Desk phones slowly going away
I’ve been in the telecom industry since 1999. The digital phone system have slowly been replaced by voip or voice over internet protocol phones. Telecom and computers are now migrating into 1 seamless category. I remember the days when customer would call us, just to move phones around. We still get those, but it is becoming less frequent. With voip, customer can simply unplug their phone, find another network jack, plug it in, and they are up and running. Those ports be POE (power over ethernet) or in most case, customer can simply plug in a power supply to power the phone. With that being said, in the last 5 years, we have seen a major move from desk phone to a simple inexpensive usb headset or bluetooth headset. It’s simply cheaper and sometimes better, it’s a matter of preferences. Me, personally, I still prefer to have a desk phone with the option for bluetooth usb headset and a softphone when I’m roaming. When I’m really lazy, I can simply use a softphone apps on the smart phone. With so many options, I can see why most customer is wanting to go with VOIP solutions. If you are in the market for a voip solutions, give us a call, we can help. Related Guides How to Choose the Right Business Phone System Selecting the Right VoIP Phone Service for Your Business Affordable VoIP Phone Systems in Austin VoIP Quality of Service (QoS) Improvements NEC SL2100 Business Phone System Benefits of Call Recording for Business Communications Voice Cabling Services for Business Phone Systems Allworx Interact Integration with Google Chrome and Firefox
Why Wi-Fi Feels Slow in Some Rooms (And Why Reconnecting Often Fixes It)
Today, Business Communication Solutions visited a customer in Austin, Texas who was frustrated with slow internet speeds inside their home. The internet service itself was fine—but the experience changed depending on where he stood. In some areas, Wi-Fi was fast. In others, the signal looked strong—but performance was slow. This is a very common Wi-Fi issue, and the fix helped explain why reconnecting to Wi-Fi or rebooting often makes things better. What We Observed On Site While troubleshooting, we asked the customer to: Stand still in the problem area Disconnect from Wi-Fi Reconnect to the same network As soon as the device reconnected, speeds jumped back to normal. Nothing about the internet connection changed. The device simply connected to a closer wireless access point. Why Wi-Fi Devices Don’t Always Choose the Best Access Point Wi-Fi roaming decisions are made by the device, not the access points. That means: Your phone or laptop decides when to switch Devices tend to “hang on” to weaker signals A strong-looking signal doesn’t always mean fast speeds Devices often stay connected to a farther access point even when a closer one is available—until something forces them to reconnect. Why Disconnecting and Reconnecting Helps When you disconnect and reconnect to Wi-Fi: The device scans all available access points It chooses the strongest and fastest option The connection is refreshed This is why: Turning Wi-Fi off and on helps Rebooting a device improves performance Restarting routers temporarily fixes slow speeds It forces a new access point selection. Using the Same SSID on Every Access Point Most modern Wi-Fi systems use the same network name (SSID) across all access points. Pros of Same SSID Seamless roaming One network name for the entire home or business No manual switching required Cleaner user experience Cons of Same SSID Devices may stay connected to a farther AP Slower speeds in some areas Roaming behavior depends on device quality Can feel inconsistent without proper tuning This setup works best when: Access points are properly placed Power levels are tuned correctly The network is professionally configured Using Different SSIDs for Each Access Point Some people use different Wi-Fi names for each access point. Pros of Different SSIDs Manual control over which AP you connect to Helpful for troubleshooting Predictable performance per AP Cons of Different SSIDs Not user-friendly Manual switching required Devices don’t roam automatically Not ideal for larger homes or businesses This approach is sometimes useful in: Problematic environments Special-use areas Temporary troubleshooting scenarios Why Rebooting Routers and Access Points Helps Rebooting works because it: Clears stuck connections Forces devices to reconnect Refreshes network tables Resets roaming decisions It’s not a “fix”—it’s a reset of conditions. If rebooting helps often, it usually means: AP placement needs improvement Roaming behavior isn’t optimized The network design needs adjustment The Real Fix: Proper Wi-Fi Design The best long-term solution isn’t constant reconnecting—it’s: Proper access point placement Correct transmit power levels Roaming optimization Professional configuration At Business Communication Solutions, we design Wi-Fi so devices naturally connect to the best access point—without user intervention. Wi-Fi Slow in Certain Rooms in Austin? If your internet is fast but Wi-Fi performance changes depending on where you stand, the issue is almost always Wi-Fi design, not your internet provider. 📞 Call Business Communication Solutions at 512-257-1433 We provide professional Wi-Fi troubleshooting and optimization for homes and businesses in Austin and surrounding areas. Related Guides Enhancing Wi-Fi Performance: Bringing Access Points Closer to Users Elevate Your Connectivity with Wireless Networking Services Why Your Network Is Only as Fast as Its Slowest Device Bandwidth Planning: How Many Users Can Your Network Support? Replacing an Access Point with a Router: What You Need to Know How Fiber Optic Installation Can Transform Your Business Connectivity Managed IT Services: The Complete Austin Guide Supporting All 7 OSI Layers with Managed IT Services
3 Types of Networks
Small to Larges scale business computer network will assist in the interconnect of a group of computer systems for business purposes. This will allow employees to share files over the network with other employees. A network will help in efficiency and productivity. A network can consist of two or more computers, phone systems and other security devices need to run a small to large business. It is important to have a network admin to ensure that your network, computers and security devices are optimized and secure. Related Guides Managed IT Services: The Complete Austin Guide Supporting All 7 OSI Layers with Managed IT Services Elevate Your Connectivity with Wireless Networking Services Why Your Network Is Only as Fast as Its Slowest Device Bandwidth Planning: How Many Users Can Your Network Support? Why Professional Data Cabling Boosts Business Efficiency How Fiber Optic Installation Can Transform Your Business Connectivity Importance of Network Security for Modern Businesses
Google fiber jack move
Google has started fiber installation in South Austin. Over the past few months, we been getting quite a bit of calls from google customers requesting that we help them moved the fiber jack. It kind of shock me that google won’t service such requests. I’m guessing they are so busy with build out, it’s hard to make that happen. With that being said, if you have google fiber install and want to have it move, give us a call, we can help. Cities we served but not limited to: Austin, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville, Wells Branch, Jollyville, Bee Cave, Hutto, Jarrell, Kyle, Georgetown, Bastrop, Anderson Mill, Lakeway, Taylor, Manor, and Elgin. Related Guides How Fiber Optic Installation Can Transform Your Business Connectivity Fiber Optic Termination: Best Practices for Reliable Connections Outdoor-Rated Fiber for Commercial Installations Google Fiber Is Coming to Round Rock Professional Voice and Data Cabling Services Elevate Your Connectivity with Wireless Networking Services Enhancing Wi-Fi Performance: Bringing Access Points Closer to Users Managed IT Services: The Complete Austin Guide
Web based VOIP Phone system with video conference, chat, mobile, crm, screen share and control integration.
VOIP has came a long way. I remember in 1999, I was a simple cable technician. A year later, I was promoted to telephone technician. Back then, a telephone technician was a telephone technician and a computer technician was a computer technician. Since VOIP came out, the two industry in a way have merge. Computer and network technician now does phones and vice versa. This last year, we have been experimenting with a new phone system platform that was web based. What does this mean? This new phone system platform allow us to integrate video conference, onilne chat, crm, and even screen share and control all in 1 platform. Related Guides How to Choose the Right Business Phone System Selecting the Right VoIP Phone Service for Your Business Why Austin Small Businesses Are Ditching Landlines for VoIP Benefits of Call Recording for Business Communications VoIP Quality of Service (QoS) Improvements Allworx Interact Integration with Google Chrome and Firefox NEC SL2100 Business Phone System Desk Phones Slowly Going Away? Here’s What Businesses Need to Know
Reasons to install a security camera system
There are many way reasons to install a security camera system for your home or business. Over the years, we have found that everyone have their own reasons for installing a security camera system and what kind of features and setup they want or need. Some people wants may want to avoid conflict or deter any criminal activities, while others wants to catch the criminal in the act or use it to help law enforcement agency catch them. I remember a few years back, right here in Cedar Park, there was a time where there would be multiple break into cars in our Forest Oaks neighborhood. The Cedar Park Police Department would ask neighbors for surveillance footage of any one that has them. We learn later, that they did indeed caught a gang that was related to the incident of the break in. Over the years, we have seen many reasons why people use security camera system. We had a family that install it at their farmland, so they can watch the water level. They live 1 hour from their land, so having a camera there, help them manage their animals a bit better. I’ve seen school install security camera system for the parents can monitor their kids while they are at work. Some people install it because their insurance company may offer discount for having security camera system installed, as they know that can deter some criminals. Do you have a specific reasons for wanting to get a security camera system install? Do you need a security camera system install in Cedar Park, Austin, or surrounding cities? Give us a call at 512.257.1433. We offer free estimates. Related Guides Protect Your Property with a Security Camera: The Ultimate Guide for Austin How to Choose the Best Security Camera System for Your Home or Business Understanding the Different Types of Security Camera Systems Security Camera System Installation: Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Residential vs. Commercial Security Camera Installation The Most Common Mistakes When Setting Up Security Cameras The Truth About Wireless Cameras for Austin Homes and Businesses Why BYOD Matters for Modern Security Camera Systems
New security camera system install in Austin
We received a call from a new client requesting installation of a brand new security camera system. His neighbor right next door just had his home broken into which was a tremendous wake-up call for our new customer, making him realize that he needed to act quickly to keep his family safe. To examine every corner of his home, we mounted a 43″ HDTV on the wall and set up a GNS 8 CH 4k DVR with 6 – turret 2k video cameras with 24/7 color night vision. After installation, one of our professionals walked him through the software’s features while the other cleaned everything up. The customer is overjoyed with his new system and the impeccable work our specialist did on this installation. He already felt at ease knowing that he and his family would be protected while sleeping. Working with our new client was enjoyable, and we were pleased as always to be able to meet all of his security camera requirements. Call 512-257-1433 or go to www.bcs-ip.com to schedule a free consultation to learn how we can assist you. Related Guides Protect Your Property with a Security Camera: The Ultimate Guide for Austin How to Choose the Best Security Camera System for Your Home or Business Understanding the Different Types of Security Camera Systems Security Camera System Installation: Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Reasons to Install a Security Camera System Residential vs. Commercial Security Camera Installation The Most Common Mistakes When Setting Up Security Cameras The Truth About Wireless Cameras for Austin Homes and Businesses
Fiber Optic vs Copper Against Lightning
Most fiber optic cables does not contain metallic components making the cable non-conductive. This gives the cable an advantage towards protection against interference such as EMI, electrical noise, and lightning strikes when compared to copper. A non-conductive fiber cable will not pass an electrical spark through its cable and causing potential damage on the other end. This will protect your equipment from being damage and possibly stopping an outage to occur. A new customer of ours is currently having issue with their switch constantly being damage from lightning strike. The port that is constantly giving them issue is the port that ties both of their building together. Their current setup is an outdoor rated CAT6 cable that runs underground through conduit to tie both building together. They originally called us for the cable to just be replace but we discover that this is not their first switch to have gone out. We came up with a solution to run a fiber optic cable instead of rerunning a conductive cable. Related Guides How Fiber Optic Installation Can Transform Your Business Connectivity Fiber Optic Termination: Best Practices for Reliable Connections Outdoor-Rated Fiber for Commercial Installations Professional Voice and Data Cabling Services Why Professional Data Cabling Boosts Business Efficiency New Underground Pipe for Network Infrastructure Google Fiber Jack Move: What You Need to Know Managed IT Services: The Complete Austin Guide
Fiber Optics
Fiber Optics is a technology that uses thin strands of glass or plastic (fibers) to transmit data in the form of light signals over long distances. These fibers carry large amounts of information at high speeds, making them a critical part of modern telecommunications and internet infrastructure. Fiber optic cables offer significant advantages over traditional copper cables, including higher bandwidth, faster speeds, longer transmission distances, and resistance to electromagnetic interference. This makes fiber optics ideal for applications such as high-speed internet, data centers, cable television, and telecommunications networks. I’ve been working with fiber for almost 10 years now as an installer. Today I just completed my first fiber training and received a few certificates. The course helped me understand the specification and the usage of each different kind of fiber. The knowledge that I obtain from class will not only improve my skills as an installer but also for troubleshooting and planning for a customer. Fiber has been around for decades and the demand is still increasing over time. Related Guides How Fiber Optic Installation Can Transform Your Business Connectivity Fiber Optic Termination: Best Practices for Reliable Connections Fiber Optic vs. Copper Against Lightning Outdoor-Rated Fiber for Commercial Installations Google Fiber Jack Move: What You Need to Know Professional Voice and Data Cabling Services Why Professional Data Cabling Boosts Business Efficiency Managed IT Services: The Complete Austin Guide
Repairing vs. Replacing a Damaged Ethernet Cable?
When deciding between repairing and replacing a damaged Ethernet cable, consider the following: If the cable is visibly damaged, it can often be repaired by cutting off the damaged part and using a connector to rejoin or extend the cable. However, if the cable is old, not up to modern specifications, or if you’re upgrading network equipment that requires higher bandwidth, it’s best to replace the cable altogether. Let’s compare repairing a damaged Ethernet cable with replacing it: Repairing a Damaged Ethernet Cable: Feasiblility: In most cases, repairing a damaged Ethernet cable is not feasible. It’s advisable to replace the cable instead. Steps for Repair (if possible): Cut off the damaged part of the cable. Strip off about 2 cm of the outer insulation. Untwist the wires and arrange them according to the T568B standard (orange-white, orange, green-white, blue, blue-white, green, brown-white, and brown). Insert the wires into an RJ45 connector, ensuring they reach the end. Use pliers to secure the connector. Test the cable with a network tester or device. Replacing the Ethernet Cable: Advantages: New cables provide better reliability. Avoids potential performance issues associated with splicing or repairing. Cost: Ethernet cables are relatively inexpensive, making replacement a practical choice. Testing: Gradually replace cables to identify faulty ones. If no difference is noticed, move on to the next cable. Remember, while wireless networks offer convenience, Ethernet cables remain the best choice for reliability. If you encounter slow speeds or connectivity issues, consider replacing your Ethernet cables for optimal performance. Related Guides Why Professional Data Cabling Boosts Business Efficiency Professional Voice and Data Cabling Services Fiber Optics: The Backbone of Modern Networks Fiber Optic vs. Copper Against Lightning Fiber Optic Termination: Best Practices for Reliable Connections Cable Management for a Clean and Reliable Workspace Home Run Data Cable Wiring for a Restaurant Managed IT Services: The Complete Austin Guide