As communications infrastructure continues to evolve rapidly, maximizing flexibility, scalability, and efficiency is crucial for both enterprise and residential-type commercial premises. The deployment of air- blown fiber is a crucial innovation in this space, allowing organizations to install and upgrade fiber optic networks with unparalleled ease and future-proofing. Dura-Line, a leading pathway manufacturer, offers conduit systems, paired with air-blown fiber technology, which provide significant advantages for premise environments. Specific applications stand to greatly benefit from these technologies. Dura-Line: A Leader in Pathway Solutions Metro Sales Solutions is delighted to represent Dura-Line, a global manufacturer known for its cutting- edge infrastructure products designed for deploying fiber optic cable. Their products include high-performance conduits, ducts, and pathway systems that facilitate the installation of fiber optic cable in a variety of environments, ranging from long-distance outdoor network to in-building cabling. Dura-Line’s pathway products are designed to protect fiber while ensuring ease of installation and scalability. Key features include: Air-Blown Fiber Technology: Overview and Benefits Air-blown fiber (ABF) is an innovative solution for deploying optical fiber in a flexible, cost-effective manner. In this system, fiber cables (or bundles of fiber) are blown through pre-installed ducts using compressed air. This contrasts with traditional methods where fiber is manually pulled through conduits. Advantages of Enterprise Air-Blown Fiber (eABF) in Premise Environments Key Applications of Air-Blown Fiber in Premise Networks While the advantages of air-blown fiber make it suitable for a wide range of environments, certain applications benefit most from its flexibility and scalability. Below are some key areas where eABF is especially valuable: 1. Data Centers: 2. Corporate Office Buildings: 3. Transportation Facilities: 4. Healthcare Facilities: 5. Educational Institutions: 6. Smart Buildings: 7. Artificial Intelligence: Conclusion Dura-Line’s comprehensive range of HDPE conduits and MicroDuct systems is a key part of Metro Sales Solutions’ go-to-market strategy. When combined with air-blown fiber technology, Dura-Line offers premise environments unparalleled flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency. From data centers to residential high-rise buildings, and healthcare facilities to transportation facilities, this combination addresses the ever-increasing demands for high-bandwidth, low-latency connections while providing a future-proof solution for network growth. As network infrastructure continues to evolve, the ability to deploy and upgrade fiber in a seamless, cost-effective manner is essential for maintaining competitiveness. Organizations looking to build or enhance their network infrastructure should consider leveraging Dura-Line’s pathway solutions and air- blown fiber technology to future-proof their networks while reducing both initial and long-term costs.

In the rapidly evolving world of data centers and enterprise networks, having reliable, scalable, and innovative infrastructure solutions is paramount. nVent, a global leader in electrical connection and protection solutions, stands at the forefront of this industry, offering an extensive range of networking infrastructure metal products and advanced cooling technologies designed to meet the demands of today and the future. Metro Sales Solutions and nVent: Empowering the Future of Data Centers and Enterprise Networks At Metro Sales Solutions, we are proud to partner with nVent, integrating their superior products and technologies which are outlined below. This partnership allows us to provide our clients with cutting-edge solutions that address the evolving needs of data centers and enterprise networks. Leadership in Networking Infrastructure Metal Products nVent’s comprehensive portfolio includes industry-leading products such as CADDY pathway solutions, Hoffman Ladder Rack systems, and both ruggedized and standard enclosures for network equipment. These solutions are engineered to provide robust support, protection, and organization for critical network components, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. CADDY Pathway Solutions The nVent CADDY line offers innovative pathway solutions that simplify the installation and management of network cabling. Designed with the installer in mind, CADDY products reduce installation time and labor costs while providing secure and efficient cable management. Hoffman Ladder Rack Systems nVent’s Hoffman Ladder Rack systems are renowned for their durability and flexibility. These racks offer a robust framework for routing and supporting cables in data centers and network facilities. With a variety of accessories and configurations, Hoffman Ladder Racks can be customized to meet specific project requirements. Enclosures for Network Equipment nVent provides a wide range of enclosures, from standard models to ruggedized solutions designed to withstand harsh environments. These enclosures protect sensitive network equipment from physical damage, environmental hazards, and unauthorized access, ensuring the integrity and reliability of network operations. Unmatched Metal Supply and Production Capacity One of nVent’s significant strengths is its substantial metal supply chain. As one of the largest purchasers of sheet metal globally, nVent has the capacity to meet rising market demands and scale production efficiently. This robust supply chain ensures consistent product availability and the ability to handle large-scale projects without delays. With a global presence spanning North America, Europe, and Asia, nVent is strategically positioned to serve customers worldwide. This extensive manufacturing footprint enables nVent to provide localized support, reduce lead times, and respond swiftly to market changes and customer needs. Global Manufacturing Footprint With a global presence spanning North America, Europe, and Asia, nVent is strategically positioned to serve customers worldwide. This extensive manufacturing footprint enables nVent to provide localized support, reduce lead times, and respond swiftly to market changes and customer needs. Advanced Power and Cooling Solutions for Next- Generation Data Centers As data centers evolve to handle increasing workloads and higher densities, effective cooling solutions become critical. nVent brings a deep pedigree in multi-generational cooling technology, offering some of the industry’s most advanced hybrid and direct-to-chip cooling technologies. Innovative Cooling Technologies Commitment to Customized Solutions Understanding that every customer has unique needs, nVent is dedicated to providing customized solutions tailored to specific requirements. Whether it’s adapting existing products or developing entirely new solutions, nVent works closely with clients to ensure their infrastructure supports current operations and future growth. Partnering with Customers of All Sizes nVent’s commitment extends to network infrastructure users of all sizes. From small enterprises to large-scale data centers, nVent offers scalable solutions that can be customized in scope and scale. This flexibility ensures that every customer receives the most effective and efficient infrastructure support possible. Metro Sales Solutions and nVent: Solving Evolving Needs with Strength and Scale The data center industry is undergoing significant changes, with increasing demands for higher performance, greater efficiency, and scalable infrastructure. Through nVent’s robust solutions and unmatched production capacity, Metro Sales Solutions is uniquely positioned to help clients navigate these challenges. Conclusion Network infrastructure is the backbone of business operations, so choosing the right partner is critical. nVent’s leadership in networking infrastructure metal products, advanced cooling technologies, and commitment to customer-centric solutions make them an ideal partner for organizations seeking to future-proof their data centers and networks. Metro Sales Solutions is dedicated to bringing these exceptional solutions to our clients, ensuring they have the infrastructure necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital world. By combining nVent’s strength of solution and scale of production with our commitment to customer success, we are uniquely equipped to address the evolving needs of data centers and enterprise networks. Discover how Metro Sales Solutions and nVent can empower your organization’s infrastructure. Contact us today for a consultation and take the first step towards a more efficient, reliable, and scalable network future.

I’m sure that like me, Firestop is everyone else’s favorite topic when it comes to Division 27 communications systems design. If not, it’s certainly the most important as the lonely life safety aspect of physical network infrastructure. Firestop is a weird scope on construction projects because it is not typically awarded to a single subcontractor, but rather each contractor penetrating fire-rated elements is responsible for restoring the fire-rated condition. This can get a bit hairy in the field as it is not unusual for a contractor working earlier in the construction schedule to leave shared elements to be fire-stopped by contractors coming later in the schedule. What do I mean by shared elements you say? That’s a good question and open to interpretation, but some examples you might not consider are as follows: These are only a couple of possible scenarios, but the main takeaway is that Firestopping can be complicated, so a simple approach to design and construction coordination is required. So to make it simple, what do you need to know? Firestopping is only done properly, in a code compliant manner, when a UL-listed or ASTM-compliant Firestop system is specified. Many people incorrectly believe you can just apply Firestop caulk or putty around a penetration and be done with it. This is NOT correct and is a fire-life safety code violation and risk to human life. The only correct way to specify and install Firestop, is as a system. A system is a lab tested combination of wall or floor assembly, penetrant (the object penetrating the fire-rated assembly), and Firestop elements. In order to be code compliant, a specifier or installer must select a system that has been tested for the particular condition being restored. For example, if a specifier has a condition whereby multiple 4” EMT conduits are routed vertically through a 2-hour rated concrete slab, he or she must select a system of Firestop that factors in the slab assembly, penetrant and Firestop material that have been tested with these elements to deliver the necessary F (flame) and T (temperature) ratings. In many instances, additional ratings for smoke (L-rating) and water (W-rating) may be required as well. Now, this may all seem complicated, but remember, we’re looking to make this simple, so where do we go from here? Simple – our manufacturer, Specified Technologies Inc. (STI) has build the most comprehensive system selector on the market, found here: STI System Selector. With this tool, anyone can quickly define the system they want to specify for every penetration condition on their project. Now, we know you’re busy, so we can help you here too. We at Metro Sales Solution work to give you the support you need so you can best execute on your design or installation scope, so with a bit of information, we can help you select the correct systems needed to your project as well. Don’t struggle through this on your own – give us a shout! We look forward to helping you achieve comprehensive code compliance on your next Firestop project.

Understanding connectivity when designing and deploying enterprise networks is key to achieving performance and budget objectives for any project or portfolio-wide strategy. So, let’s start at the beginning. What do we mean when we use the term “connectivity?” Connectivity can be used in a couple of ways – the first of which is as a possessive statement or question, as in “do I have connectivity?” In this instance, the intent is to express whether or not a device, or by extension it’s user, is connected to a network or the internet. This is the complete objective of installing our second use of this term – connectivity. We deploy networks, by way of cabling and connectivity, to achieve connectivity. Fun, right? So, let’s look as connectivity as a means to the end. When we discuss physical connectivity, we’re talking about connectors for terminating cabling, patch cords, and the various components used for permanently mounting connectors in their fixed position. Examples of copper connectivity are as follows: Examples of fiber optic connectivity are as follows: Now that we’re on the same page about what physical connectivity consists of, let’s discuss the considerations of selecting connectivity. No two projects are exactly alike, and each user has specific performance needs that must be balanced with their budget constraints. Sometimes the budget is right sized for a “premium” connectivity tier, such as Panduit’s Pan-Net solution. This tier of connectivity has unique termination technology that dramatically reduces common issues associated with 110-style punch down terminations, such as open contacts and pair untwist issues leading to crosstalk failures. Premium-tier connectivity is also feature-rich compared to a more economical solution. For example, the Pan-Net tier has wide ranging options in termination panel types and sizes, faceplate types and sizes, labeling options, high-density options and color options, to name a few. When to comes to having the greatest ability to achieve desired aesthetic integration, interoperability with various systems furniture and satisfy unique project requirements, a premium tier line of connectivity will always provide the greatest benefit to the project team. That said, not every project has a budget for the premium line of connectivity. Enter the budget-friendly tier. Projects might be budget constrained for a variety of reasons. Spaces being fit out might be temporary swing space, not justifying major expenditure. A company might be downsizing due to turbulent financial conditions. A company might be in early growth phases, straining to manage cash flow; or a company might simply not see the benefit in investing in high-performance infrastructure. Whatever the reason, having a streamlined tier of connectivity that delivers less, but costs less, has a significant role to play in enterprise networking. Examples of streamlined features may be patch panels only offered in flat configurations, as opposed to flat and angled versions. Patch panels may only be offered in black, rather than black or white. Faceplate sizes and port configurations may be limited and as with Panduit’s NetKey line, termination technology may be simplified to 110-style, sacrificing robust features for cost savings. Whatever the reason, project constraints should be a topic of discussion for every specifier to understand what tier of connectivity best meets the needs of the user. Likewise, every user should be educated on what they get and don’t get with their connectivity line before committing to an investment. When either a specifying consultant or a user only calls out a manufacturer by name rather than by name and tier, they leave the door open for an installing contractor to choose for them, often with limited perspective on the important issues. An installer wants to deliver a project on time and under budget, so without a detailed specification requirement to follow, most often they will default to a cheaper solution. The point is, two tier connectivity exists for a reason – to balance performance objectives with allocated budget. If the tier of connectivity is not specified, it’s highly likely a project will end up with limited options and features, whether anyone likes it or not. For reference, most reputable manufacturers offer two-tier connectivity solutions. This list includes (but is not limited to): By keeping this information top of mind when specifying or in the case of a user, selecting your connectivity, you can best ensure the project needs will be met while minimizing unpleasant surprises during bidding and construction. Most notably, always ensure you call out the brand and tier of at least one manufacturer by name. Of course, you can always call out each brand and manufacturer, but by at least identifying one tier, each other manufacturer is forced to match the performance called out by the lead solution, ensuring you’re getting an apples-to-apples comparison.