IT support, network infrastructure

Is it Time to Upgrade Your Network Infrastructure?

21 Sep 2017

IT support, network infrastructureYour company will need to upgrade because network traffic is rising dramatically due to the rapid increase in the number of devices and videos online. By 2020, the number of devices will approach an estimated 12 billion. The following are reasons why you should contact an expert and experienced structured cabling support team to evaluate and improve your network infrastructure.



High Maintenance


The addition of the latest technology often stresses aged infrastructure, resulting in more downtime and troubleshooting. This increased time and effort devoted to this task prevents your IT support from working on implementing innovative solutions that may increase productivity or decrease costs, slowing your company’s growth. Installing up-to-date infrastructure will decrease maintenance and increase deployments.



Inadequate Security


Cybercrime is growing ever more prevalent and complex. Hackers tend to avoid networks with strong security and target those with weak protection. Older network infrastructure will have more and greater vulnerabilities. Modern network solutions now feature intelligent sensors and enforcers, improving security.



Mobile Employees


Today’s workers want the ability to work anywhere and anytime. Unfortunately, aged infrastructure will not be able to cope with new mobile solutions and enterprise cloud applications. In order to maintain and increase employee productivity, a network upgrade replacing obsolete equipment will probably be necessary.



Slow Network


Networks of the past were not designed to meet the current requirements of companies and their workers. Wireless technology now permits employees to work anywhere with wireless access points nearing 7 Gbps, more than 11X faster than the 802.11n standard.



The Competition


A network infrastructure upgrade will allow your company to remain competitive because it will be able to implement the latest solutions that boost productivity and earnings. Powerful applications that would have crashed your old network can now be handled, allowing your organization to keep up with competitors.



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 their clients in the Washington, D.C. and New York City areas. Efficiently working together, their teams get cabling installed and operating as fast as possible while minimizing disruption and downtime. Call their toll free number (800) 614-4560 today.

Structured Cabling,Washington DC New York City

Important Considerations for Structured Cabling

13 Sep 2017

 cables,structured cabling, Network CablingAn infrastructure for enterprise communications, structured cabling is a system of hardware and cables designed for flexibility and future capability. Complying with the Electronic Industry Alliance/Telecommunications Industry Association (EIA/TIA), conventional structured cabling meets the organization’s standards internationally. The following are three important aspects of structured cabling that every organization should consider.



Savings


Over time, IT infrastructure has become more condensed and more sophisticated, and the importance of structured cabling has grown. Structured cabling eases a company’s expansion via a design that allows the adoption of additional hardware and software. As it has consistent network architecture, structured cabling allows the simplification of maintenance and repair, decreasing costs of upkeep. A study by the International Engineering Consortium discovered that standardizing cabling components and reducing cable delivery methods decreased startup construction outlay by almost a third. Moreover, expenses for network maintenance are lowered 40%.



Trends


Structured cabling is gradually making the transition from copper cabling to fiber optic because companies desire greater speed and better air circulation for the reduction of cooling costs. Lighter and narrower cables allow an overhead system of cabling to be installed instead of raised-floor cabling. The installation and management of cabling is made easier by less cumbersome cables, and so this trend will grow over time.



Planning


Sound planning is crucial for the success of IT projects. The future number of users, their locations, and required bandwidth must be diligently considered. How PoE (Power over Ethernet) will provide power to devices via must be studied. As Wi-Fi use grows, the number of wireless access points must be determined by every enterprise. Where will cables be located inside and outside the premises? Will the structured cabling be able to cope with moves and changes within the premises? Scalability and flexibility are both important, and so the locations of furniture and server racks must be carefully planned with respect to cabling. IT staff should also understand that different types of cable have limitations as to the length of their respective runs. Finally, there may be government regulations for structured cabling that require compliance.



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 their clients in the Washington, D.C. and New York City areas. Efficiently working together, their teams get cabling installed and operating as fast as possible while minimizing disruption and downtime. Call their toll free number (800) 614-4560 today.

Network Cabling,Washington DC New York City Atlanta GA

Cabling Tips for Data Center Management

1 Sep 2017

Network Cabling,Washington DC, New York City, Atlanta GAWhenever there is an IT systems issue, the resolution can often be delayed by poorly structured cabling. Enterprises often turn to their IT staff or an electrical contractor for cabling, but they would be wiser retaining a professional cabling service with years of experience. The following are important cabling tips for data center management.



Highest Quality for Budget


As expected, higher quality cabling materials are more costly, but have superior performance. For example, gold connectors have greater resistance to corrosion, but they will also be more expensive than lower-quality connectors. If your firm’s cabling will be difficult to access or located in a corrosive environment, cables with gold connectors will be the right choice.



Cabling Capable of Company Volume


Category 5, 5E and 6 are cable types and each has its own capabilities in terms of the amount of data carried, speed of transmission, and distance covered. Consult with a professional network cabling service to discuss your present and future requirements in order to select the proper cabling.



Fiber Optic for the Future


Companies expecting large data volumes in the future or requiring longer distances should select fiber optic cables. Retain expert cabling professionals because fiber optic installation will entail particular requirements that can be complex.



Accurate Measuring for Planning


When the recommended span is exceeded, cable becomes more vulnerable to distortion, degrading data quality and speed. IT staff with limited experience may not properly measure the entire distance by not accounting for corners or obstacles.



Margin for Future Modifications


The office may be reconfigured or cable connections may be moved in the future. Thus, it would be wise to allow some margin for future modifications by providing plentiful slack for each cable installed.



Labeling for Organization


An IT team should know precisely where a cable starts and terminates. Clear labeling enables faster tracing of faults, minimizing downtime and resulting losses in revenue. Cabling service professionals carry out proper labeling as a matter of routine.



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 their clients in the Washington, D.C. and New York City areas. Efficiently working together, their teams get cabling installed and operating as fast as possible while minimizing disruption and downtime. Call their toll free number (800) 614-4560 today.

structured cable management

Structured Cabling’s Six Subsystems – Part 2

28 Aug 2017

structured cable management,DCAs mentioned in Part 1, a structured cabling system is a type of open network structure that can be used by data, telephony, access control, building automation, and other systems. Its advantages are operational flexibility and economy. Part 2 will describe each of structured cabling's six subsystems below.



The Six Subsystems


1. Entrance Facilities


Entrance facilities house the protection devices, network demarcation points, cables,  connecting hardware, and other equipment that connect to private network cabling or the access provider. Connections between the inside building and outside plant cabling are included.



2. Equipment Room


Featuring environment control, the centralized area for telecommunications equipment is typically more complex than a telecommunications room. Usually containing the main cross-connect, it may also house the horizontal and intermediate cross-connects.



3. Backbone Cabling


Backbone cabling provides the interconnections between entrance facilities, telecommunications rooms, equipment rooms, etc. Typically, backbone cabling is comprised of fiber optic cables, intermediate and main cross-connects, mechanical terminations, and patch cables utilized for backbone-to-backbone cross-connections.



4. Telecommunications Room


Housing the terminations of backbone and horizontal cables to connecting hardware with patch cords or jumpers, a telecommunications room may also house the intermediate cross connects or main cross connect for different portions of the backbone cabling system. This space is a controlled environment containing telecommunications equipment, connecting hardware, and splice closures.



5. Horizontal Cabling


Extending from the work area’s telecommunications information outlet to the telecommunications room, the horizontal Network Cabling consists of horizontal cables and mechanical terminations, along with the jumpers and patch cords located in the telecommunications room. The system may also incorporate consolidation points and multi-user telecommunications outlet assemblies.



6. Work Area


The work area’s components typically extend from the telecommunications outlet/connector end of the horizontal cabling system to the work area equipment. At least two telecommunications outlets should be installed in every work area. If utilized, multi-user telecommunications outlet assemblies (MUTOAs) are a component of the work area.



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 their clients in the Washington, D.C. and New York City areas. Working together, their cabling teams get cabling installed and operating as fast as possible while minimizing disruption and downtime. Call their toll free number (800) 614-4560 today.

Structured cabling,Network Cabling, Washinton DC

Structured Cabling’s Six Subsystems – Part 1

22 Aug 2017

cable management,Network Cabling,Washinton DcA structured cabling system is a type of open network structure utilized by data, telephony, access control, building automation, and other systems. Its advantages are operational flexibility and economy. A structured cabling system is typically divided into these six subsystems: 1) Entrance Facilities, 2) Equipment Room, 3) Backbone Cabling, 4) Telecommunications Room, 5) Horizontal Cabling, and 6) Work Area.



Overview


Structured cabling is the design and installation of a cabling system that can provide support to several hardware use systems, and be suitable for both the needs of the present and the future.


Governed by international standards regarding the wiring of data centers, offices, and apartment buildings for data or voice communications, structured cabling design and installation utilizes several types of cable. These are typically CAT5e and CAT6, along with fiber optic cabling and modular connectors.


Defining methods and specifications for the laying of cabling in various topologies for meeting customer needs, standards typically require the use of a rack-mounted central patch panel from which modular connections can be used as required. Every outlet is then patched into a network switch for network usage or into a PBX (private branch exchange) or IP telephone system patch panel.


The use of color code patch panel cables is common for identifying the type of connection. However, it is not required by structured cabling standards with the exception of the demarcation wall field.


Cabling standards require that all eight conductors of CAT5e, CAT6, and CAT6A cable are connected to discourage "doubling-up" or the use of one cable for both data and voice. However, IP telephone systems are capable of running both telephone and the computer on the same wire.


When copper cabling, CAT5e, CAT6, or CAT6A is used, the maximum distance is 90 meters (98 yards) for the permanent link installation, along with an allowance of 10 meters (11 yards) for patch cords at the combined ends. Both CAT5e and CAT6 are capable of running Power over Ethernet (PoE) applications up to 90 meters. Due to power dissipation, CAT6A performs better and more efficiently.


Part 2 will summarize each of structured cabling's six subsystems.



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 their clients in the Washington, D.C. and New York City areas. Working together, their cabling teams get cabling installed and operating as fast as possible while minimizing disruption and downtime. Call their toll free number (800) 614-4560 today.

Network Cabling ,Data Cabling, Fiber-optic cable,New York City

Modern Cabling System Design Trends – Part 2

17 Aug 2017

Office Cabling,New York CityAs discussed by Part 1, the most significant trend in IT (information technology) is the greater reliance of organizations on high-performance data communications (datacom) cabling. Part 2 will cover High Performance Cabling and Aesthetics of Cabling.



High Performance Cabling


The use of high performance cabling of copper and fiber optic cabling is influencing the design of wiring and cabling management systems. Data transmission integrity must be maintained by cable bend radius specifications. Now available are specialized fittings for raceways and other management systems that ensure minimum cable bend radius, preventing damage and maintaining effectiveness. Upcoming technologies such as 10 G/s Ethernet will result in greater demands, making it even more important that every aspect of a structured cabling system ensures high performance.


Being able to provide adequate space for the accommodation of bend radius needs to work in conjunction with the goal of being unobtrusive visually. This objective is affected by the necessity of physically separating power and low-voltage channels to prevent EFT (electrical fast transient) disturbances. Fortunately, a new raceway design maintains complete separation through crossover fittings that provide more space inside the raceway, allowing the bend radius of 10G/s cable’s larger diameter.



Aesthetics of Cabling


The design of modern wiring and cable management systems now aspire to both form and function. Non-metallic raceways with visually attractive profiles in a variety of colors are now available in the marketplace. Stainless steel is also trending, featuring plates that conceal seams. Moreover, components can be combined in matching colors and styles. This ongoing aesthetic drive has led to almost invisible activations that are recessed and flush. Poke-through devices now feature datacom ports and receptacles with sleeker profiles. Accommodating a greater number of outlets, high-capacity service activations are much less obvious than dated low-capacity fittings.



Summary


Product development for wiring and cabling management systems must unceasingly keep pace with increasingly complex datacom requirements. Solutions from manufacturers must be compatible with a wide variety of datacom cabling, allow for both system and operational flexibility, and deliver eye-pleasing aesthetics in the workplace.



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 their clients in the Washington, D.C. and New York City areas. Working together, their cabling teams get cabling installed and operating as fast as possible while minimizing disruption and downtime. Call their toll free number (800) 614-4560 today.

Data Cabling,Structured Cabling, Cabling Design-Washington DC

Modern Cabling System Design Trends – Part 1

5 Aug 2017

 Data Cabling,Structured Cabling,Washington DC The most significant trend in IT (information technology) is the greater reliance of organizations on high-performance data communications (datacom) cabling. Industry leaders are reporting more than 50% of their market is for data and communications applications. Consequently, their research and development is concentrating on the development of new products and system enhancements.



Objectives of System Design


IT is accelerating rapidly, and people are using it in ways and in areas that only became possible recently. Modern system design aims for maximizing communications capability and flexibility even in limited spaces that emphasize openness and visibility. As a result, the connections between workstations and datacom networks have grown in importance.


Various cable and wire management systems can be used for the management, organization, protection, and connection of cabling infrastructure. These systems allow communication, collaboration, and the flexibility to adapt to the evolving needs of businesses and their workspaces. Five systems are discussed below.



Open Space


Precisely positioned within an open space to allow power and datacom feeds into modular office furniture, poke-through devices can feature audio, video, and control connectors, along with active modules.



Overhead


Flexible and allowing accessibility in drop and open-ceiling applications, overhead systems utilize cable trays that are available in various styles, such as center spine, wire mesh, ladder, and solid bottom.



Perimeter


Easily accessible, expandable, and configurable, perimeter systems are capable of securely routing wiring and cabling along walls. They are primarily used for offices, classrooms, training centers, and conference rooms, offices, classrooms, and training centers.



Tabletop Modular Outlet (TMO)


TMO centers allow easy accessibility to datacom and power on task tables, desktops, study carrels, and lecterns. Their two main styles are recessed and pop-up, linking networked and portable computing.



Vertical Distribution


Visually attractive, vertical distribution units deliver datacom and power from ceilings directly to workstations. Absent the clutter of service poles, they conceal wiring and cabling in an aesthetically pleasing way.


Part 2 will cover High Performance Cabling and Aesthetics of Cabling.



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 their clients in the Washington, D.C. and New York City areas. Working together, their cabling teams get cabling installed and operating as fast as possible while minimizing disruption and downtime. Call their toll free number (800) 614-4560 today.

Structured Cabling,Washington DC New York City

Structured Cabling Benefits for Security Systems – Part 2

29 Jul 2017

Structured Cabling,Cat5e Cat6/6a CablingAs discussed in Part 1, the transition to IP-based security products along with the rapid increase in business applications has resulted in end-users expecting greater video, audio, and data integration. These items require delivery over a standardized structured cable system. The following are the benefits offered by structured cabling for security systems.



Standardization


The infrastructure of a structured cabling system utilizes the same cabling for conveying all forms of data. This enables the standardization of Ethernet, VoIP, CCTV, access control, along with all other data and communications systems. Standardization allows a structured cabling system to function with numerous systems and protocols in the present and during the service life of the permanent links installed.



Reliable


A structured cabling system will be able to support equipment from multiple vendors, allowing the support of hardware and applications during expansion and switching to other vendors. This capability makes a cable system more reliable because it helps avoid having to reconfigure or replace cabling during technological upgrades or the addition of new devices.



Flexible


Re-configurations involving transferring equipment such as a computer, CCTV camera, or a VoIP phone to another area are made easier by a structured cabling system, which provides the spine for plug and play applications. The shift to TCP/IP, IEE802 packet data transmission enables agile networks that are capable of communication, opening the gateway to numerous purposed integrated systems.



Simpler Fault Diagnosis


Troubleshooting is made quicker and easier by structured cabling because of its segmented design, preventing a single point of failure that could crash an entire network. For the most part, fault diagnosis can be easily accomplished by a certified structured cabling tester, a device which can rapidly identify problems inside a cabling system.



Reusable Cabling


The instances of having to buy and pull new cable are significantly decreased, allowing a company to maximize its existing cabling infrastructure and save money. Structured cable also minimizes disruptions and downtime events because less cabling leaves more building area functional.



Future Proofing


Future installations of applications like CCTV, access control, multimedia, video conferencing, etc. will probably not experience upgrade issues, making structured cabling a worthwhile investment for the foundation and future of a company.


Part 3 will cover the Challenges and Planning of a Structured Cable System.



Network Cabling


When  work requires a unionized cabling group, call on  Progressive Office Inc. for your commercial Cat5e/6/6a and fiber cabling projects. Specializing in cabling for data, voice, security and the latest WiFi and LiFi solutions. Phone: (202) 462-4290

Data Cabling,Structured Cabling,Washington DC

Setting Up a Campus Network

23 Jul 2017

Data Cabling,Structured Cabling,Washington DCAcademic institutions can garner all the benefits of the Internet age by integrating information and communications technology (ICT) with their teaching and learning environments. ICT is an extension of the term for information technology (IT), emphasizing the unification of telecommunications, computers, software, storage, and audio-visual components within a network.


The quality of education can be significantly improved through the sharing of skills, resources, content, and faculty development. IT content and resources should be available to both faculty and students throughout the campus. To this end, academic institutions must establish a network in each of their campuses, achieving the same speed of data transfer at each building.


Typically, a campus network is comprised of several local area networks (LANs) that are interconnected inside a specific geographical area. Networking components, such as switches, routers, and firewalls, and transmission media, such as copper cable and optical fiber, are utilized for interconnection and communication between connected devices.



Campus Network Topology


For academic institutions like colleges or universities, a campus area network should be interconnected to various types of buildings, including administrative, academic, library, student center, hostel, guest house, sports facility, conference, technology, training, and laboratory.


A campus network will be interconnected via high-speed Ethernet cabling over optical fiber of up to 10GB capability. For the efficient processing of data and information traffic using distribution, access and core segments, tiered hierarchal architecture is utilized.


Every building, block, center, and residential complex will be connected by high-speed optical fiber cable. Moreover, every node within a building will be connected with UTP copper cable that supports gigabit speed.


The conference rooms, teaching halls, and common areas inside each campus will be Wi-Fi enabled through the deployment of 802.11 based wireless access points with central authentication, permitting secure network access via laptops, tablets, smartphones, and other Wi-Fi enabled devices.


Internet services, along with common applications, will also be installed at key locations, such as library study halls, allowing students, faculty, and staff easy access via desktop computers and laptops around the clock.



Network Cabling


When  work requires a unionized cabling group, call on Progressive Office Inc.   for your commercial Cat5e/6/6a and fiber cabling projects. Specializing in cabling for data, voice, security and the latest WiFi and LiFi solutions. Phone: (202) 462-4290

Cable Management,Cable Management ,Data Cabling ,Cat5e, Cat6/6a Cabling

Security Aspects of Structured Cabling – Part 1

11 Jul 2017
 

structured Cable Management/ BlogCabling system designed for the purpose of security have hardly changed the last decade and a half. Delivering video images and access control data to a control room utilizing standard transmission technology is basic and familiar. What has recently changed is the transition to IP-based security products and the rapid increase in business applications, resulting in end-users expecting a greater video, audio, and data integration. All of these items require delivery over one standardized structured cable system.


As opposed to traditional video and access control systems, voice and data communications cabling systems have had numerous transformations. Functioning on structured cable systems, data networks have shifted from the pioneering 1980s proprietary cabling to standards-based cabling using optical fiber and balanced twisted pair. This has resulted in greater transmission speeds and significantly increased network bandwidth. These two elements allow a security installer to achieve integration that is demanded by clients for CCTV, access control, and other applications. Through the adoption of standardized structured cabling, installers will be able to access new streams of revenue and provide tangible benefits to users by unifying all of their systems within one cabling infrastructure.


This change in the utilization and deployment of structured cabling systems was recognized by ANSI/TIA-862-B “Structured Cabling Infrastructure Standard for Intelligent Building Systems”, which was developed by the TIA TR-42.1 Commercial Building Cabling Subcommittee and released February 2016. This standard features the requirements of several standard and developing systems that are able to use the existing cabling of buildings. It also includes Distributed Building Services that do not utilize a building’s infrastructure cabling because of application, connector, historic, and topographic limitations.


A company’s network infrastructure is crucial in the distribution of information using electronic media, including CCTV, access control, data, and voice. Functioning over a structured cabling system, this distribution network is developed for the perpetual flow of data, featuring redundancy at the heart.  Installed with centralized topology, this enabled the most facile sharing of resources achievable, along with the greatest flexibility and expandability possible.


Part 2 will cover Structured Cabling Benefits for Your Business.



Network Cabling


When work requires a unionized cabling group, call on  Progressive Office Inc.,   for your commercial Cat5e/6/6a and fiber cabling projects. Specializing in cabling for data, voice, security and the latest WiFi and LiFi solutions. Phone: (202) 462-4290