Cabling for graphics company

[grundy]

We are going to cable a new suite for a graphics company. We were planning on using Cat6 for data and Cat3 for voice. Is there any reason we should go with Cat5 for voice? What is everyone running for voice?

They will have two video editing suites and were thinking of running fiber back to the switch. Thoughts on that?

Thanks

 

[bf0x]

When you say voice do you mean VoIP or just plain voice from a POTS line?

If your going for VoIP I would put Cat6 throughout the place.

If you can do fiber with the switch and the other device than its worth it but only if both devices can keep up with fiber. Think of it as a highway,your only as fast as your smallest link. So if your running fiber between two switches and from the switch you have cat6 then your packet will never be as fast as cat6, sure fiber will help speed it up in between the two switches but only for the time it takes to get between the two end points.

 

[jimbopalmer]

Any given speed will be available for fibre 2 to 5 years before it is available to copper. 50 nm multimode or 9 nm single mode would be best, 50 nm tends to be cheaper electronics.

I tried to remain child-like, all I acheived was childish.

 

[grundy]

For voice I mean standard POTS lines for a Panasonic DBS 576HD. I have been running CAT5E for voice just becuase of the small price difference but I just wanted to see what everyone recommeneds?

The switches are fiber switches and the server is an Xserve + Raid with dual fiber ports.

 

[franklin97355]

If you are sure all they are ever going to want is POTS I would go with cat3. If there is ANY doubt go cat6 throughout. I don't like mixing data cable types.

 

[grundy]

There is just such a large difference between Cat3 and Cat6. Since everything is going to be gigabit im just going to cat6 for data, any problems with that? I just hope they dont need plenum $$$$

 

[grundy]

They also want ladder racks everywhere and not cable trays. We went and looked an installation and a product called Powertray was used. They had electrical running in flex conduit next to the data and voice. I'm still trying to decide between all the different ladder supports out.

 

[franklin97355]

Take a look at Chatsworth.

http://www.chatsworth.com/home.asp?id=1

 

[grundy]

I did. I wondered if that could carry power too. We need to put about 175 runs on it as it is.

I may just leave it up to the electrical contractor to figure it out.

 

[installermike]

look at erico caddie for your cable tray. easy to install and work with.

if price is a problem, look at cat 5e cable for your data needs. all munufactures claim gigabit speeds if installed correctly.

 

[Sphoneman]

I hope your electrical contractor is well versed in telecom (especially Data Communications). Electrical contractors will install to NEC code which has little bearing on Data Transmission.

They will also install it to size for the project, not usually for future needs unless you spec it out.

I would say your initial costs/grading of cabling will depend on the probable leased time for your site, with that: the near future speed expectation of your applications & hardware (Check with those vendors)along with your telephone vendor.

Tough decision since there are so many variables & the costs are significant. Bfox statement "Think of it as a highway,your only as fast as your smallest link" is probably the most important thing to keep in mind.

What would you need to do to upgrade in the future while you will be occupying the site?

If upgrading later, cabling distribution is outside labor expensive & most companies that are occupied want the cabling work performed after hours. Most hardware & software upgrades are handled inhouse by the IT Group.

If you ran CAT6 for voice that will give you another Data grade device outlet for future if you went with VOIP down the road.

If you mainly deal with commercial accounts compared to consumers you will probably be entering into VOIP in the future(it will not go away & will get better, & if your company will be at the site for at least 6-10 years, think about the more expensive front end costs.

Good Luck

Steve
tele-dataservices.com

 

[grundy]

So how many of you are running CAT6 for voice now?

 

[franklin97355]

One.

 

[Jtodd]

Cat6 for voice here are well. Main reason being unified cable plant. Also, we occationally used a voice jack for data when needed. VoIP is probably in our 5-10 year plan.

Justin T. Clausen
Physical Layer Implementation
California State University, Monterey Bay

 

[cwc3]

do a 2 blue 6 a white 5e and a gray cat 3 and a
Quad sheilded RG 6 U to each in raceway to each station

 

[Trotski]

If you add a fiber to that you will cover any possibility

 

[cwc3]

Or a jetline is good!!

 

[Sympology]

We're in between, use Cat5e for everything. That way when they decide they no longer want a 2 faxes on desk but a user, then it's much easier.

Stu..

Only the truly stupid believe they know everything.
Stu.. 2004

 

[cwc3]

did you get that??

 

[Auger282]

cat5e and 6 are so close I would run 6 to everywhere for the above mentioned points..

WE however run cat5e for everything... (not my choice)