Cables & Chips
Industry Insights
Articles and insights about the low voltage, structured cabling, data network, fiber optic, WiFi, security, A/V, and commercial network infrastructure industry. This category covers practical guidance for NYC businesses, IT teams, facilities managers, property managers, contractors, and organizations planning office buildouts, network upgrades, cabling projects, server room improvements, CCTV systems, access control, and technology infrastructure.
90/5/5 Rule: Why Installers Can’t Stretch Ethernet Past 100 Meters
Installer guide to the Ethernet 100 meter limit: the 90/5/5 rule, why stretched copper fails certification, and when to choose fiber or PoE extenders.
Avoid 100 Meter Failures: Field Proven HDBaseT Cabling for Installers
Installer focused HDBaseT cabling advice on choosing Cat6A vs Cat6, shielding and terminations, and simple certification steps to prevent 100 meter failures.
Installers: Termination, PoE and Routing for Solid vs Stranded Wire
Guide for installers and IT pros on choosing solid or stranded conductors. Learn termination compatibility, PoE derating and routing tips.
Write Part 1 Right: Division 27 Basics for US Project Teams
US-focused, project-ready Division 27 basics for construction, design, and IT teams: scope, MasterFormat numbers, testing, Part 1 specs, and closeout...
Stop Callbacks: 48 inch Limit for ADA Card Reader Height, US Installers
US installers: meet the ADA 48 inch reach limit, apply 46/44/34 inch obstruction adjustments, and keep finished floor measurements plus photo proof to...
Integrators: Prevent PoE Callbacks, Match PoE Standards to Cabling
Standards-first PoE advice for integrators and IT managers. Map 802.3af/at/bt to device types, pick Cat6a when required, and avoid thermal-related callbacks.
TIA Cable Color Coding Field Reference for Technicians
Compact TIA backed field reference for technicians and facilities teams with color charts, T568A/B guidance, fiber and 25 pair decoding, and jobsite...
Installers: 100m PoE Limit? How to Choose CCTV Cable Types
Practical wiring advice for installers: why Cat6 is the default, when coax or fiber is better, and how the 100m PoE limit shapes cable choices.
Stock Six Patch Cord Lengths IT Pros Use to Fit Every Rack
Field proven rack math and stocking advice for IT pros. Measure routed paths, stock six common lengths, and keep channels TIA compliant.
Budget 0.75 dB: When Data Center Planners Should Pick MPO or LC
Standards driven guidance for data center planners on choosing MPO or LC: TIA grade loss budgeting, cassette first migration, and the contractor tests and...