Data is one of the most important elements of modern business and its usage can be found in practically every sector. Accordingly, you need your data supply to be reliable; one of the best ways to achieve this is with high-quality data cabling in London. However, data cabling is not immune to faults. And this is why it’s crucial that it’s regularly tested. Carrying out data cabling testing allows you to identify potential problems and maintain the health of your data. Testing structured cabling systems may sound complex, but the reality is that it’s relatively straightforward.
Data Cabling Testing Standards
It’s important that your data cabling meets industry standards in order to guarantee that it works. A setup that does not meet these standards is likely to lead to poor data transfer and, in certain cases, data loss. Therefore, it’s critical that you team up with a professional who can advise on the current state of your structured cabling. The standards required for your particular premises can vary, but these requirements can be found in the ISO 11801 series of standards. Conforming to these data cabling testing standards is essential for a fully operational data system.
Cable Testing Procedures
Testing structured cabling systems involves significant work and complexities, but the basics are far from difficult to understand. Naturally, in order to carry out testing to a specific standard, you will need to carry out testing procedures with specialist equipment. And using this equipment requires training in order to complete testing accurately. The equipment and procedures involved will include:
Network Cable Tester: This handheld device is used to specifically check the eight connectors at the end of each cable. Once the test is completed you will know if the connectors are operating correctly without the risk of any shorts/breaks being present.
Multimeter: Using a multimeter allows the operator to test continuity between two connectors of a data cable. Whilst this is ne for continuity checks it will be unable to confirm any details about the performance of the cable.
Cable Certification Tester: A much more advanced piece of equipment than the previous two devices, a cable certification tester allows you to carry out more rigorous tests. It can, for example, measure the resistance of conductors, check the wiring of the cable core, and measure signal degradation from any interference. The cable certification tester is the only device that is qualified to deliver a Pass or Fail verdict after testing a data cable.
Testing Documentation
The data from cable certification data can be downloaded and printed in the form of a certificate. This dated paperwork will confirm both the type of cable that has been tested and the tests that have been carried out. As long as the results from these tests meet data cabling in Watford regulations then the certificate will be approved with a ‘Pass’ declaration. Once this Pass approval has been achieved you can rest assured that your data cabling is t for purpose. Data cabling testing remains a complex procedure to carry out correctly and safely, so you need to make sure you have experience and expertise on your side. By employing a professional to carry out your testing you can guarantee that your cabling solutions remain hassle-free.
With the most important projects, the process starts with making a checklist. Thus a checklist of how to prepare for an office move. This plan that you can refer to over and over again. This list should include things like designing a moving task force consisting of key employees. Furthermore meeting with a space planner and/or interior designer. The following elements will need to be considered or in place in your new location on top of your actual office equipment and furniture
7. Incoming services such as broadband and telephone lines.
Consider your technology taking inventory and dispose of what you don’t need. In addition, now may be the time to upgrade technology. Also, contact the appropriate utility companies to turn the services on and o. Furthermore, inform your customers about the change in the address card. Submit instructions for any new procedure before, during, and during the move. Remember to meet with employees later.
This is not just a move. Delays and lost goods can hinder your workflow and prevent employees from returning to work quickly, disrupting productivity and damaging your income. The same applies to not having the correct power and data infrastructure in place at the new location
It is important to ensure that business continues uninterrupted despite relocation. To move smoothly, commercial professionals need to be hired with dynamic business experience. Both in setting up the new office and in relocating the existing
Once the relocation date has been set, the business owner should prepare for the upcoming relocation. Similarly, if you are crossing the road or relocating nationally.
Here are some tips to keep your office move in mind:
Develop a Timeline
Create migration schedules based on important dates in the business calendar. Write events in the event exchange timeline. Factor on expiration of business ‘building lease’. The property manager should be notified of the expected action date. Talk to all employees about relocation dates. Suppliers should also be notified. Inform the team members about the progress of this development as well as their responsibilities during the relocation.
Plan for the New Space
Once you sign your lease, the first thing you need to deal with is space planning. Will your existing furniture t your new location? Do you know where the current furniture is going? Do you have enough furniture to cover your entire space? Space planners are available and can make a definitive draft of what your existing furniture will look like in your new space. They can also work with you to recognize fresh equipment as wanted. Some landowners offer free space planning services. If your landlord does not provide a space plan, you may be eligible to work with a furniture seller who can help with your space plan. You can also nd free tools online to help you plan your place.
Once the furniture layout is in place you can assess the existing infrastructure. The following questions can then be assessed
1. Do I have floor boxes and power in the right locations for the desks
2. How many data points do I need for computers and phones
3. How many WiFi access points do I require to cover the office
4. What is the phone signal like. Do I need to install a booster?
5. What can be relocated and what needs to be new
By planning in advance these works can be correctly installed prior to the office move. If not then they will be disrupted after the move
Announce the move
Create a detailed email, newsletter section, or short video plan to let employees know about the big move. Furthermore, it should be comprehensive regardless of the format you choose. In addition, employees need to be told everything they need to know. Thus the more detail you put into communication, the easier it will be for you to wrap your head around every step of your office.
Here are some objects to comprise in your statement:
New office name and address
Moving date/dates
Key features of the new office
Employees still need to do something, if anything
What future employees should expect
Set Up Your IT & Telecommunications
Your priority should be to find a new place for your employees as soon as possible. Which translates into the Internet and phone systems for most companies.
Do you already have Internet and telecommunications services installed in your new location? The previous tenant may have removed all IT Cabling Canary Wharf when he moved out.
Verify that the internet speed you need is available at the location you are renting. If your business needs a specific Internet speed, verify that the provider has that capability. If you already have an account configuration, you can usually move your existing agreement to your new site.
Establish your budget and purchasing process
Get budgets (preferably on paper) from your company leaders and set guidelines for completing all purchases related to the initiative. This step will help you visualize the process going on. For example, if you need a team of three to sign all purchases and contracts, you may be able to plan extra time for all doses related to the purchase.
Make lists of what you have and lists of what you need
Now is the time to make an inventory of everything, big and small. Make two lists:
Things you’re taking
Things you’re leaving behind and disposing
The lists should highlight some requirements that you might otherwise ignore, especially if you refer to them with your new office floor plan.
For example
When on a tight budget, inventory will remind you that you need to pack everything hidden in this all storage space
If the office move includes a complete design, and you’re dropping o all trash cans and whiteboards. In addition, you’ll need to purchase new versions of those requirements to get a new look.
If your new kitchen is twice your old size, but there are only a few basic things on your “pick up” list, you’ll need to pick up new kitchen items.
Generate and Execute a worker and client Communication Plan
Do your employees, customers and shoppers know about your move?
Create a communication plan to inform your employees, customers, and any vendors about your upcoming move. Having a series of meetings with your company to help plan dynamic days, understanding logistics, and answering any questions.
Create a separate email address for move-related questions
There will be a lot of questions in the people’s office about this initiative. Furthermore, try to separate office work from your regular duties by simply creating an email address for action-related questions and correspondence.
How to Prepare For an Office Move – The final step
Plan a party to celebrate your moving success!
We use the term “party” loosely. You will probably be tired after this step. Furthermore more reason to celebrate your hard work. Get some champagne or non-alcoholic bubbles and some easy, healthy snacks, and you’ll create excitement about the move.
In short as part of the installation of wireless network installation services they are two major parts and considerations.
Firstly there are the Hardware and Technology considerations. In addition, there is the infrastructure to support that and link it all together
Stages of a Wifi Project and Installation
1. User requirements and performance – How many users will you have accessing the system. Furthermore, what is the speed requirements and performance
2. Survey – Surveying the building for optimum access point location to meet demands
3. Bespoke Design – Choice of access points, switches, and software
4. Installation – Both infrastructure such as cabling and hardware
5. Commissioning – Clari cation that full coverage and performance targets are met
6. Servicing – Ongoing support and changes
These wireless network services stages will each impact and rely on the other stages around them. Therefore as one element changes so do several of the other. As an example, an increase in users will cause an increase in access points and therefore an increase in network cabling in London
Technology Considerations for Wireless Network Installation Services
Choice of manufacturer or system
Required number of access points
Locations of access points as per the wireless survey
Location, number, and type of switches
Management, control, and software of the system
All these elements are part of the IT side of the system and tied in with the strategy and management of the overall IT cabling Canary Wharf systems within the business
Infrastructure Considerations for Wireless Network Installation Services
In addition to the technology design, the infrastructure layout will be designed to support those choices. Furthermore, this will impact the entire location due to the requirements of the cabling to move throughout the whole space
The infrastructure considerations include
The required bandwidth for the WiFi system
This leads to the data cabling requirements for those speeds
The locations of the switches and how they need to be linked (Fibre Optic Cabling or Copper Data Cabling) The cabling routes and installation requirements
Additional containment
The mounting requirements of the Access Point
The mounting locations of the access points
Wall Mounted Ceiling Mounted
Ceiling Tiles or Bespoke Clips
Internal High Level such as warehouses
External mounting including high level
Access equipment required for installation
Scissor Lifts
Access Towers
Podium Steps
Step Ladders
Extension ladders
Staffing Levels. How densely populated is the working area with staff. Is the installation required out of hours
In short, all the above elements can at anytime be part of a small or large WiFi project. Furthermore, every installation is unique. Therefore a WiFi Specialist survey and installation plan are required on each project to ensure the best installation and system performance.
What are the VoIP Cabling Requirements when installing a new phone system
When planning for a new telephone system installation the first consideration should be on the infrastructure? Therefore what data cabling do I currently have or what are the VoIP cabling requirements that I will need.
VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol is simply the transmission of voice communication over a data network such as the internet.
With a new installation, this is straight forward. Thus you can have a new cabling design and installation to suit the new VoIP phone system. However, with existing data cabling there can be confusion.
In this case, there may be existing cabling but its not suitable for several reasons
1. The existing data cabling is legacy phone cable (Such as BT) and not suitable for data transmission
2. There is existing data cabling but its quality of installation is not suitable for VoIP. (VoIP requires a quality of service)
3. There are not enough ports for the required telephones
The structured cabling is not centralized and therefore unable to be controlled by the new phone switches
In brief where these situations are present a new data cabling installation or upgrade is required
What should I plan for VoIP cabling requirements?
VoIP telephones require a data cable to each phone that originates from a data cabinet with access to a data switch. To this end, the telephone switch hardware is installed in the data cabinets throughout a building and the phones can be wired to any switch as long as they are linked.
The data cabling in Watford can be any category of cabling from Cat5e to above. Cat5e and Cat6a are the standard choices for 1-gigabit transmission speeds. Furthermore, the 10-gigabit transmission starts with Cat6a and above. However, 1 gigabit is more than adequate for VoIP transmission
The cabling installation has to be at a professional level. VoIP requires a quality of service (QoS) to enable uninterrupted call quality. Indeed unlike WiFi or PC data transmission, VoIP will result in poor quality or dropouts with poorly installed data cabling. With the PC’s it might just result in a slow loading or drop out of a web page which is hardly noticeable. However, with a phone, it can be an echo, buzzing, or loss of call. In short all very frustrating and potentially costly if losing potential customers
Elements of a suitable data cabling installation for VoIP
For the most part, the following elements should all be part of a cabling installation for VoIP
A minimum of Cat5e with Cat6 and Cata preferred if scaling for higher speeds Installed with a well-known cabling brand
Many installations are undertaken with generic cheaper cabling systems and these cause failure over time Installed onto Patch Panels inside a designated cabinet or set of cabinets
Avoid having the ends of cabling terminated onto plugs and plugged straight into switches. These fail over time Terminated into designated outlet boxes
A dedicated cable for each telephone
Installed in correct containment and away from electrical cabling and interference Electrical interference will cause noise and drop outs on the calls
Tested with a Fluke DSX or similar and full test results supplied.
Without these, you will not know if the cabling is to standard and suitable for VoIP use
The elements above should all be part of any data cabling installation. However, in many fit-out cases, the correct specialists are not used and without these, the problems are only found later when you move in.
Evaluating existing structured cabling
When you have existing data cabling in place there are similar checks you can put in place to check suitability. In this case, you would want to ensure the following
Check that there is enough cabling for each of your new phones
Ensure that the existing cabling is Cat5e or above
Test your existing cabling with a Fluke DSX or similar
The test results will show if the existing cabling passes to the required standard for all data transmission. With any fails the cabling will need to be replaced to ensure good telephone performance
Free Surveys and Advice
We are able to provide advice and free surveys on any IT cabling in Canary Wharf requirements you have regarding a new phone system. In addition, we are also able to provide a service to test your existing data cabling. Furthermore, we would produce a report of suitability for those data cables.
The modern business landscape demands innovation and that is exactly what digital communication provides. But it’s crucial that you have the correct data systems and upgrades in place. And, as we start returning to offices following Covid-19, we are going to rely on digital communications more than ever before. Therefore, it’s the perfect time to get to grips with voice and data cabling Westminster systems and plan for the future.
The Importance of VoIP Systems
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has been one of the most important developments in digital communication systems. Traditionally, voice communications were transmitted along phone lines and through circuit-switched networks. But VoIP updates this model for the 21 century. By digitizing analog voice signals, VoIP is able to package these as digital ‘packets’ which can be transmitted over the internet. This transmission can be facilitated by both WiFi and mobile networks making it highly flexible in terms of usage. And, as all it requires is an internet connection, VoIP is significantly cheaper than hardware-heavy landline systems.
What is the difference between voice and data?
The major difference between voice and data traffic is that data stream packets generally do not have to arrive in sequence and can be re-sent if they are dropped. In voice, communication, the whole message must travel as one continuous package since it only makes sense in a contiguous stream. Communication is the key to success in business, but how can you enhance it? The answer lies within data cabling. These cables – which include Cat5, Cat6, and fibre – are used to transmit digital signals from point A to point B. It’s a simple concept, but one which can make a huge difference to the speed and quality of your communications. Modern developments in cabling have strengthened this even further with structured cabling, a network cabling London that supports multiple devices and minimizes complexity. Maintenance concerns are reduced and cost savings will soon mount up. These savings can then be invested in other areas of the business to foster further growth.
Data Networks Changing Landscape
The business landscape, post-COVID-19, is going to look very different. For one thing, the need for social distance and reduce face-to-face meetings is going to radically change the way we communicate. These changes could manifest themselves in the form of telephone moves as you reposition workstations and installation of new power points.
More importantly, however, is the impact of sta numbers. The economic hit of Covid-19 means that sta numbers are likely to fall in many businesses. But this will not be forever. Your business will, in time, start to experience growth. And, to take advantage of this growth and remain competitive, you need to respond quickly. That’s why refurbing your office now is the perfect opportunity to strengthen your future with scalability. As you take more people on, you will need to guarantee they can utilize world-class communications immediately to drive your business onwards.
Voice & Data Final Thoughts
Digital communications provide the heartbeat of all businesses in the modern age. Accordingly, you need to ensure that your company embraces the services that are available. By installing VoIP systems and underpinning this with structured cabling you can get a head-start on your competition. Not only will this combination provide you with cutting edge communications, but it will also allow you to future proof your business.
In the majority of structured cabling installations, there will always be a copper data cabling element. Furthermore, in the majority of installations, there will also be a fibre cabling requirements. In addition, there are cases where a choice needs to be made whether to install an element as fibre or copper. For example with backbones and links to elements further away from the nearest data switch. There are certain advantages of fibre optic cable that make it the preferred choice in certain situations
What is Fibre Optic Cable
Fibre cable is constructured of multiple strands of glass or plastic which are then cladded. Each cable contains multiple cores and always in even numbers for transmission and receiving. These cores are then wrapped in a protective casing. Finally the cables is completed with an outer jacket.
Transmission down the cable is via pulses of light. These are converted from electricity are either end by media converters. Thus they differ from copper cables in that copper using electricity only to send signals. A further article comparing copper and fibre cables can be found HERE
The different categories signify the transmission capabilities of the cables. Thus as technology designs a newer, faster and better cable type it is rati ed to a certain standard and therefore given a category.
8 Advantages of Fibre Optic Cable
The following are some of the advantages of fibre optic cable
1/ Ability for Longer Distances
Copper cables have a regulation limit of 100m for transmission. Multi mode cables can transmit the same speeds over several hundred metres and singlemode over several kilometres. Therefore in situations where connectivity is required over long distances fibre cable is the cable of choice
2/ Faster Speeds
Due to having cores that use light for transmission, fibre cables are able to transmit data art much faster speeds than their copper equivalent. There is also less loss and corruption to the transmission.
3/ Less interference from outside elements
Copper cables have the disadvantage that signals from other cables and outside influences such as power cables, lights, and noise corrupt their signal. This results in lost signal and data. However, as fibre uses light for transmission it doesn’t have the same problem of interference as light isn’t influenced by these factors
4/ Increased Bandwidth
In a like for like size of cable, the ber cable will carry a greater bandwidth compared to the copper equivalent. Furthermore, singlemode will have twice the throughput of multimode cables
5/ Smaller cable size
The actual cores of the fiber cables are small and the majority of the cable size is due to the protective sheath and coating. Therefore as core sizes increase the cable doesn’t increase din overall size as much. For example the difference in size between a 4 core and 8 c ore ber cable is far from double the size. However with copper cables you need 1 cable per link so it's always double the size.
For example for a 24 way link you would need 24 copper cables or one single 48 core ber. Furthermore the 48 core ber cable would be the same size as one Cat6a cable
6/ Sturdier cable construction.
The fibre cable is wrapped in a Kevlar coating. Although the inner cores are very fragile the overall cable is very strong. It is able to be installed and takes alot more to damage it than a copper cable. Any slight damage to a copper cable usually renders it unsuitable for use.
7/ Scalability for future technology.
As with all technology there is a shelf life where certain fibre cable categories are not suitable for certain applications. However their suitability lasts a lot longer than copper equivalents. As fibre components have changed (i.e the termination type) there has always been a simple solution such as a bespoke patch lead to change the connection from panel to switch. Furthermore as technology grows the newer media converters are able to send more information down existing fibre.
8/ Future cost savings
As previously mentioned optical cables don’t increase in size much as there cores increase. Therefore neither does the cost. Thus doubling the core size doesn’t double the cost of data cabling Westminster as it would with copper.
In this instance future considerations can be installed during initial project times and be in place. For example 8 cores are only currently required but a 24 core cable is installed to allow for future growth. The cost increase is small compared to it almost tripling with copper links.
With the return to work starting to slowly start the requirement need to change. However to ensure social distancing the current desk layouts for sta are safe is a major consideration. Thus Facilities Managers and IT Managers will need to relocate desks, people and therefore the data cabling and electrical outlets
Social distancing on a greater level with entry and exit into the building and movement throughout the premise is a discussion outside of this article. This is to focus on what options there are for arranging your desks or sta at those desks and what will need to be changed to accommodate it.
Social Distancing at the Desk
Guidelines are yet to firmly put in place but the following have been communicated as a consideration for working on a desk layout.
Ensuring a 2 metre distance while sitting side to side
1. This may mean employees sitting at every other desk
Avoiding sta sitting opposite one another
1. This results in avoiding back to back desks
Install plastic screens between desks as a protection shield
Eliminating hot desk usage
Other Desk Options
Several of our clients have had us undertake surveys where the current island desk layouts are to be moved. Consequently all desk layouts are now facing the outer wall. Furthermore no 2 members of sta are alongside one another or next to each other.
Social Distancing effect on Power and Data outlets
In the above example the island desks were served by oor boxes containing electrical sockets and Cat6 data outlets.
The new layout designed allowed for installing new electrical and data cabling to the outside wall. Thus the desks could use them directly from the wall with no trailing leads. By installing new data cabling Watford and power the old floor boxes could be maintained. Thus allowing for the relocation back to them once social distancing safety measures could be reduced or eliminated.
Data Cabling and Electrical Considerations when using existing desk layouts with fewer people
In the scenario where existing desk layouts are maintained but employees are scattered among those desks the following considerations will need to be thought of.
Will the new seating position have enough power and data?
In an office that is fully staffed and a reduced work force is coming back to the office the desks will probably have enough power and data for the employee requirements.
However when moving staff to other desks areas, especially those that were previously rarely used there may be a lack of power and data. Thus additional outlets will need to be installed. Even if it is present does the data cabling need patching in correctly. In addition do the power extension blocks need to be installed.
Changing hot desks for permanent use
A large proportion of modern offices set aside desk space for hot desk use. The guidance is to eliminate hot desks due to the increased use of the space by multiple different employees rather than fixed employees
These hot desk areas may now to be used for permanent sta to spread them out. Some hot desk areas are wired for data cabling and electrical the same as a standard desks. Others will have minimal power and no data as they only reply on Wi-Fi.
In these instances new power and data will possibly need to be installed, and data cabling patch leads and electrical extension leads installed also.
Using other areas for new desk arrangements
To separate desks others usually use as desk areas are now being used to locate desks and seat staff. The following areas have been found to be used on recent surveys.
Training rooms
Conference / meeting rooms
Social / canteen areas where these are now closed
In each of the above cases desks will need to be relocated and new power and data cabling (even if temporary) will need to be installed
Upgraded Wi-Fi
One consideration as desks are moved and installed into temporary spaces is that the areas used may not have sufficient Wi-Fi coverage. It may lack coverage for the number of devices now situated in those areas. Where areas are now more densely used for technology additional structured IT cabling Canary Wharf for Wi-Fi may be required.
Those employees working from home and are phased back into the workspace may also now be using a laptop. As this travels between work and home it may require the use of upgraded Wi-Fi.
Surveys for New Social Distancing Layouts
Surveys are safe to conduct where social distancing can be maintained for both the client and our project management team. However to reduce commuting and travel where possible the majority of surveys and quotations can be undertaken remotely. Generally these can be undertaken with layout drawings and photos of the layout.
