Part 2 will discuss Physical-Layer Management and Transitioning to Optimized Infrastructure.



Progressive Office Cabling


Founded in 1986, Progressive Office’s success has been a direct result of years of commitment to seeking solutions on behalf of our client. Efficiently working together, Progressive teams get cabling installed and operating as fast as possible while minimizing disruption and downtime. Call our toll free number (800) 614-4560 today.

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