Why You Should Invest in Fiber Optic Cable

You may or may not know that fiber optic cable is becoming quite popular and many businesses are trusting fiber to transmit their important data. This week’s blog will leave you with a better understanding of what fiber does, who uses it, and why it is changing the industry, as we know it.  In order to have a strong understanding of fiber, we’ll begin with the basics.

First of all, who uses fiber optic cable?  Maybe you have heard of Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) before? This does exactly what it says, runs fiber optic cable connections to individual residences.  FTTH allows for the delivery of a multitude of digital information for telephones, video, and data. Homeowners are moving away from copper cable because it cannot handle all of the new, upcoming technologies such as HD streaming video.  Fiber optic cable is less susceptible to corrosion or power surges, and provides the fastest, most versatile high-speed Internet connection.

In addition to homeowners, many businesses are also switching over to fiber. Local Exchange Servers are using fiber to carry the same service between central office switches at a local level.  Fiber optic network designs provide the security and reliability that multinational firms require when transmitting financial data and sensitive information between buildings and around the world.  With society’s present-day infatuation with HDTV, cable television providers are finding it necessary to install fiber optic networks in order to transmit high bandwidths of information. These are just a few of the many industries that are utilizing the advantages of fiber optics.

So, what exactly is fiber optic cable and how does it work? A fiber optic network is designed to transmit data via pulses of light through optical fiber and is typically run underground. This flexible, transparent fiber is made of plastic or silica that is marginally denser than a human hair. The fiber acts as a pipe to send light between two locations. Thus, data is traveling at the speed of light, ensuring the fastest transmission available.

There are so many reasons for investing in fiber optic networks. For example, fiber provides superior bending performance, it is ideal for transmitting high bandwidths of data over long distances, and it requires less maintenance than copper wiring networks. Those are three important reasons why fiber is becoming the industry standard. There are also long-term benefits including extremely limited attenuation of the product’s quality and no electrical interference. While fiber optics is the newest technology for transmitting your valuable data, it is also the best quality.

Lattice Communications is a fiber optic cable supplier that can get you the lowest price possible on bulk fiber optic cable. If you are considering upgrading your network infrastructure to fiber optics, consult with our representatives to determine if electing to buy fiber optic cable would benefit your business.

Lattice can also assist with designing and installing a fiber optic network. Ask about our fiber cable installation and turnkey construction services.

Next week we will be discussing three phase power vs. single phase power generators, how they are different, and the benefits of each.

The Importance of HVAC Systems

 

Whether you are familiar with HVAC units or not, this week’s blog aims to help you better understand the importance of such systems. Anyone who has invested in telecommunication equipment knows that it is expensive and serves a vital function to the success of your business. Thus, it is important to protect this equipment from inclement weather. Shelters play a vital role in protecting your equipment from strong winds, rain, and flying debris, but can only protect against drastic environmental changes such as heat waves or freezing temperatures, for so long. To ensure the endurance of your equipment during extreme weather conditions, you will want to invest in HVAC units.

 

                The acronym HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. HVAC systems are responsible for the continuous regulation of the environment surrounding your telecom equipment. As the outside weather changes, the environment in which your equipment is housed will change as well.  It is important to protect the equipment from over-heating, freezing, moisture, etc. In addition to telecom shelters, HVAC units are also commonly used in data centers and server rooms.

 

                During the summertime, when temperatures are high and heat waves are common, the air conditioning component of the HVAC system kicks on to keep your telecom equipment cool and prevent over-heating.  During the winter, your telecom equipment cannot operate if frozen, so the HVAC’s heating unit regulates the temperature surrounding your equipment.  The ventilation system protects against extreme humidity by replacing the air surrounding your equipment.  Smoke, heat, moisture, dust, and more can all be replaced through ventilation to ensure a continuously safe environment.

 

Dennis and Chuck’s HVAC website provides some interesting facts about HVAC systems:  According to UCLA Sustainability, “HVAC systems account for between 40-60% of total energy use in the commercial sector”.  This shows the importance that companies place on their HVAC systems. Also interestingly, according to NPR.com, the use of “Man Made Weather”, or early HVAC systems, began in “the 1920s as a way to get people to come to the movie theaters” and is now found in 82% of buildings”. Clearly, companies with important electrical and telecommunication equipment understand the importance of keeping it safe.  If you have important equipment that could be damaged during constantly changing environmental conditions, protect your investments through the implementation of HVAC systems.

 

Lattice Communications offers quality HVAC systems from top industry manufacturers.  Shelters, mobile cell towers, and data centers may be customized to include HVAC units based on the specific needs of customers. Lattice ensures the prosperous lifespan of your telecom equipment and will provide installation and turnkey construction to guarantee the completion of your project.

 

Next Wednesday’s blog will discuss the differences between Natural Gas, Liquid Propane, and Diesel generators and the advantages of each.

 

Customizing Concrete Shelters

One of the greatest benefits that Lattice offers is the ability for you to customize new concrete shelters.  It is important that any and all customer demands are met.  The shelters are built to withstand extreme weather conditions and meet customer size specifications.  This customization can benefit you in a variety of ways; therefore, we would like to tell you a little more on what customization offers and examples of custom shelters.

Customizing your shelter allows a specific project to come to life.  If you know exactly what you want, customization ensures that you get it. On the other hand, if you are unsure, our product specialists can help you decide what is best for your company and help you reach your goal.

If you are looking for durability, our new concrete shelters are built to withstand hurricanes, flying debris, and 150mph winds. The concrete walls are resistant to boring insects and the use of strong bolts and metal welds allow for superior structural reliability under physical stress.

Perhaps you are working with specific size limitations and cannot find that perfect shelter.  Customized shelters are built based on customer needs and that includes size specifications.  Once your shelter is constructed, we can complete your project by providing and installing any telecommunication products that you may need.  Finally, our shop personnel will deliver your customized shelter and install it for you. All in all, we allow for a hassle-free process.

Customizing one’s shelter also means putting it to a specific use.  There are a number of uses for telecommunication shelters but the most common would be to protect your telecom equipment.  Every shelter that we build comes with HVAC, cable entry, fire suppression equipment, lighting, racking and ladders and backup power systems.  Shelters can be painted for a nice finishing touch or bricking may be added to match the larger building it sits next to.

 

Other types of telecommunication shelters include communication shelters, two way radio buildings, and storm shelters.  These are just a few of the uses people have found for shelters and don’t even begin to describe the more creative ideas people have had.

If you’re ever in the market for a concrete shelter remember that Lattice Communications will customize your shelter to meet your every need.

Please revisit us next week when we discuss new ways to maximize your COW usage.

How to Get the Most Out of Walking a Trade Show

So you’ve paid for a trade show – how do you get what you want while there?

Read below for the important tips and tricks we have compiled to help you do just that.

Before the Show:

Spend time prior to the show creating an ideal schedule.  Familiarize yourself with the exhibitors; learn what they can do for your company and make appointments with those that stand out.  Also, get a diagram of the floor and a schedule of activities so you know what you will be doing throughout the day. Have a goal that you want to accomplish, such as which vendors to visit and your purpose for attending the trade show. Finally, prepare your company’s “elevator speech” so that you may correctly convey to the vendors what it is you need in just a few short minutes.  An elevator speech is a short introduction of your company, explanation of your needs, and request for solutions. Being prepared in advance will help you feel more comfortable upon entering the trade show.

During the Show:

Time to network!  Sometimes at the beginning of the show there is an informational session during which keynote speakers, and often times the president of the trade association, will update you on what is happening in the industry.  This is a great opportunity for you to get an idea of the successes and challenges from the industry’s perspective.

Now it is time to get down to business.  Make sure you have obtained an updated map and schedule, as well as items for note taking.  Business cards are also a great way to connect with others as you walk the trade show.  As you move from booth to booth, network with exhibitors who you know can help you.  If possible, request literature and samples be mailed instead of having to carry them with you. Don’t forget to take advantage of show specials, discounts, and sales. Following your schedule is important but don’t forget to leave some free time to wander the show.

After the Show:

Remember, you went to the trade show with a purpose. Expect phone calls and make sure you answer them. They will keep calling until you do, so review your notes and be straight forward with the vendor. If the answer is no, tell them why. If you have chosen another vendor, say so. And if you need additional information, ask for it.  Determine the success of your attendance at the trade show by evaluating what the cost and time to achieve the same amount of business would have been.  Would you attend the same trade show again?

Important things to remember:

Check to see if the trade show has reserved hotel rooms at a discount, if so, this is often your best option. Wear business casual clothing and comfortable shoes.  Also, do not linger too long at each booth and don’t stay in a conversation with a company in which you are not interested in doing business.

If you plan on attending the TOC Conference and Showcase in Fargo, North Dakota on the 14^th and 15^th of May, stop by booth 109, where Lattice Communications will be set up.  Look for the whiskey girl to enter to win a bottle of Cedar Ridge Whiskey, made in Iowa. We will also have a product specialist on hand to answer your questions about the industry and our company. We have a variety of giveaways including hats, t-shirts and stress balls.  See you there!

Stop by next week when we discuss the importance of backup generators and businesses that benefit from them.

Our Trade Show booth at RSI/CMA 2012

Lattice Communications Launches New Blog

Welcome to Lattice Communications’ brand new blog. Let’s kick off by providing you with some background information on Lattice Communications to familiarize you with our people, our business, and our philosophy.

Whether or not you are already familiar with Lattice, I hope to introduce you to our talented and friendly company.

Our CEO and President, Bruce Leventhal, started Lattice in his basement in 2002. Both the company and the staff have continuously grown since that time and Lattice now houses nearly 50 employees.  This is pretty significant considering Bruce was the sole employee until several years ago.

In case you are new to Lattice, it is important that I tell you what we do for our customers!  Lattice is a nationwide telecom distributor, selling and installing everything from shelters, generators, towers and fiber.  We are unique to the industry because of our variety of new and used products as well as our ability to execute your project from start to finish.

This all-encompassing capability is reflected in our company make-up.  We have a knowledgeable sales team to help you decide exactly what you need and our Project Management department oversees the fulfillment of your contract (work which is done by our experienced Lattice personnel in the shop).  The Marketing, Accounting and Logistics departments also ensure that our business operates smoothly, efficiently, and in our customers’ best interest.

Another unique aspect of Lattice Communications is our work environment. While passionate and driven, it is also friendly and casual.  We love our dogs! Which is why we welcome their presence in the office and it is not rare to see three or four dogs roaming around on any given day.

CiCi on Halloween

What else is so great about Lattice? We are the nation’s largest stocking dealer of new and used telecommunications equipment.  We have the ability to oversee your purchase and installation of telecommunications equipment from start to finish. And most importantly, our customers’ happiness is our number one priority.

Each week we will update this blog with fun facts, industry information, exciting things occurring in the office, and helpful tips.  Your questions and feedback are encouraged. We want to know how WE can help YOU.

Thanks for stopping by and we hope you revisit us next Wednesday when we will be discussing how you can get the most out of walking a Trade Show. You can also click on “Follow” to receive our posts automatically.