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What You Need to Know when Selecting an ISP and Cabling Infracstructure

6/14/2024

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When you are ready to shop around for an Internet Service Provider (ISP) there are certain cabling infrastructures you should be familiar with to make sure you select the right device and cabling for your business needs. 
Below you will find some options that will keep your network running optimally.
Coaxial Cable - This is mainly used for broadband and the transmission of video signals for your cable TV. Providers such as Spectrum, Comcast, and Optimum use these types of cables for home users or very small businesses. The Internet access is "best effort" meaning the speeds are not guaranteed, and usually the download speeds are higher than the upload speeds. 
Ethernet - This is a type of cable used to connect a LAN (Local Area Network) which are computers and devices that share resources. Ethernet is still widely used to transport Internet Access from the vendor’s equipment to the customer’s premises. 
RJ-45 - It’s an 8-pin connector that was originally used for phone communications. This interface is now widely used to connect a computer to a LAN. Once an ISP runs Ethernet to your telco room or closet they set up a RJ-45 so you can connect your LAN to it and access the Internet. 
Fiber vs Copper Handoff - When selecting an Internet Service provider there is usually the choice of Copper or Fiber handoffs. Copper works best in a shorter range (it can go for longer distances with the use of repeaters) and it’s more susceptible to damage than fiber. Still, copper is widely used by companies and it’s the most cost-effective choice. Fiber is a much more robust option, less likely to damage, and can go for a longer range, however, the price tag is not justifiable for many companies. 
Patch Panel and Patch Cable- To keep your network cables neatly organized a patch panel is imperative. cables can be labeled and kept untangled for easy access and tracking, it is a very important tool for your network’s organization. Patch cables are the same as ethernet cables just a shorter length to connect nearby devices. 
How to Choose the Right Telecomunications Provider
Repeater and Hub - Repeaters are used to extend a signal to nearby devices. For example, if your Internet Access has a poor signal in an area of your offices, a repeater can be installed to extend the signal further. Hubs on the other hand connect computers so they can share resources such as Internet Access and files. Hubs can also act as repeaters. 
Switch - Opposed to a hub that only connects computers together a switch has the ability to connect different devices to the network at a higher speed if needed. A switch can also allocate bandwidth so it doesn’t overlap. 
Router - Routers communicate with your Internet Access and the devices on your network, and routes the service to your different devices. An Internet Service provider may provide a router with your service, usually, it’s a good choice to take this option since the router would be fully managed. If you decide to use your router the ISP won’t be able to troubleshoot your service remotely. ​

If you need expert advice about which type of Firewall you need, by partnering with a solutions provider such as TCI, we can help you vet over 260 vendors nationwide for services such as Cloud, Internet, Voice over IP, Colocation, and many other IT-related services. TCI Provides a No-Cost To-You Offering. To learn more, contact us to set up a discovery meeting or call. 
Adele Toral has over 20 years of experience in the Telecommunications and IT Industry. She helps clients resolve complex issues while reducing costs. She provides a No-Cost To-You Offering.
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How to Fix the 3  most Common Computer Problems

5/9/2024

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There are many reasons why your computer could be having issues. I have compiled a checklist of possible solutions for you to keep as a reference when any of these issues arise.

​Computer is Slow​

  • Check that there’s enough space in storage.
  • Restart your computer.
  • Delete temporary files.
  • Empty trash. 
  • Check your files to see which files are no longer needed. You can delete them or store them in an external hard drive or leave them in the cloud without syncing to your computer.
  • Remove unused applications and programs.
  • Run a disc cleanup.
  • Get rid of some of your Internet browsing history that takes up space in your computer.
  • Update Operating System.
  • Disable some of the startup programs you don’t need.
  • Check your security program and scan for malware and viruses. 
  • If possible upgrade your RAM (Random Access Memory) this holds your short-term memory for apps, different windows, and browsers. If you are exceeding 80% it will slow down your computer.
How to Choose the Right Telecomunications Provider

​Hardware Problems ​

  • Start by rebooting your computer.
  • Scan the hard drive.
  • Check the power supply and all cables and make sure they are all plugged and not damaged.
  • The keyboard stopped working - Make sure it’s charged or plugged.
  • Overheating - Make sure to keep your computer clean and free of dust. 
  • Battery not charging - Laptop batteries have a lifetime cycle they go through the more you use it unplugged the faster you will hit this cycle. Try to plug in your laptop when you can or use a portable charger when on the road.
  • If any of your hardware problems can’t be fixed it’s time to call a professional or buy a new device.​
Your Internet is Slow

These days most companies' tasks are done online, if you are having issues with a program or task it can be that your Internet is running slow.​

  • Start by rebooting your computer and any equipment on the network. Unplug and wait 30 seconds or more to plug again.
  • Run a speed test. Your provider may have a site for this or there are others you can find online.
  • Notice both the upload and the download speeds. If upload speeds are low it will take a long time to receive files or web pages to load; on the other hand, if downloads are slow it will take a while to send out emails and large files.
  • Check if there are any users are watching videos, or sending or receiving large files. Your Internet is being shared by everyone in your office so the speeds will be noticeable if there’s a lot of usage going on. 
  • Clear your Internet history.
  • Check hardware storage on your computer. If it’s 80% full it may start slowing down your computer in general.
  • Check your router, Firewall, and other equipment.
  • The issue could be in the Wi-Fi. Connect to the router with a cable instead and see if this improves the speeds. If things work then that means you need a stronger Wi-Fi signal.
  • Scan for malware or viruses. 
  • If your computer is very old that may slow down the Internet.
  • if nothing works it may be time to upgrade your Internet Speed. 
By partnering with a solutions provider such as TCI, we can help you vet over 260 vendors nationwide for services such as Cloud, Internet, Voice over IP, Colocation, and many other IT-related services. TCI Provides a No-Cost To-You Offering. To learn more, Contact us to set up a discovery meeting or call. 
​

Adele Toral has over 20 years of experience in the Telecommunications and IT Industry. She helps clients resolve complex issues while reducing costs. She provides a No-Cost To-You Offering.

​
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Best Internet Service|How to Choose Fiber vs. Cable vs. Satellite vs. Cellular and More.

5/3/2024

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In this article, I will go over the best Internet Access service for your business and help you understand the differences between Fiber vs. Cable vs. Satellite vs. Cellular and much more.

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How to Choose the Right Telecomunications Provider

4/26/2024

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There are many moving parts in the selection of Telecommunications services. Asking the right questions at the start will prevent regrets in the future. Below is a list of the things you should look into before deciding to use a new vendor or upgrade services with a current one. 
​
​Types of Telecommunications Providers
  • Dedicated Internet Access 
  • Broadband
  • Fixed Wireless Providers
  • Point-to-Point Lines 
  • Cellular
  • Voice over IP
  • PRI
  • SIP Trunks
  • Analog Phone Lines
Criteria to Consider when Selecting a Vendor


  • Customer Service and Support  
    • What is the track record of the vendor?
    • What are others saying about the vendor? Whether it be online or from references provided.
  • Pricing
    • How does pricing compare to other vendors?
    • Cheaper is not always better. Compare features, and functionality to determine what’s best. 
  • Security
    • Request documentation of security and privacy practices. 
  • Network
    • What is the vendor’s guarantee SLA?
    • Do they provide credits in case of an outage?
    • What is their latency?


Terms & Conditions 

Most companies neglect to read the fine print on the T&Cs some of the things to look at are:

  • Cancellation policy in case of excessive outages or service issues.
  • Renewal practices.
  • Notice of cancelation. i.e 30,60 days
  • Invoice Terms.
  • Any hidden fees, such as price increases during the term.
​
How to Choose the Best Internet Service

​Technical Checklist for Requesting Quotes

Internet Access​

  • What speeds? 
    • Ask for different speed options, vendors tend to have discounts on certain speeds and not on others.
    • Some questions to ask to determine the speeds needed:
      • How many users work simultaneously on the network?
      • Do you send out and/or receive large files?
      • Do you work with video, photos, audio files?
      • Will the line be used for both Voice and Data?
      • Do users need to access documents from the cloud to both work on and collaborate?
  • How many IPs will you need? 
    • will you need static or dynamic IPs?
  • Do you want the vendor to provide the router?
    • Will the router be managed or unmanaged?
  • What type of handoff do you need? i.e. RJ-45, Fiber.
  • Where is the Demarc location for the line? i.e floor, suite, telco closet
  • Will the vendor install to the Demarc or will they charge extra for an extension?​
Voice

VoIP 

  • how many user licenses will you need?
  • Will all users need handsets or can some or all use a laptop or current cell phone to access calls?
  • Do you need direct dials or extensions with a main number?
  • Do you need: 
    • Auto Attendant
    • Hunt Group
    • Conference Bridge

PRI or SIP Trunks
  • How many concurrent lines do you need?
  • What is the make or model of your current phone system?
  • Do you have a vendor that manages the system and will be able to configure the new service?​
By partnering with a solutions provider such as TCI, we can help you vet over 260 vendors nationwide for services such as Cloud, Internet, Voice over IP, Colocation, and many other IT-related services. TCI Provides a No-Cost To-You Offering. To learn more, Contact us to set up a discovery meeting or call.
Adele Toral has over 20 years of experience in the Telecommunications and IT Industry. She helps clients resolve complex issues while reducing costs. She provides a No-Cost To-You Offering.

​

View my profile on LinkedIn
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    View my profile on LinkedIn

    Adele Toral

    Has over 20 years of experience in the Telecommunications and IT Industry. She helps clients resolve complex issues while reducing costs. 

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TCI  Toral Communications Inc.

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