Data Cabling,Structured Cabling, Cabling Design-Washington DC

Modern Cabling System Design Trends – Part 1

5 Aug 2017

Data Cabling,Structured Cabling,Washington DC The most significant trend in IT (information technology) is the greater reliance of organizations on high-performance data communications (datacom) cabling. Industry leaders are reporting more than 50% of their market is for data and communications applications. Consequently, their research and development is concentrating on the development of new products and system enhancements.



Objectives of System Design


IT is accelerating rapidly, and people are using it in ways and in areas that only became possible recently. Modern system design aims for maximizing communications capability and flexibility even in limited spaces that emphasize openness and visibility. As a result, the connections between workstations and datacom networks have grown in importance.


Various cable and wire management systems can be used for the management, organization, protection, and connection of cabling infrastructure. These systems allow communication, collaboration, and the flexibility to adapt to the evolving needs of businesses and their workspaces. Five systems are discussed below.



Open Space


Precisely positioned within an open space to allow power and datacom feeds into modular office furniture, poke-through devices can feature audio, video, and control connectors, along with active modules.



Overhead


Flexible and allowing accessibility in drop and open-ceiling applications, overhead systems utilize cable trays that are available in various styles, such as center spine, wire mesh, ladder, and solid bottom.



Perimeter


Easily accessible, expandable, and configurable, perimeter systems are capable of securely routing wiring and cabling along walls. They are primarily used for offices, classrooms, training centers, and conference rooms, offices, classrooms, and training centers.



Tabletop Modular Outlet (TMO)


TMO centers allow easy accessibility to datacom and power on task tables, desktops, study carrels, and lecterns. Their two main styles are recessed and pop-up, linking networked and portable computing.



Vertical Distribution


Visually attractive, vertical distribution units deliver datacom and power from ceilings directly to workstations. Absent the clutter of service poles, they conceal wiring and cabling in an aesthetically pleasing way.


Part 2 will cover High Performance Cabling and Aesthetics of Cabling.



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 Cabling,Washington DC New York City

Structured Cabling Benefits for Security Systems – Part 2

29 Jul 2017

Structured Cabling,Cat5e Cat6/6a CablingAs discussed in Part 1, the transition to IP-based security products along with 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.



Standardization


The infrastructure of a structured cabling system utilizes the same cabling for conveying all forms of data. This enables the standardization of Ethernet, VoIP, CCTV, access control, along with all other data and communications systems. Standardization allows a structured cabling system to function with numerous systems and protocols in the present and during the service life of the permanent links installed.



Reliable


A structured cabling system will be able to support equipment from multiple vendors, allowing the support of hardware and applications during expansion and switching to other vendors. This capability makes a cable system more reliable because it helps avoid having to reconfigure or replace cabling during technological upgrades or the addition of new devices.



Flexible


Re-configurations involving transferring equipment such as a computer, CCTV camera, or a VoIP phone to another area are made easier by a structured cabling system, which provides the spine for plug and play applications. The shift to TCP/IP, IEE802 packet data transmission enables agile networks that are capable of communication, opening the gateway to numerous purposed integrated systems.



Simpler Fault Diagnosis


Troubleshooting is made quicker and easier by structured cabling because of its segmented design, preventing a single point of failure that could crash an entire network. For the most part, fault diagnosis can be easily accomplished by a certified structured cabling tester, a device which can rapidly identify problems inside a cabling system.



Reusable Cabling


The instances of having to buy and pull new cable are significantly decreased, allowing a company to maximize its existing cabling infrastructure and save money. Structured cable also minimizes disruptions and downtime events because less cabling leaves more building area functional.



Future Proofing


Future installations of applications like CCTV, access control, multimedia, video conferencing, etc. will probably not experience upgrade issues, making structured cabling a worthwhile investment for the foundation and future of a company.


Part 3 will cover the Challenges and Planning of a Structured Cable System.



Network Cabling


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

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

Security Aspects of Structured Cabling – Part 1

11 Jul 2017
 

structured Cable Management/ BlogCabling system designed for the purpose of security have hardly changed the last decade and a half. Delivering video images and access control data to a control room utilizing standard transmission technology is basic and familiar. What has recently changed is the transition to IP-based security products and the rapid increase in business applications, resulting in end-users expecting a greater video, audio, and data integration. All of these items require delivery over one standardized structured cable system.


As opposed to traditional video and access control systems, voice and data communications cabling systems have had numerous transformations. Functioning on structured cable systems, data networks have shifted from the pioneering 1980s proprietary cabling to standards-based cabling using optical fiber and balanced twisted pair. This has resulted in greater transmission speeds and significantly increased network bandwidth. These two elements allow a security installer to achieve integration that is demanded by clients for CCTV, access control, and other applications. Through the adoption of standardized structured cabling, installers will be able to access new streams of revenue and provide tangible benefits to users by unifying all of their systems within one cabling infrastructure.


This change in the utilization and deployment of structured cabling systems was recognized by ANSI/TIA-862-B “Structured Cabling Infrastructure Standard for Intelligent Building Systems”, which was developed by the TIA TR-42.1 Commercial Building Cabling Subcommittee and released February 2016. This standard features the requirements of several standard and developing systems that are able to use the existing cabling of buildings. It also includes Distributed Building Services that do not utilize a building’s infrastructure cabling because of application, connector, historic, and topographic limitations.


A company’s network infrastructure is crucial in the distribution of information using electronic media, including CCTV, access control, data, and voice. Functioning over a structured cabling system, this distribution network is developed for the perpetual flow of data, featuring redundancy at the heart.  Installed with centralized topology, this enabled the most facile sharing of resources achievable, along with the greatest flexibility and expandability possible.


Part 2 will cover Structured Cabling Benefits for Your Business.



Network Cabling


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

structured cabling,Network Cabling,Washinton DC

Challenges and Planning of a Structured Cable System – Part 3

5 Jul 2017

structured Cabling, Network Cabling, Washington DCAs 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

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

Data Cabling,Structured Cabling, Cabling Design-Washington DC

Structured Cabling Benefits for Your Business

28 Apr 2017

Structured cabling, cable, Washington DCThe structuring of cabling will result in better organization and easier management of the cables. If you are a building manager or business owner, you may already know a bit about structured cabling. You may be currently thinking about its installation in your premises. In the most basic terms, structured cabling allows for several devices like computers and telephones to be connected via a cabling system infrastructure. The following discusses several benefits of structured cabling for a facility or office. Consult with experienced structured cabling professionals to get the best results.



Adaptability


Structured cabling is technology that allows business managers to plan and prepare for the future, making its implementation a valuable investment. Structured cabling that installs a newer cable such as Cat 6 will provide adequate bandwidth, making it viable for an extended period as a business’ IT needs gradually expand. The high bandwidth of a structured cabling system will also give a business the increased ability to adapt newer applications, devices, and technologies.



Diagnosis and Repairs Made Easier


Whenever issues occur on multiple, disorganized cabling systems, determining the source of the problems will be difficult. Although structured cabling is a unified system, it is organized in segments, making it much easier for technicians to locate malfunctions and repair them.



Flexibility at Lower Costs


The people, equipment, and offices of an organization are not static. Businesses evolve and restructure as time passes. Employees of a department may have to move to another area. The entire area of an office may also need renovation. Typically, changes like these grind business to a halt, hurting the bottom line. However, a structured cabling system allows a company’s staff to move to another part of an office, connect, resume working, and remain productive without missing a beat.



Networking


Employees will also be able to connect their devices into any outlet of a structured cabling system as opposed to a particular wire, promoting flexibility and productivity. In addition, a structured cable system will be able to convey data in multiple forms, allowing staff on a network to connect with other computers, servers, printers, and telephones.



Simplified Management


One of the greatest advantages of a structured cabling system is the elimination of disorganized and unsightly wires. The replacement of a configuration using multiple cabling with a structured cabling system will result in easier and less costly management by technicians as they will save time on repairs and restructurings.



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, Washington DC, New York City

Resolving Vital Issues in Network Cabling

5 Jun 2015

Structured Cabling ,Washington DC New York CityThe 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.

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Network Cabling ,Data Cabling, Cat5e ,Cat6/6a Cabling

Reviewing Tools for Cabling Installation

30 May 2015

Network Cabling, Data Cabling, Cat5e,Cat6/6a CablingCabling installation requires a lot of expertise. This is important due to the complexity of networks cables for data and communication services.  There are tools installers use to install and test cables. Some of the instruments include carts and caddies.



Basic Implements


Network carts and caddies hold cable spools for easier pulling. Reels can be set up on the wire cart which can hold 500 and 1000 foot reels. Cables are mounted on bars that slip through bored holes on the mounting framework. The cart contains a large, wide base that prevents tipping when you pull the cable.  Wire caddies secure smaller cable spools which come in lengths of 500 feet or less. And it has dividers that prevent the wires from becoming crisscrossed and twisteded.



Termination Tools


The appropriate termination tool increases productivity. It allows installation and termination of Cat5e and Cat6 jacks onto the connectors on a patch panel.


This "punch down tool" ensures accuracy and consistency. There are three categories: manual, impact and multi-wire. Cable installers can opt for a manual but most consider the impact tool to be the best option.


The fundamental impact instrument is fitted with a spring-loaded head which can be triggered by the installer. Not much force is needed. The spring is released automatically after being compressed. Modern multi-wire tools like the Jack Rapid punch down tool can terminate jacks eight times faster.


You can use several interchangeable blades for various impact tools. However, this depends on your cabling system. The advantages of this tool are its speed, user-friendliness and uniformity of termination. Sophisticated models consist of fixed blades that cut off leftover wire instantly instead of having to use wire cutters. These new products include a handle that is easy to hold, a disposable blade head and fixed band that holds the jack in place.



Other Useful Tools


You might need professional shears to ensure a quick, clean, and accurate cut.  Each job requires cutting of cables and trimming of excess wires.  A premium cable stripper guarantees immediate and hassle-free elimination of exterior insulation from multi-core cables, unshielded twisted as well as shielded twisted pairs. The flexible depth gauge will give better results.  Refrain from using pocket knives or ordinary scissors because you will probably end up damaging the cable. Other functional tools for cable installation are can wrenches for demarcation point boxes; crimping pliers; knives for splicing cables; voltage detectors; modular plug crimpers for telephones; and, probe picks to detect loose or broken connections.


But if you prefer to have a profession all do it all for you, contact us!

structured cabling, Data Cabling ,Cat5e, Cat6/6a Cabling

Powerful Networks in Structured Cabling

16 May 2015

structured cabling, Data Cabling ,Cat5e, Cat6/6a CablingIt is known that structured cabling systems are fabricated to guarantee that information flows efficiently through the network. Such system are made up of transmission products installed based on appropriate guidelines in engineering design. These enable users to put into operation voice and data systems that capitalizes on speed.


This particular configuration has emerged as shared platform for multiple information technology applications. These include voice and data, building automation, security mechanisms, telecommunications conferencing, and fire alarms. This union transformed the structured cabling platform into the most essential network element. Therefore, it calls for a crucial investment in a very reliable, adaptable and scalable cabling structure.



High-performance Networks


This efficient and complex cabling scheme segregates the whole infrastructure into controllable blocks. After that, it puts them together to come up with a high-performance network. This end product is the vital link for many enterprises and all data hubs. Such a system facilitates consistency across the network particularly for commercial building structures. Consistency generates cost-effectiveness by standardizing maintenance processes, cutting down on manpower requirements, and improving reliability.


The “structured” design makes possible easy management by identifying specific distribution points, regular labeling and color codes, cabling management, and distribution techniques. As a rule, data facility managers use dynamic methodologies to fill the center with information technology equipment. This accommodates the evolving needs of business operations which frequently compel the need for the most modern IT equipment. Since companies rely on equipment as well as infrastructure, management believes requirements for additional IT capability should be made promptly. If the infrastructure is below par, upgrades will be much more difficult.



Crucial Concerns


The best IT specialists see to it that problems in structured cabling systems are dealt with immediately. One of the primary concerns is to employ highly competent service providers and coordinate entry points/space for each provider. This procedure enhances flaw tolerance of the overall system design. The high-performance model supports aggregate telecommunications requirements and thereby leads to a maximum returns on investments.


Centralized Intermediate Distribution Frames (IDFs) should be in centralized locations in the office facility. This will produce efficient cable management and will ease the addition of new equipment. This design technique has been adopted to avoid any disruption of the data unit or minimized once changes or upgrades are implemented. Telecommunications rooms contain the IDFs, main distribution frames and entrance facilities. Switches are installed in the middle of server rows for economical management.


Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your office network cabling.

Directions in Telecommunications and Cabling

3 Apr 2015

Data Cabling ,Network cabling, DCThe telecommunications industry continues to advance. And bandwidth demands will continue to increase. Meanwhile, conditions to convey considerable amounts of information quickly are changing. Applications including graphic information, technical modeling, video conferencing, and multi-level online databases will certainly increase bandwidth requisites. The bottom line is demand for higher transfer speed for information is expected to rise.



Properties for Cabling Systems


Two principal properties needed for cabling systems are performance and easy installation. Fiber and shielded twisted-pair provide stronger signals compared to Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) although these two lagging in client acceptance. The question is will UTP provide the appropriate bandwidth for modern applications?



Unshielded Twisted Pair


UTP is considered the most prevalent cable worldwide for telecommunications and networking. Cat 5e is the most popular and it long ago replaced coaxial cable which failed to keep up with more dependable and faster networks. UTP is also easy to install, develop and troubleshoot. Unshielded Twisted Pair cabling does not have any foil covering. It depends on twisted pairs inside the cable to prevent electromagnetic interference. UTP is used extensively for local area networking and comparable cabling configurations. Hence, installation is easier and less expensive.



Shielded Twisted Pair


Shielded twisted Pair (STP) features a metallic foil enclosing twisted wire pairs inside the cable. This is the safeguard against electromagnetic intervention which facilitates rapid data transmission. STP functions by drawing electromagnetic interference and counterbalancing this with grounded cabling. The drawback is that if the cable is not grounded correctly it loses the capacity to prevent unnecessary noise. STP is also larger and more sensitive compared to UTP cables. Expert cable installers use this cabling for industrial environments where adjacent equipment emit significant amounts of elctron-magnetic interference (EMI). Actually, UTP and STP can perform well if installed and maintained by efficient cabling providers.



Transmission is Essential


Transmission should be balanced. This is the standard for conduction of data using twisted cabling pairs. Separate protection for balanced twisted pairs is designed to enhance resistance and emission of the communication lines. The shielding method produces a conductive barrier that lessens these electromagnetic waves. It also creates a conduit for conduction so that currents and can pass data through without any obstruction. Shielding can be performed on individual pairs or as one set of pairs.


Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns or if you need a free quote on your cabling project.