Network Cable Installation Questions & Answers

Why choose INS?

Interface Network Systems has been providing cost effective cutting edge structured cabling systems for over a decade.  Our voice and data cabling system designers will employ years of practical industry experience to ensure you get a scalable infrastructure that will fit your current budget and support your information transport requirements for years to come.

INS has formed longstanding partnerships with our industry’s leading manufacturers of cable and components.  These partnerships keep us in constant touch with advances in technology so we can impart updates to our employees and customers.  We are also so confident with our manufacturer partnerships and the quality of our staff, that we offer our Lifetime Quality Workmanship Warranty above and beyond any manufacturers warranty.

I’ve heard a lot about Voice Over IP, how common is it?

Voice over IP or VoIP, is simply the transmission of voice traffic over IP-based networks.  In typical commercial use, a phone is plugged into the network and then a network computer is plugged into the phone or vice versa.  VoIP has become popular largely because of the cost advantages to consumers over traditional telephone networks. Most US businesses pay a flat monthly fee for local telephone calls and a per-minute charge for long-distance calls.   

VoIP calls can be placed across the Internet.  Most Internet connections are charged using a flat monthly fee structure. Using the Internet connection for both data traffic and voice calls can allow businesses to get rid of one monthly payment. In addition, using VoIP does not incur a per-minute fee for long distance.

Are Data Centers unique when it comes to cabling systems?

Data Centers present unique challenges when it comes to design. A key consideration should be that your Data Center must be designed as a whole with cabling (Cat 6, fiber optics, termination systems) only one factor. Access floors, cooling systems, fire protection systems, overhead pathways, uninterruptible power systems, and most critically computing systems and associated switching/routing/storage units are all key components.

INS’ years of experience can guide your Data Center project from initial concept through needs analysis, manufacturer evaluation & selection, design, strategic planning and implementation. INS believes that every customer is unique and deserves a customized, detailed design to ensure their new Data Center will meet all their needs efficiently and cost effectively for years to come.

Our dedicated, experienced and certified staff understands the significant positive impact that a new Data Center can create for our client. We will work alongside your team during every phase to achieve optimum results!

When the plan is set, and the implementation is underway, INS will be there to get the job done right. If there are any challenges before during or after the installation of your Data Center, a certified technician will be available to respond quickly, regardless of the source of an issue. Our goal is your complete satisfaction.

What is plenum cabling?

In building construction, a plenum is a separate space provided for air circulation for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (sometimes referred to as HVAC) and typically provided in the space between the structural ceiling and a drop-down ceiling. A plenum may also be under a raised floor. In buildings with computer installations, the plenum space is often used to house connecting communication cables. Because ordinary cable introduces a toxic hazard in the event of fire, special plenum cabling is required in plenum areas. Plenum cabling - Plenum cabling is often made of Teflon and is more expensive than ordinary cabling. In the event of fire, its outer material is more resistant to flames and, when burning, produces less smoke than ordinary cabling.

Why can’t I split the pairs of my telephone cabling so that I can use a phone and a fax at my work station?

You can, but your cabling system would not then meet the standard established by ANSI/NECA/BICSI-568-2006. HOWEVER, there is a simple solution! If you terminate your Category 3 or Category 5e cable on a single jack, you can use a very inexpensive splitter that resides outside the outlet to allow you to connect both your phone and fax (assuming your phone requires less than four pairs). By using that method which is allowed by the standard, the outlet you are using can be used for some other purpose that requires all eight conductors at some time in the future. Maintaining these types of standards illustrates the essence of structured cabling.

–I’ve heard a lot about Voice Over IP, how common is it?

Voice over IP or VoIP, is simply the transmission of voice traffic over IP-based networks.  In typical commercial use, a phone is plugged into the network and then a network computer is plugged into the phone or vice versa.  VoIP has become popular largely because of the cost advantages to consumers over traditional telephone networks. Most US businesses pay a flat monthly fee for local telephone calls and a per-minute charge for long-distance calls.   

VoIP calls can be placed across the Internet.  Most Internet connections are charged using a flat monthly fee structure. Using the Internet connection for both data traffic and voice calls can allow businesses to get rid of one monthly payment. In addition, using VoIP does not incur a per-minute fee for long distance.

What products and services does INS offer?

Everything needed for your complete cabling infrastructure. Including copper cable, fiber optic cable, jacks, patch panels, optical termination systems, cabinets, cable trays, ladder racks and grounding systems. We also provide and install open racks, server racks, sleeves for Telecommunications Closets, Equipment Rooms and Data Centers.

Additionally, Interface Networks Systems (INS) has significant expertise in relocating equipment and services seamlessly giving your business the absolute minimum downtime.
All office relocations are different, but they all must begin with one thing - careful planning. As a leading source in the logistics of office relocation, our INS Project-Relo Team orchestrates your move through a proven set of processes, which is tailored to meet your unique needs.

I am interested in your services, what should I do?

Contact INS at 1-813-901-9725 or reply via our electronic “Request a Quote” system.  Our trained staff will follow up with a timely, tailored response.

Are there standards for installing voice and data cabling?

In 1998, a large number of companies representing the telecommunications and electrical industries expressed concern over the lack of a standard for installation of telecommunications premises cabling systems. The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) asked the Building Industry Consulting Services International (BICSI) to jointly undertake the task of developing the required standard. BICSI accepted the task and the project was assigned to BICSI/NECA Joint Technical Committee 1 for the “Development of Telecommunications Cabling Installation Guidelines.”

The ANSI/NECA/BICSI-568-2006 describes minimum requirements and procedures for installing the infrastructure for telecommunications, including balanced twisted pair copper cabling and optical fiber cabling that transport telecommunications signals (e.g., voice, data, video). This standard also is intended to be used in describing a “neat and workmanlike manner,” as referenced by ANSI/NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code® (NEC).

The 2008 NEC references the standard in Article 800.24: Mechanical Execution of Work, as a Fine Print Note that states: “Accepted industry practices are described in ANSI/NECA/BICSI-568-2006, Standard for Installing Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling;….” The 2008 NEC is a safety code widely adopted in the USA as minimum required safety rules for the electrical industry. The NEC is pointing to the ANSI/NECA/BICSI standard as a best practices source document.

Interface Network Systems has RCDD’s (Registered Communications Distribution Designers) on staff who are very familiar with the standard and have employed that knowledge to design cabling systems for many years.

What are fiber optic cables and how do they work?

What fiber is - Fiber optics (optical fibers) are long, thin strands of very pure glass about the diameter of a human hair. They are arranged in bundles called optical cables and used to transmit light signals over long distances. If you look closely at a single optical fiber, you will see that it has the following parts:

• Core - Thin glass center of the fiber where the light travels
• Cladding - Outer optical material surrounding the core that reflects the light back into the core
• Buffer coating - Plastic coating that protects the fiber from damage and moisture

Hundreds or thousands of these optical fibers are arranged in bundles in optical cables. The bundles are protected by the cable's outer covering, called a jacket.

• Single-mode fibers
• Multi-mode fibers

Single-mode fibers have small cores (about 3.5 x 10-4 inches or 9 microns in diameter) and transmit infrared laser light (wavelength = 1,300 to 1,550 nanometers). Multi-mode fibers have larger cores (about 2.5 x 10-3 inches or 62.5 microns in diameter) and transmit infrared light (wavelength = 850 to 1,300 nm) from light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

Some optical fibers can be made from plastic. These fibers have a large core (0.04 inches or 1 mm diameter) and transmit visible red light (wavelength = 650 nm) from LEDs.

How Fiber Optics work - Suppose you want to shine a flashlight beam down a long, straight hallway. Just point the beam straight down the hallway -- light travels in straight lines, so it is no problem. What if the hallway has a bend in it? You could place a mirror at the bend to reflect the light beam around the corner. What if the hallway is very winding with multiple bends? You might line the walls with mirrors and angle the beam so that it bounces from side-to-side all along the hallway. This is exactly what happens in an optical fiber.

The light in a fiber-optic cable travels through the core (hallway) by constantly bouncing from the cladding (mirror-lined walls), a principle called total internal reflection. Because the cladding does not absorb any light from the core, the light wave can travel great distances.

However, some of the light signal degrades within the fiber, mostly due to impurities in the glass. The extent that the signal degrades depends on the purity of the glass and the wavelength of the transmitted light (for example, 850 nm = 60 to 75 percent/km; 1,300 nm = 50 to 60 percent/km; 1,550 nm is greater than 50 percent/km). Some premium optical fibers show much less signal degradation -- less than 10 percent/km at 1,550 nm.

Are there standards for installing voice and data cabling?

In 1998, a large number of companies representing the telecommunications and electrical industries expressed concern over the lack of a standard for installation of telecommunications premises cabling systems. The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) asked the Building Industry Consulting Services International (BICSI) to jointly undertake the task of developing the required standard. BICSI accepted the task and the project was assigned to BICSI/NECA Joint Technical Committee 1 for the “Development of Telecommunications Cabling Installation Guidelines.”

The ANSI/NECA/BICSI-568-2006 describes minimum requirements and procedures for installing the infrastructure for telecommunications, including balanced twisted pair copper cabling and optical fiber cabling that transport telecommunications signals (e.g., voice, data, video). This standard also is intended to be used in describing a “neat and workmanlike manner,” as referenced by ANSI/NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code® (NEC).

The 2008 NEC references the standard in Article 800.24: Mechanical Execution of Work, as a Fine Print Note that states: “Accepted industry practices are described in ANSI/NECA/BICSI-568-2006, Standard for Installing Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling;….” The 2008 NEC is a safety code widely adopted in the USA as minimum required safety rules for the electrical industry. The NEC is pointing to the ANSI/NECA/BICSI standard as a best practices source document.

Interface Network Systems has RCDD’s (Registered Communications Distribution Designers) on staff who are very familiar with the standard and have employed that knowledge to design cabling systems for many years.

What is the difference between Category 5e cable and Category 6 cable?

Category 5e requirements are specified up to 100 MHz. The Category 6 standard sets minimum requirements up to 250 MHz for cables, connecting hardware, patch cords, channels and permanent links, and therefore guarantees reasonable performance that can be utilized by applications up to 250 MHz.

What is plenum cabling?

In building construction, a plenum is a separate space provided for air circulation for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (sometimes referred to as HVAC) and typically provided in the space between the structural ceiling and a drop-down ceiling. A plenum may also be under a raised floor. In buildings with computer installations, the plenum space is often used to house connecting communication cables. Because ordinary cable introduces a toxic hazard in the event of fire, special plenum cabling is required in plenum areas. Plenum cabling - Plenum cabling is often made of Teflon and is more expensive than ordinary cabling. In the event of fire, its outer material is more resistant to flames and, when burning, produces less smoke than ordinary cabling.

Are Data Centers unique when it comes to cabling systems?

Data Centers present unique challenges when it comes to design. A key consideration should be that your Data Center must be designed as a whole with cabling (Cat 6, fiber optics, termination systems) only one factor. Access floors, cooling systems, fire protection systems, overhead pathways, uninterruptible power systems, and most critically computing systems and associated switching/routing/storage units are all key components.

INS’ years of experience can guide your Data Center project from initial concept through needs analysis, manufacturer evaluation & selection, design, strategic planning and implementation. INS believes that every customer is unique and deserves a customized, detailed design to ensure their new Data Center will meet all their needs efficiently and cost effectively for years to come.

Our dedicated, experienced and certified staff understands the significant positive impact that a new Data Center can create for our client. We will work alongside your team during every phase to achieve optimum results!

When the plan is set, and the implementation is underway, INS will be there to get the job done right. If there are any challenges before during or after the installation of your Data Center, a certified technician will be available to respond quickly, regardless of the source of an issue. Our goal is your complete satisfaction.