Revolutionize Your Restaurant Experience with Data and AV Cabling from Data Installers

The restaurant industry is rapidly evolving, with technology playing an increasingly significant role in operations, customer engagement, and overall dining experiences. A crucial aspect of this digital transformation is the implementation of robust data and AV cabling systems.

At Data Installers, we offer comprehensive data and AV cabling solutions specifically tailored to the needs of restaurants. Our services ensure your restaurant’s tech infrastructure is reliable, scalable, and ready to meet the demands of the modern culinary world.

High-quality data cabling is the backbone of your restaurant’s digital operations, supporting POS systems, Wi-Fi networks, online orders, and more. Our team will install high-performance cabling that provides consistent, high-speed data transmission, keeping your restaurant running smoothly during peak hours.

Moreover, our AV cabling solutions can transform your restaurant’s ambiance and customer experience. Whether it’s background music systems, digital signage, or large-screen TVs for sporting events, our AV cabling services ensure clear, reliable audio and visual performances that enhance your customers’ dining experiences.

At Data Installers, we understand that every restaurant is unique. We’ll work closely with you to understand your needs and design a customized cabling solution that aligns with your restaurant’s goals and budget.

Don’t let outdated or inadequate cabling hold your restaurant back. Contact Data Installers today to learn how our data and AV cabling services can revolutionize your restaurant operations and customer experience.

Enhance Your Business Security with Alarm Systems from Data Installers

A robust alarm system is a fundamental layer of any comprehensive business security strategy. It serves as an active deterrent to intruders, alerting you and the authorities to any unauthorized access or breaches instantly.

At Data Installers, we understand the vital role alarm systems play in protecting your business. That’s why we offer custom-designed alarm systems to businesses across Southern California. Our systems integrate seamlessly with your existing security measures, enhancing their effectiveness and providing a holistic approach to security.

Whether you’re running a small business or a large corporation, our security experts will work with you to design and install an alarm system tailored to your specific needs. Our systems offer features like motion detection, glass break sensors, panic buttons, and more. Plus, they can be integrated with access control and CCTV systems for a multi-layered, highly effective security solution.

Don’t leave your business vulnerable to security breaches. With Data Installers, you can rest assured that your business is protected by an advanced, reliable alarm system designed to meet your unique security needs. Contact us today to discover how our alarm systems can give you peace of mind and help secure your business.

Elevate Your Surveillance with CCTV Systems from Data Installers

Security cameras have long been a cornerstone of effective security strategies, acting as both deterrents to potential intruders and tools for incident review. However, modern Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems take surveillance to a new level, offering high-quality video, real-time monitoring, and seamless integration with other security measures.

At Data Installers, we specialize in providing cutting-edge CCTV solutions that help businesses in Southern California monitor their premises more effectively and maintain higher security standards. Our systems provide high-resolution video, robust data storage, and user-friendly interfaces for effortless monitoring.

From single-camera setups for small businesses to complex multi-camera systems for larger premises, we deliver customized CCTV solutions that match your unique security needs and budget. With our systems, you can monitor critical areas, track suspicious activities, and gather crucial evidence when needed.

Moreover, our professional installation ensures your CCTV system is optimally set up for maximum coverage and performance. Plus, our after-sales service and support ensure that your surveillance system keeps running smoothly, providing you the security coverage you need.

Connect with Data Installers today to learn more about our CCTV solutions and how they can contribute to a safer and more secure business environment.

Protect Your Business Assets with Data Installers Access Control Systems

PIn the dynamic world of business, ensuring the safety and integrity of your assets – both physical and digital – is crucial. Access control systems are a core component of a comprehensive security strategy that provides such assurance.

However, access control systems go beyond just securing entrances and exits. These sophisticated systems offer granular control over who has access to your company’s most sensitive areas and resources, and when that access is granted. With this in place, you’re able to minimize risks and fortify security, safeguarding your assets against unauthorized access.

Enter Data Installers. As a leading provider of access control solutions in Southern California, we take pride in offering top-tier systems designed to meet your unique business needs. We understand that every business has its unique security requirements, and we deliver tailored, effective solutions to protect what’s most valuable to you.

Our approach begins with an in-depth assessment of your business to pinpoint potential vulnerabilities and devise the most effective ways to bolster your security. Next, we implement an access control system that strikes an optimal balance between security and convenience. This ensures that your authorized personnel can easily access the resources they need, while unauthorized individuals are kept at bay.

In an increasingly digital world where threats are ever-evolving, safeguarding your business assets has never been more important. Don’t wait for a security incident to expose the vulnerabilities in your system. Instead, be proactive in protecting your business.

Contact Data Installers today to learn how our cutting-edge access control systems can fortify your business security and offer the peace of mind you deserve. Your business assets are too important to leave unprotected – it’s time to take your security to the next level with Data Installers.

Unleashing the Power of Modern Access Control Systems with Data Installers

Are you looking to enhance your business security?

Access control systems have become an indispensable part of any comprehensive security strategy, offering advanced protection for your assets, your employees, and your premises.

But what are access control systems, and how do they function?

These systems aren’t just about fancy door locks or complex passcodes; they’re a dynamic tool for security management, offering control over who can access your property, when, and how. Think of access control systems as your silent security guard, operating 24/7 to protect your business.

Here at Data Installers, we’re proud to provide state-of-the-art access control systems for businesses throughout Southern California. With over two decades of experience in the field, we understand that each business has unique security needs, which is why we customize our services to meet your exact requirements.

But don’t just take our word for it. Let’s hear from one of our satisfied clients:

“Since implementing the access control system from Data Installers, we’ve seen a dramatic decrease in security incidents. The system is easy to use, and the team at Data Installers has been incredibly supportive every step of the way. I can’t recommend their services enough!”

Are you ready to experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing your business is secure? Trust us with your access control needs and enjoy the convenience, control, and security we can bring. At Data Installers, we believe in delivering only the best when it comes to your business security.

Contact Us Today to schedule a consultation. Our team of experts is ready to assess your needs and recommend the best access control solutions for your business. Experience the power of modern access control systems with Data Installers – you won’t regret it!

Will CCTV and Security Cameras Really Make Your Business Safer?

For corporations, hospitals, campuses, and government buildings, closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance, or video surveillance, has long been a staple of security. More recently, video surveillance devices have also started to expand into the private sector, with many homeowners installing porch cameras to track suspicious activity in their front yards.

But are security cameras really capable of improving your safety and deterring criminals? If so, how do you make sure that you get the best investment return for investing in a security device like that?

What is the Impact of Security Cameras and Video Surveillance on Security?

An accurate estimation of how much effect video surveillance systems have on crime can be hard to establish. After all, how do you quantify events that do not occur due to a new security system, especially when other variables may be involved?

However, surveys of college and medical campuses carried out by Campus Safety do show that security cameras have a marked impact on security there. According to the Campus Safety article:

“96 percent of survey respondents that have video surveillance systems installed on their campuses say these systems frequently (58 percent) or sometimes (38 percent) provide evidence for investigations. Four in five say their security cameras frequently (24 percent) or sometimes (56 percent) prevent crime, and 86 percent say these systems frequently (50 percent) or sometimes (36 percent) help their departments monitor their campus during other situations when safety or security issues could arise. Nearly three out of four respondents (74 percent) say their video surveillance systems frequently or sometimes act as force multipliers.”

Such survey statistics show how powerful a security camera system can be to secure a campus and, by extension, an office, retail space, hospital, industrial warehouse or any other space. By warning them that they are being watched and that a video of their actions can be used as evidence against them, the mere existence of a surveillance camera may discourage offenders.

It is necessary, however, to have an actual video surveillance system, and not a series of fake video cameras designed solely to scare potential thieves, which is just a “security theater,” or a meaningless security measure that does not affect real safety and security.

Why Are Fake Security Cameras a Bad Idea?

A fake camera may provide a false sense of security, and if a customer or staff member is attacked or [is] the victim of a crime on your property they may be able to argue that by having a ‘secured’ dummy camera they felt safer and let their guard down under the impression that they would be able to get help. This, in turn, can open you up to liability if the victim cannot gain evidence from the fake security cameras.

Additionally, fake security cameras are still prohibited in certain areas of a building—even though they cannot record anything. Above and beyond the liabilities fake cameras can create, the fact that they’re fake can be uncovered or leaked to the public, at which point the fake surveillance system loses what little effectiveness it had as a deterrent.

How to Get the Most Out of a Video Surveillance System

There are many aspects to a successful security camera installation. Some factors for getting the optimal results from the surveillance system include choosing the right kinds of security cameras for the job, selecting a storage solution for the video recordings (including backups), and finding a reliable company to complete the security camera installation.

Here are some quick tips for getting the most out your CCTV security system:

Traditional Analog CCTV Cameras vs. Digital IP Systems.

Traditional analog CCTV cameras are less expensive but are limited in resolution, features, and the overall system functionality when compared to IP (Internet Protocol) systems. IP surveillance systems offer many significant advantages over traditional analog systems in terms of image quality, features, and data storage options.

Choosing a Camera Resolution.

There are many types of security cameras to choose from, with varying degrees of image fidelity. Using security cameras with higher megapixel counts means having a sharper image resolution—which may be useful for identifying perpetrators or vehicles while also decreasing the total number of cameras required to cover a large area.

However, high-resolution footage often requires a higher-capacity storage solution, which may increase the total cost of ownership. Traditional CCTV cameras are typically limited to the standard resolution (720 x 480) but newer IP cameras and NVRs (Network Video Recorders) can record in 1080p (1920 x 1080).

Deciding on a Suitable Frame Rate.

The frame rate simply refers to how smooth the video recording will be. In general, the higher the frame rate, the smoother the video will be.

As a point of reference, real-time video is typically measured at 30 frames per second (fps). Recording video at 30fps tends to quickly eat up a lot of storage space, so similar to choosing a resolution, the benefits of a higher frame rate have to be weighed against the increase in costs.

The most suitable frame rate may vary depending on the intended purpose of the camera. For example, a frame rate of 15fps may suffice for a camera placed at an entry or exit door to record general activity, but 30fps may be more suitable for a camera placed above a cash register or casino table to capture more detailed movement.

Choosing the Right Cameras for the Environment.

When choosing cameras, consider where the camera will be installed. Is the area indoors or outdoors? How much lighting is available? What are the normal operating temperatures involved? Is audio required for any camera locations? Do any cameras need to be vandal-resistant? These are just a few of the many considerations that should be made when choosing security cameras for different areas of a facility.

Optimizing Camera Placement.

When choosing where to install your surveillance cameras, it’s important to optimize placement and avoid having too much coverage overlap. This involves identifying the most important areas and items to monitor and protect in your facility. It also involves establishing what you ultimately want to accomplish (improving safety, catching criminals, monitoring compliance, reducing theft, etc.). This will help you identify the best camera locations to maximize coverage while minimizing the number of cameras required, which translates into cost savings.

Recording and Storage of Video.

The storage and accessibility of video recordings is a critical design aspect for any surveillance system as they have a significant impact on the total cost of ownership. The amount of storage required is dependent upon several factors such as the number of cameras, the resolution and frame rate for each camera, and particularly how long recordings need to be stored. There are many tools available online to help calculate the amount of storage required for any system, provided you know and understand the aforementioned parameters.

Backing Up Image Recordings.

Accidents do happen so it is often advisable to have a remote backup of the stored video footage in case of a mishap with the primary video storage device. In fact, this is one area where IP cameras have an enormous advantage over analog CCTV systems. Because they are connected to a network, IP cameras can easily send image data to a remote, cloud-based storage solution in addition to your on-site storage. This creates a real-time backup of video in case of accidental damage (or sabotage) to your video storage drive.

Finding a Reliable Company for Security Camera Installation.

It’s important to find a trustworthy and reliable company to handle the installation of your surveillance cameras—one that can help you optimize camera placement, recommend the best cameras irrespective of any one camera manufacturer and can provide a thorough, accurate estimate of the costs so there are no surprises partway through the installation. This helps to control costs while achieving the best possible results.

A reliable and responsible company will not cut corners during installation, which can help avoid costly maintenance issues down the road. Data Installers can provide that to our clients, contact us to discuss how we can help.

Telecommunications and VoIP in 2021 and Beyond

Telecommunications technology is advancing every year, and your business would be well served to adopt the latest Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) tools. As the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are expected to affect business operations in 2021 and beyond, maximizing the latest VoIP platforms will help you stay ahead of the pack.

By considering integrating the following VoIP technologies into your business, you’ll benefit from more effective team collaboration, clearer communications, and happier customers.

5G Wireless Technology

With staff working from different locations using a variety of devices, making voice or video calls — whether to conduct team meetings or to just catch up — requires fast and stable internet speeds. This is possible with a 5G connection.

5G is the fifth-generation of wireless network technology that promises to deliver greatly improved internet connectivity. It offers ultra-fast communication speeds, significantly reduced latency, expansive network capacity, increased availability, and a more uniform user experience across different devices.

Companies that often conduct mission-critical communications will benefit from excellent voice and video call quality, little to no instances of dropped calls, and better data transfer speeds, to name a few. 5G’s numerous benefits have been touted in the telecommunications industry since 2019, but it is poised to truly take off in 2021.

Growth of Unified Communications-as-a-Service (UCaaS)

A unified communications (UC) system integrates disparate communication tools, including messaging applications, voice and video call programs, and others into one orderly and easy-to-use platform. There are many components in a UC system, and making sure they all work seamlessly may require the assistance of VoIP tech experts.

This year, more small and large organizations are expected to adopt a UCaaS model, in which a third-party vendor supplies and sets up all the key components in their VoIP systems. This is largely due to the increasing demand for reliable VoIP phone systems by a distributed workforce that’s coping with work from home setups.

Death of Legacy Phones

2021 may be the year that home and business users finally ditch the landline. While still useful, landlines can’t compete with voice and video calling and a number of alternative communication options.

In the United States, fewer and fewer people are keeping (and using) a landline phone. Based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s phone ownership tracking data, this downward trend is likely to continue: in 2004, 90% of adults lived in homes with a landline, while in 2020, this number dropped to below 40%. Most companies will be smart to opt for VoIP powered internet phones that are much more intuitive and have more features and limitless capabilities.

Artificial intelligence- (AI) Powered Customer Service

AI and machine learning (ML) have been making back-end operations involving business processes such as sales, marketing, and research a lot easier. Recent tech developments show that customer support processes, specifically those already powered by AI like chatbots and speech recognition software programs, will get a boost from further developments in AI and ML.

Simply put, automated customer service tools such as chatbots will become even smarter. They will do more than answer basic customer questions. They will also be deployed to perform tasks such as helping customers find items on the company’s web store and recommending products based on their purchase history, to name a few. Moreover, businesses will gain valuable insights into their customers’ behavior and, in best-case scenarios, boost sales from chatbot-funneled interactions.

Utilizing chatbots does, in fact, have substantial benefits including increased sales. It’s worth noting, however, that some consumers remain skeptical about their data’s safety when interacting with a chatbot and some still prefer to interact with a human.

Interested in upgrading or installing a VoIP system or other telecommunications? Contact us today, to discuss how we can help.

The Coolest, But Weirdest, Tech From CES 2021

CES – the biggest and influential tech event in the world – was a little different this year – a sis the case for most trade shows as the pandemic continues, but it still went ahead, simply in virtual form.

CES always showcases its share of cool, fascinating, and sometimes just plain bonkers tech every year. We’re concentrating on the latter today because it’s always fun to see projects that are a little off the wall and wonder how future technology might be affected. And we’re pretty sure CES 2021’s weirdest tech will not disappoint you, as it didn’t us.

Mojo Vision Lens AR Contact Lenses

These contact lenses bring tech right to your eyeball. They can display, via microelectronics, all kinds of useful information in your field of vision. Once you put the lenses in they can show you things like directions, the weather, or notes for an important presentation. It’s literally like having a cheat sheet for your eyes and a lot easier to wear than Google Glass.

Razer Project Brooklyn Concept Gaming Chair

Every gamer who sees this almost faints, and for good reason. This really is – or it would be if it were more than just a far off production concept – the best gaming chair ever.

In a single piece of tech, it’s almost a gaming rig by itself. A 60″ rollout OLED emerges from the back of the chair at just the touch of a button. A collapsible table stowed inside has modular 4D armrests, allowing you to move easily between console and PC gaming. And you’ll feel every bump, strike, and explosion with Razer HyperSense Technology embedded into the chair’s structure.

WOWCube System Handheld Game

A brand new take on the old Rubik’s, the WOWCube System Handheld Game is another of the weirdest, but coolest gadgets from CES 2021. It features 24 high-resolution screens and eight autonomous modules. It also has a built-in CPU and multiple magnetic connectors. And, since it’s made with an open API and SDK, you can even develop new games to play on it.

MOFLIN AI Robot Pet

THe MOFLIN AI Robot Pet is, in many ways, the 21st century evolution of the Tamagotchi. During lockdowns lots of people have decided to make a furry friend a new member of the family. But not everyone has a landlord who is agreeable to that, and for them, the MOFLIN AI Robot Pet may be an interesting alternative.

This AI powered furry ? (it’s hard to tell what it is) is very close to a real furry friend though.Thanks to an algorithm which analyzes changes in its environment through sensors, it grows and develops its own emotions.

Over time, this little pet becomes attached to its owner and, through a range of sweet sounds and gestures, communicates its feelings towards you. Those feelings will not include asking for kibble and bones though, so that may be another plus over the real thing for some!

Samsung Bot Handy Smart Home Robot

Speaking of AI, and lockdowns, how would you like your own robot butler too? Though the idea is not new (Rosie the Robot arrived over 50 years ago) this one is as cool as it is strange. It can do all the things you would want a home robot to do; wash dishes, clear up a messy kid’s room, pour wine and more. Bot Handy completes these impressive tasks and more thanks to advanced AI that helps it recognize and pick up objects of different sizes, weights, and shapes.

5 Reasons to Choose Fiber Optic Cables Over Copper

When you are building a network that requires long distances, high speeds, and/or heavy bandwidth connections, there is no question: fiber optic cables win the day.

To understand why, it’s important to understand the differences between the two.

Both cable types transmit data, but in very different ways. Copper carries electrical pulses along its metal strands. Fiber optics, on the other hand, carry pulses of light along flexible glass threads. This difference often equates to fiber being the best solution for a new or upgraded network, and therefore being worth the heavier up-front investment.

5 Reasons to Choose Fiber Optic Cables Over Copper

  1. Fiber optic transmission is faster

The standard way to measure data transmission rates is via bandwidth. These days, it is measured in gigabits of data per second (Gbps), or even terabits per second (Tbps).

Copper-based transmissions currently max out at 40 Gbps, whereas fiber optics can carry data at close to the speed of light. In fact, the bandwidth limits imposed on fiber are primarily theoretical, but have been tested to be measurable in hundreds of terabits per second.

  1. Fiber optic transmission can cover greater distances

Both copper and fiber-based signaling suffers from attenuation, or a weakening of the waveform signal over distance. However, fiber optic cables can transmit data over much longer distances. In fact, the differences are vast.

Copper cables are limited to lengths of 100 meters (~330 ft.), per governing standards. Longer distances are theoretically possible, but may introduce other problems, preventing copper from being a reliable transmission method at greater distances. Fiber optic cabling, depending on signaling and type of cable, can transmit up to well over 24 miles!

  1. Fiber optic cables are unaffected by electromagnetic interference (EMI)

By its very nature, the electrical signaling in a copper network connection generates a field of interference around the cables. When you have multiple cables running near one another this interference can bleed into the nearby cables, hindering the desired messaging. This is referred to as crosstalk, and can force expensive retransmission of the message, or even pose security risks.

The light transmission in fiber optics does not generate any EMI, so fiber is more secure, and requires less retransmission, ultimately leading toward a stronger ROI.

  1. Save space and enhance cable management

Fiber optic strands are extremely narrow. In fact, they’re measured in microns, or millionths of a meter. The most common fiber optic strand is the same diameter as a human hair. Yet as we’ve seen, they can transmit incredible amounts of data, at much higher speeds, over much longer distances than their less narrow copper counterpart. Fiber optic cables do require protective sheathing, which “fattens” them up to a least two millimeters in width.

A single standard category 6 copper cable is roughly four times that width, and carries a fraction of the data. When you use fiber, it takes up much less space and is more flexible (and therefore easier to manage).

There are additional bonuses to this size reduction in cabling mass: the freed-up space enables better circulation of a data center’s cooled air, makes it easier to access the equipment it’s plugged into, and generally just looks much more aesthetically pleasing.

  1. Fiber optics are future-proof

Every year the amount of data we consume increases, as do bandwidth requirements. Investing in a modern fiber optic cabling infrastructure will allow your network to operate at future speeds without replacing the cabling.

A solid multifiber backbone in a structured environment will last for years, if not decades, and likely continue to support increasing bandwidth needs. The average lifespan of a copper category specification, on the other hand, is a little over five years.

Also bear in mind that the technologies and equipment that use cabling (switches, signaling optics, servers, etc.) generally tend to decrease in cost as time goes by. It is therefore probable that higher-end connectivity will become even more affordable in the future.

Data Installers Inc. is a leading Fiber Optic solution integrator and installer. Our team has extensive experience installing high-speed cabling networks. Contact us today to discuss your network project and how we can help.

Why Gamers Need Fiber Optic Internet in 2021

To be competitive in the online arena, gamers need quick decision-making and fast internet speeds. The use of fiber optic Internet for gaming provides you with an added advantage over your virtual opponents. It’s fast, it’s consistent, and it’s getting more and more affordable. Let’s take a deeper dive into why a fiber internet connection helps gamers so much.

Fiber is Faster

The demand for a faster Internet has skyrocketed as the world becomes more focused on remaining connected to the internet. This has only been amplified in 2020 with so many people working remotely.

Over long distances, DSL and cable could not offer the requisite speeds, so the growth of fiber cabling came to the home. With its ability to hit lightning fast speeds like 1 GB, gamers rejoiced. Here are a just a few reasons why speed is important when playing games online.

The Rise of Digital Downloads

Compared to purchasing physical disks that can get lost or scratched or “borrowed” by a friend who never returns it, it is much easier to download games.

But only if you have a fast internet connection is this cloud-based convenience a realistic gaming option. There is currently no form of internet transport that is faster than fiber. The average download of a game is about 50 GB. You could have a new game ready to play in just 7 minutes over a 1 GB fiber link, compared to a 10MB connection that would take 12 hours.

Great for Game Streamers

You want a smooth, buffer-free experience, whether you are watching your favorite gamer play Fortnite or you are streaming your League of Legends match on Twitch. Streaming calls for more bandwidth than a normal gaming session online.

When you intend to broadcast your gaming talents, you will have to factor in upload rates. Unlike DSL or copper links, fiber can deliver up to 1000 Mbps of fast symmetrical download and upload speeds.

Better Load Times

The graphics are constantly improving in video games. In a virtual world, 4k displays and VR headsets allow you to get lost and even forget you are in a game. But nothing can destroy the illusion more easily than having to wait for everything in the environment to load. Half a zombie chasing you (very slowly) is just not very scary is it?

In Open World Games and MMORPGs, higher Internet speeds mean faster loading of textures and other resources. The use of fiber for gaming allows you to play the game as it was designed to be played by the developers.

A Higher-Quality Connect

Fiber does not have the same shortcomings as copper-based technology. Internet providers levelling up to fiber had to invest in a newer infrastructure, resulting in a network that was more stable.

These days, some cable providers have a fiber optic backbone, but use copper for their ‘last mile solution,’ which is the cable that enters your house. A real ‘fiber internet connection’ means that the fiber goes to your house all the way.

Reduced Latency and Less Packet Loss

There is nothing more frustrating for online gamers than “lag,” otherwise referred to as packet loss.

In a first-person shooter like Call of Duty, the lack of data can be extremely frustrating. You have your opponent in your sights, then the lag hits, you’re dead and the rest of your squad hates you.

Low latency is responsible for the slow response of the game, which is how quickly the data can get to the server and back from your device or console. Fiber flies at light speed, making it the fastest link from Point A to Point B, reducing latency and packet loss significantly.

You need to use fiber for gaming if you want to taste the glory of beating your online enemies with regularity, and if you want to try your hand at broadcasting on game streaming sites, it’s an absolute must.

While Data Installers Inc. can handle your fiber optic installation needs, they also specialize in other services including CCTV surveillance, business telephone services, structured cabling, and audio video installation. On top of all the encompassing features they possess, Data Installers Inc. also provides I.T. service and support for customers to allow for smooth integration and simplistic explanations for troubleshooting. Call Data Installers Inc. for your fiber optic installation today!

3 Signs Your Business Network Cabling System Needs a 2021 Upgrade

Whether your staff is back to working in the office or you’ve been working remotely for months, it’s crucial to have quality network cabling throughout your building for two reasons.

First, businesses usually have a structured cabling setup that supports both onsite and remote workers. Second, we won’t work from home forever; although COVID-19 has made it feel like we’ll never return to the office, we will, and that may be sooner than you expect. You need your network to work for you—not against you, and a big part of that is the cabling.

If you don’t know if your office has the appropriate network cables or not, we’ve got you covered. Here we are going to break down some common signs it’s time to review – and probably upgrade – the state of your business network cabling system.

Mediocre Performance

When you pay for internet service, the provider should share the details of the plan you pay for. Included in your internet plan details will be the download speed you’re paying for and the minimum download speed.

If your internet and network are sluggish at best, there are two possible reasons. First, you might not have the appropriate internet plan for the number of users and devices. Alternatively, your cable infrastructure doesn’t support your download speeds.

Frequent Downtime

Some organizations experience network downtime rather frequently, which isn’t normal. Of course, there are dozens of reasons you might experience a network outage, ranging from the weather to a server issue to someone accidentally unplugging a cable.

Another common cause for network downtime however is insufficient cables. Network cables have changed tremendously over the years, and if you’re still using cables from ages ago, they might not have the capacity your internet requires. Your company can’t afford downtime, and putting rush orders on new cables or maintenance gets expensive. Install high-quality cables carefully or hire a professional cabling company to do it for you to ensure it’s done correctly.

You Have Damaged Cables

There are a shocking number of companies that not only use outdated cables in their business network cabling system, but also use cables that are worn, frayed, or even taped together.

You can’t expect to use cables that are clearly damaged and get a perfect connection in return—it’s not going to happen. While we’d argue that all network cables should be high quality, the cables utilized in a business network cabling system must be. Businesses regularly use network cables, and the cables endure a lot of wear and tear over the years. It’s crucial that your cables and business cabling system are built to last, so you can achieve reliable connections and prevent expensive downtime.

There are numerous signs it’s time to change your network cabling system, but the three we mentioned are the most common signs. If any of them apply to you – or you even think they might – contact us to discuss how we can help you get things up to speed and your business Internet running the way it should.

Your Connection and Data Throttling What You Need to Know Now: Part 2

Why Is My Internet Slow?

Throttling is one of many potential bottlenecks that can slow down a consumer Internet connection.

If you’ve gone through the appropriate tests and determined that your internet isn’t being throttled, as we described in part one of this article, or you simply aren’t convinced one way or the other, there are other tests you can perform to find the true cause.

Here are a few reasons why your internet could be slow:

Your modem and router are old or outdated. Most of the time, the issue is something to do with your modem and router — they might need a restart, or be too old to function properly.

You’re connected during “high traffic” hours. The second most common issue is “peak use” slowdowns from other customers. It’s normal for cable Internet to slow down around 30% from 5–9 PM when everyone in the neighborhood starts their nightly Netflix binge.

WiFi connections are slower than Ethernet. Finally, keep in mind that it’s normal for Internet connections to slow down when you’re on WiFi vs. plugged in with Ethernet. Connect your computer to the router with Ethernet and run a speed test to see if the speed is still reduced.

Go through the checklist below to check if there’s another issue before assuming you’re being throttled:

  • Reset your router. Occasionally, the equipment just needs a reboot to get your connection back up to speed.
  • Connect via Ethernet cable to see if it’s a problem with your WiFi
  • Connect via another device to see if the problem is isolated to one computer.
  • Check for viruses with a reputable antivirus and malware scanner
  • Call your service provider to see if they can detect a technical issue. If not examine your own equipment. Is it up to date? If it has been a long time since you upgraded your router, for example, the slowing of your Internet may be down to hardware issues.

New Hardware for Better Internet Connections

If you have a router or modem that can’t keep pace with your needs, you might find your connection going down, or slowing down without explanation. And if you are working from home now consumer grade modems and routers aren’t necessarily the best Most consumer grade routers and modems are designed to handle basic traffic because they’re on the cheaper side. As you go up in price you’ll typically, but not always, get better products.

Better modems and routers usually have faster Central Processing Units (CPUs) and more Random Access Memory (RAM) than the cheapest products, which means they can handle more devices, more requests, and more data without giving out. The more you use your Internet, the more you’ll have a need for better hardware.

When you had your home Internet installed, did you connect to it using the WiFi password provided by the service technician? If you did, you are using a combination modem and router in one unit. These devices are good for people who don’t want to buy their own routers, but they’re usually on the cheaper side and aren’t up to handling a large workload.

While you may have WiFi, those WiFi speeds may be limited by the limited hardware in the system. The newest WiFi, called 802.11ax or WiFi 6, is faster and better than previous generations. But the WiFi technology in these devices may only support up to 802.11n or WiFi 4, which is more than 15 years old.

You won’t get the best speeds with your new tech on these types of units. You may even notice a lot of lag time and dropped connections to the equipment if you have a lot of devices in your home connecting at once. The equipment just might not be able to keep up with the demand.

A router is a router and a modem is a modem, right? Not exactly. Do you remember how slow your computer was ten years ago compared to the faster computer you have now? Computers have CPUs with more cores and faster frequencies than before.

RAM is also faster and more of it can be crammed into a single chip, meaning better performance for all the data that gets sent back and forth. It works the same way for routers and modems. Faster CPUs are generally better and may be able to increase your performance. But RAM is typically where most routers fail. More and faster RAM can handle more threads, which is especially important is you have a lot of network traffic going back and forth

If you do over-utilize your network, slow CPU and RAM can cause bottlenecks in your network. When you have a bottleneck, something has to slow down. It’s just like a lot of traffic on the highway having to slow down when the lanes are reduced for construction. Everything needs to process through the router and modem before it gets to the final destination, after all. So your frequent buffering might be caused by cheap hardware not being able to keep up.

Power users – like new home workers – that send large amounts of data back and forth or that have a lot of users and devices accessing data at the same time can benefit from upgraded routers and modems that feature faster CPUs and more RAM.

Need help optimizing your home network for remote work? Contact us today, we’ll be happy to help.

Your Connection and Data Throttling What You Need to Know Now: Part 1

In 2020, along with 1,001 other strange things, a huge number of people across the world, including here in California, have found themselves displaced from their offices and working from home. Which means that they are no longer relying on their company’s superfast business Internet in the office but their own home network and their own ISP.

Many have found that, even if their company has been willing to pick up the tab for upgraded Internet access – which some have and some haven’t – they never quite seem to get the speeds they are paying for, or, if they do it comes in bursts before slowing down.

What the heck is going on is a reasonable question here, especially if slow Internet speeds are affecting your work. Buffering Netflix is one thing, being kicked out of an important Zoom meeting because your Internet connection fails is quite another.

In this two part series we are going to take a closer look at this problem, starting with an issue many people do not understand: data throttling.

Believe it or not, internet bandwidth is never truly unlimited. The signal being sent to your devices is coming from a single cell tower that is shared with many other individuals simultaneously.

For this reason, internet service providers (ISPs) may sometimes “throttle,” or limit, your usage to certain speeds without expressly telling you when they are doing it in order to free up bandwidth for others connected to the same tower.

Typically, ISPs only throttle what they consider to be a “heavy” internet user — as per their own definition — during “times of high traffic.”

It’s frustrating to run a speed test and see that you’re getting less speed than you’re paying for. The question is: are you being throttled? Or is it some other issue?

What Is Throttling Data?

Throttling is the process of an ISP purposely slowing down an internet user’s data transmission. Sometimes you’ll see lower speeds that are difficult to explain and aren’t attributed to equipment issues. You won’t always receive a clear notification that your connection is throttled despite rules that pressure telecom companies to inform you, so the uncertainty regarding your slower connection can be incredibly frustrating.

Currently, you’ll usually see a throttling of your entire connection, but with the repeal of Net Neutrality, some people worry that ISPs may start throttling specific types of content. This is not yet a common issue.

Why Do ISPs Throttle Data?

There are multiple reasons why an ISP might throttle data:

  1. You have met your data limit. Many people have data limits on their internet connections. When they exceed the allotted amount of data, their speeds will often be drastically reduced.

Instead of cutting off access to internet service completely, ISPs instead prioritize customers that are within the terms of their plan. The slower speeds can be incredibly annoying, but it’s definitely preferable to losing the ability to surf the web completely.

  1. You are connected during a “high traffic” time. While bandwidth isn’t usually an issue for major internet providers, the fact remains that it is a finite resource. With extremely heavy data use that exceeds allowances, ISPs may need to throttle some connections in order to provide high speeds to the rest of their customers. This may be becoming more common in your area as thousands of people continue to work from home and will do for the foreseeable future.
  2. Your ISP is choosing to throttle your specific activity. With the repeal of Net Neutrality, the ability of an ISP to throttle may be expanded, adding the ability to throttle specific types of content or to charge higher fees to major data users such as streaming services like Netflix. If costs are increased dramatically for these content providers, the costs of paying off ISPs may be passed down to you.

How To Check If Your ISP Is Throttling Bandwidth

Note that throttling results in extremely low download speeds, while more common issues like Netflix congestion only cause a 10–40% speed reduction.

The most obvious way to tell if your internet is being throttled would be to run a free speed test available online. Unfortunately, most internet providers can detect speed tests and artificially inflate your speeds to make it appear that they’re not throttling you.

So, a speed test isn’t a foolproof way to identify internet throttling.

The only reliable method of checking whether your connection is throttled is through a Virtual Private Network, also known as a VPN.

ISPs may sometimes throttle only specific types of content, and a VPN can make this practice next to impossible by masking your IP address and activities from your ISP.

With your ISP forced to treat all of your content equally due to the inability to discern what sort of websites you’re viewing, you should then be able to measure your true speeds using an online speed test.

So, to reiterate, you can tell if your internet is being throttled by following these steps:

  1. Run an Internet Speed Test
  2. Use a reputable VPN
  3. Run the test again using the VPN to see if you get a different result.

If your speeds are significantly lower than normal and you can’t explain the problem after following the steps in the troubleshooting section below, the odds are that your connection is being throttled.

How To Fix Data Throttling

Thankfully, there are a couple of practical steps you can take to fix internet data throttling:

  1. Monitor your monthly data usage. If you’ve exceeded your data limit on a capped plan, you can usually avoid the issue by better monitoring your usage moving forward or switching to a plan with higher data allowances. If your data is supposed to be “unlimited,” however, there may not be an easy fix.
  2. Sign up for a reputable VPN. A good VPN may be able to provide you a solution to internet throttling. If a VPN cannot solve the issue, you may need to resort to one of the next two steps. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that many large online services such as Netflix and Hulu are getting better at detecting VPNs and may restrict you from using their services if they cannot determine your location.
  3. Switch to a new internet service provider. Some ISPs are more notorious when it comes to slowing down its users, and almost every ISP has a different data cap in its terms. If you are constantly being throttled, you may want to sign up with another internet service provider that has a significantly higher data cap.
  4. Express your concerns to government representatives. If these solutions don’t work for you, the only real recourse that remains is to try to convince representatives and Federal Communications Commission officials to fight for a more open internet. By submitting an FCC comment voicing your concerns or contacting your congressperson, you can add your voice to the many fighting against predatory throttling and content prioritization.

But what if you go through all of this and find that your slow Internet is not a result of data throttling at all? Now what should you do? This is an issue we’ll explore in the next part of this article.

Top 3 Gaming TVs for Sony PS5 and Xbox Series X

So you already have your PS5 preorder and/or Xbox Series X preorder locked in, but is your television ready? You need the best gaming TVs for the PS5 and Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S if you want the best looking picture. Both consoles are built to create a true 4 K image that the PS4 Pro or Xbox One X can look significantly better than anything, so you will certainly want to get the best 4 K gaming TV money you can buy and there are actually quite a few budget gaming TVs for you.

The crop of gaming TVs this year is stepping up things by offering HDMI 2.1 ports for 4 K 120Hz gameplay, like the next-generation consoles, and almost all of them come with FreeSync support to help smooth your frame rate. What’s more, we’re seeing some of the brightest TVs ever launched, as well as some blow your mind picture clarity.

Here’s a look at our top three personal picks for best TV for gaming in 2020

LG 65″ Class CX Series Smart OLED 4K TV

AS far as we are concerned, the best gaming TV you can buy is the LG 65 ‘Class CX Series Smart OLED 4 K TV (OLED65CXPUA). It costs a pretty penny at $2,500, but thanks to its quick response time and native 120Hz refresh rate, it is one of the best gaming screens. As OLED displays are emissive, which means that each pixel produces its own light rather than a backlight, you can also get true blacks right next to bright highlights.

The LG OLED65CXPUA also comes fstandard with four HDMI 2.1 ports so that you can enjoy the 4 K gaming from either the PS5 or Xbox Series X at up to 120Hz streaming. The OLED line of LG is also one of the few TVs that supports both FreeSync and G-Sync at the same time, so you will never see screen tearing or a rocky frame rate regardless of your game choice.

Sony 65″ Class X900H Smart LED 4K TV

For a 4 K 120Hz experience that won’t cost a lot, there’s no better choice than the Sony XBR65X900H if you’re looking for a gaming TV (read our review). The Sony X900H provides a full suite of HDMI 2.1 ports with all the high resolution and quick response time you need for both the Xbox Series X / S and the PS5, at $1,699 or less for a 65-inch display. Better still, this 4 K TV also supports variable refresh rate support on the next-gen consoles for a tear-free gaming experience and, by our calculation, the low-latency game mode decreases latency to just 17.2ms.

The TV uses a VA screen, which with vivid colors provides the perfect combination of responsiveness and picture quality. For superb blacks and contrast, there’s also a full-array local dimming, and expect vivid colors from this 4 K TV. It’s not all that shabby for one of the most affordable gaming televisions on the market right now.

TCL 55″ Class 6-Series QLED Roku Smart TV

If you’re planning to get the Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5 and want an affordable TV that’s ready to let you make the most of them, the latest 55-inch TCL 6-Series TV is it. This 4K TV can deliver an amazing picture thanks to its use of Mini LED and QLED technologies, giving you a stunningly bright picture with vivid colors. The HDR experience is aided along by 240 local dimming zones to deliver a strong contrast ratio, letting you take full advantage of Dolby Vision and HDR 10. All that, and it’s only $650.

When it comes to gaming, you’ll find this TV is the first to have THX Certified Game Mode. This ensures the TCL 6-Series can automatically detect games and switch into game mode, which enables a variable refresh rate, reduces processing to minimize input lag and pixel response time, and does still more to improve the visual quality of your games. Though the new TCL 6-Series offers a 120Hz refresh rate, it doesn’t support 4K inputs at 120Hz, so you’ll have to decide whether you want to game at 4K at 60Hz or prefer to go with 1440p at 120Hz.

A Word About Wall Mounted TVs and TV Calibration

If you are going to invest in a new TV as well as a new gaming console you might be wondering if you’ll enjoy a better gaming experience if you have it mounted on the wall.

The majority of new flats screen TVs are designed to be wall mounted, with pre-made holes in the back for attaching to mounts and brackets. The room it saves you is the most important advantage of wall mounted TVs. They hardly stick out at all, because they are so thin and can be secured so close to the wall, ensuring you don’t need to take up floor space with a table or stand.

As the focal point of a room, wall mounted TVs are used and offer a sleek and modern finish. It is possible to cover the cables, make the space less cluttered and decrease the chance of tripping over them. It will also leave lots of room for your gaming console and peripherals.

Mounting a TV that has cost you a lot of money is something best left to the pros however, and the nest TV mounting professionals are those who can also calibrate your TV properly. A correctly calibrated TV would actually look more appealing to the eye, and can draw less power and even last longer, depending on its light output afterwards.

This is because, in general, a calibrated TV has a dimmer image than the default settings for “torch mode.” Therefore, since the TV generates less light, it requires less power and, due to decreased pressure on the light-generating sections of the TV, can enjoy a longer lifespan. This is particularly true of OLED TVs.

5 Reasons Why Your Business Needs Structured Cabling

Structured cabling is a type of infrastructure that supports the performance of the cabling system or network of an organization. It is the glue that ties together all PCs, phones and other devices used within the organization, offering a secure and flexible solution to a wide range of communication needs.

The value of structured cabling systems can vary from company to company, but it will, for the most part, ensure a highly efficient and cost-effective network infrastructure that can stand the test of time.

The advantages of structured network cabling and why your company could benefit from our specialist network and cabling services, are discussed in detail below.

An Investment in Your Future Growth

High bandwidth is by far one of the most significant advantages of a standardized cabling system, making it a secure infrastructure to support business development.

Having adaptable IT that is flexible and can respond rapidly to changes in the industry is vital in today’s dynamic business environment. Businesses need a data center that facilitates the fast and easy development and implementation of new services in order to maintain current customers and consistently attract new ones.

You can be assured that your network infrastructure will not become redundant with structured cabling, and can support all new applications as your company expands.

Greater Simplicity

There is a high degree of simplicity and consistency that comes with an ordered system of cabling. Lots of different devices and IT equipment are used at the same time in a standard office environment, so running everything off of a single system reduces the complexity of having multiple cable infrastructures in place.

For starters, it is much easier to recognize the problem and fix it with structured network cabling if a problem arises. In the long-term, this means much less time and resources wasted.

More Cost Effective

Standardized data cabling is a truly cost-effective approach for the smooth running of your company.

A continuous flow of information will be generated by a scalable and highly versatile network and it will be able to meet the high demands put on it. In turn, this will improve productivity and drive market growth.

One simple cabling system also decreases the cost of electricity and repairs, and reduces the time and resources spent on finding and fixing any problems.

Greater Flexibility

In order to enhance efficiency and drive business growth, a standardized cabling framework offers a greater degree of flexibility that you will reap benefits from for years to come.

This is because it can handle transfers, additions and improvements quickly and easily, which significantly decreases implementation time and ensures maximum adaptability to any changes in network infrastructure. The flexibility also makes it possible to take the system apart and move to a new location if you change offices as your business grows.

Less Downtime

With numerous, unorganized cabling systems, there is a high risk of human error and errors being made, which can cause workflow disruptions and network downtime. A well-planned cabling system also means easier troubleshooting, as described above, because it is easier to easily locate and rectify faults.

Ready to discuss what a structured cabling system could mean for your business’ growth? Contact us today to learn more.