We install the cabling that glues everything in your network together, often referred to as structured cabling and its one of the best investments any business can make as it empowers you to make changes quickly by yourselves.
For example, if you wish to move a computer or telephone to a new location, you just plug it into a new position, a quick re-patch and you’re all done.
Networks are the cornerstones of your ability to communicate better and if they are unreliable then you can quickly run into problems. This is why it is important that the health of your network is checked periodically.
Networks can deteriorate over time, often due to strain being placed on sockets, moisture ingress or changes to the installation by electrical contractors who may run cables nearby to data cables.
Press Telecom perform network health checked using specialist testing equipment that is designed to test any network to ensure it conforms to the relevant standards.
Upon completion of a network health check, we will spend time explaining the results that will show the condition of the network along with any advisories and recommendations to resolve them.
In almost all cases when we are invited to investigate a network problem, we discover problems with the foundation of the network, the cable infrastructure.
The findings vary, from poor installation techniques, low-cost grade cable being used, through to damaged or faulty sockets.
Sadly as is often the case, there is no documentation to support the installation or evidence of any certified test results, usually, because a non-data specialist performed the install.
The image of the socket on the left was a low quality non-branded generic socket that fell apart.
The image of the socket on the right is a new replacement. A high-quality branded part that has a lifetime warranty. Also, notice the difference between installation methods.
Equipment comparison
The equipment on the left is an example of a basic wire map tester that has no other function than checking to ensure the cables are connected and that they are not cross-wired.
Price tag £30 or less.
The equipment on the right is a Fluke Cable Analyser that performs a whole spectrum of tests to ensure the installation will work trouble free.
Price tag £25,000 pounds.
Conclusion
Unless you are a data specialist, it would be easy to see why owning, maintaining and calibrating expensive test equipment would be prohibitive. This is why we recommend a network health check to uncover hidden faults.
If during a telephone call you have experienced a faint conversation with an unrelated person, then you will have experienced the problems associated with crosstalk, which is where the term crosstalk actually came from.
Crosstalk is the problem caused by an electromagnetic field interfering with the signals on adjacent wires in a cable.
In networks, data needs to move quickly and so the speed at which data travels is measured in frequency. As the frequency increases so does the electromagnetic field interference, and thus its critical to any reliable network that the installation meets the stated requirements.
The basic wire map test shows a PASS.
Basic Tester
On the left is the test results of a socket, which a basic wire map tester will show as a PASS.
Fluke Cable Analyser
The same socket, when tested with a Fluke Cable Analyser, will show a fail.
Summary
The same cable but two different results, and only one accurate test result.
The above picture shows that there is a problem with Near End Crosstalk (NEXT).
Poorly twisted terminations can cause excessive crosstalk, however, there can be other reasons for crosstalk, such as a damaged cable along the length of the wire.
To locate damaged wires, you would require the use of a time domain facility to see where the crosstalk is happening and to determine if it is feasible to repair, replace or writeoff the connection.
On the left is the test results showing a FAIL due to crosstalk. There is a curve in RED with results of the frequency responses above it. You will notice that the response falls below the red reference curve, and hence its a failure.
On the right is the test results showing a PASS. There is a curve in RED with results of the frequency responses above it. You will notice that the response is well above the red reference curve, and hence its a pass.
If you are looking to install a new network or expand an existing network, it pays to do it right the first time by choosing a company that specialises in data installation.
Press Telecom design, install and certify using Fluke Cable Analysers, networks you can depend on along with a lifetime warranty.
Call now on 0800 6800 139 to book your network health check.