networ cabling,cable management

Things to Avoid in Running Network Cabling

28 Mar 2015

Date cabling,cable managementWhat 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. Use of ladder racks means additional cost but it reduces upkeep. Also be sure you label cables and to make use of color codes.


Unshielded twisted pairs are more practical in terms of usage. Magnetic fields are produced by low voltages that pass through your cables. This is a vital property of the communications cycle. And if you run unshielded cables along with electrical wires, the magnetic field can be interrupted. The communications becomes corrupted or noisy. You can expect that transmissions will not make it from one point to the other. Another possibility is that transmission rates will become slower. The cables should be perpendicular with electrical lines instead with the electric wires inside of shielded tubes at cross points.


Do not attempt to run cable alongside fixtures that create “noise”. Fluorescent lamps, motors and devices that generate electrical or magnetic interference will distort your cabling infrastructure. Install a data cable conduit that will create a buffer from these hazards. Also figure out the total distance of each cable. This is usually up to 100 meters. However, if cabling data rates reaches 10 to 40 GBPs, be attentive about distance restrictions related to the kind of cabling you plan to use. If you will run 10 GBPs for a maximum of 100 meters over twisted pair cabling, it is best to use Category 6 cabling.



Be aware of local codes.


This is important for safety concerns. In many areas, using PVC-covered cables is not allowed in air-handling spaces. When PVC burns, there is toxic emission that may prove dangerous to firefighters and other safety personnel who will try to navigate the location during emergencies. Failure to follow rules can lead to fines and forced replacement of cabling infrastructure. Contractors must be mindful of these regulatory standards.

Cat5e ,Cat6/6a Cabling,patch cables

Patch Cables and Twisted Pair Cabling

21 Mar 2015

The patch cable is used to link up two network devices. This type of cabling is usually a Cat6 or a Cat5e cable thaCat5e ,Cat6/6a Cabling,patch cablest 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!

Structured Cabling,Washington DC New York City

Basics of Riser Cables

6 Mar 2015

Structured Cabling,Network Cabling Data Cabling Riser cables were designed for non-plenum vertical applications like between the floors of multi-story buildings. They are also described as backbone cables. These cables serve as the main conduit of a distribution system for data, video or voice. It originates from the point where communications go in through a particular edifice.  This cable comprises part of the structure backbone. Other components of this facility are the cable corridors, telecommunications cabinets, equipment rooms, correlated hardware, and support facilities. This cable variety must be fire resistant in accordance with electrical codes. Nonetheless, specifications are not as stringent compared to plenum cables.



Understand its Uses


Riser cables may be used for different forms of data communications which also includes CCTV video access. It is ideal as well for voice communications. One major concern is that requirements vary for each service. Hat is why planning can sometimes be quite complicated. Building managers are often pressed to predict their requirements given limited time and expertise. Quite often they will recommend creating split riser systems for multiple applications which follow parallel routes through the corridors, closets, and equipment areas.



How do you select the medium?


Perhaps, the primary concern is to stay within budget.  You can expect system designers to resort to trade-offs in delivering a broad assortment of services within the backbone system. Other factors that may influence their design are the following:




  • Provide an adaptable medium in relation to supported services

  • Identify the necessary useful life span of backbone cabling

  • Consider the technical needs of users


Standards are on hand to serve as a guide in the design of riser cable systems. There are appropriate benchmarks for optical and copper cable backbone structures. Some of the backbone cable categories include:




  • Copper-shielded and unshielded twisted-pair or UTP cables

  • Coaxial and twin axial cabling configurations

  • Single mode and micron multimode optical fibers


Physical locations supporting riser cables take into consideration the telecommunications service entrances and adjacent equipment rooms containing the main cross-connect. This can extend to the telecommunications closets that serve a particular location, intermediate cross-connects that serve a number of telecommunications closets, or horizontal cross-connects for a remote telecommunications closet or just one level of the building. The telecommunications cabinet is the point of interaction between backbone systems and parallel (same floor) wiring.


Riser cable systems in multiple-story buildings need to pass through equivalent closets making use of connecting conduits between the floors. Said design provides each floor access to the backbone and allows circuits to be distributed to all levels. The conduit and sleeves should go higher than the floor level by at least an inch and fitted with fire-stopping material. These should also adhere to electrical codes. The riser or backbone cable system essentially acts as the core of telecommunications infrastructure.


 
Data Cabling,Structured Cabling, Cabling Design-Washington DC

Things to Avoid in Running Network Cabling

28 Feb 2015

What can cabling that has not been installed properly do?


network cabling,Data CablingIt 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.

Read More

Structured Cabling, Cabling, Washington DC

Practical Pointers in Network Cabling

20 Feb 2015

StructuredCablingFiberOpticsCat6a10GigNetworking 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.

Read More

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.


 
Structured Cabling,,Office Cabling.connectors

Important Facts About Cabling Infrastructure

23 Jan 2015

NetworkStructured Cabling,,Office Cabling.connectors 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.

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Structured-Cabling,Data Cabling

Essential Issues in Design of Structured Cabling Systems

13 Jan 2015

Structured-Cabling,Data CablingStructured cabling systems (SCS) refers to the local area network  cabling system designed exclusively to fit a company's requirements. It combines data, voice, video, and management systems sometimes including alarm and security. SCS insures that all of this information is transmitted promptly and efficiently. The structured cabling system normally includes transmission products with engineering design rules that create a stable transmission system.



Network Foundation


The structured cabling system is said to be the groundwork of a successful building and office setup. It is also the fundamental foundation on which all other equipment relies on.

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Network cabling, NetworkTopologies.

Essential Facts About Cabling System

14 Dec 2014

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.

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.