Structured Cabling,Washington DC New York City

The 5 Most Common Structured Cabling Errors – Part 2

28 Oct 2017

Structured Cabling,Washington DC New York CityAs mentioned in Part 1, structured cabling systems are so standardized that good practices should merely entail following ISO/IEC, CENELEC or Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) documentation. Part 2 will discuss three more common errors of structured cabling.



Error No. 3


Failing to properly test a structured cabling system after installation is the third error. Structured cabling represents a large commitment of capital expenditure and will typically have the same length of service life as the facility itself. Ensuring that the entire system is installed to specification and the data is at the capacity and speed expected is crucial. Finally, properly testing the cabling system is required to validate the warranty.


Cables installed during the early period of construction may have been subsequently damaged by other workers performing their roles later during the project. Moreover, new cables that appear fine on the exterior may actually be faulty because of damage underneath the coating as a result of being mishandled. All cables require calibrated testing.



Error No. 4


Using unqualified technicians for installation is the fourth error. Scrimping on the quality of workers installing cabling is an unwise way to save money. Problems will eventually be revealed over time. Prior to committing to a service contract with a structured cabling service, review their credentials and confirm their references. Have conversations with previous customers whose project is similar in scope to yours. Working with a reputable structured cabling firm will help make sure your project will be successful for the long term.



Error No. 5


Letting structured cabling patch panels become disorganized is the fifth error. It will harm both the performance and reliability of a company’s IT systems. As time passes, the patch panel or switch ports may be damaged, causing intermittent problems that are very hard to pinpoint. The use of proper cable management hardware for supporting patch cables is good practice. Complying with the specified patching standards required for a particular structured cabling system will result in a sound and reliable network.



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, D.C. 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.

Structured Cabling,Washington DC New York City

Important Considerations for Structured Cabling

13 Sep 2017

cables,structured cabling, Network CablingAn infrastructure for enterprise communications, structured cabling is a system of hardware and cables designed for flexibility and future capability. Complying with the Electronic Industry Alliance/Telecommunications Industry Association (EIA/TIA), conventional structured cabling meets the organization’s standards internationally. The following are three important aspects of structured cabling that every organization should consider.



Savings


Over time, IT infrastructure has become more condensed and more sophisticated, and the importance of structured cabling has grown. Structured cabling eases a company’s expansion via a design that allows the adoption of additional hardware and software. As it has consistent network architecture, structured cabling allows the simplification of maintenance and repair, decreasing costs of upkeep. A study by the International Engineering Consortium discovered that standardizing cabling components and reducing cable delivery methods decreased startup construction outlay by almost a third. Moreover, expenses for network maintenance are lowered 40%.



Trends


Structured cabling is gradually making the transition from copper cabling to fiber optic because companies desire greater speed and better air circulation for the reduction of cooling costs. Lighter and narrower cables allow an overhead system of cabling to be installed instead of raised-floor cabling. The installation and management of cabling is made easier by less cumbersome cables, and so this trend will grow over time.



Planning


Sound planning is crucial for the success of IT projects. The future number of users, their locations, and required bandwidth must be diligently considered. How PoE (Power over Ethernet) will provide power to devices via must be studied. As Wi-Fi use grows, the number of wireless access points must be determined by every enterprise. Where will cables be located inside and outside the premises? Will the structured cabling be able to cope with moves and changes within the premises? Scalability and flexibility are both important, and so the locations of furniture and server racks must be carefully planned with respect to cabling. IT staff should also understand that different types of cable have limitations as to the length of their respective runs. Finally, there may be government regulations for structured cabling that require compliance.



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 their clients in the Washington, D.C. and New York City areas. Efficiently working together, their teams get cabling installed and operating as fast as possible while minimizing disruption and downtime. Call their toll free number (800) 614-4560 today.

Network Cabling ,Data Cabling, Fiber-optic cable,New York City

Modern Cabling System Design Trends – Part 2

17 Aug 2017

Office Cabling,New York CityAs discussed by Part 1, the most significant trend in IT (information technology) is the greater reliance of organizations on high-performance data communications (datacom) cabling. Part 2 will cover High Performance Cabling and Aesthetics of Cabling.



High Performance Cabling


The use of high performance cabling of copper and fiber optic cabling is influencing the design of wiring and cabling management systems. Data transmission integrity must be maintained by cable bend radius specifications. Now available are specialized fittings for raceways and other management systems that ensure minimum cable bend radius, preventing damage and maintaining effectiveness. Upcoming technologies such as 10 G/s Ethernet will result in greater demands, making it even more important that every aspect of a structured cabling system ensures high performance.


Being able to provide adequate space for the accommodation of bend radius needs to work in conjunction with the goal of being unobtrusive visually. This objective is affected by the necessity of physically separating power and low-voltage channels to prevent EFT (electrical fast transient) disturbances. Fortunately, a new raceway design maintains complete separation through crossover fittings that provide more space inside the raceway, allowing the bend radius of 10G/s cable’s larger diameter.



Aesthetics of Cabling


The design of modern wiring and cable management systems now aspire to both form and function. Non-metallic raceways with visually attractive profiles in a variety of colors are now available in the marketplace. Stainless steel is also trending, featuring plates that conceal seams. Moreover, components can be combined in matching colors and styles. This ongoing aesthetic drive has led to almost invisible activations that are recessed and flush. Poke-through devices now feature datacom ports and receptacles with sleeker profiles. Accommodating a greater number of outlets, high-capacity service activations are much less obvious than dated low-capacity fittings.



Summary


Product development for wiring and cabling management systems must unceasingly keep pace with increasingly complex datacom requirements. Solutions from manufacturers must be compatible with a wide variety of datacom cabling, allow for both system and operational flexibility, and deliver eye-pleasing aesthetics in the workplace.



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 their clients in the Washington, D.C. and New York City areas. Working together, their cabling teams get cabling installed and operating as fast as possible while minimizing disruption and downtime. Call their toll free number (800) 614-4560 today.

Structured CablingData Cabling,Washington DC

Moving Your Company’s Structured Cabling

29 Jun 2017

Structured CablingData Cabling,Washington DCMoving your company also means relocating and setting up its structured cabling at the new location. Minimizing disruption is the key for making the transition smooth, and retaining an experienced cable installation company will make this possible. Their resume should include relocation and new construction because they will need to work with vendors, moving companies, architects, and engineers who will also be involved. This will make the coordination of moving your firm’s IT infrastructure seamless.


The move will also involve working with the telecommunication and internet providers to make sure their services are included in the transition plan. The functions they provide are not suspended for an extended period, ensuring swift continuation at the new location.


Services for Relocation

  • When hiring a structured cabling company to assist with your move, be sure they can:

  • Move the network fast and efficiently.

  • Coordinate with Internet and telecommunication providers.

  • Ensure safe packing and transport, and unloading of servers, workstations, and printers.

  • Transfer e-mail and website services smoothly.

  • Set up office network, servers, workstations, and printers at new location.

  • Coordinate with outside vendors, including website, Internet, telecommunication, and e-mail services at new location.

  • Design cabling diagram for sound network foundation.

  • Set up cabling and wiring infrastructure for new location.


Summary of Expertise


Be sure to work with a structured cabling company that is knowledgeable regarding office relocation, network cabling, communications, cable management, computer data cabling, office cabling, and server racks. This depth of knowledge will help minimize unforeseen problems regarding your firm’s structured cabling needs during the relocation. Their experience and expertise will decrease the stress and pressure of moving your IT infrastructure.



Structured Cabling Services


Modern technology features advanced systems that are reliant on sound IT infrastructure that revolves around high-quality cabling and intelligent design. An experienced structured cabling company will understand the needs and requirements of a client and provide the expertise that will minimize costs and maximize infrastructure.



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

Structured cabling,Network Cabling, Washinton DC

Data Center Cabling Best Practices – Part 3

5 Jun 2017

cable management,Network Cabling,New York CityAs mentioned previously, modern data centers must be flexible, scalable, reliable, and manageable, making best practices required. Part 3 will cover Color Identification and Naming Scheme.



Color Identification


A method of fast visual identification, color coding makes management simpler, conserving time spent on the tracing of cables. Patch panel ports can also be coded, and various colored jacks and inserts are also coded. As determined by a particular manufacturer’s own color scheme, cables are available in numerous colors, each of which can be made applicable to the specific function of a cable or connection type.


Color schemes are expandable through the use of color bands at the end of every cable, using various colored sleeves and colored ports on the patch panel. However, it will also be necessary to use a secondary non-color scheme to make it possible for those who are color blind to identify the cables.



Naming Schemes


After determining the physical layout for the cabling that will be used, use a naming scheme that can be logically applied for facilitating fast and effortless identification of every cable component. Labeling can be an especially effective way to improve team communication among staff members because it makes confusion and uncertainty unlikely when a colleague must search for a particular component. Clear labeling is integral to the success of the naming scheme, and it should not be neglected.


A good naming scheme documents and labels every cable component. The following is the typical hierarchy for a naming scheme: Building, Room, Rack, Patch Panel, Workstation Outlet, Port, and Cable. Each should receive a designation indicating its location preceded by the area(s) above it. For example, Rack A03 would receive the designation SJ01-5D11-A03, if Room is designated SJ01-5D11, and Building is designated SJ01.


Upon the approval of the naming scheme, your team can begin labeling components. The team should prioritize drafting a manual that details the naming scheme and include it as part of the training program for newly hired data center administrators.


The Best Practices for Cable Component Selection will be discussed in the next series.



Union Network Cabling


When your work requires a unionized cabling group, call on Progressive Office Inc. 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

Cat5e Cat6/6a Cabling,Office Cabling

Data Center Cabling Best Practices – Part 2

13 May 2017

Cat5e Cat6/6a Cabling,Office CablingAs mentioned in Part 1, modern data centers must be flexible, scalable, reliable, and manageable, making best practices required. Part 2 will cover cabling for Modular Data, High Density/High Port Count Fiber Equipment, and Standards.



Modular Data


Increasing in popularity, modular cabling systems for fiber and copper connectivity introduces the plug-and-play concept, which simplifies cable installation and significantly decreases costs and labor. Typically, cables are factory-terminated and tested.


While modular cabling is less costly when the infrastructure is modified in-house, it will not be as flexible because of the possible required commitment to a vendor for ongoing compatibility.



High Density/High Port Count Fiber Equipment


When networking equipment gradually grows in density and port counts rise to several hundred, the proper management of the connected cabling will also require increased effort.


In the past, the direct connection of cables to individual ports of equipment with low port-counts was thought to be manageable. Unfortunately, the same task will be very time consuming for high-density/high-port-count equipment. Eventually, the addition or removal of cables directly connected to these ports will be almost impossible.


The utilization of Multifiber Push-On (MPO) cable assemblies featuring a single connector at one end of cable and multiple duplex breakout cables at the other end will ease cable management.


The concept revolves around pre-connecting high-density/high- port-count Lucent Connector (LC) equipment with LC-MPO fan-out cable to dedicated MPO modules inside a dedicated patch panel. Once completely cabled, this patch panel will work as "remote" ports. Ideally the patch panels should be located on top of the cabling equipment to facilitate access to overhead cabling. This method significantly decreases cluttering of equipment and cables, resulting in improved cable management.



Standards


The ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and TIA (Telecommunications Industry Association) are the main organizations that develop structured cabling standards for the industry. IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) committees do the testing and then set performance specifications.


Standards compliance makes sure that systems function at specified levels, allows backward compatibility, and a greater variety of equipment will be available internationally. Widespread global acceptance of standards allows the sourcing and use of equipment manufactured by different countries.


Color Identification and Naming Scheme will be discussed in Part 3.



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

Structured Cabling, Cabling, Washington DC

Data Center Cabling Best Practices – Part 1

4 May 2017

Structured Cabling, Washington DC, New York CityModern data centers are equipped with devices and networking equipment that connect them. These devices demand increasingly greater bandwidth, and so their fiber or copper cabling must perform at a high level. Today’s data centers must be flexible, scalable, reliable, and manageable, making best practices required.



Planning the Infrastructure


Thus, documenting the existing and planned network, along with its equipment is needed. A flexible patching structure will permit the interconnection of devices at desired locations.



Structured Cabling


The structured approach of cabling revolves around the design of runs and connections that ease cable identification, maintenance, repair, and future expansion or reconfiguration. A Main Distribution Area (MDA) and Horizontal Distribution Area(s) (HDAs), along with two-post racks that permit improved access and cable management, will be needed.


MDA and HDA components must be of high quality and capable of bearing expected future loads. Their layout should have horizontal and vertical cable managers. The MDA contains primary cross-connects and core networking equipment. The HDA contains the cross-connects for the distribution of cables to Equipment Distribution Areas (EDAs). Patch cables will connect servers and storage by utilizing patch panels at their respective EDA.


Next, the equipment racks inside the data center must have their layout determined. A horizontal cabling configuration will be used for the distribution of cables from the HDA to the EDA. Flexible connectivity is required by a dynamic data center environment. The goal is the implementation of a system that transmits fiber channel, Ethernet, and other protocols.


Future port and application requirements will also need to be considered. Expansion and technological advances must be anticipated, so the installation of ports and cabling needed in the future should be done now to save on labor costs and downtime if upgrades are needed.



Structured Infrastructure Benefits



  • Cable identification and fault isolation simplified

  • Consistent cabling lays sound foundation for future

  • Future expansions and modifications made easier

  • Standard-compliant components from multiple vendors possible

  • Flexible connections provided


Cabling for Modular Data and High Density/High Port Count Fiber Equipment will be discussed in Part 2.



Union Network Cabling


When union work requires a unionized cabling group, call on Progressive Office 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

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

Overview of Cable Management Practices – Part 2

28 Mar 2017
Cable Management ,Data Cabling ,Cat5e, Cat6/6a Cabling

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

structured cable management

Cable Basket Trays – Uses and Benefits

25 Jun 2015

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.