Data & Voice Network Cabling Installers Doral FL
Data & Voice Cabling FAQs – Questions and Answers
Why Use Structured Cabling?
Structured
cabling is the design and installation of a cabling systems
that will support multiple hardware uses systems and be suitable
for today’s needs and those of the future. With a correctly
installed system your requirements of today and of tomorrow
will be catered for and whatever hardware you choose to add
will be supported.
Cat5e / Cat6 what’s the difference?
The
general difference between Cat5e cabling and Cat6 cabling is
in the transmission performance, and extension of the available
bandwidth from 100 MHz for category 5e to 250 MHz for category
6. This includes better insertion loss, near end crosstalk (NEXT),
return loss, and equal level far end crosstalk (ELFEXT). These
improvements provide a higher signal to noise ratio, allowing
higher reliability for current applications and higher data
rates for future applications.
Should CAT6 replace CAT5e?
Industry predictions
indicate that 80 to 90 present of all new installations will
be cabled with category 6. The fact that category 6 link and
channel requirements are backward compatible to category 5e
makes it very easy for customers to choose category 6 and supersede
category 5e in their networks. Applications that worked over
category 5e will work over category 6. Cat6A and above are also
taking over specifications for new installations, especially
in data centres and Audio Visual Installations.
What is the maximum length of CAT5 – CAT5e cable?
90m for the permanent link installation and an allowance for
10m of patch cords at the ends combined.
What’s the maximum distance between cabinet and data
points for Cat5e / Cat6?
The maximum is 90m between
the patch panel and the data point.
What factors will affect the performance of Cat5e
and CAT6cable?
Poor installation, poor terminations
and inferior materials are the main issues with performance
on cabling systems. If the cable is poorly installed and terminated
then data loss and errors will be a continuous problem, from
lost data, dropped VOIP Calls and poor Visual displays, Interference
from other cables and outside factors such as electrical, microwave,
lighting and noise will also affect the performance of the cable.
Cat7 – what is Cat7 cabling and why would I use it
Cat7 cable has increased performance and increased protection
against outside interference. With a bandwidth of up to 600MHZ
its increase in speed potential over Cat5e / Cat6 is considerable.
Also each pair of wires (4 pairs) are individually shielded
as well as an overall shielding for the cable itself. This provides
a great protection from outside noise and interference. It’s
especially useful in areas of high speed data transfer in large
cable bundles and within the Audio Visual Industry.
What do I need to consider in terms of structured
data cabling to future proof my business for the next 5/10 years?
The major decision is where your office will be based in the
future and what requirements you have for your systems. Cat5e
is suitable for Gigabit data and therefore suitable to most
offices. However with Large files, Audio Visual distribution
and CCTV innovations a Cat6 or Cat6a with future proof your
offices for a longer period.
Can I use CAT 5 Cable in Power over Ethernet applications?
Cat5e and Cat6 can both effectively run POE applications up
to 90m. However due to power dissipation there is better performance
and power efficiently with Cat6a cabling running POE devices
if being incorporated into a new design.
What is a patch cable?
A patch cable
is used at the cabinet end for linking the dedicated cabling
port to the required equipment in the communications cabinet.
For example an outlet could be “patched” from the panel to a
Data Switch, Telephone Switch, CCTV Switch, WIFI Switch Etc.
The difference to standard cable is Patch cable is stranded
for flexibility, whereas standard cable is solid copper.
Fiber optic cabling – when is it better to use Fiber?
Fiber cable carries greater Bandwidth and over longer distances.
It is not limited by the 90/100m limit of copper cable and has
distance potential of 40km in some cases. It also isn’t affected
by noise or outside influences as are copper cables so is a
perfect solution when linking cabinets through risers in a building.
As a standard guide when linking separate cabinet’s Fiber Optic
links should be used.
What is VoIP?
Voice over Internet Protocol
(VOIP) use digital technology to send voice signals over your
cabling infrastructure. Voice is converted to a data transmission
and converted back to a voice signal at the users end.
VOIP – can I use VOIP over my existing network?
VOIP systems require a point to point cable from the VOIP systems
to each user. If you telephone system is of the old daisy chain
wiring (i.e. one telephone wired to the next telephone wired
to the next telephone) then this will not support a VOIP systems.
Also the existing cabling needs to be of good standard and terminated
correctly and fully tested. A poor cabling install will result
in a very poor VoIP quality call.
Disposal of old cabling – do you dispose the old
cable?
Depending on the project and the feasibility
of the current cabling we remove the old cabling as part of
the new installation. This cabling is then taken back to be
segregated and disposed / recycled as appropriate.
Cabling for schools. Do you provide data cabling
for schools and colleges?
Yes and having been a
preferred supplier for Doral FL Schools for the past 15 years
we have completed in excess of 300 projects within schools.
Do I only need 1 cable per person as I will plug
my PC into my Phone?
Some phone systems allow you
PC to access the internet down the same cable as your phone.
However you are then limited to the speed of that phone (i.e.
100MB). Also you are limited in future options. If you choose
to pick a different system that requires a dedicated line then
you have to install all new cables. Our recommendation is when
installing to each desk install a minimum of 2 per user (PC
and Phone)
What disruption would data cable installation cause
to my company – how long will we be out of action?
If the data cabling installation is new and doesn’t require
unplugging your existing infrastructure then we can install
without and disruption. TO facilitate this further we can install
on weekends or in the evening when the building is empty to
minimise disruption.
Can I get the builder to install the cable and you
terminate and test?
This is not recommended due
to the success of a cabling systems performance is its installation
and its termination. Installation requires adherence to limited
bend radius of the cables, separation from noise interference,
and correct securing and bundling of the cable. This is part
of the experience and expertise of the cabling installation
contractor.
However in practical terms sometimes the cabling needs to be installed by the builder before the client takes the building. In this scenario we can trace, terminate and test the system but can’t guarantee the results will pass.
What do Data cable installation test results show?
Test Results show a range of tests depending on the grade of
cabling used (Cat5e / Cat6 etc.). These tests for Cat6 include
Wire Map, Length, Insertion Loss, NEXT Loss, PS NEXT Loss, ACRF
Loss, PS ACRF Loss, Return Loss, Propagation Delay, Delay Skew.
These are tests to ensure installation standards have been met,
the terminations have been done correctly and that the cable
doesn’t have any unnecessary bends, kinks and twists.
Do I need a cabinet, can’t I just plug straight into
my equipment?
A cabinet is always recommended even
for the smallest installs. Cabling plugged directly into equipment
has a tendency to break away at the termination ends as solid
cable is not suitable for direct termination. Also a cabinet
provides protection for the equipment from theft, breakage,
dust and employees. Cabinets also allow all the equipment to
be stored together and in a manageable way for moves and changes.
Why do I need such a big cabinet?
The
cabinet should be large enough to house the current equipment
with some space for possible future requirements. I.e. for a
VOIP telephone system to be housed. The depth of the cabinet
should keep in mind what is to be stored in the cabinet. Some
ISP switches and blade servers are extra deep and required a
800/1000mm deep cabinet.
Why do you use LSOH (Low Smoke zero Halogen) cable
on our installations?
Most network cables are insulated
with polyethylene, PVC or thermoplastic polyurethane. In a fire,
a chlorine containing plastic material releases hydrogen chloride,
a poisonous gas that forms hydrochloric acid when it comes in
contact with water. Low smoke zero halogen cable reduces the
amount of toxic and corrosive gas emitted during combustion.
Do you charge for an initial survey?
Initial surveys are free as are introductory meetings for design.
However visits to explore faults etc. that require an engineer
are charged at call out rates.
What times are your normal working hours for engineers?
Our normal working day is Monday – Friday between 8-5, but we
can also work before/after these hours if required. In many
cases out of hours working is charged at the same rates depending
on requirements, location and hours.
Do you charge extra for weekend and evening work?
In many cases we offer weekend working at the same rates as
normal hours. This depends on location, requirements and hours.
Evenings depend on how many evenings will run in succession.
More questions on Data Cabling?
Just
give us a call. Or take advantage of our free Data Cabling survey
–we offer expert advice to clients planning to set up, upgrade
or expand data cable installations – just drop us a line or
call.