Table of ContentsContentsDesignATM delivers voice, video and data to the desktopStructured cabling system architecture on an ATM backbone provides bandwidth to support a buildingwide network.
InstallationPremises fiber-optic certification and testingTesting a newly installed optical-fiber cable plant is crucial to ensuring the overall integrity and long-term performance of a network.
Product UpdateCategory 5 plenum cable still in short supplyThere has been, and continues to be, a shortage of fluorinated ethylene propylene, which is used to insulate the paired conductors in Category 5 plenum cable. Manufacturers and installers are continuing to solve the problem of acquiring enough Category 5 plenum cable, while remaining within standards specifications (see "Stretching the FEP," on page 65). But what is so special about Category 5 plenum cable?
StandardsAnalog and digital tester manufacturers slug it out over TSB-67Editor`s Note: To date, manufacturers of Category 5 local area network cable testers have applied so-called analog technology to the problems they encountered. One manufacturer has recently developed a device based on digital technology to serve the same needs. It is important that buyers and users of these devices understand the differences between the two approaches, because these differences are currently being highlighted in the marketing literature of both camps. Here are two viewpoints on
Taking cable testing into the digital ageThe move to digital technology provides some advantages over analog techniques, including great accuracy, high data volume, improved processing and manipulation of data and increased functionality. Not surprisingly, a digital approach to testing Category 5 cabling also yields a number of benefits, including faster testing times, higher accuracy and greater diagnostic capability.
The Emerging Handheld LAN Tester StandardThe Telecommunications Industry Association task group that is working on the definition of a transmission channel and its parameters is close to producing a standard, to be known as Technical Systems Bulletin-67, transmission performance specifications for field-testing of unshielded twisted-pair cabling systems. This document, which will become part of TIA/EIA-568A, will provide the contractor and end user with a transmission specification to which the field-test measurements made on a cabling
TechnologyCoaxial-cable connectors-smaller, less expensive and easier to installCoaxial-cable connectors may seem like dinosaurs--large, heavy and bulky--but they are in no danger of becoming extinct. In addition to serving the large installed base of Ethernet and other local area networks that depend on coaxial cable, these connectors are seeing something of a resurgence in use in cable television`s hybrid fiber/coaxial-cable installations and the telephone company`s broadband services. Coaxial cable and components are also used in emerging microwave and wireless applicati
Crosstalk & FeedbackAsk DonnaAsk DonnaQ: In the May 1995 OAsk DonnaO column (page 50), you are listed as a BICSI RCDD. What does that mean?
Things We Should KnowTwisted-pair cabling?it is not just for dial tone anymore. We as an industry are building a balanced transmission line for future applications.
EditorialTwo approaches to standards-makingIt struck me recently that the cabling industry has two very different ways of developing its standards. Whether by accident or design, these standards-making procedures break down neatly between the optical-fiber and copper-wire sectors of the industry.
Licensing, certification and registrationThe Dictionary of Occupational Titles by the U.S. Department of Labor describes more than 12,000 occupations in the United States that have been classified by the nature of work performed, educational level, skills required and industry. To qualify for work in some of these occupations, a person must meet certain qualifications, including proof of educational credits, work experience and job skills. A governmental body, whether federal, state, county or local, may assume responsibility for licen
To The EditorTo the editor:I am not a engineer, I`m not on any standards committee and I don`t have an ax to grind. But I`ve earned a living in this industry for almost three decades. I want to encourage everyone to keep an open mind on the subject of structured cabling systems.
Wayne Gombar, field technician at Ameritech Custom Business Systems (Herndon, VA) comments:After reading the April 1995 "Installer Tips" column submitted by Robert Poore, I was compelled to write concerning his suggestions to alleviate sharp edges on cable ties.
Products & ServicesIndustry SpotlightMoves, adds and changesTellabs Inc. (Lisle, IL) and Methode Electronics fiber-optic and opto-electronic products group (Chicago) have received ISO 9001 registration status for their products. Tellabs` registration covers electronic and optical voice, image and data products and Methode`s covers fiber-optic connectors and fiber data communications links.
OSHA to change its roperationsPresident Clinton unveiled a report, "The new OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration): Reinventing worker safety and health," which appears to be good news for contractors. The report mandates that OSHA change its operations "from one of command-and-control to one that builds partnerships among regulators and business." The mission is to make it easier for businesses to comply with federal rules.
New ProductsFiber-optic LAN testing systemsPhotodyne 2XT optical mini-source and 3XT optical mini-meter offer power measurement capabilities for attenuation testing, link conformance testing and fiber identification. Each weighs less than 10 ounces and can be stored in a toolkit.
Spirally cut cable wrapHeli-tube spirally cut cable wrap is offered in six materials: polyethylene, UV-resistant polyethylene, fire-resistant polyethylene, nylon, UV-resistant nylon and corrosion-resistant Teflon. This wrap is primarily used for bundling wire, cable and tubing to organize them and protect against abrasion.
Power meterThe FOT-70 fiber-optic power meter combines two channels in one instrument. It can be paired to provide a reading of the power difference between the two channels. Alarm capability is offered over each channel and in the difference mode.
High-density modular 110 jackHD5 high-density Category 5 jacks adhere to the EIA/TIA Category 5 component specifications. Features include a 110 wire termination that is integral to the jack housing, snap-in keystone mounting and 50 micro-inch gold-plated hairpin jack contacts. These eight-position jacks are available in T568A and T568B/AT&T wiring configurations.
Fiber optics standards summaryThis fiber optics standards summary lists the active projects of Telecommunications Industry Association fiber-optic committees and subcommittees. Each description includes the project number and the committee handling it; the title and description of the project; the expected publication identification number, if available; the current status of the project; and work in other committees that is related to the project.
Tools and test equipment catalogSupport for data and telecommunications equipment and systems is given in this 72-page catalog. Sections include descriptions of connectors and connector kits, soldering equipment, benches and bench accessories, cleaning supplies, cases and shipping containers.
Fiber management shelfFocus Plus is a one-shelf fiber management system that may be installed in either 19- or 23-inch racks or equipment cabinets; it is suited for installations where rack space is limited. A range of splitter/coupler cartridge options are available to accommodate a maximum of 16 splitter/coupler adapter ports.
Micro splicerThe X76 fusion splicer incorporates three-dimensional profile alignments and on-site loss calculation. Two cameras allow simultaneous viewing of the X and Y axes, as well as accurate fiber end-angle determinations. Splice loss is calculated and displayed on a high-resolution liquid-crystal display.
Gel epoxyTra-Bond F125 is a 10-minute gelling epoxy for optical and industrial bonding applications and fiber-optic connectors. This clear, two-part system is also used in connector backfills, component assembly and maintenance repair.
Communications catalogThis 201-page communications catalog describes more than 74 types of communications connectivity and network products. It features premises wiring solutions and network products for token ring and Ethernet applications.
Fiber modemT1/E1, TC1620 fiber-optic modems help eliminate line jitter by using an elastic buffer to re-adjust the incoming signal to the proper timing. Based on field-programmable gate array technology, the diagnostics of these modems include five light-emitting diodes---one each for power, alarm, signal loss and bipolar violations.
Fiber training videosThe "Fiber Optic System Design" training video offers information on layout, loss budgets, and the design of local, metropolitan and wide area networks. "Fiber Optic Installation" focuses on the techniques required for a successful fiber-optic installation.
Cable Installer Tips568SC optical fiber link certification made easyYour customer requests that you certify a fiber-to-the-desk installation in accordance with industry standards and procedures. The installation was undertaken using the new 568SC duplex SC connector, and the customer wants to ensure not only that the horizontal link meets attenuation requirements but that polarity between transmit and receive fibers is correct.
Inspecting connectors with a fiber microscopeInspection of the end surface of a fiber-optic connector is one of the best ways to determine the quality of the termination and diagnose problems. However, a single direct viewing of the fiber endface using a fiber microscope will not reveal all potential problems.
Managing cable bend radiusThere is a common tendency to ignore bend-radius requirements when you are installing horizontal cabling at the wall plate and at the distribution frame. This practice can result in problems with signal throughput. Improperly installed cabling reduces network performance and makes it difficult to isolate the source of problems. In fact, throughput problems caused by bend-radius violations are usually not recognized until end users notice recurring response problems. Then, management must painsta
Check your light source for power driftAn optical-loss test set is used to test end-to-end loss through optical fiber. It is impossible to obtain an accurate measurement of optical loss, however, if the power level of the light source drifts. This drift can occur when the unit is first turned on, and when there are sharp changes in ambient temperature.
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