--- title: "Berk-Tek: A Network Is Only as Strong as Its Weakest Link" description: Chances are, your network is probably already supporting not only computers, but VoIP phones, tablets, smartphones, security cameras, access control systems, other building automation devices, and possibly even A/V (via HDBASE-T). image: https://www.accu-tech.com/hubfs/2017%20Redesign%20Vendor%20Banners/AdobeStock_83339065.jpeg --- {% set baseFontFamily = "Open Sans" %} /* Add the font family you wish to use. You may need to import it above. */ {% set headerFontFamily = "Open Sans" %} /* This affects only headers on the site. Add the font family you wish to use. You may need to import it above. */ {% set textColor = "#565656" %} /* This sets the universal color of dark text on the site */ {% set pageCenter = "1100px" %} /* This sets the width of the website */ {% set headerType = "fixed" %} /* To make this a fixed header, change the value to "fixed" - otherwise, set it to "static" */ {% set lightGreyColor = "#f7f7f7" %} /* This affects all grey background sections */ {% set baseFontWeight = "normal" %} /* More than likely, you will use one of these values (higher = bolder): 300, 400, 700, 900 */ {% set headerFontWeight = "normal" %} /* For Headers; More than likely, you will use one of these values (higher = bolder): 300, 400, 700, 900 */ {% set buttonRadius = '40px' %} /* "0" for square edges, "10px" for rounded edges, "40px" for pill shape; This will change all buttons */ ### After you have updated your stylesheet, make sure you turn this module off [Click to Contact Sales](https://www.accu-tech.com/contact-us) | Call Corporate Office at [888-222-8832](tel:18882228832) [![Accu-Tech logo with tagline in navy blue](https://www.accu-tech.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Accu-Tech%20Blue%20Tagline%20300px%20-%20Edited.png?width=300&height=95&name=Accu-Tech%20Blue%20Tagline%20300px%20-%20Edited.png "Accu-Tech logo with tagline in navy blue")](https://www.accu-tech.com/) # Berk-Tek: A Network Is Only as Strong as Its Weakest Link by **[Bobby Salerno](https://www.accu-tech.com/accu-insider/author/bobby-salerno)** on April 20, 2018 Chances are, your network is probably  already supporting not only computers, but VoIP phones, tablets, smartphones, security cameras, access control systems, other building automation devices, and possibly even A/V (via HDBASE-T). Advancements in wireless technologies (802.11ac) are also driving up the demand for lots more bandwidth. According to the current Cisco VNI forecast, global IP traffic is expected to nearly triple by 2020 from 2015. ![Berk-Tek-Backbone_LP-Header_515x200_1](https://www.accu-tech.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2017%20Redesign%20Vendor%20Banners/Berk-Tek-Backbone_LP-Header_515x200_1.jpg?width=515&height=200&name=Berk-Tek-Backbone_LP-Header_515x200_1.jpg) Installing Cat 6A solves the bandwidth challenge in the horizontal. In fact, we are seeing fewer 1Gbps drops and more 10Gbps drops in the enterprise. But what about the fiber backbone that needs to support all of it? Most backbones were installed with OM3 fiber, and with all those additional 10Gbps drops feeding them, they can no longer efficiently support the network’s bandwidth demand. The next logical step is to move to a 40Gbps backbone. But when you do that, the reach of OM3 fiber decreases to only 100m, per the TIA standard. This is not enough reach for nearly 80% of backbone applications when connecting buildings in a campus environment. Your network can’t perform optimally if your fiber backbone is weak. How can you maintain the reach you need for maximum performance and support an ever-increasing amount of bandwidth over your network? [Keep reading](http://www.berktek.us/eservice/US-en_US/navigate_358739/Fiber_Backbone.html) [to find out](http://www.berktek.us/eservice/US-en_US/navigate_358739/Fiber_Backbone.html) [Learn more about Berk-Tek](https://www.accu-tech.com/vendors/berktek/) [Learn more about Accu-Tech](https://www.accu-tech.com/) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Topics: [Berk-Tek](https://www.accu-tech.com/accu-insider/topic/berk-tek) [Fiber Backbone](https://www.accu-tech.com/accu-insider/topic/fiber-backbone) ### Subscribe To Our Blog ### Additional Information ### About Accu-Tech Accu-Tech is a national distributor of Voice, Data, AV, Wireless, and Security solutions. 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