Wireless Network Installation Services

 

Data Cabling and Wireless Specialist Services

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.

Original Source: Wireless Network Installation Services

VoIP Cabling Requirements

 

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.

Original Source: VoIP Cabling Requirements

Voice and Data Cabling in Digital Communication

 

What is voice and data communication?

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. 

Original Source: Voice and Data Cabling in Digital Communication

Advantages of Fibre Optic Cable

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

What are the types of Fibre Optic Cables

Fibre optic cabling London are designated as either

1.        Singlemode Fibre

2.        Multimode Fibre

 The cable types are then further categorised as

Singlemode – OS1, OS2

Multimode – OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM5

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.

Original Source: Advantages of Fibre Optic Cable

Data Cabling and Electrical Installations for Social Distancing at Work

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.

Original Source: Data Cabling and Electrical Installations for Social Distancing at Work

Mobile Boosters in the UK. Are they legal?

One of the common questions we get asked is are Mobile Boosters Legal in the UK?

The confusion is because for some time mobile boosters were illegal to install and use in the UK. However these rules and guidelines have changed in the past 2 years to make mobile boosters legal in the UK

In April 2018 the Wireless Telegraphy (Mobile Repeater) (Exemption) Regulations 2018 came into act which outlines to legal use of mobile repeaters.

The regulations were focused on two areas of installation

1.        Static Boosters for indoor applications

2.        Boosters used within motor vehicles

“The first are known as static mobile phone repeaters. These are for indoor use, and are designed to improve coverage inside peoples’ homes, offices and other buildings. They must not be used in other situations. For example, while in motion, such as in a vehicle.

The ‘downlink’ from these repeaters (the part that connects the repeater to the mobile phone) must not be used outside or in semi-open locations. It must be used inside a building which has a ceiling or a roof.

The ‘uplink’ (the part that connects the repeaters to the mobile phone network) can be used either indoors or outdoors.

This type of repeater may not be helpful in all situations. However, they can help to boost indoor signals in situations where there is reasonable mobile coverage just outside the building, but indoor coverage is not good enough.

We have restricted these types of repeaters so they amplify the signal from only one mobile phone network at a time. However they may be re- configured to a different network”

The important clarification from these Ofcom regulations is that the system is only allowed and designed to amplify the mobile phone signal from ONE mobile phone network at one time.

In addition to this the mobile booster system must be adhere to the following.

• No other networks must be interfered with by the booster
• The boosters are adhere with the license conditions of the mobile network operator and that they can control them to turn them on or o or to con gure them

The system can be reconfigured to a different network provider but can only broadcast a single provider at any one time

The system must also be able to boost 2G, 3G and 4G at all times and therefore 4g only mobile may not and are probably not conforming Mobile repeaters that boost more than one operator at a time do not comply with Ofcom rules and regulations.

Do mobile repeaters work?

It is important to remember that mobile repeaters are exactly that, they repeat the signal they receive at its external antenna. They take that signal and then repeat it to other areas of the building

Therefore if you have good mobile coverage external to your building, the installation of an external mobile antenna will receive that signal. Then this follows with the installation of network cabling London and internal mobile repeater access points. This results in you will achieving total mobile coverage within your building

Licence exempt mobile phone repeaters

The range of mobile repeaters we install all comply with the Ofcom regulations and the requirements of the mobile phone providers.

Solutions will vary on the location, size of building and coverage requirements. However in all cases there is a solution that we can recommended, design and install for you.

The whole solution from the external aerial, through to the internal repeaters are part of the installation. In addition the associated data cabling London and power requirements complete the work

 Original Source: Mobile Boosters in the UK. Are they legal?