Network Architecture | Progressive Office Cabling

Advantages Of Using Cat6 Cables

22 May 2014

Cat 6 Category 6 or Cat 6 network copper cabling is the preferred infrastructure for Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, and Gigabit Ethernet. It has a maximum performance of 250 MHz, or 500 MHz for the more contemporary Cat6a standard. This type of cabling may be utilized for a maximum distance (end to end) of 100 meters, or 55 meters for the 10 GBASE-T networks. Aside from support for higher performance, Cat6 includes more rigid specifications for crosstalk and system noise. Although Cat6 is anticipated to surpass Cat 5 and Cat 5e cabling soon, all three cable varieties are still widely used for network installations.

Fast and Credible Performance

Most IT experts recognize this type of copper cabling for its speedy network performance due to its ability to deliver gigabit data transmission speeds. It has a parallel structure similar to Cat5 and Cat5e. These copper cables have eight wires coiled as one to form four pairs. The major difference is that one pair of the Cat 6 cable wires does not touch the others, so it can produce twice the transmission capacity of the two other models.

It is also backward compatible. The plug and port of Cat6 cable is the same as the 5 and 5e models. Thus, it can be plugged into any outlet that supports these cables. For instance, you can use the Cat 5 connection for a Cat 6 cable although it will not produce the full speed of the Cat 6 cable.

Resistance to Heat and Flexibility

Copper cables are second to silver in terms of effective conductivity, but among non-precious metals, these wires can cope with a broader load of electricity with less need for insulation. Furthermore, copper cabling has more resistance to heat, which eliminates overloading problems. They are impervious to corrosion despite their shiny surface. Copper is also more pliable, so it can be twisted without the risk of splitting. In fact, copper is used in fabricating thick wires for applications where very thin wires are required. It can also be part of an upgrade if you are looking forward to a more optimal network. Copper Cat5, Cat5e and Cat6 are the industry standards for most small to medium sized offices.

There are certain problems that deserve consideration. Such as copper cabling failure in high-performance wiring systems. Users may also need to contend with poor component performance, such as bad cable segments or connectors that do not comply with specifications. However, these problems are frequently the result of human error. So the choice of copper cabling is still a good one.

Should you upgrade your Cat5 cable to Cat6 or Cat6a?

23 Mar 2014

Stu Kushner

A business decision is approaching. Most companies have Cat5/5e cable in their offices. And it has served well in providing reliable data access to servers, peripherals and the Internet. Cat5/5e runs at speeds up to 1gb (also known as 1000Base-T). Cat6 runs at 10gb but has sorter runs. Whereas Cat5 can have cable lengths of up to 100m, Cat6 maxes out at 55m. This number falls to 37m in a hostile environment. To achieve full 100m cable lengths maximum while minimizing the risks of crosstalk, it is advisable to install Cat6a cable.

Ultimately, this decision is about costs vs. gains. And before a decision can be made, it is critically important to determine if your existing cable infrastructure is running into bottlenecks that cause traffic slowdowns at the desktop for your users. Internet might only needs about 5 - 25mb of bandwidth. But if your office has a lot of workstations and/or a group of users that are utilizing data-intensive publishing or graphic applications, you might need more speed. We have sophisticated network monitoring tools that can determine the traffic across your network. If we determine that you are using all available bandwidth, than your decision will be based on solid information.

Cat6 and Cat6a will boost your network speeds to 10gb/sec. Can you afford to upgrade to Cat6/6a? If the costs justify the expense, please contact us. We will send out one of our top network cabling technicians to analyze your network and determine if this upgrade option is a good idea for your office. And if it is, we will follow up with a proposal all at no cost to your firm.

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

Should we upgrade to Cat6a or to Cat7 cabling?

10 Nov 2023

Stu Kushner

Cat6a is a much more established standard than Cat7. It is easier to install and has less connectivity issues. We are not going to recommend or bid on a Cat7 solution. Cat6a can run at speeds of up to 10-Gigabit so if that is acceptable for the next 10 years, than we recommend Cat 6a or go to fiber.

We were asked to bid on a cabling project that was fairly straight-forward. It involved replacing the existing Cat5e cable with either Cat6a, Cat7 or fiber cable. The site was an open, standard modern office with a drop ceiling and hollow office walls. The client needed 64 single drops to existing faceplates, three new 24-port patch panels and patch cables.

The need for higher speeds by the client was created by a demand for faster access to larger files from the Server. This potential client was involved with heavy drafting and multimedia applications that require more bandwidth through the cabling system. Cat5e yields up to 1000Base-T, 1-Gigabit, data transfer speed.

The challenge is in deciding on which type of cable to use. Cat6a and fiber are very standard solutions. But Cat7 is not at all a standard installation yet (and might not ever be one). The problems with Cat7 are that the cable is very heavy,

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

A Major Change Doesn’t Have to Cause Headaches

17 Jun 2011

Stu Kushner

Network Cabling, Data Cabling, Cat5e Cat6/6a Cabling,VOIP Phone Many small business owners are fearful of making major changes to their office operations due to the fact that the disruption could cause headaches and service issues. When it comes to upgrading to VOIP service from traditional phone service the switch is likely much simpler and stress free than most small business owners would believe.

The old adage, “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it,” may make perfect sense in many situations relating to small business operations but making the switch to VOIP phone service certainly isn’t one of them. Upgrading to voice over internet protocol can be performed quickly and seamlessly and the potential benefits of VOIP make the switch completely worthwhile for any size business.

Upgrading to VOIP phone service in your office eliminates virtually all of the complex equipment that you are required to keep on site for proper operation of your traditional land line service. As this equipment is removed from your office the excessive leasing and maintenance costs are removed as well which results in a substantially smaller monthly phone bill.

VOIP phone service can be implemented into your office environment in as little as fifteen minutes once you’ve got the phones. This means that you won’t lose any precious time communicating with your customers during the transition. Upgrading your current phone system is a virtually hassle free way to enhance your ability to stay in contact with customers and coworkers and to dramatically lower your cost of office operations.

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

Immediate and Long Terms Savings of Upgrading to VOIP

13 Jun 2011

Stu Kushner

Network Cabling ,Data Cabling ,Cat5e, Cat6/6a Cabling,Voip Phone Service You may be experiencing plenty of success with your current business phone system but when you analyze the available information you may realize and even greater opportunity by switching to VOIP phone service. Upgrading your current land line phones to VOIP will provide you with an immediate and noticeable savings on your operating expenses and those savings will continue and grow moving forward.Upgrading

With voice over internet protocol you’ll be able to realize immediate savings on your expenses by

Simplicity Reigns Supreme with VOIP

10 Jun 2011

Stu Kushner

We’ve talked a bit about just how much upgrading your current business phone system to a VOIP phone system can save you in terms of space and complexity of equipment. With voice over internet protocol there is no need for a large closet full of expensive equipment that requires maintenance or that needs expensive additions if you want to upgrade. Small businesses are always looking for ways to simplify procedures and to trim operational costs that won’t interfere with the quality of service that they provide to their customer .

Simplifying Communications with a VOIP Phone System

13 May 2011

Stu Kushner

Office Cabling, Network Cabling,voip communication Traditional business phone systems consist of a tremendous amount of complicated equipment tucked into a communications closet somewhere within your office. If you plan on making upgrades, additions or you just want to grow your business that equipment will likely have to undergo some serious changes that could take valuable time to implement. You are at the mercy of a field technician’s schedule every time a change or upgrade needs to be made to your equipment.

If you are looking for an easier, more efficient and more effective mode of phone communication

Office Network Cabling,Cat6 Cable, Network Patch Cable

Determining Your Office Network Cabling Needs

14 Jan 2011

Stu Kushner

Office Cabling, Network CablingNetwork Patch Cable A faster office is a more productive office right? That means, because you wish your computer equipment to operate at the speed of light, that Cat6 cable is the only way to go – or is it?

Just because you are making upgrades to faster equipment office wide, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll have to invest in Cat6 cable. It’s true that Cat6 has twice the bandwidth of Cat5 and that it is far superior in performance than either Cat5 or Cat5e. Cat6 is also capable of transferring data at a much faster rate, but in most regular office applications Cat5e is more than capable of handling the required workload.

Your new computers, internet service and office communication system may be much faster than the one that you are replacing, but that’s not the only thing to consider when selecting a networking cable. If you aren’t transferring exceedingly large amounts of data or operating virtual PCs, Cat6 cable may be much more cable than you need and cost much more money than you need to spend.

1 2