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:
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.
Our comprehensive range of design, installation, and support services includes:
After a comprehensive on-site needs analysis, a quote can usually be provided within 48-72 hours.
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.
Call 305-436-8886 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST Monday through Friday.
Yes. We will obtain the permits required for our work and coordinate all the necessary inspections.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Long story short, the biggest differences between these three cable types are their transmission speed and bandwidth. Here are the performance characteristics of each:
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.
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.
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.
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).
There are many answers to this, but the primary difference is related to available bandwidth and distance.
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.
fiber has a larger core size that allows multiple modes of light propagation, allowing more data to pass through at a given time.
Both methods are acceptable practices. Ultimately, it is a matter of personal preference. Below are some of the pros & cons for each:
There are three major methods to address noise control and protect speech privacy:
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.
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.
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.
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.
The amount of Wireless Access Points, otherwise referred to as WAPs or APs, can be determined by identifying the answers to the following questions:
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.
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.
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!
We have a team of experts that are here to answer any question you may have.
