Stu Kushner | Progressive Office Cabling

About Stu Kushner

Stu Kushner began his career at Boeing Commercial Aircraft and then on to Hexcel and Case/Rixon where he specialized in CAD/CAM (computer design and robotics). In 1986, he started Progressive Office. The earliest years were about networking small businesses and providing IT support. But since 2008, the company has concentrated exclusively on providing office network cabling solutions. View all posts by Stu Kushner →

About Ethernet Cables and Data Shielding

7 Dec 2014

Stu Kushner

Network cabling, cables,shielding The Ethernet network cable connects devices on a LAN (local area network) such as personal computers, switches and routers. These cables are typically Cat5 and Cat6. These cables provide the infrastructure that connects the PCs, printers, router/modem and other peripherals to a switch. The cables are made up of stranded or solid copper wires. Stranded wires are not as susceptible to fractures but are more difficult to terminate. Solid Cat5/Cat6 also is less susceptible to electrical interference. These shielded cables are made up of braided strands of copper wrapped in a polymer layer and spiral copper tape. The shield is applied across the splices.

An Ethernet cable can be compared to an electrical power cord in that it can only extend a limited distances because of the electrical transmission properties. Meanwhile, wireless technologies (Bluetooth and Wi-Fi or local wireless technology) have enhanced the reach of Ethernet in residential and enterprise networks. The standard Ethernet cable consists of four coiled pairs that terminate at the eight pins of the clipped connector or "RJ45" at both ends of a cable. At the wallplate is simply the female end of the same connector. The cable is made up of unshielded (UTP) or shielded twisted-pair (STP) cabling.

Shielding is not selected automatically during installations. The answer is, it affords the protection required for certain environments although there are also some downsides. One is mass. The single-shielded cable made of Ethernet weighs approximately 12 percent more than the unshielded cable. The double-shielded version is roughly 30 percent heavier. You may be putting together dozens or perhaps hundreds of individual shielded twisted-pair cables along a ladders tray above the ceiling, under a floor, or at the back of panels. The aggregate weight of these cables can collapse the mounting bracket.

Cable flexibility is also an important issue. Take care when you pull the cables through conduits. The cable shielding can make installation more difficult. The sole foil shield can crack while the sharp boundaries of the shield can scrape the insulation of individual wires. This can cut the wire and cause data transmission issues.

What are the shielding options?

You have a number of shielding choices in for your Ethernet network. The single-shielded cable has the lightest protection. Double-shielded cables contain a foil and plate shield. It can ensure better protection against electromagnetic or radio frequency interference and reduce issues related to cable relocation. High-flex industrial cables are fabricated and protected for uninterrupted applications. These have special jacket materials to address industrial and outdoor concerns.

Handling Cat5/Cat5e Cabling

19 Nov 2014

Stu Kushner

cat 5e,Network cabling, cables, Atlanta GA Information Technology specialists have to choose the kind of cable to utilize for their networks. Cat5 has been one of the main choices for decades. This is because Cat5 supports 10/100 Ethernet which includes Fast Ethernet. In recent years, Cat5e has become the dominant choice for new cabling projects. And Cat5e cable is also backwards compatible. Your computers, phone and other network devices will work on Cat5e cable.

One handling issue is the electrical interference

Fundamentals of Structured Cabling Systems

15 Nov 2014

Stu Kushner

structured cabling, Network Cabling, Data Cabling The structured cabling system is a comprehensive structure of wiring and the related hardware involved. This system ensures a complete and reliable telecommunications infrastructure. This network has several but mostly for providing telephone services or conveyance of data over a computer network. This type of cabling system also connects to the internet at the demarcation point.

A quality structured cabling installation has these common elements:

It must fir the architectural configuration of the building that hosts cabling installation

It made up of cable and connection fixtures

It connects equipment that cabling is setup to support

Can be designed to enable retrofitting and upgrading

Meets the objectives and requirements of the business

Is backed by a guarantee by the manufacturer and the installer

As installers, we use standardized techniques in the completion and upkeep of cabling systems. This is important to guarantee satisfactory system performance on a technically complicated infrastructure. The benefits of adhering to these standards are that they insure stability of connectivity after setup.

Structured cabling installations may include:

Entrance facilities

Perpendicular and horizontal backbone conduits or cables

Horizontal lanes

Work area facilities

Equipment areas

Telecommunications racks and cabinets

A cabling connector refers to the mechanical device used in connecting a cable to a device or from one cable to another. The connector provides the coupling device that can minimize losses. For fiber, it permits light signals to move from one connector to another. On the other hand, copper enables electrical impulses to be conveyed. It is important to properly align these connectors to prevent connectivity breaks. Likewise, it should insure the efficient transmission of data. Connectors are crucial to the reliability of the total telecommunications network.

There are six subsystems in the structured platform. These are entrance facilities, equipment rooms, backbone cabling, telecommunication rooms and enclosures, the cabling, and the work area. The first consists of cables, network boundary, hardware for connection, security devices, and equipment attached to the network cabling. Backbone cabling consists of subsystems that provide inter-connection between telecommunication, network equipment and access facilities. Quite often these are the higher speed cabling components such as Cat6 and fiber that connect among the switches of an office.

Horizontal cabling connects from the desktops and phones to the telecommunications rooms and enclosures. The maximum horizontal cable length should be at no more than 100 meters. These desktop components extend out from the wall plate connection end of the horizontal cabling system to the equipment in the wall closet.

Call us if you need troubleshooting or if you have a need for cabling at your office due to expansion or relocation of your firm. We do free on-site surveys and quotes.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Cat6 cabling?

7 Nov 2014

Stu Kushner

network cabling,cat6 cable As the price of Cat6 cable has come down, the answer is yes. You get 500% more speed for about a 25% higher price. Unless you really just don't need more speed, go with Cat6.

Category6 or Cat6 cables have established standards for the Gigabit Ethernet. This variety is backward compatible with Category 5 and 5e as well as Category 3 cable. Cat6 facilitates computer networks by providing high-speed data transfer rates. Performance can be described as optimal if other components within the network are also running at gigabit speeds.

What are the upsides?

Cat6 is fast. It has the capability to handle maximum speed performance of 250 MHZ. The network includes Gigabit Ethernet along with 10-Gigabit Ethernet. With complementary routers, interface cards, switches, and patch panels a complete gigabit network is possible. Information Technology professionals are aware that Cat6 cable provides exceptionally fast network performance and gigabit speeds.

The composition is similar to Cat5 Cable. There are eight wires which are coiled together forming four pairs. With Cat6, each pair of wires is designed to be insulated from the others so it can produce twice the communications capacity of Cat5 and Cat5e. Cat6 cables plugs and ports are compatible to Cat5 and Cat5e. It may not have the same maximum speed of the computer cable but it will still function.

You can upgrade to Cat6 cable if your current network is not performing at a productive speed in retrieving and saving your data files. Even small enterprises are now thinking of installing this model because it is fast emerging as the industry standard.

However, Cat6 cable is more expensive. It will surely be a waste of resources in cases where greater data speeds are not needed. That is why some users opt for Cat5e which is less expensive while still providing splendid performance.

At the same time, you are not guaranteed 100 percent full speed. Sometimes, there is a misconception that purchasing a Cat6 cable will offer users the whole gigabit bandwidth on your network. The truth is Cat6 cable will only generate full speeds if all of the components in the network can function at gigabit speed. In case a single part (network card, patch panel, switch or connector) is not gigabit rated, the network may work at the slowest speed of the slowest component device.

You might be persuaded to buy Cat6 without really understanding if it will really produce the desired impact on the network. This is why it is essential to learn everything about the product before you make a decision.

Call us at 202-462-4290 before you decide so that you can get a free on-site analysis that will pinpoint your network cabling needs.

Variety of Alternatives for Business Phone Services

31 Oct 2014

Stu Kushner

network cabling,cat6 cable,voip phones There is a variety of choices and settings for business firms that opt for high-tech phone services. Unlike the traditional telephones which provide rather limited features, the modern business telephone system can modify each feature depending on company preferences and needs. Contemporary phone service providers make it less intricate for business proprietors and employees by ensuring that their technology is rationalized and appropriate. This insures that existing clients do not transfer to competitors.

The acquisition of a consistent, reliable and flexible phone system does not only guarantee efficient communications among employees, clients, suppliers and other business contacts. It also enhancies productivity.

data cabling,network cabling,cat6 cable .

Toll Free Numbers For Improved Business Communications

24 Oct 2014

Stu Kushner

Business data cabling,network cabling,cat6 cable . firms sometimes require toll free numbers to facilitate communications with clients, suppliers and other publics. Phone companies typically charge clients with a fixed monthly service fee for providing an 800 number. The 800 number gets forwarded to a standard local number. Special equipment or additional cables are not needed. The local exchange firm checks the carrier that transmits the call. This inter-exchange delivery service (long distance) picks up this call, facilitates routing, sets up the call record for billing purposes and transfers the call to your office. There are no charges to the caller.

It is sometimes cost-effective

PVC Sleeves And Insulation on Fiber-Optic Cable

14 Oct 2014

Stu Kushner

PVC data cabling,network cabling,cat6 cable .pvc-sleeve- is a common plastic materials for different many uses and applications. PVC is flexible, cost-effective and hard-wearing. Plasticized PVC is considered on of the most popular materials not only for electrical insulation but also for data and fiber optic cables too.

PVC is Polyvinyl chloride. It can be bent and turned many times without cracking or warping. This safety feature makes it appropriate for multiple applications. The infusion of plasticizers provides the needed softness for the insulation and covering of electrical and data wires. Cable wire manufacturers can configure different thicknesses

Email To Fax Services – Advantages for Today’s Businesses

6 Oct 2014

Stu Kushner

Network Cabling Data Cabling The old method of sending and receiving fax messages is fast becoming a thing of the past. The dedicated fax has been replaced by the new system which is called email to fax. This is an environmental-friendly and less expensive option of sending fax documents. It also takes less time compared to the usual method of faxing. Using fax to email gives you equivalent features that you get from a standard fax machine. This includes a valid local or toll-free fax number which performs precisely like a fax connected to a normal landline.

You can look for fax to email plans that will fit into your budget. Choose the one that is appropriate for your business or home requirements. At the same time, find out the benefits that this modern fax system provides to would-be users.

Mobility is one advantage. Users can send and receive fax messages from anyplace and anytime as long as you have web access. It is even possible to make transmittals from smart phones and tablets.

This is an economical method since you do not have to buy supplies such as toner and paper. There is no need to spend for hardware, cables and regular maintenance. In fact, all you need is the computer and an Internet connection.

You can send the message anytime with email to fax since the email is never busy unlike telephone lines. At the same time, you can print what is necessary so there is no paper waste. Save all the digital transmissions in your computer hard disk or email archives.

It is important to compare plans before you deciding on which package to get. Ask for a proposal and quotations so you can balance cost, installation fees, available numbers, mailbox storage, and promotional offers. Check some references. Know what other people have to say about the provider of fax to email services. And make a point to read customer reviews, forums and testimonials published on the web.

The email to fax provider has the capacity to secure information being sent through this system with protected data facilities. This is an essential factor in sending faxes from fax machine to email, email to fax machine, email to another email, or email to Internet interface. These data units utilize servers that feature advanced security technology. You can encode fax transmissions with Security Socket Layer or SSL encryption. It is also secured by the security set of rules of the email service company. All security measures are automated so that there is no human intervention to endanger the privacy and security of documents. Happy faxing!

VoIP Solutions Business Start-ups and Corporations

29 Sep 2014

Stu Kushner

Network Cabling Data Cabling Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is an innovative advancement of phone service. The technology has transformed traditional telephone service and introduced features that has recently included voice mail, caller ID, call forwarding, and call waiting. With virtual PBX, you can now call using broadband internet without spending a lot. Moreover, the need to make long distance calls is eliminated. Voice over Internet Protocol has features much like conventional telephone systems. However, there are more sophisticated elements like the conference call component and directory for employee extension numbers.

Why is Business VoIP Practical?

Business VoIP translates

VoIP and Business Phones for Modern Enterprises

23 Sep 2014

Stu Kushner

Network Cabling Data Cabling Modern office communications system will allow you to communicate with customers, employees, peers, and company shareholders quite easily. As a result, you can expect more productivity, expansion of your client network and more revenues. The phenomenal virtual office phone is free from bulky hardware and depends more on basic features. You no longer need to invest in complex software, expensive equipment, and the maintenance needed for the old style PBX system.

VoIP allows businesses

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