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

Overview of Cable Management Practices – Part 2

28 Mar 2017

As mentioned in Part 1, the wired industry continues to grow despite the trend towards wireless communications during the past decade because of security concerns. Concrete trenching and floor decking were discussed as two of the four main practices of cable management. Part 2 will discuss Overhead Cabling/Cable Drops and Underfloor Cable Management. Consult with experienced professionals to make your cabling project a long-term success.

OVERHEAD CABLING/CABLE DROPS

Deployed within single-story and multi-story buildings, overhead cabling provides flexibility. This method uses overhead space, which can either be a dropped ceiling or an exposed ceiling. Cables and conduit are suspended from the ceiling, and cable drops, which are concealed by chaseways or poles, descend to serve work areas.

Advantages

This method does not require any cutting or trenching of concrete cutting. Unoccupied areas are used to install conduit and cabling.

Disadvantages

It will be a challenge to reroute cabling as technicians will need to use a ladder all along a line. Cable drops are generally considered an eyesore, and so this practice is highly discouraged for facilities that emphasize customer experience, such as retail. It may not be appropriate in the work areas of certain professions such as law offices.

UNDERFLOOR CABLE MANAGEMENT

Utilizing access flooring for the routing and concealment of cables, underfloor cable management may be the most advantageous. Cables can be routed beneath the flooring or within the floor itself in low-profile access flooring.

Advantages

Underfloor cable management does not require concrete cutting or trenching. It is not necessary to work inside ceiling space. There is flexibility in routing, and cable rerouting is easy. Low profile floors are only one to three inches in height. There is almost an unlimited number of possibilities for layout designs. It can be rapidly installed during construction, and business disruption is minimized whenever additions and changes need to be made.

Disadvantages

The method takes up space of one to three inches in height. There will be an extra step in the installation process.

Union Network Cabling

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

Overview of Cable Management Practices – Part 1

20 Mar 2017

Stu Kushner

Gradual Phase Out of CAT5e Cabling in Office Buildings

13 Mar 2017

Stu Kushner

Class E (CAT6), Network Cabling, DC After their Milan working group meeting in 2015 regarding cabling standards, the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), together known as the ISO/IEC, made the announcement that Category 5e (CAT5e) cabling will be considered obsolete for new installations in commercial and industrial buildings.

Setting the first international standard for cabling more than 20 years ago, ISO/IEC continually works on the development, maintenance, and promotion of technology and communications technical standards. A major change for the cabling of office buildings is now being implemented worldwide, raising the minimum horizontal cabling requirement from Class D (CAT5e) to Class E (CAT6), along with recommendations for installing Class EA (CAT6a) or faster cabling. Essentially, this will result in making CAT6 the minimum requirement for installations in new office building installations.

Providing a maximum performance of 100 MHz over computer networks, CAT5e has been utilized in structured cabling for both Ethernet and IP communications. Considered adequate for fast Ethernet and gigabit Ethernet, CAT5e has the additional capability of carry video and telephony signals. The original ISO/IEC 11801 standard now has cabling classes that were added for enabling the support of up to 10 gigabits a second, such as CAT6, CAT6A, CAT7 and CAT7A.

CAT5 is not capable of matching the speed of data that CAT6 or CAT7 cabling can deliver. CAT6 has a maximum performance of 250 MHz, while CAT7 has a maximum performance of 600 MHz, enabling ultra-fast Ethernet. In addition, CAT7 features better durability and a longer service life than either CAT5 or CAT6 cabling.

More than 20 years have passed since ISO/IEC 11801 made its debut as an international standard, and it has led the way for the reliable implementation of data and voice cabling globally. However, CAT5e is now in the process of being phased out. Superior classes of cabling are being installed at new office buildings. Wireless LAN infrastructure is upgrading at a rapid pace, along with its speed, to keep up with the growing number of smartphones, laptops, and tablets. These demands have forced the gradual replacement of CAT5e with newer cabling that will meet current and future user expectations for fast and efficient data capability.

Union Network Cabling

When union work requires a unionized cabling group, contact Union Network Cabling for your commercial Cat5e/6/6a and fiber cabling projects. They specialize and excel in cabling for data, voice, security, and even the latest WiFi and LiFi solutions. Phone: (202) 462-4290

Comparing Cat 7 to the Other Cats

3 Mar 2017

Stu Kushner

Data cabling, network cabling Nowadays offices and homes utilize either a wireless (Wi-Fi) connection or wired network connection. Usually faster than Wi-Fi, wired connections also have lower latency. These two types of network connection continue to progress technologically, providing users ever increasing speeds.

In the case of home networks, the speed of the internet connection is typically the issue, and the cabling may not be a factor. However, a company must consider the specifications of particular cables and how these would meet its requirements in order to properly decide which to select. There can be a vast difference between the network speeds of the various Ethernet cables.

Types

Cables are differentiated by standard categories. Category has been abbreviated to “Cat” by the industry. Currently, the most common cables in use are Cat 5, Cat 5e, Cat 6, and Cat 6a. The newest type is Cat 7. Every type is backward compatible, allowing users to insert a newer cable into a device that was manufactured for an older cable without any compatibility issues arising.

Progress

With every new cable category, users were provided increased speed and decreased crosstalk. Newer category cables provided faster speeds at increased lengths of cable. The following offers comparisons at 100 meters of cable, illustrating the differences between the ethernet cable categories:

Cat 5 - Considered slow and inadequate for business networks, providing up to 100 Mb/second at 100 Mhz.

Cat 5e - provides up to 1 Gb/second internet speed at 100 Mhz.

Cat 6 -provides up to 1 Gb/second, and cable lengths up to 55 meters can give internet speeds of 10 Gb/second at 250

Cat 6a -can provides speeds up to 10 Gb/second, to 100 meters of cable length, at 500 Mhz.

Cat 7 - provides speeds up to 10 Gb/second to 100 meters of cable, at 600 Mhz.

History

Cat 5 was the standard in 1995, Cat 5e became standard in 2001, and Cat 6 was introduced in 2002. Arriving in 2008, Cat 6a is typically the newest cable the majority of companies have used because it is not considered necessary to update to Cat 7 yet. Cat 7a and Cat 8, which were respectively released in 2010 and 2013, are still waiting in the wings.

Union Network Cabling

When union work requires a unionized cabling group, call on Union Network Cabling for your commercial Cat5e/6/6a and fiber cabling projects. We specialize in cabling for data, voice, security and even the latest WiFi and LiFi solutions. Phone: (202) 462-4290

Cable Basket Trays – Uses and Benefits

25 Jun 2015

Stu Kushner

Cable basket trays are described as go-to solutions for routing and supporting numerous cable runs. The wired frame Structured cabling, Data Cabling, DC enhances air circulation and cable ventilation. This can be appropriate beneath desks, elevated floors, or hanging tray systems. You can assemble basket trays for intersections, horizontal sections, mounting braces, hardware, and tray cutters.

The cable basket tray made of welded steel wires is considered the most popular support for copper and data cabling. The basket is light-weight and easy to install with complete array of cable tray accessories. Solid basket trays are recommended for heavier wires. These baskets are fabricated to withstand natural elements. Although the material is not solid steel, it is capable of protecting cables from corrosion and last longer.

Cable Distribution and Management

The cable basket makes possible efficient dispersal and management of cables. This process is accomplished by arranging cables inside the basket trays instead of pulling them through pipe lines. The act of yanking is certainly harder and time-consuming rather than using baskets. Laying down wires in the basket take only minimal time and ensures that cables are distributed evenly around the structure.

The baskets can be stretched along the building just like pipes. However, baskets are open facilitating easier access to the cables. At the same time, it provides sufficient protection to the network cabling system. Cable baskets are lighter with easier functions compared to trays which are quite bulky. Technicians can finish more installations in one day because of fast installation.

Installation Guidelines

Incidentally, it is important to make sure that cable trays should be installed as an inclusive system. The tray should be complete with all the supports mechanisms, fasteners, guards, connections, flexible vertical and horizontal spice plates. You have to mount cable trays so the joints will be accessible for inspection and modification. Support systems are needed so the distance does not go beyond the required measurements. Install intermediary support devices in case the weight of the cable is more than tray rungs’ load capacity.

Erect supports from channel members, twisted rods and other accessories provided by the cable tray manufacturer. Organize the supports in bar or wall-bracket models as called for by the application. Make sure to take away sharp border s from cable trays. You can attach the tray to the spice pates but use square neck-carriage bolts and self-locking nuts. The cable tray should support the building structure. Finally, mount the cable trays with sufficient space to allow access for the installation of network cables.

Are you Ready for 2gb Internet?

13 Jun 2015

Stu Kushner

Your city might be poised for a dramatic increase in Internet speed into your office. Right now, you might have DSL Internet running on Cat5e cable at speeds of up to 25 - 30mb. But 2gb Internet is coming. New high-speed fiber optic networks are being built that will bring 2gb Internet to your office's network. It's coming.

So, are you ready for it?

The answer to that question lies primarily in the cabling that exists in your office. Most offices in the US have Cat5e cabling. Cat5e is not even fully capable of handling 1gb speeds and will likely create speed issues at the desktop as users demand more bandwidth from advanced online and desktop applications. Cat5 cable is even slower. So, you will first need to figure out what kind of cable you have. The best way to do this is to look at the cable. Go to you wall closet or server room and look behind the patch panel. The patch panel looks like this.

And behind the panel is a bundle of cables. These cables have writing on them that describe the type of cable.That might look like this.

You should be able to see printed right on the cable the words "CATEGORY 5" or "CATEGORY 5E". If it says, "CATEGORY 6" or "CATEGORY 6A" than you are fine. Otherwise, you have cable that will not fully support 2gb Internet speeds into your office. Cat6/6A cabling is designed for 2gb and higher throughputs of data.

But getting ready for 2gb Internet is not just about the cable. You need the right cable and you also need the Cat6 compatible connectors, patch panels and a faster switch too. So, now you have a big decision to make.

The Big Decision

What should you do? Recabling an office is a big deal. It's disruptive and it's expensive. But, wait. Is it really such a big expense and does it need to be disruptive? The cost of installing Cat6 cabling in an office is about $175 - $250 per drop. Each computer will need one drop. And you might have a few printers on your network too. So, the cost is about the same as a cheap computer monitor. And the boost in productivity will go on for many years to come.

Will it be disruptive? We can install new cabling in parallel to your existing network at night and on weekends. The switch-over is a weekend job too. Then we finish up by pulling out all of the old cable. That's called demolition. It might get a little dusty. But our team will do it's best to keep things as tidy as possible.

So, are you ready for 1gb Internet? If the service is available and you want a free on-site survey, contact us. We will be happy to come by and look at your office and prepare a Proposal for you at no charge and no obligation. If you aren't sure about the availability of 1gb Internet, contact us and we will find out for you.

Cable Network Trays as Support Systems

12 Jun 2015

Stu Kushner

cable network trays, Data Cabling Cable trays for networks are support systems that can be mounted on walls or hang up from ceilings. The trays are fabricated from aluminum or steel. These come in deepness of 2, 3, 4 and 6 inches. There are also multiple designs like trough (single rail), ladder, basket, and wire-mesh. The single rail is designed either with single or several options.

Types of Trays

The solid bottom trays support delicate cables. On the other hand, the center spine model is made up of a central support mechanism supporting the cable with the tray dangling from rods. This tray is important to the data communications market. The single-rail variety mounted on the wall is similar to center-spine. However, the treads can be found only on one side. Wire way is a system that is fully enclosed and provides no access to cabling inside.

Locations where cabling trays are required as well as cable types these carry have evolved during the last two decades. Cable trays are installed not only in power plants and paper mills but also in government facilities, schools and call centers. Certain manufacturers supply product categories produced for installation with uncommon requirements. For instance, the cable tray should be very robust so it can link a span of 30 feet between support systems. The short span variety supports four to five feet or limited space requirements of newly-installed components. Problems are resolved by using different types of cable trays.

Product Selection

The key to this is careful product selection since a single tray will not fit into all requirements. This offers the perfect solution. The main consideration is there are various instruments in the tool box of cable trays. You only need to match up each application for the ideal solution. Right now, there is an increasing need for big-sized trays so it will be possible to add more able in the future.

Modern installations entail manufactured support systems that can effectively hold both Category 5 and 6 cables. While cable performance becomes more efficient, cable and connector makers are also offering warranties for their performance. Along this line, the appropriate cable tray is needed so that cable performance will not be adversely affected by improper cable management.

What are the Benefits?

Contemporary cable trays have multiple benefits. These include the capacity to carry heavy weights. Installation is also faster and less complicated with reduced fitting time. Fixtures like risers, reducers and bends may be built on site. The applications have also expanded to several sectors such as industrial, infrastructure, commercial, food, and data hubs.

Structured Cabling, Washington DC, New York City

Resolving Vital Issues in Network Cabling

5 Jun 2015

Stu Kushner

Structured Cabling ,Washington DC New York City The quality of information flow is no better than the medium that carries it. This is the cabling network. The structured cabling platform will ensure that information flows efficiently through the cabling system. It consists of transmission tools applied according to standard engineering designs that enable users to transmit voice and data signals.

The controlled cabling system is the foundation and essential investment that provides a common, mutual platform for multiple information technology systems. However, there can be problems and information flow can be obstructed because of an information technology structure that has been designed improperly. Therefore, it is necessary to tackle crucial concerns in structured cabling during the planning stage.

Network Cabling ,Data Cabling, Cat5e ,Cat6/6a Cabling

Reviewing Tools for Cabling Installation

30 May 2015

Stu Kushner

Network Cabling, Data Cabling, Cat5e,Cat6/6a Cabling Cabling installation requires a lot of expertise. This is important due to the complexity of networks cables for data and communication services. There are tools installers use to install and test cables. Some of the instruments include carts and caddies.

Basic Implements

Network carts and caddies hold cable spools for easier pulling. Reels can be set up on the wire cart which can hold 500 and 1000 foot reels. Cables are mounted on bars that slip through bored holes on the mounting framework. The cart contains a large, wide base that prevents tipping when you pull the cable. Wire caddies secure smaller cable spools which come in lengths of 500 feet or less. And it has dividers that prevent the wires from becoming crisscrossed and twisteded.

Termination Tools

The appropriate termination tool increases productivity. It allows installation and termination of Cat5e and Cat6 jacks onto the connectors on a patch panel.

This "punch down tool" ensures accuracy and consistency. There are three categories: manual, impact and multi-wire. Cable installers can opt for a manual but most consider the impact tool to be the best option.

The fundamental impact instrument is fitted with a spring-loaded head which can be triggered by the installer. Not much force is needed. The spring is released automatically after being compressed. Modern multi-wire tools like the Jack Rapid punch down tool can terminate jacks eight times faster.

You can use several interchangeable blades for various impact tools. However, this depends on your cabling system. The advantages of this tool are its speed, user-friendliness and uniformity of termination. Sophisticated models consist of fixed blades that cut off leftover wire instantly instead of having to use wire cutters. These new products include a handle that is easy to hold, a disposable blade head and fixed band that holds the jack in place.

Other Useful Tools

You might need professional shears to ensure a quick, clean, and accurate cut. Each job requires cutting of cables and trimming of excess wires. A premium cable stripper guarantees immediate and hassle-free elimination of exterior insulation from multi-core cables, unshielded twisted as well as shielded twisted pairs. The flexible depth gauge will give better results. Refrain from using pocket knives or ordinary scissors because you will probably end up damaging the cable. Other functional tools for cable installation are can wrenches for demarcation point boxes; crimping pliers; knives for splicing cables; voltage detectors; modular plug crimpers for telephones; and, probe picks to detect loose or broken connections.

But if you prefer to have a profession all do it all for you, contact us!

structured cabling, Data Cabling, cabling tester

Facts about Data Cable Testing

6 May 2015

Stu Kushner

structured cabling, Data Cabling, cabling tester Testing always plays a vital role in the process of installing new cables or servicing existing ones. Regular testers for data cabling include length, wire crimper map, attenuation, return loss, and DC loop resistance.

Complex Cabling Needs

Cabling infrastructure requirements have become more complicated. More standards are being developed for cabling professionals in testing and troubleshooting copper and fiber cables. And there are special requirements as well as downsides in the implementation of new technologies. From 10BASE-T to 100BASE-TX to 1000BASE-T and now to 10GBASE-T. It is now more crucial to keep in step with the most up-to-date techniques in cable testing too. In short, cable testing infuses a higher degree of assurance that installed cable links will attain the preferred transmission capacity for your data communications.

Cabling Tester Categories

Cable testing instruments have been manufactured with unique features for specific tasks. Costs, performance, and applications vary. These depend on the required functions. The three main functions are certification, qualification and verification. Although certain attributes overlap, each category answers a particular testing prerequisite.

Certification facilitates conformity to standards defines by the industry. These are instruments signal a “Pass” or “Fail” towards data testing compliance within standardized industry norms. These testing instruments will find out whether a cable link conforms to a category or class such as Cat6 or Cat5e. It is the last step required by most structured cabling installers towards approval of a new installation.

Qualification determines if the existing cable is capable of supporting specific network speeds. This special class of testers is supposed to meet the up-and-coming requirements of network technicians who troubleshoot data networks. These testers perform checks to make a decision on whether a present cable link supports the requirements for fast or gigabit Ethernet. With these instruments, network technicians can identify and isolate cabling issues. While Continuity testers do not perform the series of tests set down by these standards and are not considered certification tools.

Verification makes sure that cabling connections are correct. This type of tool performs a continuity test. It guarantees all wires in the cabling link have been attached properly to termination points at each end. For twisted pair cabling, there is an appropriate pairing of the wires. Such testing tools also confirm wire pairing and find out installation flaws such as split pairs. These can also help in troubleshooting by working with a toner to pinpoint a certain cabling link. These testing tools do not give out any information regarding bandwidth and data integrity.

If you need your cabling tested or certified, contact us!

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