Upgrading the Structured Cabling of Your Company – Part 1
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.
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
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
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.
Properly Planning the Cabling of Your New Office – Part 1
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.
Future Smart Buildings Powered Over Ethernet – Part 2
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
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.
Future Smart Buildings Powered Over Ethernet – Part 1
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
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.
Why Best Practices for Identifying Cabling are Important
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
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.