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

Introduction to Network Cabling – Part 2

19 Jun 2017

data Cabling,Fiber optic , installationsAs mentioned in Part 1, cabling utilized for network infrastructure is a crucial aspect of networking, growing in importance as new technologies are introduced. Although wireless technology has made great advancements, existing computer networks are still using cables for transferring data. Part 2 will cover Fiber Optics, USB Cables, and Crossover Cables.



Fiber Optics


In contrast to older wiring, fiber optic network cables utilize strands of glass and pulses of light to carry data. Although composed of glass, these cables can be bent and have proven their utility in wide area network (WAN) installations in office buildings, especially when long distance runs are necessary and a high volume of communication traffic is typical.


The two main fiber optic cable standards are single mode, the 100BaseBX standard, and multimode, the 100BaseSX standard. Due to single mode's higher bandwidth capacity, it is typically used by long distance telecommunications networks. On the other hand, local networks commonly utilize multimode because of its lower cost.



USB Cables


USB (Universal Serial Bus) cables, which feature twisted pair wiring, are typically used to connect a peripheral device, such as a mouse, to a computer. Dongles or special network adapters also permit the indirect connection of an Ethernet cable to a USB port.



Serial & Parallel Cables


As numerous PCs during the 1980s and early 1990s did not have Ethernet capability, along with the fact USB did not yet exist, now obsolete serial and parallel interfaces were occasionally utilized for networking PCs together. As an example, null modem cables connected the serial ports of two PCs, allowing 0.115 to 0.45 Mbps data transfer.



Crossover Cables


A null modem cable belongs in the category of crossover cables because it joins two network devices of the identical type, like two network switches or two PCs. Ethernet crossover cable usage was most commonly found in home networks years ago when two PCs were directly connected. Currently the majority of home networks are equipped with routers featuring crossover capability, making crossover cables unnecessary.



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

Network Cabling, Network , Structured cabling, cable, Washington DC

Network Upgrade Planning for Companies – Part 2

24 Apr 2017

 Network , Structured cabling, cable, Washington DCAs mentioned in Part 1, a good network upgrade plan will make an analysis determining each aspect of SWOT: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats, helping project managers create a clear plan consisting of five phases. Part 1 discussed the first two, Gathering of Requirements and Selection & Design. Part 2 will cover the last three, Implementation, Operation, and Review & Evaluation.



3) Implementation


Proper execution of the first two phases, will allow Implementation to be performed without major issues. However, every neglected task in the first two phases will certainly have to be addressed during Implementation. A sound schedule will provide time for unanticipated problems which will minimize disruptions of the customer’s business. Maintaining communication between project designers and the client throughout installation is crucial for making a project successful.



4) Operation


After the completion of the network implementation phase, the network transitions into a production environment. The network is live and executes the tasks it’s been programmed to perform. The proper completion of all tasks before this phase will minimize unexpected incidents during the network’s operation phase.



5) Review & Evaluation


Once operational, the network’s design and implementation must be studied and assessed in terms of the design’s objectives. Typically, these tasks are performed by design team staff with the help of network members. There will be an evaluation of costs, performance, and environmental fit.



The items below are recommended for this process:



  • Make a comparison between user experience and the documented goals, then make an assessment of the design’s performance.

  • Make a comparison between planned designs and costs and actual results of deployment, ensuring future projects will learn from these lessons.

  • Observe the operation and document all revisions, making sure the system is accountable.


Each phase should practice sound planning and conduct reviews for optimal functioning and successful installation. For ideal results, on-site technicians should participate in all phases of a network upgrade. They will have a better grasp of the project’s goals, and they will able to provide users better service.

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

Network, Data cabling, IT Support

Network Upgrade Planning for Companies – Part 1

12 Apr 2017

Network, Data cabling, IT SupportPlanning the network upgrade for a company requires careful consideration. Similar to other projects, a need is determined, and then the upgrade process is planned from its start to conclusion. Every sound network upgrade plan will make an analysis determining each aspect of SWOT: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. This SWOT analysis will help project managers create a clear plan that defines the tasks required and the order of the workflow.



Overview


A network constructed as a hodgepodge of devices attached using a combination of protocols and technologies is a sign of substandard initial planning. This lack of forethought results in networks that are prone to downtime, challenging maintenance, and difficult troubleshooting. This poor kind of network is commonly found at small businesses that undergo rapid and unanticipated growth. Big companies also experience this when their networks suddenly expand after a merger with or acquisition of another company. In cases where growth is expected, a company will have a better opportunity to properly plan a network upgrade that is less problematic and provide users adequate service.



Five Phases


Network upgrade planning starts after completion of the initial site survey and report. The plan will be typically divided into five phases as listed below, and each will be then discussed individually.




  • Gathering of Requirements

  • Selection & Design

  • Implementation

  • Operation

  • Review & Evaluation


1) Gathering of Requirements


Once adequate data has been gathered from visits to the customer and site, the ISP design team will make an evaluation that will determine network requirements and write an analysis report.



2) Selection & Design


After the completion of the analysis report, equipment consisting of devices and cabling will be selected. Several designs will be drafted by the design team, and these will be submitted to other project members for feedback.


This process with allow participants to consider the LAN from a point of view of documentation and assess trade-offs in terms of cost and performance. In addition, design weaknesses will be discovered and solutions will be considered. Moreover, this phase will allow prototyping to determine optimum methodology. Prototypes let designers see how the network will operate before final implementation.


Part 2 will cover the next three phases, Implementation, Operation, and Review & Evaluation.



Union Network Cabling


When union work requires a unionized cabling group, call on Progressive Office 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 ,Cat5e ,Cat6/6a ,Cabling ,Structured Cabling

Network Infrastructure Planning

28 Jan 2015

What is a network?Full_Network


The network is classified as a group of hardware and software components that connect devices within a company and link that entity to other companies in the world-wide web. The hardware for networking consists of network interface cards, computers, routers, switches, patch panels and cables. Software refers to network services and protocols that facilitate communications. The hardware components should be installed and configured before the software and operating systems are initiated. Network communications serve as the core foundation of the whole system. It makes up the services that build the network’s framework. The key is to determine the infrastructure based on the objectives that you have set so the architecture can scale up as a companies needs grow.



The Operating Systems


Begin by understanding the current setup. This will allow you to establish how to plan for your operational targets and objectives. Draw a full map of the current network. Include these all cabled connections, server information, location of devices in the network, and all of the users.  Complete this inventory first. Then, proceed with reviewing all available information in combination with the future goals. This will enable you to fully understand the required changes needed for deployment.


The operating systems or OS installed on computers make up the primary software components in a cabling infrastructure. The OS contains protocols that facilitate network communications. It also consists of applications and services that secure the data. Conventional features include connectivity, security, control of access, and routing/switching functions. There should an existing network before installing servers to support applications. These consist of file, print, web, messaging, application, and database servers.



Meticulous Planning



  • Document the physical hardware and software components

  • Decide on the actual location of each components.

  • Determine configuration requirements.

  • Buy, assemble and mount the hardware.

  • Install and configure your OS, apps as well as other software.


Be sure to understand the network’s physical design. If there are multiple heavy or data intensive workloads, servers will need more bandwidth and connections to deal with the data traffic. Network resources need to  allocated among the numerous applications which mean that vital applications can affect performance considerably. Planning becomes an integral component of development and should be specific to the business plans.


Keep track of existing workloads and use performance results as a reference. There should be proper tests to determine the performance of your network. Speculation is not advisable because that can cause mistakes and overspending.


As always, Progressive Office is available to assist with project planning. Please call or email us anytime.


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

Unique Properties of Fiber Optic Cabling

30 Dec 2014

Network Cabling ,Data Cabling, Fiber-optic cableFiber optics is capable of resolving many issues in data communications. However, computer data is normally transmitted over ordinary copper cables because it's adequate at lower speeds and shorter distances. It is not advisable to utilize fiber cable in these ordinary instances because of the high costs.


Fiber is impervious to electromagnetic interference because the signals are transmitted as light impulses. That means that Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) is not possible. Light waves are not effected by magnetism. This type of impediment can happen in coaxial and Cat5/6 cables because electricity can interfere with data signals over copper wires. Magnetic fields produce electrical current and this electromagnetic Interference is noise that can scramble data.


Fiber optic cabling also is much better at providing security of data since electromagnetic fields are not emitted around optical fibers. The data is restricted within the structure of the cable making it impossible to tap signals being communicated without cutting across the fiber. Emissions can not be easily intercepted. Hence, the fiber is by far most secure channel for carrying sensitive data.


Fiber is also a “non-conductive cable” because there is no metal in its design. It's a highly purified glass fiber.  While copper is a conductive cable that can attract power surges and unwanted current. With fiber, outdoor varieties are costly because these call for special strength. Therefore, fiber optic cable is usually more cost-effective for indoor use. With copper, it is also important to get rid of the current commonly known as ground loop. The metal cable can run into signal transmission distortions due to slight transmissions in electricity.


Fiber optics also does away with threats coming from sparks. The transmission of signals can be hazardous because of this phenomenon. Although the spark itself is not dangerous, it can lead to greater problems especially in industrial and chemical plants where the air is polluted by possibly dangerous vapors. Fiber cable does not generate sparks because it carries no electrical current.


Installation of fiber is less difficult because of its small size and flexibility. And fiber optic cables can pass along the same route as electric cable without producing any noise. The size, lightness and elasticity of fiber optic cables also makes them suitable for short-term or portable installations. And they transmit signals over longer distances too. Amplifying the transmission capability of copper wire cables makes them more unyielding. Thicker copper cables are also hard to mount in spaces where the cables have to pass through cable conduits and concrete walls.


Fiber optic means higher bandwidth too. It has the capability to transmit high-speed signals over lengthy distances without repeaters, unlike copper cables. The fiber optic’s range is not infinite but it is way more than copper cable.


If you need help in figuring out the ideal cabling topology, contact us or call 202-462-4290 for a free on-site survey and proposal.



 
Network Cabling Data Cabling

Fundamentals of Structured Cabling Systems

15 Nov 2014

structured cabling,  Network Cabling, Data CablingThe structured cabling system is a comprehensive structure of wiring and the related hardware involved. This system ensures a complete and reliable telecommunications infrastructure. This network has several  but mostly for providing telephone services or conveyance of data over a  computer network. This type of cabling system also connects to the internet at the demarcation point.



A quality structured cabling installation has these common elements:



  • It must fir the architectural configuration of the building that hosts  cabling installation

  • It made up of cable and connection fixtures

  • It connects equipment that cabling is setup to support

  • Can be designed to enable retrofitting and upgrading

  • Meets the objectives and requirements of the business

  • Is backed by a guarantee by the manufacturer and the installer


As installers, we use standardized techniques in the completion and upkeep of cabling systems. This is important to guarantee satisfactory system performance on a technically complicated infrastructure. The benefits of adhering to these standards are that they insure stability of connectivity after setup.



 Structured cabling installations may include:



  • Entrance facilities

  • Perpendicular and horizontal backbone conduits or cables

  • Horizontal lanes

  • Work area facilities

  • Equipment areas

  • Telecommunications racks and cabinets


A cabling connector refers to the mechanical device used in connecting a cable to a device or from one cable to another. The connector provides the coupling device that can minimize losses.  For fiber, it permits light signals to move from one connector to another. On the other hand, copper enables electrical impulses to be conveyed. It is important to properly align these  connectors to prevent connectivity breaks. Likewise, it should insure the efficient transmission of data. Connectors are crucial to the reliability of the total telecommunications network.


There are six subsystems in the structured platform. These are entrance facilities, equipment rooms, backbone cabling, telecommunication rooms and enclosures, the cabling, and the work area.  The first consists of cables, network boundary, hardware for connection, security devices, and equipment attached to the network cabling. Backbone cabling consists of subsystems that provide inter-connection between telecommunication, network equipment and access facilities.  Quite often these are the higher speed cabling components such as Cat6 and fiber that connect among the switches of an office.


Horizontal cabling connects from the desktops and phones to the telecommunications rooms and enclosures. The maximum horizontal cable length should be at no more than 100 meters. These desktop components extend out from the wall plate connection end of the horizontal cabling system to the equipment in the wall closet.


Call us if you need troubleshooting or if you have a need for cabling at your office due to expansion or relocation of your firm. We do free on-site surveys and quotes.

network cabling,cat6 cable

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Cat6 cabling?

7 Nov 2014

network cabling,cat6 cableAs the price of Cat6 cable has come down, the answer is yes. You get 500% more speed for about a 25% higher price. Unless you really just don't need more speed, go with Cat6.


Category6 or Cat6 cables have established standards for the Gigabit Ethernet. This variety is backward compatible with Category 5 and 5e as well as Category 3 cable. Cat6 facilitates computer networks by providing high-speed data transfer rates. Performance can be described as optimal if other components within the network are also running at gigabit speeds.



What are the upsides?


Cat6 is fast. It has the capability to handle maximum speed performance of 250 MHZ. The network includes Gigabit Ethernet along with 10-Gigabit Ethernet. With complementary routers, interface cards, switches, and patch panels a complete gigabit network is possible. Information Technology professionals are aware that Cat6 cable provides exceptionally fast network performance and gigabit speeds.


The composition is similar to Cat5 Cable. There are eight wires which are coiled together forming four pairs. With Cat6, each pair of wires is designed to be insulated from the others so it can produce twice the communications capacity of Cat5 and Cat5e. Cat6 cables plugs and ports are compatible to Cat5 and Cat5e. It may not have the same maximum speed of the computer cable but it will still function.


You can upgrade to Cat6 cable if your current network is not performing at a productive speed in retrieving and saving your data files. Even small enterprises are now thinking of installing this model because it is fast emerging as the industry standard.


However,  Cat6 cable is  more expensive. It will surely be a waste of resources in cases where greater data speeds are not needed. That is why some users opt for Cat5e which is less expensive while still providing splendid performance.


At the same time, you are not guaranteed 100 percent full speed. Sometimes, there is a misconception that purchasing a Cat6 cable will offer users the whole gigabit bandwidth on your network. The truth is Cat6 cable will only generate full speeds if all of the components in the network can function at gigabit speed. In case a single part (network card, patch panel, switch or connector) is not gigabit rated, the network may work at the slowest speed of the slowest component device.


You might be persuaded to buy Cat6 without really understanding if it will really produce the desired impact on the network. This is why it is essential to learn everything about the product before you make a decision.


Call us at 202-462-4290 before you decide so that you can get a free on-site analysis that will pinpoint your network cabling needs.


 
Network Cabling,data cabling,,DC

Network Cabling Issues

4 Jan 2013

Cat5 ,Cat6 ,lan cableGiven that labor costs for installation are much higher than the material cost for cable; your first requirement is to use the highest grade cable available. Cat5e is the most common, but Cat6 is becoming the standard as it is rated for a higher frequency signal, a somewhat higher cable quality, and has tighter specifications for noise and crosstalk. Both Cat5e  and Cat6 can handle gigabit speeds.


Both Cat5e and Cat6 use 10BaseT “twisted-pair” cabling, because it is ideal for either small, medium, or large networks that need flexibility and the capacity to expand as the number of network users grow.  In a twisted-pair network, each PC has a twisted-pair cable that runs to a centralized hub. Twisted-pair is generally more reliable than thin coax networks because the hub is capable of correcting data errors and improving the network's overall transmission speed and reliability. Also known as “up linking” hubs, they can be chained together for even greater expansion.


Should you install the cabling yourself, or hire a contractor? The smaller the office network, the more tempting it is to install cabling in-house. While this will save installation costs, it is important to be sure that all the cabling is installed and tested to professional standards. If your network encompasses multiple rooms-and/or floors, then hiring a professional cable installer that has experience with data communications networks is the safest and most practical route.  General electricians may not be familiar with all the requirements. Experienced cable installers such as Progressive Cabling will know the right grades of cables and connectors and have the knowledge and equipment to install and test a cabling system.

Network cabling,Office Cabling in DC

Upgrading or Adding to Your Network – Progressive Office can Help

12 Jan 2011

Office Cabling in DCThere could be any number of reasons that your voice and data system may be changing.  You might be adding more PCs or phone lines; adding a dedicated server to store critical data or adding scanners or printers to more adequately serve customer needs.


In order to ensure a seamless transition into your larger, upgraded network there’s a very good chance that you’ll need upgrades or

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