Berk-Tek (New Holland, PA), known as a manufacturer of both copper and fiber cable products, has revamped its LANmark series of products.
The LANmark-1000 and LAN-mark-350 are both recipients of a product overhaul to bring about increased performance. "We are announcing performance upgrades for all aspects of our LANmark product line," says Dan Kennefick, copper products business manager.
Berk-Tek will test the LANmark products to tighter specifications for attenuation, power-sum near-end crosstalk, equal-level far-end crosstalk, and return loss. Research has shown, according to Kennefick, that these parameters have a significant impact on the performance of systems comprised of LANmark cables and compatible connectivity solutions.
A new packaging design has also been introduced for "friendlier" access to the LANmark-1000 and 350 series products. Inside of the new "Tek-Pak" is a plastic cone that allows for a coil design, which better enables cable to keep its shape. Todd Reinhart, products line specialist, notes that the design "not only reduces the tangle and snag potential associated with pulling cable, but also minimizes electrical degradation of the cables during installation."
New packages will also feature a new graphic and color scheme to aid in cable identification. Clearly marked labels, for either plenum- or riser-rated products, will be placed along the side of the box for identification while in a warehouse.
Additionally, the LANmark-1000 UTP and patch cable products have received independent certification as meeting the proposed Category 6, Draft 7 standard. Verification was performed by ITS ETL SEMKO, a division of Intertek Testing Services, and according to Berk-Tek, represents the first product verification to Category 6, Draft 7 criteria.
For those individuals demanding more than can be provided by the LANmark-1000 and 350, Berk-Tek has introduced the LANmark-2000 enhanced copper cabling solutions product line. Much like its predecessor, the LANmark-2000 has also received independent verification to Category 6, Draft 7. It is designed to be a multipurpose cable that can support Gigabit Ethernet as well as the convergence of data, video, and voice applications.
LANmark-2000 is available for immediate orders in patch, plenum, and riser versions.
-Michelle Abrams