--- title: Low Voltage/Structured Cabling FAQs | Blue Wave Communications description: Blue Wave Communications has the answers to the most frequently-asked low-voltage and structured cabling contracting questions. See the FAQ here! --- [Servicing South Florida](https://www.bwcfla.com/contact-us#location-map) - [** Employee Login](https://bluewave.simprosuite.com/employee) - [** 305-436-8886](tel:3054368886) [![blue wave communications logo in navigation](https://www.bwcfla.com/hubfs/Logo/bluewave-logo.svg) ](https://www.bwcfla.com/) menuCreated with Sketch. ClearCreated with Sketch. # Frequently Asked Questions ## Answers to the Most Frequently-Asked Questions About Low-Voltage Cabling Blue Wave Communications is dedicated to providing top-notch low-voltage cabling contracting services to help businesses achieve success, efficiency, and compliance. To address some of the questions you may have about cabling and our services, here’s a list of some of our most frequently asked questions, and their answers: Who is Blue Wave? Blue Wave Communications is a technology solutions provider specializing in the design and installation of structured cabling systems and other communications technology We focus on providing exceptional customer service, functionality, performance, and aesthetics. What types of services does Blue Wave provide? Our comprehensive range of design, installation, and support services includes: - [ CAT5e, CAT6, CAT6a & CATV Cabling](https://www.bwcfla.com/structured-cabling) - [ Optical Fiber Installations](https://www.bwcfla.com/fiber-optic-cabling-installation) - [ Data Center Build Outs](https://www.bwcfla.com/data-center-cabling-build-outs) - [ Telecom Room Cleanup](https://www.bwcfla.com/telecom-room-cleanup) - [ Abandoned Cable Removal](https://www.bwcfla.com/abandoned-cable-removal) - Wireless System Installation - Synchronized Clock Systems - Security Solutions - Sound Masking & Speech Privacy Systems - [ CCTV/IP Surveillance and Access Control Systems](https://www.bwcfla.com/ip-surveilliance-system-cctv-installation) - Intrusion & Intercom Systems - Audio/Visual Systems - [ Paging Systems](https://www.bwcfla.com/paging-systems) - Cellular Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) - [ Public Safety Distributed Antenna Systems (PS-DAS)](https://www.bwcfla.com/paging-systems) How long does it take to get a customized low voltage cabling quote? After a comprehensive on-site needs analysis, a quote can usually be provided within 48-72 hours. What is an RCDD? The RCDD® (Registered Communications Distribution Designer) designation was established by BICSI in 1984 and serves as a world-wide standard for recognizing professionals in the Information Transport Systems (ITS) industry. RCDD denotes individuals who have demonstrated extensive knowledge in the design, implementation and integration of telecommunications and data communications transport systems and related infrastructure. Who do I call for help at Blue Wave? Call [305-436-8886](tel:3054368886) between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST Monday through Friday. Will Blue Wave secure all proper permits? Yes. We will obtain the permits required for our work and coordinate all the necessary inspections. What is your warranty on structured cabling systems that Blue Wave installs and maintains? Blue Wave will completely test and certify the entire cabling system upon completion of the project and will provide a one-year workmanship warranty. We can also provide extended manufacturer warranties that vary between 15-25 years and can include applications assurance if required. Does Blue Wave use subcontractors to perform work? Blue Wave does not subcontract labor for cabling services. All of our technicians and supervisors are full-time employees of Blue Wave Communications that must undergo a drug screening and a full background check during the hiring process. We look to hire individuals that share a commitment to customer satisfaction and display professionalism in both their appearance and workmanship. Does Blue Wave have any quality assurance processes in place? Blue Wave is dedicated to exceptional quality. To ensure the highest quality, we employ skilled technicians who receive continuous training on current products and installation techniques. Workmanship is evaluated on every project not only by the Project Manager but also by a separate Quality Assurance person to ensure conformity to current industry standards as well as Blue Wave’s high expectations. Why shouldn’t I just use the electrical contractor for my data cabling needs? Traditional electrical contractors have a different set of skills and tools from specialized low-voltage cabling contractors such as Blue Wave. As low-voltage cabling specialists, we have specific skills and knowledge of the cabling industry that many electrical contractors lack. We know the right questions to ask in order to gather the information required to submit a comprehensive proposal that is customized to fit the customer’s current and future needs. What is the difference between CAT5e, CAT6, and CAT6a? Long story short, the biggest differences between these three cable types are their transmission speed and bandwidth. Here are the performance characteristics of each: - CAT5e: 100-250Mhz/1 Gbps/100 meters. - CAT6: 250-500Mhz/1 Gbps /100 meters, 10 Gbps is supported under 37 meters. - CAT6a: 250-500Mhz/10 Gbps /100 meters. What is the maximum distance I can run a Category cable? As per industry standards, the maximum distance for all Category cable is 100 meters (or 328 feet). This accounts for 90m (295 ft.) from the Horizontal Distributor (typically a patch panel in the Telecom Room) to the Work Area Outlet (faceplate). The other 10m (33 ft.) accounts for the patch cables required to connect to active equipment at each end. What is the difference between plenum-rated (CMP) and riser-rated (CMR) cables? A plenum-rated space is one that is used for circulating air back to the HVAC system. As such, the materials installed within the plenum area must be properly rated to resist flame spread and limit toxic fumes from being recirculated through the HVAC system. - #### Plenum-rated cables have a fire-retardant jacket that emits fewer toxic fumes as they melt—which allows them to be installed “free-air” within a plenum space. - #### Riser-rated cables have less fire-retardant characteristics and are designed to be installed between floors using building riser rooms as the pathway. Riser-rated cables can be installed in an overhead ceiling space if it is not being used for returning air into the HVAC system (i.e. ducted air return). What is the difference between Singlemode and Multimode fiber? There are many answers to this, but the primary difference is related to available bandwidth and distance. - #### Singlemode fiber has a smaller core designed to allow only one mode of light to travel through it at once, which provides for longer distances and less signal attenuation. - #### Multimode fiber has a larger core size that allows multiple modes of light propagation, allowing more data to pass through at a given time. Should I have a hard-wired connection for my presentation purposes or is wireless the way to go? Both methods are acceptable practices. Ultimately, it is a matter of personal preference. Below are some of the pros & cons for each: 1. **Hard-wired connections** are definitely a more stable way of presenting from your personal device to a display. However, HDMI cables on the table can create a messy look if they are not retractable or neatly store in the table cubby. There is the potential that the end of the HDMI cable can break or even that the HDMI cable could go bad and need to be completed replaced. Another option would be to run CAT6 cable between the table and TV and put converters on each end. Then, if the HDMI cable is damaged and needed to be replaced, it is only a 3 foot cord on the table or behind the TV instead of installing another cable between the table and TV. 2. **Wireless presentation devices** are becoming much more prevalent in corporate meeting room environments. There is definitely an appeal to not having to worry about plugging in your device and possibly limiting where the presenter can be seated. There are many options for wireless presentation devices, some are as easy as plugging in a dongle and clicking a button—but, then you have to keep track of the dongles and make sure they don’t walk off with someone. Others are IP-based and can be connected to by typing an IP address into your web browser and running a driver to start the presentation. Again, the choice is based on personal preference, but the good thing is that there are options to meet your specific needs. Is there any way to reduce the noise in my office? There are three major methods to address noise control and protect speech privacy: - **Absorb the sound:** Acoustic wall panels, carpet and ceiling tiles help to absorb sound waves. - **Block the sound:** Solid barriers, partitions, and walls help to block the travel of sound waves. - **Cover the sound.** Sound Masking Systems create ambient background sounds similar to airflow that are specifically tuned to the frequency of human speech, which makes nearby conversations less audible and intelligible. What are my options for increasing cell coverage in my office? It depends on the size of your space and the cell phone coverage in the area for the provider for whom you are trying to increase the signal. Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) are typically installed for larger facilities (more than 50,000 sq. ft) and require agreements to be in place with the cellular providers. Alternatively, a Cellular Signal Boosting System can be installed for smaller spaces (less than 50,000 sq. ft.) and do not require special agreements with the carriers. What is a DAS? DAS (Distributed Antenna System) is a network of antenna nodes installed throughout a building that increases cellular signal coverage within the structure. The carrier’s cellular signal from outside is not simply “boosted”, it is actually rebroadcast throughout the facility, which requires specific agreements to be in place with the carrier(s) of choice (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, etc.). When designed correctly, a DAS will greatly enhance the reception of cell phone service in areas that would otherwise be a dead spot within the building. What is a Cellular Signal Boosting System? Signal boosters capture nearby cellular signals, amplify them, and broadcast the stronger signal to eliminate dropped calls and slow data speeds for cellular device users. Most Signal Boosters cover all major carriers. What are the NFPA standards and code requirements for Public Safety/First Responder Radio Coverage? Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, first responders realized that radio coverage was severely lacking in some buildings—which can be a critical problem during life-threatening situations. This created a push for changes to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) code, requiring more robust and consistent radio coverage in buildings. A Public Safety/First Responder Radio Enhancement System can be installed when certain areas of your facility or building do not meet the minimum inbound and outbound signal strengths established by the NFPA. How do I determine how many wireless access points I need for my space? The amount of Wireless Access Points, otherwise referred to as WAPs or APs, can be determined by identifying the answers to the following questions: - What is the approximate number of users? - What is the shape of the floor layout? - What are the building materials for walls throughout the space? - What is the capacity/throughput requirement per user/application? Once these questions have been answered, the information and a set of floor plans can be entered into a software like iBwave to produce a drawing showing the location and signal strength of the AP’s that are needed. What type of cable should I install for my wireless access points? The current standard, 802.11ac, is being rolled out in waves. By wave 4, each wireless access point (WAP) will be able to transmit up to 6.9Gbps. You would need seven 1Gbps Category 6 cables to accommodate that much traffic, which is why we recommend Category 6a cable for wireless. Do I need one or two CAT6a cables for my wireless access points? As 802.11ac continues to roll out, IEEE 802.3ax is being developed in the background, with a goal of achieving four times more bandwidth than 802.11ac can deliver. For this reason, we recommend that a minimum of two (2) CAT6a cables be installed to each AP device. If you have any other questions about Blue Wave Communications, our services, or your low-voltage cabling needs, please contact us. We’ll be eager to answer your questions in a fast, professional, and courteous manner! ### Let Our Team Help You We have a team of experts that are here to answer any question you may have. Service Offerings Structured Cabling Security Nurse Call Audio/Visual Wireless Systems Resources Connect With Us - Follow Us On: - [** Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/BlueWaveCommunicationsInc/) - [** LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-wave-communications-inc-/) - [** Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/bluewavecommunications/) © 2026 Blue Wave Communications ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "FAQPage", "mainEntity" : [ { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Blue Wave Communications is a technology solutions provider specializing in the design and installation of structured cabling systems and other communications technology We focus on providing exceptional customer service, functionality, performance, and aesthetics." }, "name" : "Who is Blue Wave?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Our comprehensive range of design, installation, and support services includes: CAT5e, CAT6, CAT6a & CATV Cabling Optical Fiber Installations Data Center Build Outs Telecom Room Cleanup Abandoned Cable Removal Wireless System Installation Synchronized Clock Systems Security Solutions Sound Masking & Speech Privacy Systems CCTV/IP Surveillance and Access Control Systems Intrusion & Intercom Systems Audio/Visual Systems Paging Systems Cellular Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) Public Safety Distributed Antenna Systems (PS-DAS)" }, "name" : "What types of services does Blue Wave provide?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "After a comprehensive on-site needs analysis, a quote can usually be provided within 48-72 hours." }, "name" : "How long does it take to get a customized low voltage cabling quote?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "The RCDD® (Registered Communications Distribution Designer) designation was established by BICSI in 1984 and serves as a world-wide standard for recognizing professionals in the Information Transport Systems (ITS) industry. 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For this reason, we recommend that a minimum of two (2) CAT6a cables be installed to each AP device. If you have any other questions about Blue Wave Communications, our services, or your low-voltage cabling needs, please contact us. We’ll be eager to answer your questions in a fast, professional, and courteous manner!" }, "name" : "Do I need one or two CAT6a cables for my wireless access points?" } ] } ```