Stu Kushner | Progressive Office Cabling

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. View all posts by Stu Kushner →

Fiber Optic Network Cabling Washington DC

Future Smart Buildings Powered Over Ethernet – Part 2

12 Feb 2019

Stu Kushner

Fiber Optic Network Cabling Washington DC As discussed in Part 1, Power over Ethernet (PoE) is capable of transmitting both data and power by using a standard Ethernet cable. This is very useful because it lets users install devices at locations where there are no electrical outlets. This capability makes Ethernet cabling the best way to connect future smart buildings. Part 2 will discuss Smart Buildings, The Edge, and PoE Lighting and Sensors.

Smart Buildings

Featuring energy conservation and efficiency, along with technical innovations, smart buildings typically have a strong networking infrastructure of interconnected devices that can be remotely controlled. More sophisticated smart buildings deploy smart devices capable of communicating with other devices that do not require human input. By using Ethernet cabling, much of a building’s Internet-connected smart components will allow users to select the setting they prefer by using an app.

The Edge Building

Constructed in Amsterdam, The Edge is a great example of a modern smart building. It is renowned as the world’s greenest and smartest. It recycles rain water for flushing toilets and irrigating greenery. Its atrium takes advantage of sunlight for lighting. The building maximizes the coordination of lighting, HVAC Systems, access control, and other smart devices. User friendly, The Edge allows office staff to adjust the settings for lighting and HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) through a mobile app. For these innovations and its energy efficiency, The Edge was awarded a 98% BREEAM score.

PoE Lighting and Sensors

Power over Ethernet is now being used to power energy efficient LED systems. They typically feature sensors for activating/deactivating lights. More sophisticated sensors monitor room usage and are programmed to gather data. Over time, some can even advise custodial staff that unused work spaces do not require cleaning.

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. 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.

Future Smart Buildings Powered Over Ethernet – Part 1

3 Feb 2019

Stu Kushner

Cat6 Office Cabling NYC Power over Ethernet (PoE) is capable of transmitting both data and power by using a standard Ethernet cable. It is very handy because it allows users to install devices at locations where electrical outlets are not present. This important feature makes Ethernet cabling the best way to connect future smart buildings.

A key advantage for using Ethernet cable is being able to assign every connected device a unique IP address. As Ethernet cabling is already the universal standard, using Ethernet will make managing, configuring, and maintaining connected devices simpler and easier. In addition, network administrators and system integrators will be able to troubleshoot devices with TCP/IP, minimizing operational expenses.

Taking Advantage of PoE’s Simplicity

Ethernet cabling is capable of providing the power needed by a smart building’s devices. As mentioned previously, PoE lets technicians install devices in locations without electrical outlets. This also provides the added benefit of not having to add new electrical outlets, which may be costly and require a permit. By utilizing 802.3at, the present highest-powered standard, PoE can power low-voltage devices for a maximum of 30 watts.

With Ethernet cabling, smart buildings can rely on one medium and utilize PoE to provide electricity to wireless access points, VoIP networks, IP surveillance cameras, PoE lighting, mobile clients, and thin clients. Their devices depend on switches or other power sourcing equipment (PSE) to get low-voltage power. Switches are especially capable of AC to DC power conversion. Moreover, power loss is significantly less in comparison to when devices are powered by traditional electricity. They also ease maintenance and troubleshooting by providing a centralized management location.

By chiefly using Ethernet cabling it is possible to remake a conventional building into a smart one. It will be unnecessary to select a specific connectivity standard. For example, a building will be able to repurpose its current network switches to power a new PoE lighting system.

Part 2 will discuss Smart Buildings, The Edge, and PoE Lighting and Sensors.

Progressive Office Cabling

Pittsburgh PA Computer Cat6 Cabling Company

Why Best Practices for Identifying Cabling are Important

26 Jan 2019

Stu Kushner

Pittsburgh PA Computer Cat6 Cabling Company When best practices for identifying cabling and wiring are followed, the expenses for installation are decreased, and clients are more satisfied with the work. For large industrial facilities, construction delays and millions of dollars in losses can result when there are major labeling errors of cables and wires. These mistakes become more costly as the number of wire pulls and terminations increase.

Overview

Nowadays, facilities are filled with computers, networks, and other technological equipment. In addition to their cabling, wiring for access, fire detection, emergency communication, security, and surveillance must also be installed. As a result, the proper management of cables and wires is a challenge Cable management is difficult during the construction phase, and retrofitting projects have their own hurdles. Hiring experienced cabling professionals who utilize best practices for identification will minimize problems.

Practices & Standards

As the NEC (National Electric Code) only provides standards that ensure minimum safety standards, extra effort beyond compliance must be taken to attain effective cable management. To illustrate, the NEC mandates identifying the wires and cables of all electrical construction. However, materials and practices are not specified. It may be the case that in some cases military specifications must be implemented to complete the project. Otherwise, best practices based on industry standards and hard-earned experience obtained from previous jobs will provide the guidelines.

Basics for Speed and Efficiency

By using printers and easy-to-read fonts, not hand labeling, the numbering and naming system should be hierarchical and logical. Generally, the abbreviations will be four characters and item numbers will be four digits long. Using this methodology can allow teams to standardize the sizes of labels. In addition, it promotes readability and faster identification of wires and cables for technicians working inside a panel.

An important feature of best practices is also the creation of a master index of the components that will be used as guidance for project blueprints. Both items will make current and future cabling work faster and more efficient.

Progressive Office Cabling

How to Get Your Small Business Network Up and Ready

21 Jan 2019

Stu Kushner

Cat6 Fiber Cabling Company Pittsburgh The creation of a small business network begins with a foundation of routers and switches. Below is a simple overview that will help you make a plan for what your company’s network will require.

Differentiating Between Switches and Routers

Creating a small business network will require two types of equipment: switches and routers. Although they appear alike, these two devices have different roles.

Switches will provide the connections between several devices, such as computers, servers, and printers, on a network inside a facility. A switch allows devices that are connected to share information and communicate with each other. Your network will not be able to function if there aren’t any switches to connect devices to each other.

Routers link several networks. When creating a small business network, one or more routers will be required. A router provides the connection to the Internet for networked computers. It allows them to share one Internet connection, performing as a dispatcher and selecting the best routes for the transmittal of information. A router links your company to the rest of the globe, protecting data from cyber security threats. It is also capable of prioritizing a network’s computers.

Solid Foundation

Below are basic steps that will help you build a solid foundation for your small business network.

Purchase only business-grade routers and switches for dependable data transmissions and communications. Home or mass consumer network equipment will be unable to cope with commercial requirements as your business expands.

Your small business network should be capable of scaling, allowing the addition of functions and features as your organization grows. Features that you may add in the future may include CCTV, VoIP, internal messaging, and wireless apps.

Ease of installation, reliability, and redundancy should be emphasized to make changes and upgrades easier, and to promote growth in the future.

Progressive Office Cabling

Office Cat6 Office Cabling Pittsburgh PA

How Important is Structured Cabling for Classrooms? – Part 2

16 Jan 2019

Stu Kushner

Office Cat6 Office Cabling Pittsburgh PA As discussed in Part 1, when budgets for schools are reduced, technology will still be an essential feature of educational programs, and structured cabling will also remain important for delivering IT services. Part 2 will discuss Best Practices, Common Issues, Planning, Structured Cabling Providers, and Other Services.

Best Practices

Properly setting up an IT-based school environment will present several hurdles, and it is not unusual that network errors will result in substandard performance and downtime. Structured cabling for educational institutions can be complicated, and best practices must be used to avoid problems.

Common Issues

The common issues suffered by universities and schools involve networks that experience instability, occasional slowdowns, bottlenecks, and downtime. The primary cause is the incorrect installation of structured cabling. These problems result in significant decreases of productivity and efficiency among educators, students, and administrators.

Planning

The key to creating a successful network is using best practices during its installation. Doing so will decrease network cabling issues and downtime from the beginning. This is accomplished by first making an evaluation of the school’s requirements and understanding the existing issues that need to be addressed. Strong planning will also help prevent problems in the future.

Structured Cabling Providers

Experienced structured cabling providers will provide a comprehensive approach for a school’s network cabling. It will find solutions for known problems, prepare for anticipated growth, and ensure infrastructure requirements will be met. The end goal is to give students a strong and dependable computing environment.

As technology grows in prominence in the curriculums of educational institutions, educators, students and administrators will require reliable access to IT. It is also important that the structured cabling plan implemented will result in operational efficiency to ensure productivity.

Other Services

Aside from data networks, structured cabling can also support CCTV, VoIP, PA systems, SMARTBoards, AV equipment, and PA systems.

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, DC , Pittsburgh, PA, Atlanta, GA 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.

How Important is Structured Cabling for Classrooms? – Part 1

5 Jan 2019

Stu Kushner

Office Computer Cabling DC NY Atlanta Even when budgets for schools are reduced, technology will remain an essential feature of educational programs. Similarly, the best practices for structured cabling and associated technology will also remain important for the delivery of IT services to schools.

Student Experience

Currently the instruction of students in basic computer literacy through educational software aims to improve an individual student’s experience. However, this is just the start of the journey. The experience should go beyond acquiring knowledge regarding beginning computing skills. Network connectivity will be required to allow the implementation of distance learning, streaming video, and diverse online tools. All of these will allow teachers to provide learning interactivity, resulting in a superior student experience.

Internet’s Growing Role

Video is no longer delivered to classrooms on carts with a monitor and a collection of DVDs. The classroom computer has also evolved from its original role. The majority of school computers are connected, and this could be within a school’s network or universally to the worldwide web. The learning environment of today has resulted in students greatly relying on the Internet for both communication and learning. As a result, schools require sound infrastructure that delivers fast and reliable access to the Internet.

Data Cabling

The modern learning environment demands dependable network connectivity made possible by structured cabling that has the qualities of strength and flexibility, which will allow schools to cope with growth and technological advancements. In addition, a school’s computer network must provide support to a wide range of applications inside the classroom and for the entire school district as listed below.

Administration

CCTV

Distance Learning

Electronic Whiteboards

Email, Internet, and Intranet

Facility Automation

Internet Blogs and Forums

Phone & Communications Systems

Student Learning Management (online)

Tablets and interactive devices

Television and Video Systems

Part 2 will discuss Best Practices, Common Issues, Planning, Structured Cabling Providers, and Other Services.

Progressive Office Cabling

Three Basics for Server Room Network Cabling Management

30 Dec 2018

Stu Kushner

Data Cabling Network Office Cabling NYC Disorganized cabling in the server room does not reflect well on your company. It happens to be also a safety hazard. Below are three basics for server room cabling management that will keep things tidy.

Dispose of Unused & Damaged Cables
There may be bundles of ancient cables in your server room that were used for equipment that no longer exists or was replaced months or years ago. If cables are no longer needed, dispose of them. These outdated cables will clutter the workspace and make it difficult to make necessary changes or replacements.Due to storage limitations, cabling was piled on top of each other. After an extended amount of time this will damage cables at the bottom because of the weight. Crushed cables will result in signal degradation.

Labeling System
The cabling in a server room will often undergo revisions, replacement, and transfer. Imagine you are a new IT staff member who is walking inside for the very first time and you have to trace a particular cable to a specific device.To save time and money, use a simple labeling system for your server room. As part of the best practices of structured cabling, each end of a cord should be labeled, no matter how short. This will ease the process of identification.

IT staff can utilize color-coded labels to indicate the various kinds of equipment. For example, servers can have red labels, while routers use blue. A labeling system helps minimize downtime, saving money, because technicians can swiftly determine and replace the problem cable.

Minimize Long Cables
Excessively long cables can be a safety hazard due to the possibility of IT staff tripping over them inside a server room. Technicians should identify which of the cables are too long. Each should then be replaced by a cable of proper length or shortened. There are also commercial solutions for organizing long cables so they are much less intrusive.

Progressive Office Cabling

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

22 Dec 2018

Stu Kushner

Fiber Cabling Company DC Pittsburgh PA Atlanta GA As 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.

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

12 Dec 2018

Stu Kushner

Office Cat6 Cabling Pittsburgh PA Companies 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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