Who is Business Communication Solutions?
Business Communication Solutions is a small family owned and operated business that was started in 2004. We started providing just business phone system, voice, and data cabling. Over the years, we have evolved to keep up with the demand and changes in the technology world we live in. Our services now includes but not limited to: Cabling Services (voice, data, coaxial, fiber), business telephone system (voip, digital, analog), computer networks, manage IT services, security camera system installation, and access control systems installations.
Where Do You Serve?
We service all of Austin and surrounding cities, including but not limited to: Buda, Bastrop, Bertram, Burnet, Dripping Springs, Elgin, Kyle, Taylor, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Hutto, Jarrell, Lampasas, Leander, Liberty Hill, Lockhart, Manor, Marble Falls, San Marcos, and Wimberly. With additional trip charge, we also serve cities not mentioned but located in Williamson or Travis county. We will go wherever we can service and support our clients.
Can I get An Estimate?
We sure do! Give us a call at 512-257-1433 and we will gladly give free estimates and initial consultations to each of our future clients.
My problem is more complicated. What can you do to help?
We get this often. It’s no big deal. The best way to go about this is to give us a call. We offer free consultation to understand your business, the problems you are having, and see if we can help you find a solutions.
Business Telephone System – VOIP FAQ
Why should I go VOIP?
When we get a question like that, in most case, you had multiple vendor pushing you to go VOIP. There is not a one size fit all scenario for all business. Depending on each individual business, there may NOT be a reason to. We had quite a bit of business call us and ask us if we still install digital phone system, because they can’t find any vendor that can and still willing to do it. If you are in this situation, give us a call, we offer free consultation to help you understand whether or not it make sense.
Is Cloud and VOIP the same?
Cloud and VOIP is not the same. Cloud in general is often refer to data, server, storage that you pay another vendor, provider, or a hosted solutions to maintain it for you. Prior to the cloud, most business have 1 or more local servers. Technically, if you have those servers connected to the internet and users are remoting in and using it, that is considered cloud. The only difference is really how reliable it is. Do you have multiple internet in case one of your internet goes down. Do you have redundancy built into the servers and or your network? Do you have backup battery and or generator in case you have power issues? Just because you move everything to the cloud, doesn’t mean you should not have a check and balance or audit in place to make sure your data are being backup and and maintain. VOIP on the other hand is just a protocol. It stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. You can have a VOIP phone system on premise that doesn’t allow any users to work remotely due to security reasons. It is still using VOIP locally. VOIP is just a protocol, a language that allow devices that support the same language to talk to each other. How it is being design or implemented is what make it more or less flexible, more or less secure, more or less affordable, etc. If you are in a situation where you can’t decide to go with voip or having issues choosing which carrier, give us a call. We offer free consultation to help you. We are not tie to one carrier or manufacturer, that makes it more flexible.
Data Cabling – FAQ
What is the difference between Cat 3, Cat 5, Cat 5e, Cat 6, and Cat 6a cables?
Cat 3 was used a while back for mostly analog, digital phones, and token ring (10Mbps) network. In the 1990’s 10 Mbps was a lot of speed. Cat 3 is pretty much obsolete now. You still see it in telephone room, d’marc room, some business with analog and digital phone, but mostly abandoned. Cat 5 is the replacement of Cat 3. Cat 5 runs at 100 Mbps, in my opinion is also obsolete, as you it’s hard to find. Cat 5e and Cat6 is the most popular data cables right now. Cat 6 performance is better than Cat 5e, it just cost a little bit more. Depending on your need, Cat 5e suffice. Example, if you just need to run some data cable for a PoE camera, Cat 5e can save you some money, as most camera does not use that much bandwidth. A 4k Camera at 30 FPS use needs roughly 10 Mbps, cat 5e is rated at 1000Mbps. As you can see, there is really not a need for Cat 6 Cable on a single security camera.
I got some quote from different vendor, the the cable prices ranges so much? Why is that?
Cables comes in many different flavors. CMR (PVC) or Plenum. Plenum in short, cost more. Some buildings, require plenum cable, otherwise, it is consider not up to code (NEC code 300.22). Some cables are copper clad Aluminum which is cheaper and the performance is also subpar. If you are needing Data cable, we recommend sticking to solid copper cable.
Fiber Optic Cabling – FAQ
We have google fiber, we call them, ask them to move the google fiber jack, but they state they don’t that kind of services, can you help?
We get this often. You have a google fiber or fiber jack from a service provider and you would like us to move it, give us a call. We have help many customer with this issue.
What is your rate?
Currently our rate is 109.00 per hour plus material.
We currently have fiber at our office. We got fiber because everyone tell us it’s the fastest internet available. After we switch to fiber, we feel it’s much slower, can you help us figure out why?
We see this more than normal. Fiber is a much faster medium to deliver internet speed vs Coaxial cable (cable internet), or Copper Cable (T1 or DSL). However, depending on what your bandwidth you service provider provider sell you, is what makes the difference. If your service provider sold you a packages that was slower than your existing package, then your internet is slower. Fiber cable is just a form of cable. It has the capability of delivering faster internet speed, but that doesn’t mean the service provider will give you the maximum speed of the fiber cable.
Computer Networking, Security, and Managed IT Services – FAQ
Wireless Networking – FAQ
Security Camera System – FAQ
What is the best camera for security for me?
To be honest any the best camera for you are the ones you can afford. Just remember any security cameras are better than NO security cameras!
Why should I get a security for my home and/or business?
Safety should be the top priority for any place of business and home. Not only does your workplace house employees on a day to- day basis but also important and expensive equipment. Enhancing workplace or home security is both necessary and beneficial for you, your employees and family alike. One way to do that is by installing smart video surveillance cameras. These systems provide a reliable and convenient way to securely monitor the ins and outs of your building. Each camera has special features that can be catered to your needs. Most importantly, they provide high-quality monitoring for optimal safety and security.
What is the difference between indoor and outdoor cameras and their pros and cons?
The main and important difference between indoor and outdoor camera is weatherproofing (weather resistance). Indoor cameras for residential or commercial operating temperature are usually not high. As for outdoor cameras, mother nature plays a huge factor burning sun, hard rain, or heavy snow therefore it must be built sturdier.
Indoors cameras include nanny, pet, and home security cameras that are usually not weatherproof
Pros: Good video quality, low cost, small and easy to conceal or hide, may reduce insurance cost, easier installation, remote access
Cons: Less durable, improper installation can be hack
Outdoor security cameras includes video doorbell, floodlight camera, solar-powered cameras, weatherproof home security cameras
Pro: Weatherproof, deter property crime, may reduce insurance cost, property monitoring, most are tamperproof, good nigh vision performance,
Con: Large and heavy, more expensive than indoor, professional installation
What is the pros and cons for wired and wireless cameras?
Wired camera receive power from residential or commercial electrical system instead of a battery or solar charger.
Pros: No battery replacement or recharging, stable power and internet connection, higher-quality videos
Cons: An electrician may be required for installation, burdensome to remove if you relocate, placement limitations
Wireless camera receives power from a battery or solar panel and most time uses wireless internet connection. Although wireless internet connection is not required some may store videos on a local SD card.
Pros: Easy to install, relocate, user-friendly, and works anywhere
Cons: Monthly fee cloud storage, WIFI connection can be unstable, manual battery charging or replacement
What is the difference between DVR and NVR and how do they work?
Difference – A DVR converts analog footage into a digital format, while an NVR typically only works with digital footage. DVR systems process data at the recorder, while NVR systems encode and process data at the camera before transmitting it to the recorder for storage and remote viewing.
DVR (Digital Video Recorder) how it works – aka CCTV cameras, analog cameras produce a raw video signal. Less features than IP cameras, and usually the video quality is not as high – although there have been advances to offer improved analog resolution. On the whole, their lower specs make them more affordable than IP cameras. Since all the recording is done in the DVR itself, it is possible to transmit the raw video signals of many different camera models on one system. This makes DVR a great option for sites with cameras of varying brands and models. The coaxial cable carries the raw video signal from the camera to the DVR for image processing. It does not power the cameras, but there are options available with an integrated power splitter, to carry out both functions from one cable.
NVR (Network Video Recorder) how it works – uses newer technologies, such as internet connectivity, to make video surveillance easier and more flexible. NVR security systems connect to IP cameras, which capture video and process it all in one, sending the encoded (digitized) video to the NVR via an internet connection. 2 ways IP cameras can connect to NVR – PoE (Power over Ethernet) connection or Wireless / WIFI connection.
Should I DIY or have a professional install security camera system?
One of the decisions you’ll need to make for your home security system purchase is whether you should install it all yourself or have a professional set it up for you. Ultimately, the method of installation that’s right for you comes down to three things: what kind of home you live in, who lives with you, and your handiness. However, keep in mind that some home security companies only offer one method of installation. If that’s one of the most important factors for you, you may want to read our guides on the Best Professionally Installed Home Security Systems. The perks of a professionally installed home security system lie mainly in the peace of mind offered to you through professional consultation, a system manufacture warranty, and overall confidence in the accuracy of the system setup and equipment placement.