cable installation | Progressive Office Cabling

Bad Connectors will Kill your Network

3 Jul 2014

A client was having serious connectivity and network issues. It was a very small business with just a few computers. But as they were working, a couple of the machines were losing their connection to the Internet. The problems and symptoms had been going on for over a year. They would lose Internet connection and they figured out that if they unplugged and replugged the network cable that the connectivity would usually come back. But sometimes, they would have to unplug and plug a few times to get connected. As you could imagine, this was incredibly frustrating for them.

Fortunately, we found and fixed the problem very quickly.

When network connections are flaky we always first look at the cabling and then the hardware and software. And since this was a network-wide problem, we had a strong feeling that they either had a cabling issue or a bad network switch.

In Figure 1, we took a photo of the connector that was going into the modem/router. If you look closely, you can see that the sleeve ends just short of the connector. This is so wrong. The sleeve needs to go inside of the connector so that it provides support and strain-relief to the 4 twisted pairs of wires. The wires would get bent at 90 degrees which changes the impedance and properties of the signal. Figure 2 is the inside of one of the wallplates. As you can see, the wires are untwisted and then punched into the slots for each of the 4-pairs. But they are untwisted too much.There should be no slack in between the sleeve and the connections. So, again, this will greatly reduce the effectiveness of the data transmission.

All cable connections and wallplates were checked and fixed. We cut off the bad connectors and recrimped on new ones. And we reterminated the wallplate. Since then, they have had 100% uptime on the Internet Service.

Are you having network cabling issues? Call 202-462-4290 or click here to contact us.

Network Cabling, Data Cabling,basket type cable tray

Basket Trays

3 Jul 2014

Stu Kushner

Network Cabling, Data Cabling,basket type cable tray The basket type of cable tray is made from wire lattice. The tray provides a foundation for data cables and it facilitates cable management since wires are mounted along and inside the tray. Data cabling is generally smaller but heavier than electrical wires because they are bundled and carried by these trays. A solid steel tray is preferred if heavier cables will be installed but steel is more vulnerable to rusting and exposure to elements. On the other hand, basket trays are lighter than solid racks.

The basket makes cable management and distribution less complicated

Network Cabling, Data Cabling , cable tray

Uses And Benefits Of Cable Trays

25 Jun 2014

Stu Kushner

Network Cabling, Data Cabling, cable trays The cable tray is meant to prop up insulated cables for communication and power distribution. Cables are mounted on the tray, rather than placed inside a pipe. It can be likened to the structural cog of the building’s electrical layout, as it protects the cables both inside and outside. Wires are organized properly so wire maintenance is easier.

A cable tray facilitates the process of tracking down where wires come from for repairs, and also creates effective fire sealing between wall panels.

Primary Uses Of Cabling Wall Conduit

19 Jun 2014

Stu Kushner

Network Cabling, Data Cabling,Wall Conduit The wire conduit refers to the pipe where cabling passes through. This duct protects insulation and isolates cable wiring. National and local building codes generally require the use of a particular type of conduit for safety and health reasons. The cable conduit is different from the electrical variety. You can install cabling conduits in between walls even if you will not use these pipes immediately; in fact, it is easier and more cost-effective to lay out the conduit during the construction phase.

Distinguishing between Cat5 and Cat6 Network Cables

12 Jun 2014

Stu Kushner

Network cables connect and transmit information between personal computers, storage area networks and routers. You can now find various models of cables. Your choice may depend on configuration and topology of the system’s architecture. The most common variety is known as twisted pair cable in local area networks. Numerous Ethernet networks use this type of cable. It is composed of four pairs of fine wires or conductors. Each pair is entwined several times to prevent obstruction from other cables and devices.

The CAT5 or Category5 is an example of twisted pair cable

Structured cabling,Network Cabling, Washinton DC

Continued Dominance of Structured Copper Cabling Systems

28 May 2014

Stu Kushner

Copper cabling Network Cabling ,Data Cabling,copper cabling system will remain dominant in the structured cabling systems industry. This conclusion is based on analysis and forecasts made by several cabling installation companies worldwide. Both copper and optic fiber cabling are used for key structured cabling systems applications like LAN, data centers, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Optic fiber is gradually gaining in popularity, but copper cable still seems to be the major preference of most companies.

Advantages Of Using Cat6 Cables

22 May 2014

Stu Kushner

Cat 6 Category 6 or Cat 6 network copper cabling is the preferred infrastructure for Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, and Gigabit Ethernet. It has a maximum performance of 250 MHz, or 500 MHz for the more contemporary Cat6a standard. This type of cabling may be utilized for a maximum distance (end to end) of 100 meters, or 55 meters for the 10 GBASE-T networks. Aside from support for higher performance, Cat6 includes more rigid specifications for crosstalk and system noise. Although Cat6 is anticipated to surpass Cat 5 and Cat 5e cabling soon, all three cable varieties are still widely used for network installations.

Fast and Credible Performance

Most IT experts recognize this type of copper cabling for its speedy network performance due to its ability to deliver gigabit data transmission speeds. It has a parallel structure similar to Cat5 and Cat5e. These copper cables have eight wires coiled as one to form four pairs. The major difference is that one pair of the Cat 6 cable wires does not touch the others, so it can produce twice the transmission capacity of the two other models.

It is also backward compatible. The plug and port of Cat6 cable is the same as the 5 and 5e models. Thus, it can be plugged into any outlet that supports these cables. For instance, you can use the Cat 5 connection for a Cat 6 cable although it will not produce the full speed of the Cat 6 cable.

Resistance to Heat and Flexibility

Copper cables are second to silver in terms of effective conductivity, but among non-precious metals, these wires can cope with a broader load of electricity with less need for insulation. Furthermore, copper cabling has more resistance to heat, which eliminates overloading problems. They are impervious to corrosion despite their shiny surface. Copper is also more pliable, so it can be twisted without the risk of splitting. In fact, copper is used in fabricating thick wires for applications where very thin wires are required. It can also be part of an upgrade if you are looking forward to a more optimal network. Copper Cat5, Cat5e and Cat6 are the industry standards for most small to medium sized offices.

There are certain problems that deserve consideration. Such as copper cabling failure in high-performance wiring systems. Users may also need to contend with poor component performance, such as bad cable segments or connectors that do not comply with specifications. However, these problems are frequently the result of human error. So the choice of copper cabling is still a good one.

cable testing, Network Cabling ,Data Cabling

Cable Testing And Certification

12 May 2014

Stu Kushner

cable testing, Network Cabling ,Data Cabling Cable testing and certification are obviously complicated terminologies that may be difficult for laypeople to understand. Nonetheless, it is important to become familiar with these functions since they have become common fixtures in your homes. It does not matter whether you are simply making repairs or installing new cables, testing always plays an essential role. Testing offers a degree of assurance that the links provide the necessary transmission capacity that supports data communications.

Cable testing implements have been designed with multiple features for a variety of tasks. However, these differ in terms of costs, performance and applications. Testing can be classified into certification and verification. Certification is vital because it ensures conformity of the cabling system to industry benchmarks. Certification instruments decide whether a particular connection complies with ISO or TIA (Telecommunications Industry Association) guidelines. In fact, it is the final step completed by structured cable manufacturers before granting warranties for new installations.

In this technology domain, certification is acknowledged as proof of professional status. The Fiber Optic Association (FOA) oversees adherence to certification requirements and authorizes schools to grant training that meets its standards. FOA programs are created and maintained by experts in the fiber optic enterprise.

Certification indicates that you have accomplished specific performance criteria established by the certifying organization. It includes knowledge, skills and abilities either through training or through experience acquired over the years.
Certification is not simply an ordinary license; it is official consent to do business within a particular jurisdiction. The majority of states in the country require licensing for service providers installing communications cabling. Be sure to check your local area and find out the requirements for licensing. Testing and Certification are the foremost steps in the cable installation process, and it is imperative that all components are tested carefully.

It is not enough to plug in the network equipment set-up and find out if it works properly. Certification is needed to prevent unnecessary and costly improvements or refurbishment in the future. Network examination and certification of all new installations as well as existing networks are provided for the whole infrastructure.

Incidentally, you also need to learn that in communications cabling, standards delineate the kinds of cabling, yardsticks that define cabling, connections, cabling architecture, and testing prerequisites. These standards can minimize downtime and installation costs. At the same time, standards capitalize on system availability and prolong the life span of cabling systems. Lastly, paradigms allow manufacturers to create systems that will accommodate current technologies and equipment without difficulty. The bottom line is to find the company that can do these things for you efficiently.

cable testing, Network Cabling ,Data Cabling ,cat6-cabling

Benefits of Copper Cabling Solutions

4 May 2014

Stu Kushner

cable testing, Network Cabling ,Data Cabling ,cat6-cabling The conventional process of copper cabling has been used for several years and is still preferred by many network cable providers and end-users. Companies like Progressive Office Cabling offer a complete range of cabling solutions in Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6a and Cat6, providing clients with high-quality cable as well as connectivity components. Progressive Office Cabling makes use of highly effective cable management systems and well-trained technicians for installation jobs. It also employs a web-based online project management system to guarantee proper implementation and monitoring of any project.

How Does Copper Cabling Work?

Installation technicians have to follow specific policies and standards, particularly when it comes to building structure concerns. There are several steps to follow with regard to installation. First, the cable should have the appropriate covering or insulation, which is normally made of PVC, Plenum, Ultra-Violet, or mold-resistant varieties. The cable is cut according to the needed length, and outer covers are removed before connectors are attached. Use the appropriate stripping tools for this purpose. Cables should be mounted as orderly as possible.

There are instances when installers have to use ladder trays and J-hooks, which are made for network cabling, or shoot nails into concrete ceilings using a tool that literally propels nails like bullets into the concrete surfaces. Network cables must be installed away from electric power lines, fluorescent lamps and industrial machines; the risk of electrical coupling can increase dependent on proximity and voltage factors.

Different Benefits

Copper cabling has multiple benefits and is the most effective conductor out there. Copper cables are flexible, which is especially advantageous if you are using electrical wires. It is necessary to bend the wire during installation, so you need something durable that will not easily break after a lot of twisting. Copper does not easily melt, so even if a sudden surge of current or overload takes place, there is no risk of burning or melting. At the same time, copper is not difficult to work on. The majority of electricians opt for copper wires because they can be stripped easily or pulled through rigid spots.

With regard to structured copper cabling, there is the Power over Ethernet benefit. This means that it is possible to run power through devices such as Wireless Access Points, surveillance cameras, and power phones. There is an emergency power supply that continues to power mission-critical devices even if electrical power conks out. Copper cabling supports modern technologies and facilitates the convergence of different applications. Hence, it is important that copper cabling is optimized for your requirements. That is why you should make sure to get the services only of experienced and trustworthy providers in the industry. Choose the provider that ensures customer satisfaction and warranty after installation.

How Does Structured Cabling Work?

10 Nov 2023

Stu Kushner

Cabling Network Cabling, Data Cabling,cat5 cat6 cabling is an essential component in your network. It also has a long life span, from 15 to 20 years, so it may be necessary to replace your network equipment at least three times during the life of the cabling configuration. Cable installation is roughly 15 percent of the total network outlay. So it is advisable to invest in premium cabling systems, particularly to reduce maintenance costs and downtime while also achieving improved network performance. Entrepreneurs are always advised to look at the long-term scenario and acquire the best cable installation available.

Uninterrupted Flow of Information

There is no doubt regarding the importance of a structured cabling system in the operations of a business organization. This complete system with related hardware provides far-reaching telecommunications; it has a broad range of uses like supplying phone services or transmitting information through a network of computers. Each structured cabling system is unique depending on a number of factors, including the architectural formation of edifices that houses cabling installation, cable and connection components, equipment variety that cabling supports, configuration including upgrades and retro-fitting, requirements of clients, and manufacturers’ warranties.

The assembly that has been planned carefully and installed according to this plan ensures an unbroken network of information and communications. Aside from this advantage, structured cabling facilitates sharing of resources, enables smooth operations, and adapts to evolving technology. In fact, it is expected to last longer than computer servers and network switches. The types of network installations are the Local Area Network (LAN), Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN).

Cabling installation firms design and install LAN systems consisting of data and voice as well as support equipment for computer networks and mainframe programs of PCs. All installations must comply with state and city codes together with manufacturers’ specifications.

Other Benefits

Structured cabling offers users more flexibility. It takes the place of multiple wiring systems with a single and cohesive infrastructure. This conveys data in various formats ranging from voice to video. You only need to plug the correct adapter into the socket whether you want to connect a computer, telephone or fax machine.

It affords users peace of mind since each cabling comes with full on-site warranty, covering component or performance faults. It is also possible to make changes in a matter of minutes. This built-in ensures that your organization can be very cost-effective. Furthermore, structured cabling has the capacity to hold high bandwidth, guaranteeing that you've invested in a solution that fully supports new applications. In other words, your cabling infrastructure will not become obsolete within the next few years.

Take care to deal only with cabling companies that employ highly competent technicians and make use of superior cable management equipment.

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