The type of network cable installed dictates the speed of data transmission and the level of bandwidth that a company can leverage to support growth. Today, more businesses are demanding higher amounts of bandwidth, and therefore have a greater need for cables.

Many businesses do not give their network cable selections a second thought, but these cables are more important than most people think. Does the conference or training room require fast internet speed? Is the business in the manufacturing industry and requires industrial-grade cables with an outer sheath that is rated to resist extreme temperatures or exposure to hazardous materials? These are critical factors to consider when choosing business network cables.

What Exactly Are Network Cables?

Network cables are designed to connect and transfer data between computers, storage area networks, switches and routers. They act as a carrier for data that allows information to be transported quickly and efficiently. Network cable wires are often manufactured from copper or glass and last an average of ten years. Choosing the best cabling infrastructure for a business’s unique needs can help save time and money.

Business network cables are broken down into several main categories, ranging from category 1 (Cat1) to category 7 (Cat7). Each of these cable categories varies in characteristics and frequencies, making them the right choice for certain applications. Here is a look at how certain types of network cables are used by businesses today.

• Cat 1 – Contains two pairs and is used for voice transmission in the telephone network.
• Cat 2 – Contains four pairs and is used in the token-ring network.
• Cat 3 – The first Ethernet cable used in LAN networks.
• Cat 4 – Used in advanced token-ring networks.
• Cat 5 – Used in advanced LAN networks.
• Cat 6 – Used as a plastic core to avoid cross-talk between twisted pair cables.
• Cat 7 – Uses multiple twisted pair cables and protects each pair with a plastic sheath.

Coaxial Cables

Coaxial cables are commonly used by internet providers, telephone companies and cable operators to convey video, voice and data. These cables have been around since the early 20th century and provide a reliable and accurate transmission of data.

What makes coaxial cables so popular is their shielded design. The cable’s copper core quickly transmits information without outside interference. Coaxial cables are available in several sizes with the most common being RG-59, RG-11 and RG-6. RG stands for “radio guide” and the associated number represents the cable’s diameter.

A coaxial cable consists of an inner conductor with an insulating layer surrounding it. That insulating layer is then covered by a conductive shielding or an outer insulating jacket. Electrical signals flow throughout the central conductor which is typically made of copper-clad steel.

Fiber Optic Cables

Fiber optic cables are a type of network cable that contains strands of glass fibers within an insulated casing. These cables were created to accommodate high-performance, long-distance networks. Compared to traditional wired cables, fiber optic cables deliver a higher bandwidth and possess a greater ability to transmit information over long distances. Today, fiber optic cables are used for the bulk of modern telephone, internet and cable television systems.

There are many advantages to choosing fiber optic cables. These cables support a high capacity that can exceed what a copper cable of a similar thickness can carry. Fiber optic cables are also able to travel long distances without losing their strength, resulting in a reduced need for signal boosters. A fiber optic cable is also less likely to suffer from interference due to its physical properties. Fiber optic cables are generally rated at 10, 40 or 100 Gbps.

Shielded/Unshielded Twisted Pair Cables

A shielded twisted pair (STP) cable is a type of copper telephone and local area network (LAN) cabling commonly used in business installations. This type of network cable contains an outer covering that acts as a ground to standard twisted pair wiring. STP cables are commonly used in Ethernet networks.

Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cables are also a type of copper cabling used in telephone and local area network (LAN) installations. This type of network cable has no metallic shield and is small in diameter. However, unshielded twisted pair cables are unprotected against electrical interference.

Schedule A Network Installation Consultation

Deciding between the different types of business network cables available can be challenging. If your business is ready to install a new cable network system, the experts at SeaGlass Technology can help. Reach out to our team of experienced IT professionals today to learn more or to schedule a consultation.

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Business cable installation is utilized by organizations for a variety of reasons, such as when a business is moving to a new location or upgrading its current network infrastructure. When considering a cable installation, it is important to know how this process works and what to expect from start to finish.

Planning a Business Cable Installation

During the planning phase of a business cable installation, the cabling contractor will ask questions to get better acquainted with what types of cables are best.

If the business is moving, the contractor may ask the date of the move. If a business is moving within 60 days, the process of setting up a T1 or phone lines with a telecommunications provider should have already begun. Many telecommunications companies require several weeks or months to install a new T1 line and if a business waits too long to start the process, they may experience delays in their operations. Making these arrangements well in advance can prevent these issues.

The cabling contractor may also ask how many voice and data drops are needed. A “drop” refers to a run of cable that begins at a starting point, such as a server room or wiring closet, and finishes at an end point, such as an office or cubicle. A drop is usually needed for each device, such as one drop for a computer and one drop for a phone line. Additional drops may be required for other equipment like fax machines and network printers.

The construction of the business’s new building will also play a vital role in the business cable installation. The contractor needs to run new cables so they are not constantly disturbed or potentially damaged. Ideally, these wires can be placed in a drop ceiling. However, if the building has a hard cap ceiling, an alternative may be needed.

It is also important to consider whether the workplace will require plenum or non-plenum cabling. This is dependent on the construction of the business’s new location. When cabling is run in a drop ceiling, there is usually sufficient air circulation as allowed by the heating, cooling and ventilation system. This is known as a plenum space and requires a plenum-rated cable.

These cables contain fire-retardant plastic jackets which reduce the amount of toxic fumes in a fire. Although plenum cabling is slightly more expensive than non-plenum cables, they are usually necessary for compliance reasons.

When a business moves from one location to another, they typically also want to transition an existing phone system. However, it is not always possible for a cabling installer to move certain types of business phone systems. If a contractor is not able to accomplish this task, the project may need to be subcontracted to a third party that specializes in that phone system’s technological requirements.

Scheduling a Site Survey and Price Quote

After narrowing down candidates for the job, businesses should schedule a site survey at the new location. During this visit, the cabling contractor assesses the work environment to determine its layout and the ability to effectively run cables.

If possible, provide the contractor with a floor plan. With this, the contractor can usually provide a quote. Quotes are based on a wide range of factors, such as the type of construction, the distance between cable runs, the location of the server room or wiring closest and whether an intermediate distribution frame (IDF) will be required.

Multiple wiring closets may be needed in large spaces or in buildings with many company divisions. If special cabling is required, the business may face additional expenses to prevent data transmission interference.

Businesses are recommended to request several quotes from different cabling contractors. Each contractor should complete a physical survey in the new or existing business location.

It is not necessarily a good idea to go with the lowest quote as low-cost services do not always equal quality work. Select a contractor that meets the company’s budget, possesses the necessary qualifications and produces customer references regarding knowledge and experience with business cable installation.

Contact SeaGlass Technology About Business Cable Installation

Any amount of downtime is too much. Working with a qualified cabling contractor can ensure that the business continues to run smoothly and with minimal disruption to operations. To learn more about how business cable installation works or to schedule a consultation, reach out to the experts at SeaGlass Technology today.

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Benefits Of Professional Network Installation

Network installation is a process designed not simply to set up a fast and reliable network for your organization to conduct business, but also to ensure that your entire network infrastructure is strong. How this process is conducted depends largely on your specifications, specifically, whether you want a wireless or a physical network and how many devices and systems you hope to interconnect. Here are five benefits of a professional network installation.

Saves Time

Although you can technically DIY a network installation, you will likely end up spending substantially more time on this than you need to if you don’t seek out professional assistance, simply because you may need to learn how to complete some steps of this process. Additionally, a professional will likely know how to resolve unforeseen issues better than you can. Request help and save yourself confusion and exasperation.

Professionals Provide Optimal Speed

On a related note, an IT professional can ensure that the speed of your newly installed network is optimized. Over the last decade, Internet connection speeds have increased significantly. According to Statista, the average Internet connection speed in the United States in the first quarter of 2017 was 18.75 megabits per second (Mbps). By comparison, this figure was 3.87 Mbps in the first quarter of 2010. According to an April 2020 report from Business Insider, a download speed of at least 12 Mbps is needed in order to comfortably browse the Internet. An expert knows how different IT systems are connected and can thus provide services at a significantly faster speed.

Initial Report On Security & Risk

An IT professional will be able to not only install your network. He (or she) can also provide you with an initial report detailing how much risk you may face by choosing to set up a particular network, as well as any other security issues your organization may be confronted with. This professional may even use a score and chart to assess your level of risk and to analyze any external vulnerabilities to data breaches or other issues that exist.

Reduces Business Costs

Although you may initially feel like a professional network installation is an overwhelmingly large expense, the return you receive from this investment will be well worth it. Part of the reason for this is related to the fact that an IT professional knows best what resources to utilize for a network installation. This type of person will always have knowledge of the most recent trends in technological innovation.

Tailor Networks To Your Business’s Needs

Every organization has a unique set of needs and objectives. Therefore, a network installation should be customized to these goals and necessities. If your organization has offices in multiple countries, you may wish to rely on several networks to communicate key information on essential business processes and strategies. Routers can help link several networks.

Speak To An Experienced Managed IT Services Provider

Speak to the professionals at SeaGlass Technology in New York City for a professional network installation. We are a company dedicated to offering the most efficient and innovative IT solutions that exist today. Our objective is to fully comprehend our customer’s unique challenges and needs so that we can tailor our services in accordance with these concerns.

The members of SeaGlass’s staff are highly certified and have extensive knowledge of top OEMs and ISVs. Thus, we are confident in the decision we make due to the vast array of options at our disposal. With regards to network installation, we provide multiple detailed reports that aim to ensure that your network’s security level is strong (i.e. no risks). SeaGlass also offers an audit of all your carrier services and expenses. Carrier management frees our clients from the responsibility of circuit provisioning and procurement. Some examples of the expenses we manage include Internet, SDWan, MPLS, co-location, voice (including hosted), data security, and IT service management.

Ultimately, we will work tirelessly to help your organization save on business costs. Call SeaGlass Technology today at 212-886-0790 or contact us online for more information about our managed IT services or to schedule a consultation.

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