Cable Network | Progressive Office Cabling

Planning – Network Design Requirements

5 Aug 2018

Office Cabling ,Network Cabling After receiving the requirements for a network, it is common for designers to prioritize their implementation and integrate them into the format of the design. Occasionally, they initially rely on best practices, instead of focusing on planning. This is unfortunate because the planning process often leads to discovering multiple viable design solutions.

Designers should first make business-centric decisions determining either the solution or design that supports the company’s objectives or strategy. Although it is advisable to follow best practices for network design, reliance on them is more typical on occasions when a network is being designed from the ground up, which is usually not the case for large service providers and enterprises.

Let’s consider optimizing office buildings as a comparison. The standard procedure for civil engineers and architects is to perform an evaluation of a building by identifying existing problems, understanding the organization’s goals, and gathering business requirements. Afterwards, they begin optimizing the office building’s existing features. As examples, this may involve replacing the elevators or expanding the lobby.

The above is similar to the procedure for revamping network design. There will always be faulty designs that were poorly planned. Sometimes they are unable to scale, or adopt emerging technologies, or adapt to changing business conditions. Thus, designers must first make a comprehensive study of the existing business problems, IT requirements, and network design. Next, they should develop solutions that will optimize the present architecture. This may entail redesigning several components of the network. It can also require the addition of a new data center.

In order to choose the correct design choices and technologies, network designers must gather the necessary information that will allow them to make a sound analysis during the planning stage. This also lets them correctly determine the new requirements that will support the company’s business goals. At this point, network designers typically utilize the decision tree and the decision matrix for easing and simplifying the process.

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,Network Cabling,Washinton DC

Typical Installation Mistakes of Network Cabling – Part 1

25 Jul 2018

Stu Kushner

Office Cabling for Performance and Efficiency – Part 2

31 May 2018

Stu Kushner

Office Cabling Network Data Cabling As discussed in Part 1, office space has become very valuable and costly in many cities. Some companies will need to implement space optimization, and designing their structured cabling network is a good place to start. Part 2 will discuss Cabling System Performance and Densification of Networks.

Cabling System Performance

The TIA 568 standard sets the limit for runs of copper cable to 90 meters (295 feet) from floor distributor to workstations. Exceeding this length will cause greater signal losses or insertion loss and delay limitations due to the Ethernet protocol, which can decrease the performance of the network.

An expansive floor size with a proper number of floor distributors will oftentimes result in cables longer than 90 meters and greater insertion losses. Moreover, short cable runs are affected by crosstalk and return loss.

Due to the increasing implementation of 2.5, 5G, and 10G Ethernet, along with the newest high performance WAP (wireless access points), it is crucial to install a category cable, such as CAT6A, capable of handling higher bandwidth demands in the future.

Densification of Networks

Horizontal distributor optimization inside the equipment room will result in increased floor space and improved network densification. The optimization of floor distributors can improve the usage of LAN Ethernet switches, minimizing intra-building backbone runs. Implementing optimized distributor placement will ease the management of the network and increase reliability.

The use of fiber and copper panels with higher port density should also be considered by network managers. One way to gauge design efficiency is to calculate the number of ports per unit of rack space. This assessment will result in the optimization of rack space, decreasing racks and maximizing floor space.

Using wall-mounted panels for terminating cables and easing their management should also be considered. This will also ensure the prioritization of LAN equipment and fiber panels for rack space. This method suits companies who desire the convergence of building applications and IP networks.

Progressive Office Cabling

The Principles of Network Design – Part 3

24 Mar 2018

Stu Kushner

Network Cabling, Structured Cabling As discussed in Part 2, Top-Down Logic is used for the process of Preparation, Planning, Design, Implementation, Operation, and Optimization (PPDIOO). In addition, network designers must determine the Scope of Design prior to the collection of data and planning. Part 3 will cover Business Requirements, Continuity, and Elasticity.

Requirements

Figuring out what an organization needs requires having an understanding of its current objectives, mission statement, and future plans. Knowledge of these should guide the business-driven aspects of the network design. Using a top-down approach, a business’s goals, drivers, requirements, continuity, and strategy will determine its business applications, technical and functional requirements, and network infrastructure solutions.

Continuity

Business continuity is a company’s ability to continue doing business after a system outage caused by a man-made or natural disaster that has damaged a data center. An organization needs a disaster recovery plan to develop its resiliency in the face of such disasters. Various parts of its network may need to be more resilient due to regulatory compliance.

Elasticity

Elasticity is an organization’s level of flexibility when responding to business developments. This typically refers to a change in business objectives or conditions, including growth, recession, merger, acquisition, etc. Therefore, a company’s network design must have adequate flexibility in order to fulfill its business requirements and strategic goals. A designer’s comprehension of the overall trends of the organization’s business sector will provide valuable guidance in the design’s features that provide flexibility.

The design of a network must give an organization the flexibility that will allow it to perform integrations with other networks. This will usually be required when mergers and acquisitions take place. It is important to note that during a merger or acquisition, the network may undergo considerable growth during a very brief period. In such circumstances, the most daunting challenge for network designers is having to handle the various design principles, conflicting control plane protocols, and overlaps in IP address spaces of the networks being integrated.

Part 4 will cover “How IT Enables Business Innovation.”

Progressive Office Cabling

Advantages of Upgrading to Structured Cabling – Part 2

15 Jan 2018

Stu Kushner

structured cabling,Network Cabling As discussed in Part 1, point-to-point cabling systems are outdated and companies should strongly consider making the transition to structured cabling to remain competitive. Part 2 will discuss the advantages of upgrading to structured cabling.

The Advantages

Cost Effectiveness – Flexible and scalable, structured cabling can transmit data reliably and more easily handle increasingly large loads. This allows an organization to raise the productivity of its employees, helping to achieve its business goals. Its bottom line is further aided because structured cabling decreases the costs of maintenance and energy consumption.

Decreased Downtime – There is a greater chance of human error when there are several disorganized cabling networks, which result in disruptions and downtime. In contrast, a sound structured cabling system provides greater reliability; in addition, troubleshooting expenses are reduced because problems are easier to identify, find, and repair. Downtime is decreased, business losses are minimized, and a company will be more reliable and profitable.

Future Proofing –Structured cabling provides greater bandwidth and this allows a company to easily expand when its business grows. Having adaptable and scalable IT systems makes a company more competitive when it needs to evolve with its industry. Structured cabling ensures that an organization’s network infrastructure will remain capable of supporting new applications and technologies.

Greater Flexibility – Structured cabling can improve performance levels allowing a business to expand with greater ease. Move, add and change requests can be handled faster and more efficiently. Companies with structured cabling can develop and deploy services much faster because its data center can accommodate network infrastructure modifications more readily.

Maintenance Easier – Structured cabling provides a organizational approach that makes maintaining data centers and networks much more straightforward. In normal business environments, a variety of IT equipment and devices are being used simultaneously. When they are functioning on only one system, this removes the need for several wiring systems to be installed.

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 Office teams get cabling installed and operating as fast as possible while minimizing disruption and downtime. Call our toll free number (800) 614-4560 today.

Challenges and Planning of a Structured Cable System – Part 3

5 Jul 2017

Stu Kushner

structured Cabling, Network Cabling, Washington DC As previously discussed, the transition to IP-based security products and the rapid increase in business applications has resulted in end-users expecting greater video, audio, and data integration. These items require delivery over a standardized structured cable system. The following are the benefits offered by structured cabling for security systems. Part 3 will cover the Challenges and Planning of a Structured Cabling System.

Challenges

Typically, customers exploring the security market are advised that the only method for deploying a new access control system or an IP video surveillance system is through the removal of all current coaxial or UTP cable and then the installation of an entirely new Cat 5/6 structured cabling network.

Another method is much less disruptive and cheaper. It uses existing cable and employs an IP transmission system that is a hybrid. There are numerous hybrid transmission systems available that enable installers to make good use of extended Ethernet and PoE power distances through existing cable.

Planning

An effective, structured cabling system supports all the communication needs of a company with the integrated flexibility that enables users to link to CCTV cameras, VoIP telephones, access control points, and data devices. Planning a security system upgrade will include several crucial considerations as summarized below.

Applications: What will the system accommodate now as far as data, video, voice, and multimedia applications? What emerging technologies will be adapted in the future?

Service Lifetime: The service lifetime of a structured cabling system should be 15 to 20 years because it will be the spine of an organization’s communications network.

Compatibility: The applications that will function on the structured cabling system for the foreseeable future should be compatible with it.

Bandwidth: As bandwidth demand will usually increase because of business growth, a company must consider present and future demand.

Users: For the 15 to 20 year service lifetime of the structured cabling system, the estimated number of users during this period should determine the capacity required.

Modifications: Fiber-optic technologies are being developed rapidly, and the design of a structured cabling network should include flexibility in order to accommodate modifications and additional users.

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 the latest WiFi and LiFi solutions. Phone: (202) 462-4290

Cable Network Trays as Support Systems

12 Jun 2015

Stu Kushner

cable network trays, Data Cabling Cable trays for networks are support systems that can be mounted on walls or hang up from ceilings. The trays are fabricated from aluminum or steel. These come in deepness of 2, 3, 4 and 6 inches. There are also multiple designs like trough (single rail), ladder, basket, and wire-mesh. The single rail is designed either with single or several options.

Types of Trays

The solid bottom trays support delicate cables. On the other hand, the center spine model is made up of a central support mechanism supporting the cable with the tray dangling from rods. This tray is important to the data communications market. The single-rail variety mounted on the wall is similar to center-spine. However, the treads can be found only on one side. Wire way is a system that is fully enclosed and provides no access to cabling inside.

Locations where cabling trays are required as well as cable types these carry have evolved during the last two decades. Cable trays are installed not only in power plants and paper mills but also in government facilities, schools and call centers. Certain manufacturers supply product categories produced for installation with uncommon requirements. For instance, the cable tray should be very robust so it can link a span of 30 feet between support systems. The short span variety supports four to five feet or limited space requirements of newly-installed components. Problems are resolved by using different types of cable trays.

Product Selection

The key to this is careful product selection since a single tray will not fit into all requirements. This offers the perfect solution. The main consideration is there are various instruments in the tool box of cable trays. You only need to match up each application for the ideal solution. Right now, there is an increasing need for big-sized trays so it will be possible to add more able in the future.

Modern installations entail manufactured support systems that can effectively hold both Category 5 and 6 cables. While cable performance becomes more efficient, cable and connector makers are also offering warranties for their performance. Along this line, the appropriate cable tray is needed so that cable performance will not be adversely affected by improper cable management.

What are the Benefits?

Contemporary cable trays have multiple benefits. These include the capacity to carry heavy weights. Installation is also faster and less complicated with reduced fitting time. Fixtures like risers, reducers and bends may be built on site. The applications have also expanded to several sectors such as industrial, infrastructure, commercial, food, and data hubs.

Structured Cabling, Washington DC, New York City

Resolving Vital Issues in Network Cabling

5 Jun 2015

Stu Kushner

Structured Cabling ,Washington DC New York City The quality of information flow is no better than the medium that carries it. This is the cabling network. The structured cabling platform will ensure that information flows efficiently through the cabling system. It consists of transmission tools applied according to standard engineering designs that enable users to transmit voice and data signals.

The controlled cabling system is the foundation and essential investment that provides a common, mutual platform for multiple information technology systems. However, there can be problems and information flow can be obstructed because of an information technology structure that has been designed improperly. Therefore, it is necessary to tackle crucial concerns in structured cabling during the planning stage.

Basics of Riser Cables

6 Mar 2015

Stu Kushner

Structured Cabling,Network Cabling Data Cabling Riser cables were designed for non-plenum vertical applications like between the floors of multi-story buildings. They are also described as backbone cables. These cables serve as the main conduit of a distribution system for data, video or voice. It originates from the point where communications go in through a particular edifice. This cable comprises part of the structure backbone. Other components of this facility are the cable corridors, telecommunications cabinets, equipment rooms, correlated hardware, and support facilities. This cable variety must be fire resistant in accordance with electrical codes. Nonetheless, specifications are not as stringent compared to plenum cables.

Understand its Uses

Riser cables may be used for different forms of data communications which also includes CCTV video access. It is ideal as well for voice communications. One major concern is that requirements vary for each service. Hat is why planning can sometimes be quite complicated. Building managers are often pressed to predict their requirements given limited time and expertise. Quite often they will recommend creating split riser systems for multiple applications which follow parallel routes through the corridors, closets, and equipment areas.

How do you select the medium?

Perhaps, the primary concern is to stay within budget. You can expect system designers to resort to trade-offs in delivering a broad assortment of services within the backbone system. Other factors that may influence their design are the following:

Provide an adaptable medium in relation to supported services

Identify the necessary useful life span of backbone cabling

Consider the technical needs of users

Standards are on hand to serve as a guide in the design of riser cable systems. There are appropriate benchmarks for optical and copper cable backbone structures. Some of the backbone cable categories include:

Copper-shielded and unshielded twisted-pair or UTP cables

Coaxial and twin axial cabling configurations

Single mode and micron multimode optical fibers

Physical locations supporting riser cables take into consideration the telecommunications service entrances and adjacent equipment rooms containing the main cross-connect. This can extend to the telecommunications closets that serve a particular location, intermediate cross-connects that serve a number of telecommunications closets, or horizontal cross-connects for a remote telecommunications closet or just one level of the building. The telecommunications cabinet is the point of interaction between backbone systems and parallel (same floor) wiring.

Riser cable systems in multiple-story buildings need to pass through equivalent closets making use of connecting conduits between the floors. Said design provides each floor access to the backbone and allows circuits to be distributed to all levels. The conduit and sleeves should go higher than the floor level by at least an inch and fitted with fire-stopping material. These should also adhere to electrical codes. The riser or backbone cable system essentially acts as the core of telecommunications infrastructure.

Choosing Plenum Cables for Plenum Space

5 Sep 2014

Stu Kushner

Office Cabling Network Cabling, New York City The plenum space is described as that section of the building that makes possible air movement for HVAC systems. It also provides the space for conduits of heated, conditioned and return air circulation. The distance between the structural ceiling and dropped ceiling tiles is regarded as the plenum space.

The plenum space houses communication cables for telephone and computer networks. However, increasing neglect of cables in plenum areas create a major risk in case of fire.

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