About Cabling Installation & Maintenance

Our mission: Bringing practical business and technical intelligence to today's structured cabling professionals

For more than 30 years, Cabling Installation & Maintenance has provided useful, practical information to professionals responsible for the specification, design, installation and management of structured cabling systems serving enterprise, data center and other environments. These professionals are challenged to stay informed of constantly evolving standards, system-design and installation approaches, product and system capabilities, technologies, as well as applications that rely on high-performance structured cabling systems. Our editors synthesize these complex issues into multiple information products. This portfolio of information products provides concrete detail that improves the efficiency of day-to-day operations, and equips cabling professionals with the perspective that enables strategic planning for networks’ optimum long-term performance.

Throughout our annual magazine, weekly email newsletters and 24/7/365 website, Cabling Installation & Maintenance digs into the essential topics our audience focuses on.

  • Design, Installation and Testing: We explain the bottom-up design of cabling systems, from case histories of actual projects to solutions for specific problems or aspects of the design process. We also look at specific installations using a case-history approach to highlight challenging problems, solutions and unique features. Additionally, we examine evolving test-and-measurement technologies and techniques designed to address the standards-governed and practical-use performance requirements of cabling systems.
  • Technology: We evaluate product innovations and technology trends as they impact a particular product class through interviews with manufacturers, installers and users, as well as contributed articles from subject-matter experts.
  • Data Center: Cabling Installation & Maintenance takes an in-depth look at design and installation workmanship issues as well as the unique technology being deployed specifically for data centers.
  • Physical Security: Focusing on the areas in which security and IT—and the infrastructure for both—interlock and overlap, we pay specific attention to Internet Protocol’s influence over the development of security applications.
  • Standards: Tracking the activities of North American and international standards-making organizations, we provide updates on specifications that are in-progress, looking forward to how they will affect cabling-system design and installation. We also produce articles explaining the practical aspects of designing and installing cabling systems in accordance with the specifications of established standards.

Cabling Installation & Maintenance is published by Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B.

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Patrick McLaughlin

Serena Aburahma

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Peter Fretty - Vice President, Market Leader

Tim Carli - Business Development Manager

Brayden Hudspeth - Sales Development Representative

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Planning the ultimate deck party? 4 smart upgrades to create a standout entertaining space

(BPT) - Backyard gatherings are more popular than ever. Millennials and Gen Z are leading the charge, and the numbers back it up - searches for "dinner parties" have surged by 148%, according to Evite. Translation? Home is the new hot spot, and your backyard is prime real estate.

But creating a standout space takes more than a grill and some string lights. Today's best outdoor setups combine style, comfort and functionality, including built-in kitchens, smart tech features, efficient layouts and weather-ready details. The trick is to plan ahead. Knowing what you want from the start, whether it's a place to unwind, entertain or both, makes it easier to bring your vision to life.

These four smart design moves will help you build a deck that's made to host, no matter the season.

1. Maximize functionality with a multi-level design

Think beyond a single flat surface. A multi-level deck layout adds dimension, functionality and visual interest to your outdoor space - essentially doubling your usable square footage. Imagine dining or hosting guests on the upper level, while a shaded lounge, private spa retreat or media-ready hangout lives below.

Have a second-story deck? Installing a drainage system between the substructure and deck surface creates a watertight barrier that prevents rain from seeping through. This opens up endless possibilities for finished space underneath - whether you want to relax, entertain or stream the big game year-round.

Beautiful custom deck over a stone patio.

2. Design zones for every occasion

The most functional decks are laid out like open-concept interiors, with defined areas for dining, lounging and conversation. These distinct zones help guests move naturally while creating cozy, purposeful spaces. Place your outdoor dining table on the upper level and use the space below for casual seating or a tucked-away bar. Use rugs, sectional seating and ambient lighting to visually define each area, without obstructing views or disrupting flow.

Massive double deck with upstairs outdoor kitchen, dining area under gazebo, and open seating area. Downstairs deck has seating area, pool area, and storage area.

3. Power up entertainment features

Today's outdoor spaces are tech-enabled with everything from TVs and speakers to heaters, fans and charging stations. However, all that functionality requires safe and dry infrastructure. This is where an "above-the-joist" deck drainage system, like Trex® RainEscape®, really pays off. Unlike other systems that install below the joists of the deck, RainEscape covers the entire substructure, allowing you to safely run electric, gas and data lines to support modern amenities like a media wall, smart kitchen or full sound system. Add Wi-Fi extenders and smart-home integration to keep the space fully connected and guest-ready.

Under desk living space with living room, fire place and TV

4. Build in smart storage

Even the most stylish decks need practical features. Built-in storage keeps essentials - like cushions, serving ware and party supplies - organized and out of sight, yet always close at hand. Use the protected area beneath your deck for cabinets, weatherproof bins or under-bench compartments. You'll keep clutter at bay, while ensuring your space looks polished and feels ready for anything.

Second floor deck with a main floor storage shed

The best outdoor living spaces start with thoughtful planning. When you design with intention from the beginning, you create a versatile space that looks great, functions seamlessly and fits the way you live and entertain.

Discover how to bring your vision to life at TrexRainEscape.com.

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