Tag Archives: technology

If it has been a while since your company has upgraded your network cabling, you and your team may not be achieving your potential. As you know, an organization’s IT network is the very heart of its operations. Lacking a network that is up-to-date, staff members will not be as efficient and productive as possible.

Updating from Point-to-Point Cabling

The update that yields the most benefits is having your network make the transition from an outdated point-to-point cabling system to a far more effective structured cabling system. As you may know, there are only two ways for transmitting data over network cables. Numerous companies persist on using point-to-point cabling. Unfortunately, it tends to become problematic, especially when a company needs to significantly expand the network’s size and capabilities. Let’s dig deeper to understand the reasons.

Point-to-point cabling directly connects a switch, device, network, a server, or network, to another network component via fiber optic cable. For the last few decades, this wiring method provided an innovative way to swiftly build a network. However, during that period, the majority of networks at IT departments were not large.

Nowadays, as networks expand and speedy transmissions of massive data amounts become routinely expected, the maintenance of outdated point-to-point cabling systems, along with the thousands of cables required for operations, becomes a large burden on a company’s IT resources.

As a result, organizations have transitioned to structured cabling systems. Rather than directly connecting every single network component to another, a structured cabling system directly links storage units and servers to a communication backbone.

Installed in every part of a facility, local cabling panels are linked to the communication backbone with only one cable. This enables users to easily connect their devices to the whole network by connecting a cable to the nearest cabling panel.

Part 2 will discuss the advantages of upgrading to Structured Cabling.

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 Office teams get cabling installed and operating as fast as possible while minimizing disruption and downtime. Call our toll free number (800) 614-4560 today.

Structured cabling that is properly installed can help your business grow by helping to improve its network performance and IT capability. The following will discuss structured cabling’s Top Ten Tips for installing cabling systems.

#1 Cable Labeling

Although cable labeling will slow installation, it will help save lots of time and effort during future repair, reconfiguration, and maintenance tasks.

#2 Cable Testing

Ensure every cable is tested and confirmed to be functioning properly during the installation process. A cable with a nominal performance should not be utilized as it may decrease overall system performance.

#3 Short Patch Cables

Do not use long patch cables when they aren’t required. They are inefficient, look disorganized, and are prone to tangling.

#4 Select Quality Terminations

Avoid purchasing cheap terminating cables because time will be unnecessarily spent on troubleshooting in the future. Select those that are of high quality and terminate properly and rapidly.

#5 Avoid Overheating

Keep in mind that maintaining proper cable temperatures to avoid overheating is crucial for stable and reliable network performance.

#6 Measure 2X, Cut 1X

Precise measurements prior to cutting will minimize damaged and wasted cables during installations.

#7 No Kinky Fiber Cables

As fiber cables have great flexibility, they can kink bend, and knot. These will result in flaws in the fiber cables, negatively affecting performance of the network.

#8 Maximum Cable Length

Do not exceed the maximum length of a cable run, which is typically 100 meters for network cabling systems.

#9 Allow for Expansion

Network cabling systems should always have room for interior expansion. As a business grows, its network should have the room to be able to upgrade or expand.

#10 Qualified Installation Company

In order to ensure that a company’s network cabling system will be properly installed, management must select a qualified installation company and request references.  Their technicians should be BICSI certified and experts in ANSI standards.

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.

As discussed in Part 1, the improper I can result in poor network performance, maintenance issues, and concealed expenses. Part 2 will discuss four more network cabling errors to avoid. Remember to consult with a cabling company that is experienced and provides excellent service.

Mistake No. 5: Ignoring Distance Limitations

The standard distance limitation for UTP cabling with Ethernet at 1 Gbps is 100 meters. For cabling used for 10 Gbps or 40 Gbps, it is important to be aware of the distance limitations of the kind of cabling that will be used. Let’s say your project plans to run 10 Gbps for a maximum of 100 meters over UTP cabling. This will require utilizing at least CAT 6A cabling.

Mistake No. 6: Bypassing Codes

Bypassing local codes may result in endangering first responders. In most facilities, it is prohibited to use PVC-jacketed cabling within air handling spaces. When PVC cabling burns, it produces poisonous fumes that can be hazardous to firefighters and other first responders who must enter the facility during an emergency.

The failure to comply with local codes with respect to low voltage cabling may result in costly fines and perhaps even being ordered to completely remove and reinstall cabling, an expensive exercise. Working with a reputable cabling service company that is knowledgeable regarding local ordinances will avoid future problems.

Mistake No. 7: Neglecting Testing

After cabling is installed, testing should be performed on every cable, using equipment that can verify functionality. The verification of cable lengths and specifications is also important. For certain transmission rates, it must be verified that the cabling is capable of adequately providing support.

Mistake No. 8: Non-Compliance with Standards

Your company’s project should comply with technical standards to ensure the proper functioning of its network. Non-compliance will make noise and interference more likely, leading to inefficiency and poor network performance.

Network cabling standards are used worldwide and are drafted by ISO/IEC, CENELEC and the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). TIA (USA) issues the ANSI/TIA-568 standards for telecommunications cabling in commercial facilities.

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.

As mentioned in Part 1, structured cabling systems are so standardized that good practices should merely entail following ISO/IEC, CENELEC or Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) documentation. Part 2 will discuss three more common errors of structured cabling.

Error No. 3

Failing to properly test a structured cabling system after installation is the third error. Structured cabling represents a large commitment of capital expenditure and will typically have the same length of service life as the facility itself. Ensuring that the entire system is installed to specification and the data is at the capacity and speed expected is crucial. Finally, properly testing the cabling system is required to validate the warranty.

Cables installed during the early period of construction may have been subsequently damaged by other workers performing their roles later during the project. Moreover, new cables that appear fine on the exterior may actually be faulty because of damage underneath the coating as a result of being mishandled. All cables require calibrated testing.

Error No. 4

Using unqualified technicians for installation is the fourth error. Scrimping on the quality of workers installing cabling is an unwise way to save money. Problems will eventually be revealed over time. Prior to committing to a service contract with a structured cabling service, review their credentials and confirm their references. Have conversations with previous customers whose project is similar in scope to yours. Working with a reputable structured cabling firm will help make sure your project will be successful for the long term.

Error No. 5

Letting structured cabling patch panels become disorganized is the fifth error. It will harm both the performance and reliability of a company’s IT systems. As time passes, the patch panel or switch ports may be damaged, causing intermittent problems that are very hard to pinpoint. The use of proper cable management hardware for supporting patch cables is good practice. Complying with the specified patching standards required for a particular structured cabling system will result in a sound and reliable network.

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.

If your organization is considering a new VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) system, you should think about the structured cabling system needed to support it and maximize its potential. The following summarizes the advantages your digital phone system will have with a well-designed structured cabling system.

Decreased Noise

CAT 6 and CAT 6A cable provides more noise reduction than older cables. Fiber optic cabling is even better. Less noise resistance results in more static and faulty connections during phone conversations. Higher levels of noise also decrease network speed because the system is forced to retransmit data until it is no longer corrupted. Although purchasing lower quality cable saves money in the short run, it may result in long term business losses because of slower response times and annoyed customers.

Lengthened Runs

Higher quality cable will be capable of supporting longer runs that are free of artifacts and errors. Fiber optic cables are not restricted by the length of runs. It is the superior option for a data center or business telephone system because of its excellent noise resistance and high speed. Although second choices, CAT 5e to CAT 6A cabling are capable of supporting runs to 100 meters without noise. Cables that can support long runs provide greater flexibility for layouts, decreasing the need for data hubs or repeaters and increasing reliability.

Maintenance Savings

CAT 5e, CAT 6, and fiber optic cables are highly dependable. However, if they ever become faulty or the network needs to be reconfigured, a structured cabling system that is well organized and diligently marked will save time spent on maintenance. While a company’s network is down, business may be impacted, resulting in lost revenue. Tracing faults is made much easier by a sound structured cabling system.

Transmission Speed

Business is often time-sensitive, and you will want to use the highest quality cable your company can afford. CAT 6A cable is capable of supporting a maximum of 10 Gigabits per second while CAT 5e can only achieve 100 mbps. Older, less capable cables are not recommended because their slow data transmission and high noise levels cannot meet current VOIP demands.

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 their clients in the Washington, D.C. and New York City areas. Efficiently working together, their teams get cabling installed and operating as fast as possible while minimizing disruption and downtime. Call their toll free number (800) 614-4560 today.

Your company will need to upgrade because network traffic is rising dramatically due to the rapid increase in the number of devices and videos online. By 2020, the number of devices will approach an estimated 12 billion. The following are reasons why you should contact an expert and experienced structured cabling support team to evaluate and improve your network infrastructure.

High Maintenance

The addition of the latest technology often stresses aged infrastructure, resulting in more downtime and troubleshooting. This increased time and effort devoted to this task prevents your IT support from working on implementing innovative solutions that may increase productivity or decrease costs, slowing your company’s growth. Installing up-to-date infrastructure will decrease maintenance and increase deployments.

Inadequate Security

Cybercrime is growing ever more prevalent and complex. Hackers tend to avoid networks with strong security and target those with weak protection. Older network infrastructure will have more and greater vulnerabilities. Modern network solutions now feature intelligent sensors and enforcers, improving security.

Mobile Employees

Today’s workers want the ability to work anywhere and anytime. Unfortunately, aged infrastructure will not be able to cope with new mobile solutions and enterprise cloud applications. In order to maintain and increase employee productivity, a network upgrade replacing obsolete equipment will probably be necessary.

Slow Network

Networks of the past were not designed to meet the current requirements of companies and their workers. Wireless technology now permits employees to work anywhere with wireless access points nearing 7 Gbps, more than 11X faster than the 802.11n standard.

The Competition

A network infrastructure upgrade will allow your company to remain competitive because it will be able to implement the latest solutions that boost productivity and earnings. Powerful applications that would have crashed your old network can now be handled, allowing your organization to keep up with competitors.

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 their clients in the Washington, D.C. and New York City areas. Efficiently working together, their teams get cabling installed and operating as fast as possible while minimizing disruption and downtime. Call their toll free number (800) 614-4560 today.