In today’s world, so many things are stored and sent over computer networks that we don’t give it a second thought—until it stops working. In some cases, network connectivity issues can be the result of wrong cables, improper installation, or lack of maintenance. If you are dealing with cabling issues, it’s time for an upgrade. As a Communications and IT Solutions Company TCI offers customized cabling solutions for your business that ensure seamless data transmission.
WHAT IS VOICE AND DATA CABLING?
Voice and data cabling refers to the various cables that make up your business’s phone and IT infrastructure. For most businesses, the days of separate voice cabling for their old PBX have disappeared with the advent of VoIP which shares the same data cabling as your computer network. These cables are responsible for transferring data between devices on the network. Cabling is used to connect computers, telephones, printers, fax machines, security systems, etc. The cabling system that you choose can influence how quickly data is transferred, downloaded, and accessed by your staff. Without the proper cabling, none of the wired devices that your employees rely on would be usable.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING VOICE AND DATA CABLING
Choosing the right voice and data cabling company sets you up with an organized, scalable IT infrastructure. Without a proper cabling setup, your business can experience network connectivity issues, dropped calls, slow upload times, and slow download times. In order to find the right company and solution for you, you will need to consider your business needs, and goals, and choose a business that offers the cabling solution that meets your needs. The overall voice and data cabling cost in Hampton, Virginia will depend on these factors.
SELECTING THE RIGHT CABLES
The type of cable you choose for your business will depend on what type of usage it is receiving. What are the data transmission requirements? Do you have any problems with your current cabling? Are you planning to grow in the future? Do you own or lease the building? The answers to these questions can help you select a cable that is scalable and ideal for your business needs.
Wired Cables
- Cat 5e: Offers a bandwidth of up to 100 MHz and transfers data at a speed of up to 1,000 Mbps. Ideal for voice services and simple computer networking within homes or small businesses. CAT5e has effectively been phased out in favor of CAT6 for new installations, but older CAT5e cables are still viable for most businesses
- Cat 6: Offers a bandwidth of up to 250 MHz and transfers data at a speed of up to 1,000 Mbps. This cable is recommended for gigabit ethernet connections. These cables help to block out system noise and facilitate cross-talk.
- Cat 6a: Offers a bandwidth of up to 500 MHz and transfers data at a speed of up to 10,000 Mbps. An enhanced version of Cat 6 offers even more protection from cross-talk. Any Cat 6 is the minimum requirement for data centers, hospitals, and universities.
- Cat 7: Offers a bandwidth of up to 600 MHz and transfers data at a speed of up to 10,000 Mbps. Cat 7 offers slightly higher bandwidth than Cat 6a, meaning it is ideal for centers that need a bit more data usage.
- Cat 7a: Offers a bandwidth of up to 1000 MHz and transfers data at a speed of up to 10,000 Mbps. This cable is meant for networks with large demand and high usage.
Fiber Cable
- Single-mode: When you need even more bandwidth and data transmission, a fiber optic cable may be the ideal solution. This cable is designed to transfer data over longer distances at higher speeds and shorter times. This cable is ideal for businesses that use video conferencing frequently.
- Multimode: With slightly smaller data and bandwidth than single-mode, the multimode is ideal for small businesses.
PLENUM VS. NON-PLENUM
- Plenum Rated: Plenum cable is meant for installation in buildings with open plenum (non-ducted) HVAC return systems. The jacket on plenum cables is less toxic when burned and ensures that the HVAC system will not pump harmful contaminants back into the HVAC system in the event of a fire. Plenum cable is more expensive than non-plenum and the building code requires it in open plenum systems.
- Non-Plenum Rated: Cable meant for installation in closed return systems is called non-plenum cable. Its jacket is usually composed of PVC and this can be installed in areas where smoke infiltration isn’t a concern.
INSTALLATION
Outside of the cable itself, the installation of the cables is important as well. Without a professional cable installation, you can still experience the same problems you are having due to interference, bent wires, kinked wires, and more. By relying on a professional cabling company, you can ensure that your installation will be done according to BICSI standards. Relying on a vendor that does more than just cabling could potentially save you both time and money as their experience with computer network support, VoIP phone systems, and physical security systems can lead to a better cable network design and implementation process where one vendor is responsible for installing all cables.
As you can see, voice and data cabling are an integral part of your business’s IT infrastructure. At TCI we offer customized structured cabling solutions for your needs, including data networks, VoIP, and physical security systems.
Are you ready for faster, more reliable voice and data processing? Call (757) 490-7733 or fill out our online contact form to set up an evaluation with the TCI team.
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