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Distributed Edge Architecture is revolutionizing the structured cabling industry by decentralizing network intelligence and bringing connectivity directly to where it's needed. This approach dramatically reduces cable runs, simplifies infrastructure, and provides unprecedented flexibility for future modifications while delivering significant cost savings.

• Chris Hanshaw, Technology Director for Nicholas County Schools, implemented DEA in the rebuild of Richwood School after flooding
• The school eliminated multiple telecom rooms, saving approximately $100,000 per room in real estate value
• Fault managed power (FMP) converts AC to DC at a central location, distributing power via smaller, less expensive cabling
• Each classroom receives 10Gb connectivity with capacity for 100Gb through dormant single-mode fiber
• Commercial buildings can eliminate up to 80% of copper infrastructure with corresponding labor savings
• Jon Fine from Vision Technologies is implementing DEA in a 270,000 sq ft commercial building aiming for net-zero
• The system uses 157 "bit boxes" instead of multiple IDFs, all fed from a single MDF
• Modular, off-site construction allows for faster installation, better quality control, and reduced on-site labor
• Future applications include healthcare environments where minimizing disruption during changes is critical
• Class 4 power is now in the National Electric Code (Article 726), making it an established standard

If you're watching this show on YouTube and you like this content, please hit the subscribe button and the bell button to be notified when new content is being produced. Join us Wednesday nights at 6pm Eastern for live Q&A with your favorite RCDD.

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Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at [email protected]

Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH
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Breaking beyond the conventional 100-meter cable limit isn't just possible—it's becoming essential in today's expanding network environments. This deep dive into extended distance cabling reveals how manufacturers are pushing boundaries with specialized solutions that extend connectivity to 150-200 meters without sacrificing reliability.

Steve Cowles steps in for Chuck to explore the critical factors that make extended distance cabling work. From the fundamentals of heavier gauge conductors to the crucial role of DC resistance unbalance (DCRU) in maintaining Power over Ethernet performance, you'll gain practical insights into when and how to implement these non-standard yet vital solutions. The discussion highlights why proper testing methodologies matter, how termination hardware selection affects extended distance performance, and why not all network equipment responds equally well to longer cable runs.

The conversation takes an exciting turn toward Single-Pair Ethernet (SPE)—a fully standardized alternative that stretches connectivity to an astonishing 1,000 meters while delivering power and 10Mbps bandwidth. Perfect for cameras, sensors, and access control systems, SPE represents the future for many specialized applications. Steve breaks down the power delivery capabilities at various distances and explains the unique testing requirements that differ significantly from traditional four-pair certification.

Whether you're struggling with that one device just beyond standard reach or designing systems for sprawling industrial environments, this episode equips you with the knowledge to confidently implement extended distance solutions. Subscribe to Let's Talk Cabling for more expert insights that bridge the gap between industry standards and real-world networking challenges.

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Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at [email protected]

Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH
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Let's Talk Cabling celebrates its five-year anniversary with special giveaways, reflections on the podcast's evolution, and glimpses of exciting future content. Chuck shares his journey from recording in a closet to building an award-winning podcast with 18,000 followers and nearly 200,000 monthly views across platforms.

• Started as "Five Minutes with an RCDD" before evolving into Let's Talk Cabling
• Now features 338 episodes covering technical topics, business strategies, and industry insights
• Serves two distinct audiences: field technicians and industry leadership
• Expanded to include Lunchbox Learnables and Gallery of the Grotesque content series
• Most popular audio episode focuses on certifications and why they matter
• Most viewed YouTube video addresses bonding and grounding
• Plans to create content on mental health challenges in the low voltage industry
• Special guest interviews coming up include discussions with Bixie CEO and Oberon
• RCDD study groups have helped many advance their careers

Support the show by becoming a Patreon member at patreon.com/letstalkcabling. Until next time, remember: knowledge is power.

Support the show

Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at [email protected]

Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH
#CBRCDD #RCDD

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Chuck shares his eye-opening experience at BICSI Beyond 2025 in Las Vegas, revealing industry shifts and technological developments that will impact ICT professionals. The conference highlighted alarming workforce demographics and showcased emerging technologies that could transform how cable installation is performed.

• Introduction to Challenge Coins as special recognition tokens for major contributors to the podcast
• Recording of interviews with John Daniels (BICSI CEO), Chuck Wilson, and Matt Affel from the JATC
• Participation in multiple committee meetings including the new ICT Lifecycle Management Training Committee
• Updates on industry standards including revisions to the N1, N2, and N3 documents
• Insights from Matthew Griffin's keynote about AI's impact on ICT, including cable-pulling robots
• Industry statistics showing 67% of low voltage workers are over 40 and only 13% under 30
• Revelation of 9.9 million job vacancies in the low voltage industry
• Exhibit hall highlights including new cable testing technology from Trend Networks

If you enjoy this content, please consider becoming a Patreon member to support the podcast. Your contributions help me represent your interests at industry events and committees while creating valuable content for the ICT community.

Support the show

Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at [email protected]

Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH
#CBRCDD #RCDD

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Doug Greenwald shares his journey from skilled technician to successful integration business owner, revealing how he developed Projects360 software to solve the unique project management challenges of low-voltage companies.

• Starting a low-voltage business requires shifting from working IN the business to working ON the business
• Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are critical for growth and should be implemented while companies are still small
• The "last 5%" of projects (documentation, testing, closeout) often prevents final payment and reduces profitability
• Weekly operations meetings that include lead technicians create project ownership and improve communication
• Project management software should be industry-specific to address the unique workflows of low-voltage contracting
• Projects360 offers integrated CRM, proposal generation, project management, scheduling, and inventory tracking
• Small companies aren't "too small" for proper systems—implementing processes early makes scaling easier later
• Change orders and project tracking capabilities help maintain profitability and prevent scope creep
• QuickBooks integration streamlines invoicing and financial management

If you find value in this content, consider clicking the QR code on screen to buy Chuck a cup of coffee or schedule a 15-minute one-on-one call. Join us Wednesday nights at 6pm Eastern Standard Time for live streaming on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn where you can ask your favorite RCDD questions.

Support the show

Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at [email protected]

Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH
#CBRCDD #RCDD

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Chuck Bowser, RCDD, shares essential knowledge for those transitioning from traditional electrical work to the specialized world of low voltage and ICT installation. His comprehensive guide covers critical resources, industry standards, and career development strategies.

• FOA Reference Guides provide clear explanations with diagrams for fiber optic theory, connectors, and testing
• Electricians should study NEC Articles 725, 760, 726, 770 and Chapter 8 for low voltage applications 
• BICSI manuals like ITSIM and TDMM offer detailed guidelines for installation techniques and design standards
• Hands-on practice with termination kits and tools is essential before working in production environments
• Successful transition requires shifting from code-centric thinking to standards-driven performance mindset
• J-hook installation requires wide bases, under 50 cables per hook, proper spacing, and mounting to structural supports
• RCDD candidates with field experience have a significant advantage when entering the design profession
• New technologies like fault-managed power systems and single-pair Ethernet represent exciting opportunities

Contact me to discuss chapter 10 of the TDMM or other questions about your RCDD preparation. Join me at BICSI Beyond in Las Vegas!

Support the show

Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at [email protected]

Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH
#CBRCDD #RCDD

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Distribution companies serve as translators between stakeholders in the ICT industry, helping to bridge communication gaps and solve problems before they become costly mistakes. Anthony from Wise Components shares insights on how distributors add value beyond just supplying products, from emergency response to catching errors in orders and specifications.

• Distribution companies communicate with all stakeholders including manufacturers, contractors, project managers, and end-users
• Emergency response capabilities demonstrated by rapid delivery after the 345 Park Avenue incident in NYC
• Inside salespeople catch errors in bills of materials and project specifications
• Product expertise helps contractors avoid ordering wrong materials or forgetting essential components
• Distributors help resolve product issues, as shown in a case where 60,000 feet of defective cable was replaced
• Weekly follow-ups on large projects maintain communication and prevent problems
• Distributors offer free educational training events for contractors and industry professionals
• Distribution provides better quality assurance than general online retailers like Amazon
• Reputable distributors only carry products that meet certification requirements like UL and TIA

If you're watching this show on YouTube, would you mind hitting the subscribe button and the bell button to be notified when new content is being produced? If you're listening on one of the audio podcast platforms, would you mind giving us a five-star rating?

Support the show

Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at [email protected]

Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH
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We break down nine essential traits of successful project managers and provide practical tips for developing these skills to advance your career in the ICT industry.

• Leadership qualities including leading by example and making decisions under pressure
• Organizational skills for tracking projects and maintaining documentation
• Assuming authority appropriately in meetings and client interactions
• Focusing on key issues and prioritizing effectively amid distractions
• Client relations strategies including setting expectations and communicating without jargon
• Communication techniques for clear, brief, and direct messaging
• Flexibility to adapt to changing schedules and project requirements
• Personal accountability by owning mistakes and keeping promises
• Interpersonal skills to build loyalty and encourage collaboration

Share this episode with someone who wants to become a project manager or with a current project manager looking to improve their skills. Let's continue the conversation about project management by sharing resources and experiences with each other.

Support the show

Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at [email protected]

Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH
#CBRCDD #RCDD

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TEKSGiving 2025 transforms technology infrastructure at Sojourner House, a domestic violence shelter in Rhode Island, with volunteers donating their skills to install critical safety and communication systems at four shelter buildings.

• Technology Worldwide's annual charity project allows members to nominate deserving organizations for complete technology makeovers
• Sojourner House supports women escaping abusive relationships and human trafficking situations
• Project will address outdated infrastructure in century-old buildings converted to offices and shelters
• Volunteers will install Cat6 cabling, new WiFi networks, surveillance systems, and access control
• Verkada has donated access control systems, camera licenses, and intercoms
• All skill levels welcome - from experienced engineers to beginners willing to learn
• Technical professionals gain unique experience working alongside specialists from different disciplines
• Follows "community over competition" philosophy central to Technology Worldwide
• Provides life-changing impact for both the organization and the volunteers

Visit textgiving.org to register as a volunteer or make a tax-deductible donation. The project needs both skilled professionals and financial support to create safe environments for those escaping dangerous situations.

Support the show

Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at [email protected]

Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH
#CBRCDD #RCDD

Send us a text

Support the show

Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at [email protected]

Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH
#CBRCDD #RCDD