Structured Cabling Fundamentals for Businesses – Part 2
Structured Cabling Fundamentals for Businesses – Part 1
10 Trending Reasons for Upgrading Network Cabling
Expert professional providers of network cabling are attuned to the current trends regarding the needs of their customers. They have noted that their clients are becoming increasingly motivated to upgrade network cabling because of the rapid growth of data and its business usage. The following is a list of their 10 trending reasons for upgrading network cabling in 2019.
- Access Control & Time and Attendance – Increasingly, these two systems are network connected. The ability to monitor people on premises from a central location enhances safety and security.
- CCTV Upgrades – IP CCTV systems are becoming the standard, and are connected to a network to allow both internal and external communications.
- Consolidation – Transferring staff or networked machinery from several facilities to one location may require more network outlets.
- Display Screens – Efficiently distributing informational video to staff, clients, customers, and partners will mean display screens require network connectivity.
- Expansion – May result in a growing number of employees or networked machinery, requiring more network outlets.
- Inventory Control – Stock management is usually performed with barcode scanners connected to servers via Wi-Fi. Thus, wireless access points require connectivity to network outlets.
- Reliability & Performance Problems – Improper installation of existing cabling systems may require a comprehensive network upgrade supported by documentation or certification to cope with the exponential growth of data and to remain competitive.
- SIP Phone System Upgrade – More network outlets are usually necessary to provide connectivity to the new phones. Frequently, savings from the SIP installation can cover the infrastructure upgrade costs.
- Tooling & Machinery Upgrades – New plant equipment will typically be “smart” and require network connectivity, which may require more network outlets in close proximity.
- Wi-Fi Upgrade – The rapid growth of wireless devices for business use will require faster Wi-Fi with improved coverage. More wireless access points will be necessary.
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.
Things to Avoid in Running Network Cabling
What can cabling that has not been installed properly do?
It can lead to a lot of negative outcomes such as paralyzed network performance, maintenance troubles and hidden costs. Network cabling can be especially troublesome if it is installed by individuals without the proper knowledge and tools. When it comes to twisted pair cabling, there are many factors that you need to consider.
In the past, many companies installed different cable systems since twisted pair cabling was expensive. At present, full installation is still costly although a greater part of the expense is labor since raw cables is not pricey. Cable management is another concern.
Practical Pointers in Network Cabling
Networking cabling is not a simple task. It entails expertise and attention to detail. What are valuable insights that network technicians need to know about for effective cabling and installations?
Cable length is essential.
The telecommunications standards prescribed by the Telecommunications Industry Association and Electronic industries Alliance (TIA-EIA) states that maximum distance end to end of cables should be no more than 100 meters.
Network Infrastructure Planning
What is a 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.
Important Facts About Cabling Infrastructure
Network cabling that has not been installed properly may result in various communications issues. Even minor problems such as a connector that has not been terminated properly can prevent Power over Ethernet from performing well.
Wiring Standards
See to it that you use appropriate wiring patterns which are T568a and T568b. Refrain from bringing together T568a and T568b in the same cable. And always use premium quality Cat6 or Cat5e cables. We prefer solid over stranded wire.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Cat6 cabling?
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.