All posts tagged: LAN

What is an As-Built?

What is an As-Built?

September 25, 2018 Kathi Blease

As-builts are another name for the blueprints a structured cabling company delivers to a building or campus network manager after the completion of a project. This will provide the network owner with data ports marked, usually with a triangle, as well as any other relevant ports (ex. TV, A/V, etc.). This is important for multiple reasons. Initially, it lays out a plan for the network design that will be installed by the structured cabling company. This then provides the cabling company an accurate view of the project, allowing them to give a fair and accurate quote. As-builts are also important throughout construction. They are the guide showing the structured cabling company where to pull and where to terminate cables.

Regarding installation: occasionally on the as-built, the ports are not clearly labeled, the IDFs are not properly marked and it can be unclear which IDF the cables are supposed to be directed to. This can create problems for the estimator and the installer. They must be remedied prior to installation to ensure both an accurate quote and an installation that satisfies that the end-user’s requests.

Upon completion, cables are labeled, typically with their IDF and the switch and port numbers. These labels and the corresponding as-built are the road map for any future adds, moves, and changes.

The as-built is also very important for the end-user. Network Managers and IT Professionals need to know the layout of their network to be able to troubleshoot. This could be anything from a faulty cable, patch cord, or jack to an AP that has interference issues, or a camera that stopped transmitting. Even if a structured cabling company is needed to fix the issue, the end-user can hire a new company, unfamiliar with the network layout to fix any network issues. With the help of a properly labeled as-built, the newly hired firm can quickly identify and solve any problems. Without this tool, problems can cause more than just headaches for a Network Manager. These problems can lead to network downtime and loss of revenue for a firm.

Because of the as-built, your network is not dependent on any one person or one company to correct these problems. Despite not being part of the installation team, a properly trained professional will be able to perform network adds, moves, or changes.

Kathi BleaseWhat is an As-Built?
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10 Signs It Could Be Time to Invest in Upgrading Your Structured Cabling

10 Signs It Could Be Time to Invest in Upgrading Your Structured Cabling

May 17, 2018 Kathi Blease

1. Your network requires constant repair

Are you repeatedly looking for and calling technicians to fix your network or troubleshooting problems with your network on your own? A single provider of the low voltage cabling needed to provide the backbone of a network could help you to organize your infrastructure and reduce costs.

 

2. You’ve moved into a new office and the current configuration doesn’t suit your needs

The cabling is CAT 3, and does not have the bandwidth for VoIP and your conference room AV needs.  A properly designed network infrastructure solves this problem by having a plan in place tailored specifically for your location with its current/future needs in mind.

 

3. You have no jacks for your cables, the computer is connected directly to the router or switch

Jacks not only organize your network and simplify the wiring by placing it in the walls or ceiling, they also increase the longevity of your network as the formerly exposed wires would need replacement. Now only the patch cord connecting the computer to the jack would need to be replaced in the event of an issue with the wiring.

 

4. You do not have a professional managing your network infrastructure

Do you still troubleshoot network issues on your own and is it taking up more of your time than you can afford? As a small business, you want to dedicate all your time to satisfying your customers’ needs. Repeated issues with the network can complicate your day and significantly reduce productivity.

 

5. Your network is not achieving required upload and download speeds

A properly cabled network will achieve higher speeds as it facilitates the transfer of data from your service provider to your computer using the properly rated cabling and correct infrastructure.

 

6. Wires are making your location a mess

A mess of wires is not only unappealing and dangerous, it can cost you money. Exposed wires often require replacement. This is money out of your pocket.

 

7. You still have an analog phone system (not VoIP)

Analog phone systems work but if you have one you are overpaying significantly for a service that could be provided to you at a much lower cost. This includes long distance phone calls. VoIP also allows interconnectedness between users within the network.

 

8. Your wireless network does not cover your entire location

Do you have a building or campus without adequate WiFi coverage? A structured cabling specialist can fill the holes in your network using Inside Plant (ISP) and Outside Plant (OSP) wiring and Access Points.

 

9. You need an IP Security System

Your current video security system isn’t sufficient to fit your needs. Maybe you can’t manage your security system digitally, store footage, or monitor it live over the network. An IP security system uses Power of Ethernet to power the cameras and can allow for high resolution video.

 

10. Some of your cables just don’t work

Your cable runs maybe be too long, the wires may be too tightly bunched or faulty, they may bend more than they are rated to, or they could be terminated improperly. A structured cabling technician can test every wire at your location to be sure your network is functioning at peak levels.

Kathi Blease10 Signs It Could Be Time to Invest in Upgrading Your Structured Cabling
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New President and CEO of Intranet Communications Group

New President and CEO of Intranet Communications Group

July 25, 2017 Kathi Blease

Katherine Blease is excited to announce her new role as President and CEO of Intranet Communications Group. As majority shareholder, the company now holds the designation of a Woman Owned Small Business.

Mrs. Blease has been with the company since 2008 and has a successful track record of creating strategic business plans and meeting significant results in operations, sales, human resources and finance. Overall, she has spent more than 20 successful years as a strategic leader with demonstrated results in the telecommunications, event management and construction industries.

The ability to work closely and communicate effectively with clients has made her a respected leader in her field. Intranet Communications Group (www.icgconnects.com) is a licensed full-service provider of telecommunications cabling and IP security solutions offering immediate and long-term solutions for Local Area Networks (LAN), Campus Area Networks (CAN), Wireless Networks, CCTV and Access Control.

ICG was founded and established in 1997 by Craig Blease, who is serving as Vice President/COO and now oversees the commercial division of the company.  

As a communications contractor and systems integrator, ICG’s project portfolio includes expansion of businesses, integration of multi-building campuses and renovation of existing facilities throughout Florida and across the United States. 

Through the leadership and vision of Mrs. Blease, ICG will continue to make substantial  strides of growth and success during the 2017 fiscal year.  She believes to ensure the success of the company is it necessary to implement effective mentoring and development of our future team members.

“A leader’s role is to raise people’s aspirations for what they can become and to release their energies so they will try to get there.” – David Gergen

 

Kathi BleaseNew President and CEO of Intranet Communications Group
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