January 29, 2024
Customer Service
January 29, 2024
It’s tough to stay updated on an ever-changing industry like datacom. Maintaining modern data communications in industrial, commercial, and residential buildings is as vital as having a reliable supply of electricity. And the industry is transforming… a lot.
Finding it hard to keep up? Here’s a handy guide for staying up to date on evolving datacom trends in 2024.
Datacom refers to the intricate network of communication technologies and infrastructure that keep us connected in our built environments. Think of it as your building’s digital nervous system, supporting communication and connectivity for today’s homes and businesses.
Put simply, it makes everything from virtual meetings to networked data processing possible.
The specialists at E.B. Horsman & Son’s Datacom group are available for support, providing solutions for residential, commercial and industrial Data Communications projects. We have the inventory and technical expertise you need to build a network infrastructure for the future with 24/7 uptime for both rudimentary to large enterprise applications.
Data Cable, Wire, Fibre, Patch Panels, Cords and Connectors
Infrastructure Management
Tools and Testing
Racking and Enclosures
UPSs and PDUs
Home Automation
Cameras, Monitors and Access Control
Plates, Brackets and Accessories
Datacom needs—and solutions—are advancing for a variety of reasons. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key drivers in industrial, commercial, and residential contexts.
As technology continues to evolve, the demand for robust datacom in your building is reaching new heights. In recent years, we’ve seen a surge in smart technologies, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and automation systems that are reshaping our physical surroundings.
Fifth-generation wireless (5G) is the latest standard of mobile communication that offers faster data speeds, lower latency (reduced time for data to travel between devices over the network), and increased capacity compared to 3G and 4G.
5G provides a more interconnected and responsive digital world for you and your building’s occupants by supporting a vast array of devices and applications, from climate control applications to enhanced mobile experiences.
Growing datacom demands also increase your building’s need for heightened cybersecurity to keep tenants and assets safe. To fully support digitization, you need secure communication protocols that prevent unauthorized access and safeguard against security breaches.
We’ve compiled some of the datacom trends we have been noticing lately. Let’s take a closer look at what’s driving these trends and how you can benefit.
Constant connectivity—coupled with reliable security systems—in your facility is crucial! Demand is surging for smart security systems, which are becoming increasingly important with the rise in cyber threats.
According to IBM, the amount of data in the world doubles at a rate of every 12 hours. As buildings become smarter, the steady flow of data is vital for seamless operations. Whether managing your HVAC systems or access controls, uninterrupted connectivity ensures real-time responsiveness. This is why having reliable UPSs and PDUs is crucial for a continuous and stable power supply, protecting your equipment and valuable assets at all times.
The main benefits of improving your datacom networks? Safeguarding valuable information and improving your cybersecurity.
Smart building ecosystems fuse datacom, automation, and IoT to allow devices to communicate seamlessly.
IoT interconnects everyday objects, from temperature control systems to industrial machinery, creating a network of data. The onset of Artificial intelligence (AI) is also quickly advancing automation by enabling self-optimizing systems that learn, adapt, and make decisions.
Updating your datacom because of this growing trend has many benefits for your building, such as:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and electrical control systems are merging, largely because of energy efficiency, smart tech, and cost savings. Keep an eye on this merger in 2024.
There are a few benefits of this for you and your building, such as:
The recent rise of remote work—which has forever changed how, where, and when people work—increases the need for enhanced remote management and datacom home office essentials.
Meanwhile, green energy sources, such as solar and wind, use datacom to optimize power distribution and minimize environmental impact. Other green energy advancements, such as electrical vehicle (EV) chargers, are advancing quickly.
Adopting green energy and remote energy-management practices can benefit your building by:
Keep in mind that green energy adoption and remote management increase data usage in your building. You’ll need robust datacom networks for real-time monitoring and seamless communication between devices.
Your datacom needs will differ depending on the type of building, whether for a residential, commercial, or industrial use case.
On the residential front, datacom is the backbone of successful smart homes and residential buildings.
It’s crucial to support home automation devices—for example, Leviton’s Decora Smart products—to work seamlessly with one another.
Products such as smart controllers and wireless access points to Ethernet switches, cabling, and copper connectors help them do just that.
Businesses need constant connectivity to support online transactions, communication systems, and overall operations. Keeping your commercial datacom infrastructure up to date is critical for your business today—and in the future.
One leader in the commercial space? Vertiv. They design, build, and service infrastructure that enables vital applications for facilities. For instance, their uninterruptible power supply systems (UPSs)—including the Liebert PS15 Lithium-Ion UPS—ensure your business continues to run smoothly in the event of an outage.
Industrial communication networks are designed and built to handle real-time control and data in large plants and harsh environments.
If you need to monitor rugged industrial processes and commercial security applications, consider Opticom Technologies. This renowned brand specializes in video products—including cameras and monitors. Opticom’s CC02 industrial camera in particular is designed to meet the rugged environmental demands of heavy-duty applications, including monitoring operations at sawmills.
For high-efficiency, climate-controlled power management systems, Rittal makes leading industrial and IT enclosures, racks, and accessories.
For harsh environments, check out Siemens Scalance’s industrial networking communication components for more options.
Any questions? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team!
Unlike some businesses, electrical distributors have the technical expertise, products, and information to supply you with your building’s unique datacom needs.
Here at E.B. Horsman & Son, we work closely with local suppliers to procure datacom products for today’s world—while carefully considering future demands, too. Contact our team to learn more!
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