Selecting the Most Effective Structured Cabling Solutions – Part 2

1 Oct 2019
As discussed in Part 1, organizations with vision make investments in the most effective structured cabling solutions that let them meet current business and technical requirements and to scale with flexibility in the future. Part 2 will discuss Fiber Cabling and Planning the Installation.

Fiber Cabling


Fiber cables use light to transmit data, decreasing signal interruption and letting signals travel much longer distances. Experts also believe fiber cabling provides greater security. In addition, fiber cables weigh less than copper cables and are easier to manage. Although more expensive, fiber cabling has been increasingly gaining traction for organizations looking for a dependable and scalable solution.

Multi-mode fiber cables are divided into the following categories: OM1, OM2, OM3, and OM4. Utilized for shorter distances, multi-mode fibers possess high light-gathering capacities. This allows the utilization of economical lower wavelength technologies such as LED (light emitting diode) and VCSELs (vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers). When longer distances are required, single-mode OS1 or OS2 is installed. Single-mode fiber can attain greater speeds and longer distances through laser technology.

Planning the Installation


Buying the most effective structured cabling solutions and selecting a cabling provider partner is only the beginning. Planning effectively and creating a sound strategy will bring forth three benefits as discussed below.

  1. Optimizing Space: Consider your employees, locations, and space limitations. Work with an expert cabling provider to inspect and perform an audit of the physical space in your building or facility. Planning will be improved, resulting in superior cabling flows and decreasing the cabling system’s complexity.

  2. Reduction of Operating Costs: Selecting the proper cabling and equipment that meets your company’s technical and business requirements will maximize utilization and the project’s budget. Effective planning and strategic thinking will result in considerable savings during the operational service life of the cabling installation.

  3. Stability for the Long Term: Project the number of users that will require support as your company expands over the cabling’s service life of 10 to 15 years. In addition, ensure that the infrastructure is based on open standards capable of supporting standard applications.


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.

Network Cabling Pathways for Your Data Center

29 Aug 2019

Used for running and routing cables, network cabling pathways come in various types. Below are the five kinds that are typically used.




  1. Conduits

  2. Fiber troughs

  3. Raceways

  4. Runways

  5. Trays


Conduits


Perhaps the most popular pathway is the cable conduit, commonly used for runs from the wiring closet to work areas. They are made of plastic or metal and come in various sizes to accommodate the type and number of cables utilized. They can be either flexible or rigid for horizontal or backbone cabling.



Fiber Troughs


Fiber troughs come in several capacity options to meet the increasing demand for fiber cabling. Splicing is made simpler and faster through fast splice accessories that come with pre-fitted screws. Cable installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting are also made easier via a tool-less cover removal allowing easy access, and security can be provided by bolting. All-steel construction provides robust cable protection, which can be earthed properly for the elimination of EMI and reduction of attenuation and noise. Steel also has several advantages over plastic, which is typically heavier and needs more supports for long runs. Lighter with greater rigidity, steel decreases deflection and requires 50% less supports, shortening installation times.



Raceways


Raceways make cable installations appear professional and aesthetic. They are often used to conceal cables where it is difficult to install them within walls. Utilized for surface-mounting horizontal cables, raceways are typically assembled using a modular approach. Connectors provided by the manufacturer ensure that a raceway does not exceed the minimum bend radius. They are manufactured from metal, plastic, or rubber. Mounting types include desk, floor, overhead, outdoor, and wall.



Runways


Cable runways are designed for Ethernet and low-voltage cables. They are also called ladder racks because they appear to have rungs like ladders. This design makes them very light in weight and provides complete visibility to the installed cabling, which eases maintenance and troubleshooting.



Trays


Composed of wires, cable trays are used for managing, supporting, and running numerous horizontal runs. They are known for making cable installation, maintenance and troubleshooting easier because of excellent accessibility.



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. Click here or call our toll free number (800) 614-4560 today.