electronic engineering | Progressive Office Cabling

Are you Ready for 2gb Internet?

13 Jun 2015

Your city might be poised for a dramatic increase in Internet speed into your office. Right now, you might have DSL Internet running on Cat5e cable at speeds of up to 25 - 30mb. But 2gb Internet is coming. New high-speed fiber optic networks are being built that will bring 2gb Internet to your office's network. It's coming.

So, are you ready for it?

The answer to that question lies primarily in the cabling that exists in your office. Most offices in the US have Cat5e cabling. Cat5e is not even fully capable of handling 1gb speeds and will likely create speed issues at the desktop as users demand more bandwidth from advanced online and desktop applications. Cat5 cable is even slower. So, you will first need to figure out what kind of cable you have. The best way to do this is to look at the cable. Go to you wall closet or server room and look behind the patch panel. The patch panel looks like this.

And behind the panel is a bundle of cables. These cables have writing on them that describe the type of cable.That might look like this.

You should be able to see printed right on the cable the words "CATEGORY 5" or "CATEGORY 5E". If it says, "CATEGORY 6" or "CATEGORY 6A" than you are fine. Otherwise, you have cable that will not fully support 2gb Internet speeds into your office. Cat6/6A cabling is designed for 2gb and higher throughputs of data.

But getting ready for 2gb Internet is not just about the cable. You need the right cable and you also need the Cat6 compatible connectors, patch panels and a faster switch too. So, now you have a big decision to make.

The Big Decision

What should you do? Recabling an office is a big deal. It's disruptive and it's expensive. But, wait. Is it really such a big expense and does it need to be disruptive? The cost of installing Cat6 cabling in an office is about $175 - $250 per drop. Each computer will need one drop. And you might have a few printers on your network too. So, the cost is about the same as a cheap computer monitor. And the boost in productivity will go on for many years to come.

Will it be disruptive? We can install new cabling in parallel to your existing network at night and on weekends. The switch-over is a weekend job too. Then we finish up by pulling out all of the old cable. That's called demolition. It might get a little dusty. But our team will do it's best to keep things as tidy as possible.

So, are you ready for 1gb Internet? If the service is available and you want a free on-site survey, contact us. We will be happy to come by and look at your office and prepare a Proposal for you at no charge and no obligation. If you aren't sure about the availability of 1gb Internet, contact us and we will find out for you.

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

Reviewing Tools for Cabling Installation

30 May 2015

Stu Kushner

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

Stu Kushner

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

Patch Cables and Twisted Pair Cabling

21 Mar 2015

Stu Kushner

The patch cable is used to link up two network devices. This type of cabling is usually a Cat6 or a Cat5e cable tha Cat5e ,Cat6/6a Cabling,patch cables t connects personal computers to the wall plate or provides the short interconnects among the switches, routers and the patch panels in the wall closet or Server Room. These make use of stranded wires instead of solid to increase flexibility. It also lessens the risk of cracking when you unplug the cable. There is also a variety of Ethernet patch called the crossover cable. It is used to hook up two PCs together and sometimes to interconnect switches.

Ethernet Systems

Ethernet systems ensure adaptable and economical methods of conveying voice, data, and multimedia over integrated networks. In fact, Ethernet patch cords have become very common. These wall to wall cables gave rise to the growth of generic and structured cabling systems. Today, these are used practically for all networking components regardless of industry or application. However, there are concerns that you need to consider. Whereas modular attributes and profusion of patch cables denote absolute universal use, there are differences that can reduce interchangeability. Some of the disparities originate from various wiring configurations of cable conductors and connector pins.

Twister Pair Cables

For this type of cabling, two conductors are coiled to prevent electromagnetic interference (commonly known as EMI) that comes from external (usually electrical) sources. One example is the electromagnetic radiation caused by uncovered twisted pair cables or UTP as well as cross talk produced by adjacent electrical wires. The process of shielding generates a conductive barrier to lessen these electromagnetic waves. It also creates a conduit for conduction so that currents and data can traverse freely. Shielding can be applied on individual pairs or as a group of pairs.

Twisted conductor pairs form a secure circuit. The voltages carry the same magnitude or amplitude. However, one is positive while the other is negative. Incidentally, crosstalk takes place if the electromagnetic field turns out a signal that is too big or strong and intereferes with a nearby pair. The sound is like a fusion of the two fields by means of a swap of the energy between them. Certain components of these signals are passed on to each other during this exchange of energy.

As a result, here is an ensuing increase in the level of “noise”. External sources of EMI and RFI create signal interference in a similar manner. These cause distortion of the signals that go to your office and communications equipment.

Overall, these are the things that you should take into account with regards to twisted and patch cabling.

Please feel free to contact us if you need help with your office cabling project!

Cabling Tips for Security Cameras

11 Nov 2023

Stu Kushner

Cabling is definitely not the showy part of any security system. Nevertheless, it is an essential component of the system. It may seem complicated. There are many considerations in choosing and installing cables to ensure that the security system functions properly. Cables basically provide power for camera installation and transmit signals going back to the digital video recorder (DVR).

Deciding on the Perfect Cabling

Find out whether the system is analog (alternating current frequency has been modified) or digital (electronic technology). Then, you can figure out the proper cable for installation of your security cameras. Or simply refer to the manufacturing specs on the camera system.

The second step is to determine if your camera is powered remotely or connected to a nearby power outlet. It may be necessary to combine power and video cables. Security power and video cables can run next to each other or within one cable jacket. This makes installation easier by pulling one instead of two separate wires.

Make sure to test the cable before you install the CCTV. Examine each cable at the DVR position just to make sure that the cables are working prior to installation.

Cabling Guidelines

Quite often security cameras require coaxial cables to send video from the camera to your recorder. With the RG59 type of coax cable, it is possible to position the camera up to 600 feet away. The RG6 coax cable, on the other hand, may be extended up to 1,000 feet. Cut the cable according to your preferred length but leave an extra service loop of 10 – 20 feet for future flexibility.

What are the steps to follow?

Make the necessary BNC connection on the cable. This is a small quick round connector primarily for coaxial cables.

Plug one end of the BNC cable to the camera and the other to your DVR.

Strip the shield of the power cable to expose the black and red wires. Then, remove the jacket (at least ¼ inch) from each wire.

Put the wires inside the terminal block at the end of the female power wire plait. It should be red on red wires and black on black wires. Tighten screws on the terminals. Plug the camera into the fitting at the side of the braid.

Attach wires directly to the positive and negative leads respectively in the power box. Red wire is for positive while black is for negative. This is applicable if you will connect the camera to a multiple camera power supply unit.

In case you will attach the camera to a single power unit, connect the male power wire braid as well as power supply to the tip of the tress.

Now, the installation is complete and you are ready to use the system.

Essential Facts About Cabling System

14 Dec 2014

Stu Kushner

Network cabling, NetworkTopologies. Your office cabling system is costly and complicated investment. It's also a commitment to an office design and structure that is not easy to modify. If you add more workstations later, new cabling might be needed.

Most offices have a structured cabling topology that hardwires the cables from wallplate to patch panel. With this system, modifications are less likely because the initial installaiont includes a planning process that should anticipate some expansion. By pre-wiring potential locations in an existing or newly-constructed building, future moves, additions or alterations are avoided. You can just transfer patched cables in the wiring closet. Also, it is critical to number the wallplates to match the corresponding patch panel number. This will make it much easier to relocate a workstation or to troubleshoot a connectivity problem.

There are several sub-systems to consider:

The Demark refers to the point where the Internet Service Provider's (ISP) data line comes to an end and hooks up with the cabling in the building.

The equipment room serves as storage for all apparatus and wiring integration points.

Backbone cabling are high-speed cables (typically Cat6 or fiber) that connect various floors or wall closets.

The horizontal cabling for links up the network space to individual wallplates. These are done through conduits and ceiling spaces on every level.

The telecommunications enclosures are wall or floor mounted cages that hold the network equipment; primarily the patch panels ands switches but also sometimes the server and Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) too.

Installation and design of structured cabling is regulated by standards that identify the following:

Network data switches

Offices layout for voice & data communications for Cat5e or Cat6 cable

Fiber Optic cables for backbones

Modular connectors at the wallplate

These components will guide the layout of cables in order to fulfill the data access requirements of your office. All of the cables start at the patch panel on a mounted rack (about 19 inches wide) in the wall closet. From there, they traverse through the drop ceiling and down the walls to individual wallplates. Quite often a wallplate will host 2 or more connections. At the wallplate a short patch cable, usually 7 to 14 feet in length wil connect the computer, phone, printer or other networked device.

All cabling standards require that all of the eight conductors in Cat5, Cat5e and Cat6 cables are inter-connected in a precise color-coded pattern. The network cable connects each device but some devices can share a single cable. This is true for VoIP phones. Most VoIP phones have a jack for the network cable and then a jack on the phone for connecting the computer. This pass-thru enables the two devices to share one connection.

Handling Cat5/Cat5e Cabling

19 Nov 2014

Stu Kushner

cat 5e,Network cabling, cables, Atlanta GA Information Technology specialists have to choose the kind of cable to utilize for their networks. Cat5 has been one of the main choices for decades. This is because Cat5 supports 10/100 Ethernet which includes Fast Ethernet. In recent years, Cat5e has become the dominant choice for new cabling projects. And Cat5e cable is also backwards compatible. Your computers, phone and other network devices will work on Cat5e cable.

One handling issue is the electrical interference

Fundamentals of Structured Cabling Systems

15 Nov 2014

Stu Kushner

structured cabling, Network Cabling, Data Cabling The 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.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Cat6 cabling?

7 Nov 2014

Stu Kushner

network cabling,cat6 cable As 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.

Distinguishing between Cat5 and Cat6 Network Cables

12 Jun 2014

Stu Kushner

Network cables connect and transmit information between personal computers, storage area networks and routers. You can now find various models of cables. Your choice may depend on configuration and topology of the system’s architecture. The most common variety is known as twisted pair cable in local area networks. Numerous Ethernet networks use this type of cable. It is composed of four pairs of fine wires or conductors. Each pair is entwined several times to prevent obstruction from other cables and devices.

The CAT5 or Category5 is an example of twisted pair cable

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