Properly utilizing Fiber Optic Cabling for High Bandwidth Connectivity in Cubicles
Our client required a lot of fiber optic cabling connectivity within their office cubicles, in all, over 4,000 fiber splices between cubicles and the IDF were required, and Universal Fiber Optics was able to provide a turnkey solution to improve connectivity and shorten the buildout timeline. Our services included all the preplanning communications and fiber optic consulting, ordering of fiber optic materials, running cables, terminations/splices of fiber optic cables, testing, labeling, and cable dressing.
The installation process consisted of running the fiber optic cabling from each IDF to individual desks. Each of the 178 desks received two fiber drops each; each drop was a 6-pair (12-strand) OM4 fiber. The fiber strands were terminated, dressed, and installed for plug-and-play, at each desk. To install the fiber termination properly at the desk LC/UPC fiber optic keystone adapters were also implemented. Finally, it ends with testing each fiber strand to make sure light passes through without any issues or light loss.
Fiber Optic Cable Management During Cable Pull to Minimize Potential Damage
During the installation of this project, fiber cables needed to be pulled from the IDF to each desk, this is called Fiber to the Desk. Within that cable run, the fiber leaves the network rack in the IDF into a ladder rack stretching the length of the office space. From the ladder rack, the cables come down conduit to reach the desk level and are run horizontally to each desk. During this cable pull there can be sharp corners that can damage the cable. Universal Fiber Optics used pulleys on the corners and paid extra attention to each corner during a cable run as there was a lot of sensitivity in regards to making sure the cables are not damaged. If a pulley isn’t available we have one of the technicians hold the cable on each corner to make sure there is no strain of potential damage to the cable. This attention to detail was needed in this project as fiber cable is an expensive product, which can be very costly to mistake.
Using Fiber Optic Fusion Splicing to Maximize Efficiency During Installation
In this Las Vegas office, the cabling had to be fusion spliced: fiber optic cables in the IDF with LC/UPC connectors; installing the cables into the CCH-04U fiber optic distribution panels.
We also had to populate the CCH 12 duplex LC/UPC OM4 aqua slot connector panels in each FDP. While the installation of fiber optic networks can be technical and a slow process, our experience with fiber optic fusion splicing allowed us to complete the fiber distribution panels quickly and accurately. This saved our client significant time and took a huge weight off the general contractor’s timeline for the low-voltage installation for the project.
Universal Fiber Optics offers structured cabling installation services as a partner for contractors and subcontractors in many industries and with a large array of project specifications. If you’re a service provider or a general contractor, contact us for Fiber Cable services in Las Vegas. We’re able to help you shorten timelines and alleviate some of the headaches of installing complex networks in your client projects.
We also work directly with commercial entities for low-voltage installation, and network solutions in Las Vegas. You can see more of our Case Studies on network installations here.
The importance of a smooth and comprehensive Operational Handoff for Low Voltage Services
Generally, the biggest complaint when upgrading the low voltage or network infrastructure for existing network systems is the inaccuracy of documentation and lack of labels. We take our network documentation and labeling seriously to make sure your cables not only look nice but also make use of the system intuitive and straightforward. Universal Fiber Optics created custom labels for each fiber connection in the cubicles and the fiber distribution panel.
Usually, the manufacturer of the fiber distribution panel offers a less-than-ideal solution for labeling panels, we were able to custom design, color code, and print a better labeling sheet.
Our clients are routinely very satisfied with how easy it is to identify a single cable endpoint out of their entire network. In this case, there were 4000 fiber connectors – a perfect example of how proper documentation and labeling can be in ensuring ease of operations and operational continuity.
In addition to the labeling and documentation for an enhanced operational handoff after each job that we worked on, we were able to verify connectivity between the IDF and office cubicles for each fiber strand and explained our labeling scheme in detail. This information is provided to the customer in a job summary report. It allows fewer RFPs, better turnkey utilization of the network, and happier clientele. We work hard to improve the workflow and capabilities of the end user, even though we operate before final inspections on most projects.
The right partner for Office Cabling Services in the Las Vegas Area – Universal Fiber Optics
Universal Fiber Optics offers cabling solutions for all office types. We work directly with commercial entities or can be used as a subcontractor for work you have as an MSP/MSSP, construction company, project management firm, or outside service provider. Our services include wireless internet, ethernet cabling, and fiber to the desk, among others. See all of our service offerings here.