Network Infrastructure

What do ISP and OSP mean?

February 19, 2019 Kathi Blease Structured Cabling

ISP stands for Inside Plant and OSP stands for Outside Plant. According to Building Industry Construction Service International (BICSI), OSP is any network infrastructure installed external to buildings. Our scope includes optical fiber cabling, balanced twisted-pair cabling, and support structures to link locations.

OSP cables are underground, direct-buried, or aerial. ICG specializes in direct-buried which utilizes trenches, pedestals, and communication maintenance holes.

ISP refers to cable installed inside of the building. This includes everything from the patch panel, patch cord, and switch to the cables and jacks.

Each may require a different type of cable and a different method of installation. ISP utilizes wall and ceiling drops, while OSP will likely require trenching.

What is an As-Built?

September 25, 2018 Kathi Blease Uncategorized

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.

The Low Voltage Cabling Market is Growing

July 11, 2018 Kathi Blease Structured Cabling

What is FTTP, FTTH, FTTC, FTTX?

June 13, 2018 Kathi Blease Structured Cabling

FTTX refers to all types of fiber infrastructure including fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP), fiber-to-the-curb (FTTC), and fiber-to-the-node (FTTN).

FTTH stands for fiber-to-the-home and is synonymous with FTTP (fiber-to-the-premises). They both refer to a fiber optic cable running directly from the Internet Service Provider (ISP) to a home or business location.

FTTC stands for fiber-to-the-curb and refers to a fiber optic cable run to the curb near the user with a copper ethernet cable connecting the fiber at the curb to the final location.

FTTN stands for fiber-to-the-node and refers to a fiber optic cable running to service a large area with copper ethernet cables connecting each location in service area to the node.

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

May 17, 2018 Kathi Blease Structured Cabling

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.

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