Question 1

What areas does Summit DNC serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Riverside, Long Beach, San Bernardino, Irvine, Anaheim, Pasadena, Glendale, Torrance, and all of Southern California. Our crews are based in the region and can be on-site within 24 hours for urgent projects.

Question 2

How long has Summit DNC been in business?

Accepted Answer

Summit DNC has been designing and installing enterprise IT infrastructure since 2009 — over 15 years of experience serving California businesses, healthcare facilities, schools, and government agencies.

Question 3

What certifications does Summit DNC hold?

Accepted Answer

Our team holds BICSI RCDD and RTPM certifications, CompTIA Network+ and Security+ certifications, and manufacturer certifications from Cisco, Meraki, Ubiquiti, Axis, and Hanwha. Summit DNC is licensed as a C-7 (Low Voltage Systems) contractor in California.

Question 4

Is Summit DNC licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Summit DNC holds a California C-7 (Low Voltage Systems) contractor license and carries general liability insurance, professional liability insurance, and workers' compensation coverage on all projects. Certificates of insurance are available upon request.

Question 5

Does Summit DNC offer a warranty on installations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide a 15-year materials and labor warranty on all structured cabling installations that meet our design standards. Individual component warranties from manufacturers (cameras, switches, phones) are passed through to the client.

Question 6

How quickly can you provide a project quote?

Accepted Answer

Most project quotes are delivered within 48 business hours. For large or complex projects (data centers, multi-building campuses), we schedule a free on-site assessment first to ensure the quote is accurate.

Question 7

Do you offer a free consultation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer a free initial consultation and site walkthrough for all commercial projects. Our engineers will assess your existing infrastructure, discuss your requirements, and provide a preliminary recommendation — at no cost and with no obligation.

Question 8

Can you work after hours to minimize business disruption?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We regularly schedule cabling runs, equipment installation, and cutover work for evenings and weekends to avoid disrupting normal business operations. After-hours scheduling is available at no additional charge for most projects.

Question 9

Do you handle both design and installation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Summit DNC is a full-service firm — we handle everything from initial infrastructure design and engineering drawings through installation, testing, certification, and ongoing support. You deal with one team from start to finish.

Question 10

What is your typical project timeline?

Accepted Answer

Timelines vary by project scope. A standard office cabling installation for 50 workstations typically takes 2–5 days. Multi-floor enterprise deployments run 2–6 weeks. We provide a detailed timeline in every project quote.

Question 11

Do you offer 24/7 emergency support?

Accepted Answer

Yes. 24/7 emergency support is available for all managed IT clients. For non-managed clients, we offer emergency response during business hours and can discuss extended coverage options.

Question 12

How much does a structured cabling installation cost?

Accepted Answer

Structured cabling costs vary widely based on building size, cable category, conduit requirements, and number of drops. A typical 50-workstation office installation runs $8,000–$25,000 fully installed. We provide a detailed line-item quote for every project — no ballpark estimates.

Question 13

Do you offer financing or payment terms?

Accepted Answer

We offer net-30 and net-60 payment terms for qualified commercial clients, and can structure phased billing for large multi-phase projects. Contact our team to discuss payment arrangements.

Question 14

Are your quotes fixed-price or time-and-materials?

Accepted Answer

We prefer fixed-price contracts for well-defined scopes — you know exactly what you're paying before work begins. For discovery-heavy projects (like infrastructure assessments in buildings with unknown existing cabling), we may quote time-and-materials for the assessment phase, then fixed-price for installation.

Question 15

How do I know when my network infrastructure needs an upgrade?

Accepted Answer

Common signs include frequent network outages, slow file transfers, inability to support new devices or applications, cabling older than 15 years, or switches that lack PoE for modern devices. We offer a free network assessment that evaluates your current infrastructure and identifies upgrade priorities.

Question 16

What is the typical lifespan of structured cabling?

Accepted Answer

Category-rated copper cabling (Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6A) has a physical lifespan of 20–25 years. However, technology standards evolve faster — Cat5e is already insufficient for 10GbE, and Cat6 is limited beyond 55 meters. We recommend Cat6A for all new installations to maximize useful life.

Question 17

Should I invest in fiber optic or copper cabling?

Accepted Answer

Both have a role. Copper (Cat6A) is cost-effective for horizontal runs under 100 meters to workstations and access points. Fiber is required for backbone runs between floors and buildings, data center connections, and any run exceeding 100 meters. Most commercial projects use a combination of both.

Question 18

Can you help us plan IT infrastructure for a new building or office?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We collaborate with architects and general contractors during the design phase to plan cable pathways, conduit placement, equipment room locations, and power requirements. Engaging us early in the design process avoids costly retrofitting after construction is complete.

Question 19

What is a network assessment and do I need one?

Accepted Answer

A network assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of your existing IT infrastructure — cabling condition, switch capacity, WiFi coverage, security gaps, and single points of failure. It produces a prioritized recommendation report. We offer this assessment at no charge for qualified commercial projects.

Question 20

How do you future-proof IT infrastructure investments?

Accepted Answer

We design for capacity beyond your current needs — Cat6A cabling that supports 10GbE, conduit with spare capacity for future runs, right-sized electrical circuits for power growth, and modular rack layouts that accommodate expansion. Our designs are built to support your technology needs for 10–15 years.

Question 21

Can you help our business meet HIPAA compliance requirements?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We design HIPAA-compliant network infrastructure for healthcare organizations — including proper network segmentation between clinical and administrative systems, encrypted wireless networks, physical security controls, and documentation required for compliance audits.

Question 22

What cybersecurity measures do you include in network designs?

Accepted Answer

Every network design includes VLAN segmentation, firewall placement, encrypted WiFi (WPA3-Enterprise), and access control. For businesses with regulatory requirements, we add intrusion detection, endpoint protection, and security monitoring. Our managed IT plans include 24/7 threat monitoring and incident response.

Question 23

How do you protect surveillance camera systems from hacking?

Accepted Answer

IP camera systems are deployed on isolated VLANs with no internet access, using non-default credentials and encrypted streams. We disable unnecessary protocols, apply firmware updates on a maintenance schedule, and configure access control lists restricting NVR communication to authorized devices only.

Question 24

What is the difference between managed IT and break-fix support?

Accepted Answer

Break-fix means you call us when something breaks — reactive, unpredictable costs. Managed IT is proactive — we monitor your infrastructure 24/7, apply patches, manage backups, and resolve issues before they cause downtime. Managed IT typically costs less than break-fix over a 12-month period because it prevents expensive emergency repairs.

Question 25

Can you manage infrastructure that another company installed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We frequently take over management of existing installations. We start with a network assessment to document your current infrastructure, identify any immediate risks, and create a management baseline. There is no requirement that Summit DNC installed the original equipment.

Question 26

Do you provide remote monitoring for surveillance systems?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer remote health monitoring for surveillance systems — alerting on camera offline events, storage failures, and recording gaps. For clients requiring active video monitoring (live guard services), we partner with licensed monitoring centers.

Question 27

How long does a structured cabling installation take?

Accepted Answer

Most commercial installations take 1–5 days depending on building size and cable run complexity. We schedule around your business hours to minimize disruption.

Question 28

What cabling standard does Summit DNC install to?

Accepted Answer

All installations meet TIA-568-C and BICSI standards. Every run is tested and certified with a Fluke DTX cable analyzer, and you receive a full test report.

Question 29

Can you work in an occupied building?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We schedule phased installations and off-hours work to keep your business running throughout the project.

Question 30

What is the difference between Cat6 and Cat6A?

Accepted Answer

Cat6 supports 10Gbps up to 55 meters. Cat6A supports 10Gbps to 100 meters with better interference rejection — recommended for new installations.

Question 31

Do you handle cable abatement and old cabling removal?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We remove legacy cabling, consolidation point devices, and abandoned cable to bring your infrastructure into compliance and reduce fire risk.

Question 32

How much does fiber optic installation cost compared to copper?

Accepted Answer

Fiber is typically 2-3x the cost of Cat6A per run, primarily due to termination labor and specialty connectors. However, fiber is required for backbone runs over 100 meters and provides significantly higher bandwidth headroom for future needs.

Question 33

Can you install outdoor-rated cabling between buildings?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We install direct-burial, aerial, and conduit-based outdoor cabling including armored fiber and UV-rated Cat6A. All outdoor installations include proper weatherproofing and grounding per NEC code.

Question 34

What are conduit requirements for commercial cabling?

Accepted Answer

Conduit requirements depend on local building codes, cable type, and pathway location. We design cable pathways using EMT, PVC, or innerduct per NEC and TIA standards, and coordinate with general contractors on all new construction.

Question 35

What is the difference between plenum and riser cable?

Accepted Answer

Plenum-rated cable (CMP) is required in air-handling spaces above drop ceilings. Riser-rated cable (CMR) is used in vertical shafts between floors. Using the wrong rating is a fire code violation — we always verify pathway requirements before installation.

Question 36

What cabling warranty does Summit DNC provide?

Accepted Answer

We offer a 15-year warranty on all structured cabling installations. When using manufacturer-certified components (Panduit, CommScope), installations may qualify for extended 20-25 year application assurance warranties.

Question 37

What VoIP systems does Summit DNC support?

Accepted Answer

We support all major platforms including Cisco, Microsoft Teams Phone, RingCentral, Zoom Phone, and 8x8. We recommend the best fit based on your size, budget, and integration needs.

Question 38

Can you migrate our existing phone system to VoIP?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We handle number porting, hardware provisioning, network readiness assessments, and cutover scheduling to ensure zero-downtime migration.

Question 39

Do we need to upgrade our network for VoIP?

Accepted Answer

VoIP requires adequate bandwidth and QoS configuration. We perform a network readiness assessment and upgrade switches, cabling, or bandwidth as needed before deployment.

Question 40

What happens if our internet goes down?

Accepted Answer

We configure failover routing to cellular backup or secondary ISP connections. Cloud-hosted systems also support mobile app fallback so calls continue on smartphones.

Question 41

Can VoIP integrate with our CRM or ERP system?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Modern VoIP platforms offer native integrations with Salesforce, HubSpot, Microsoft Dynamics, and other business applications for click-to-dial, call logging, and screen pops.

Question 42

How do you set up a Grandstream UCM PBX?

Accepted Answer

We rack the UCM appliance, configure SIP trunks, program extensions, set up IVR menus and ring groups, auto-provision handsets, and test all call flows. The entire setup typically takes 1-2 days for a 50-user system.

Question 43

How do you troubleshoot VoIP call quality issues?

Accepted Answer

We diagnose call quality using packet capture, jitter/latency measurements, and QoS analysis. Common fixes include enabling DSCP marking, upgrading to PoE switches with QoS support, and ensuring adequate bandwidth on the WAN link.

Question 44

What is SIP trunking and do I need it?

Accepted Answer

SIP trunking replaces traditional phone lines (PRI/POTS) with internet-based voice connectivity. It is required for any on-premise PBX and typically reduces monthly calling costs by 30-50% while adding flexibility for remote extensions.

Question 45

Can fax machines work over VoIP?

Accepted Answer

Traditional fax over VoIP is unreliable. We deploy T.38 fax-over-IP gateways or analog telephone adapters (ATAs) to maintain reliable fax transmission. For most clients, we recommend cloud fax services as a modern alternative.

Question 46

Can you set up a multi-site phone system?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We deploy multi-site VoIP with centralized or distributed PBX architecture, site-to-site SIP trunks, inter-site extension dialing, and unified voicemail. Cloud-hosted platforms make multi-site deployments especially straightforward.

Question 47

What types of security cameras do you install?

Accepted Answer

We install IP cameras from Verkada, Axis, Hanwha, and Meraki. Options include dome, bullet, PTZ, panoramic, and specialty cameras rated for indoor, outdoor, and harsh environments.

Question 48

How long is security footage stored?

Accepted Answer

Storage depends on camera count, resolution, and retention policy. Typical setups provide 30–90 days of on-site NVR storage, with optional cloud backup for extended retention.

Question 49

Can I view cameras remotely from my phone?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All systems we install include secure remote viewing via smartphone, tablet, or desktop. We configure role-based access so you control who sees what.

Question 50

Do you install access control systems?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We design and install card readers, biometric scanners, intercoms, and visitor management systems integrated with your camera infrastructure.

Question 51

Are your security installations compliant with HIPAA and PCI?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We design systems that meet HIPAA, PCI-DSS, CJIS, and other regulatory requirements including encryption, audit logging, and tamper detection.

Question 52

Can IP cameras read license plates?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We deploy LPR/ANPR cameras designed for license plate capture at vehicle entry points, parking lots, and loading docks. These require specific camera models, lens selection, and IR illumination to capture plates reliably at speed.

Question 53

Do you install thermal cameras?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Thermal cameras are ideal for perimeter detection, fire prevention, and equipment overheating alerts. We deploy Axis and Hikvision thermal cameras for industrial, data center, and critical infrastructure applications.

Question 54

What is the difference between cloud and on-premise NVR?

Accepted Answer

On-premise NVRs store footage locally with no recurring fees but require hardware maintenance. Cloud-managed systems (like Verkada) store footage on-device with cloud access, eliminating NVR hardware but requiring per-camera licensing.

Question 55

What camera analytics are available?

Accepted Answer

Modern IP cameras offer motion detection, line-crossing, loitering, people counting, face detection, object classification, and heat mapping. Analytics capabilities depend on the camera manufacturer and model.

Question 56

Can security cameras integrate with access control?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We integrate camera events with door access events for unified security management. When a badge is scanned, the corresponding camera automatically records and tags the event for easy forensic review.

Question 57

What does a typical conference room AV setup include?

Accepted Answer

A standard setup includes a display or projector, ceiling speakers, wireless presentation system, video conferencing camera, and a touch panel controller. We customize based on room size and usage.

Question 58

Can you integrate AV with Microsoft Teams or Zoom?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We design certified Teams Rooms and Zoom Rooms with one-touch join, content sharing, and automatic camera framing for hybrid meetings.

Question 59

Do you install digital signage?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We deploy commercial displays, media players, and content management systems for lobbies, wayfinding, menu boards, and corporate communications.

Question 60

How do you handle multi-room audio/video distribution?

Accepted Answer

We use AV-over-IP, matrix switching, or HDBaseT distribution depending on your building layout. This allows any source to display on any screen with centralized control.

Question 61

What ongoing support do you provide for AV systems?

Accepted Answer

We offer remote monitoring, firmware updates, and on-site support contracts. Most issues are resolved remotely within 2 hours during business hours.

Question 62

Do you offer wireless presentation systems?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We deploy Barco ClickShare, Mersive Solstice, and Crestron AirMedia for wireless screen sharing. Users can present from laptops, tablets, and phones without cables or dongles.

Question 63

Can you install room scheduling displays?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We mount touch displays outside conference rooms that integrate with Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace calendars. Users see real-time availability and can book rooms instantly.

Question 64

Do you design AV for large venues and auditoriums?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We design line array speaker systems, projection/LED walls, stage lighting control, and distributed audio for auditoriums, worship spaces, and event venues up to 5,000 seats.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Summit DNC

Company

Service & Process

Pricing

Technology & Planning

Security & Compliance

Managed Services & Support

Service-Specific Questions

Network Infrastructure10

VoIP & Communications10

Security & Surveillance10

AV Systems10

Wireless Connectivity11

Managed IT10

Cloud Services10

Data Centers10

Power & Backup10

Partners & Products10

Pricing & Contracts10

Compliance & Certifications10

Project Process10

Still Have Questions?

Services

Solutions

Resources

Company

Frequently Asked Questions

About Summit DNC

Company

What areas does Summit DNC serve?

How long has Summit DNC been in business?

What certifications does Summit DNC hold?

Is Summit DNC licensed and insured?

Does Summit DNC offer a warranty on installations?

Service & Process

How quickly can you provide a project quote?

Do you offer a free consultation?

Can you work after hours to minimize business disruption?

Do you handle both design and installation?

What is your typical project timeline?

Do you offer 24/7 emergency support?

Pricing

How much does a structured cabling installation cost?

Do you offer financing or payment terms?

Are your quotes fixed-price or time-and-materials?

Technology & Planning

How do I know when my network infrastructure needs an upgrade?

What is the typical lifespan of structured cabling?

Should I invest in fiber optic or copper cabling?

Can you help us plan IT infrastructure for a new building or office?

What is a network assessment and do I need one?

How do you future-proof IT infrastructure investments?

Security & Compliance

Can you help our business meet HIPAA compliance requirements?

What cybersecurity measures do you include in network designs?

How do you protect surveillance camera systems from hacking?

Managed Services & Support

What is the difference between managed IT and break-fix support?

Can you manage infrastructure that another company installed?

Do you provide remote monitoring for surveillance systems?

Service-Specific Questions

Network Infrastructure10

How long does a structured cabling installation take?

What cabling standard does Summit DNC install to?

Can you work in an occupied building?

What is the difference between Cat6 and Cat6A?

Do you handle cable abatement and old cabling removal?

How much does fiber optic installation cost compared to copper?

Can you install outdoor-rated cabling between buildings?

What are conduit requirements for commercial cabling?

What is the difference between plenum and riser cable?

What cabling warranty does Summit DNC provide?

VoIP & Communications10

What VoIP systems does Summit DNC support?

Can you migrate our existing phone system to VoIP?

Do we need to upgrade our network for VoIP?

What happens if our internet goes down?

Can VoIP integrate with our CRM or ERP system?

How do you set up a Grandstream UCM PBX?

How do you troubleshoot VoIP call quality issues?

What is SIP trunking and do I need it?

Can fax machines work over VoIP?

Can you set up a multi-site phone system?

Security & Surveillance10

What types of security cameras do you install?

How long is security footage stored?

Can I view cameras remotely from my phone?

Do you install access control systems?

Are your security installations compliant with HIPAA and PCI?

Can IP cameras read license plates?

Do you install thermal cameras?

What is the difference between cloud and on-premise NVR?

What camera analytics are available?

Can security cameras integrate with access control?

AV Systems10

What does a typical conference room AV setup include?

Can you integrate AV with Microsoft Teams or Zoom?

Do you install digital signage?

How do you handle multi-room audio/video distribution?

What ongoing support do you provide for AV systems?

Do you offer wireless presentation systems?

Can you install room scheduling displays?