Solutions | Progressive Office Cabling

Upgrading the Structured Cabling of Your Company – Part 1

18 Mar 2019

When your company expands and network requirements change, it may be a great opportunity to perform a structured cabling upgrade. As is frequently the case, networks undergo unpredictable growth, resulting in technicians adding a variety of hardware of inconsistent quality from several different manufacturers one device at a time.

Typically, network performance decreases with each new item of equipment added. There may come a moment when the network is incapable of supporting user traffic. This article will discuss steps a business can take to prevent this situation.

Site Survey

Performing a site survey will allow the network development team to gather information regarding your facility and current cabling system. The study will provide data that will be the project’s foundation. A site survey will usually involve the items summarized below.

Determination of the amount and kinds of devices required for particular wired and wireless functions.

Note the configurations loaded onto current devices.

Create the physical layout of the current network infrastructure.

Sketch locations of cable runs, wiring closets, and outlets on a floor plan, making a physical topology a reference during the upgrade.

Map logical topology to display data pathways and locations of functions like routing.

Network Requirements

The network development team will meet with company personnel to determine current network requirements. Interviewing all departments will provide the most accurate projection of future network needs. The information the team will need is summarized below.

The present count of network users and the number expected to be added over the next year.

Which applications the network infrastructure must support. For example, will video conferencing and VoIP need to be supported by the structured cabling?

Which new services are presently needed or will be needed that the existing network does not now support.

Expectations regarding uptime and dependability will help determine required system redundancies.

Part 2 will discuss Analysis Report, Choosing Cabling & Devices, and Installation, Testing & Evaluation.

Progressive Office Cabling

Founded in 1986, Progressive Office’s success has been a direct result of years of commitment to seeking cost-effective solutions. Working together, Progressive teams are committed to getting your data cables installed and operating while minimizing disruption and downtime. Call our toll free number (800) 614-4560 today.

The Four Main Advantages of Structured Cabling

9 Mar 2019

Stu Kushner

Fiber Optic Cabling Company Atlanta GA If you want to get the advantages of a structured cabling system, you will first have to switch from your outdated point-to-point cabling system.

Point-to-point makes it hard for a network to expand and increase its capabilities with new technology. As networks get bigger, rapid transmittals of large volumes of data become even more important, and doing so is very difficult with a point-to-point system.

In order to cope, a growing number of companies are making the transition to structured cabling. Below are the advantages for those who modernize.

Aids Future Planning

The effective service life of a cabling system averages 15 years, which is up to three times the lifespan of most devices. It will be impossible to perfectly project the growth of your business and the IT equipment your company will acquire. Fortunately, a structured cabling system can play a significant part in future proofing your IT infrastructure.

Decreases Repair Downtime

A structured cabling system is divided into several groups of devices that are connected to their own local cabling panel. This configuration will help your IT staff find problems and solve them faster. In addition, the work of employees will not suffer disruption if the cabling panel that is being serviced is not connected to their devices.

Flexibility

Structured cabling will ease the process of replacing devices as your business grows. IT staff can quickly disconnect an outdated device and connect a new one to the nearest cabling panel. Making changes in the network itself as your company expands will also be much easier and faster.

Investment for the Future

Making the switch from a point-to-point to structured cabling system will not be inexpensive. Installation expenses can range from $100 to $500 per connection. Organizations located in older buildings that have limited easy access to ceilings and subfloors should anticipate more costs. However, the outlay will eventually bring dividends by enabling employees to become more productive and reducing IT expenses over time.

Progressive Office Cabling

Properly Planning the Cabling of Your New Office – Part 1

25 Feb 2019

Stu Kushner

Office Cabling ,Network Cabling Relocating your company can be quite challenging and costly. Aside from meeting the expenses for the rent, utilities, office equipment, and furnishings, you will also have to consider the new cabling required.

The virtualization of IT services and infrastructure is getting greater emphasis, and many organizations are spending less time on considering their cabling for data and communications. However, implementing structured cabling with best practices will be essential for successfully building IT infrastructure.

This article will discuss several factors to be considered for properly planning the cabling of your new office.

Goals and Parameters

The relocation of a business will require planning and coordination. Teams should know beforehand what their company’s goals and parameters are in terms of data and communications. Considering the questions below will be a good starting point.

How much is the budget for the project?

Who will provide the skills and expertise that will be needed?

What are the current data, communications, and technological requirements of the company?

What are the future infrastructure and technology needs of your organization?

New Site Availabilities

In contrast to funding the construction of a new office, the new office location will usually have power, data, and telecommunications already installed. Thus, your team should survey the site and consider whether the physical configuration of the existing infrastructure can be adapted for your company’s requirements.

One aspect that certainly needs to be examined is the new site’s internet and network connectivity. Your team should make note of the bandwidth limitations for particular areas, and if they will be adequate for the needs of your employees.

Mapping the Infrastructure

After making an initial assessment of the new office, your team should then move forward on mapping every room in terms of data and communications infrastructure. Although there is existing infrastructure, modifications will likely be needed to meet the specific needs of your company.

Part 2 will discuss Health & Safety, Future Expansion, Structured Cabling, and Early Consultations.

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.

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

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

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