Structured Cabling,Washington DC New York City

Structured Cabling’s Top Ten Tips

31 Dec 2017

Structured Cabling,Washington DC New York CityStructured cabling that is properly installed can help your business grow by helping to improve its network performance and IT capability. The following will discuss structured cabling’s Top Ten Tips for installing cabling systems.



#1 Cable Labeling


Although cable labeling will slow installation, it will help save lots of time and effort during future repair, reconfiguration, and maintenance tasks.



#2 Cable Testing


Ensure every cable is tested and confirmed to be functioning properly during the installation process. A cable with a nominal performance should not be utilized as it may decrease overall system performance.



#3 Short Patch Cables


Do not use long patch cables when they aren’t required. They are inefficient, look disorganized, and are prone to tangling.



#4 Select Quality Terminations


Avoid purchasing cheap terminating cables because time will be unnecessarily spent on troubleshooting in the future. Select those that are of high quality and terminate properly and rapidly.



#5 Avoid Overheating


Keep in mind that maintaining proper cable temperatures to avoid overheating is crucial for stable and reliable network performance.



#6 Measure 2X, Cut 1X


Precise measurements prior to cutting will minimize damaged and wasted cables during installations.



#7 No Kinky Fiber Cables


As fiber cables have great flexibility, they can kink bend, and knot. These will result in flaws in the fiber cables, negatively affecting performance of the network.



#8 Maximum Cable Length


Do not exceed the maximum length of a cable run, which is typically 100 meters for network cabling systems.



#9 Allow for Expansion


Network cabling systems should always have room for interior expansion. As a business grows, its network should have the room to be able to upgrade or expand.



#10 Qualified Installation Company


In order to ensure that a company’s network cabling system will be properly installed, management must select a qualified installation company and request references.  Their technicians should be BICSI certified and experts in ANSI standards.



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, Data Cabling, cabling tester

Facts about Data Cable Testing

6 May 2015

structured cabling, Data Cabling,  cabling testerTesting always plays a vital role in the process of installing new cables or servicing existing ones. Regular testers for data cabling include length, wire crimper map, attenuation, return loss, and DC loop resistance.



Complex Cabling Needs


Cabling infrastructure requirements have become more complicated. More standards are being developed for cabling professionals in testing and troubleshooting copper and fiber cables. And there are special requirements as well as downsides in the implementation of new  technologies. From 10BASE-T to 100BASE-TX to 1000BASE-T and now to 10GBASE-T. It is now more crucial to keep in step with the most up-to-date techniques in cable testing too. In short, cable testing infuses a higher degree of assurance that installed cable links will attain the preferred transmission capacity for your data communications.



Cabling Tester Categories


Cable testing instruments have been manufactured with unique features for specific tasks. Costs, performance, and applications vary. These depend on the required functions. The three main functions are certification, qualification and verification. Although certain attributes overlap, each category answers a particular testing prerequisite.


Certification facilitates conformity to standards defines by the industry. These are instruments signal a “Pass” or “Fail” towards data testing compliance within standardized industry norms. These testing instruments will find out whether a cable link conforms to a category or class such as Cat6 or Cat5e. It is the last step required by most structured cabling installers towards approval of a new  installation.


Qualification determines if the existing cable is capable of supporting specific network speeds. This special class of testers is supposed to meet the up-and-coming requirements of network technicians who troubleshoot data networks. These testers perform checks to make a decision on whether a present cable link supports the requirements for fast or gigabit Ethernet. With these instruments, network technicians can identify and isolate cabling issues. While Continuity testers do not perform the series of tests set down by these standards and are not  considered certification tools.


Verification makes sure that cabling connections are correct. This type of tool performs a continuity test. It guarantees all wires in the cabling link have been attached properly to termination points at each end. For twisted pair cabling, there is an appropriate pairing of the wires. Such testing tools also confirm wire pairing and find out installation flaws such as split pairs. These can also help in troubleshooting by working with a toner to pinpoint a certain cabling link. These testing tools do not give out any information regarding bandwidth and data integrity.


If you need your cabling tested or certified, contact us!

cable testing, Network Cabling ,Data Cabling

Cable Testing And Certification

12 May 2014

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

cable testing, Network Cabling ,Data Cabling ,cat6-cablingThe 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.