Table of ContentsContentsDesignThe University of Miami Law School installs fiber to the deskFiber to the desk promises to give users ready access to whatever network applications are on the horizon, regardless of bandwidth demands.
InstallationInstalling optical fiber safelySafely installing optical fiber calls for special care in working with lasers, ultraviolet light and chemicals, as well as the general safety precautions applicable to any installation.
Product UpdateData-line devices protect LAN systems from backdoor surgesHarmful power surges not only get to local area network systems on alternating current power lines, but they can also travel along communication lines. As LANs connect computers, telephone, data, video and security systems in and between buildings, each connection can create a path for data-line surges to enter the system. Even when equipment is protected by AC power-line suppressors and uninterruptible power supplies, data-line surges can enter the network through a "backdoor," including unprot
StandardsTransmitting video over structured cabling systemsVideo represents a new kind of frontier for the use of unshielded twisted-pair cabling in what has traditionally been an application supported by coaxial cable. Video bandwidth requirements currently span a range from direct current to more than 750 megahertz. Unshielded twisted-pair cable can support much of this bandwidth, given recent technological advances in cable, media adapter and connector design. Opportunities abound in new and traditional areas for a single medium to support voice, dat
TechnologyDistributor technical services in great demandWe can`t live with them, and we can`t live without them. That seems to be the attitude of cabling installers toward the technical services and support that their distributors provide. But while distributors and installers may differ on the delivery of technical services--in terms of quantity and quality--both groups agree that their businesses depend on it.
Crosstalk & FeedbackAsk DonnaFiber-optic test procedures; RJ-45 outletsQ: I read that TIA/EIA-568A was approved. However, I cannot get a copy in Japan. Can we get a copy of the current standard through the Internet? If so, where is the access point and what is the fee?
EditorialLet the buyer bewareAt a technical seminar I recently attended, the subject of product knowledge and salesmanship came up. The Light Brigade`s president, Larry Johnson, who was giving the seminar, pointed out that salespeople could be broken down into three groups and ranked according to their product knowledge.
Testing channel near-end crosstalkThe subtleties of testing Category 5 channels are just becoming apparent to those who design structured cabling systems and the installers and contractors who must test them. As Category 5 cabling systems have evolved, we in the industry have sometimes been faced with faulty and inoperative installations.
Products & ServicesIndustry SpotlightBICSI attendees test Category 5 testersThe Building Industry Consulting Service International Inc. conference held in Toronto, June 5 to 8, 1995, included multimedia and networking topics. Approximately 750 attendees went to sessions and workshops that covered such subjects as practical field testing of optical fiber cables, unshielded twisted-pair links, firestopping and the office of the future.
Optical fiber information available on the WebCorning Inc. (Corning, NY) has announced that its Optical Fiber Information Center is now available on Internet?s World Wide Web. If you work with optical fiber, you will find literature on fiber and components, technical applications support, case histories, specifications and guidelines for fiber selection, as well as training materials. An online e-mail registration form lets you send questions and comments to Corning?s staff.
New ProductsFiber-optic LAN productsMultimode components for LANs include standard SMA and ST interfaces, as well as an EC interface. ST-type interfaces include ST-1 connectors, the RST2-compatible, the beST connector and ST-type active-device receptacles. Also available are standard cable assemblies, as well as FC, FDDI and SC connectors.
Fiber-optic connectorsSeries 408 FC (Issue 3) fiber-optic connectors meet Japanese Industrial Standard 5970 and EIA/TIA specifications to ensure FC connector intermateability. Bend-relief boot options for 3-mm cord and 900-micron break-out applications are available. The connectors are available with FC/FC singlemode and APC FC/FC multimode threaded couplings that have zirconia ceramic and phosphor bronze sleeves.
TP-PMD balunTP-PMD transmission through the IBM cabling system is available with this balun. The device matches a 100-ohm UTP cable with the 150-ohm STP cable of the IBM cabling system for frequencies to 100 MHz. The balun offers 0.5-dB insertion loss from 0.1 to 100 MHz and less than -40 dB of crosstalk at 100 MHz.
Termination toolThis 5-pair S110 termination tool, with replaceable cutting blades and an ergonomically designed handle, terminates and cuts UTP cable. This multi-pair impact tool terminates conductors on both the cable and crossconnect sides of 110-type connection blocks. Reversible cutting blades allow termination of wire without cutting.
Plenum optical-fiber cablesEnhancements to the plenum-rated tight-buffered cable include improved flame-retardant polyvinyl chloride jacket material and a multilayer cable core design that reduces the cable`s outer diameter to provide flexibility for higher fiber count cables. These cables meet the 1993 National Electrical Code Article 770 requirements. Singlemode, multimode or hybrid fiber combinations are available.
Cable installation guideThe installation of armored and metal-clad cable is described in this guide. It provides a basic but comprehensive overview of major considerations for code-complying installations and cost-effective applications.
LANmeter upgradeSeries 67X LANmeter network troubleshooting tools have been enhanced with Release 5.0, which provides additional support for the TCP/IP protocol and support for Banyan Vines. Other enhancements include a Otrace route?? feature, a view-all function for large address lists, a print-all function for address lists and protocol mixes, and the capability to export a screen capture to a PC.
Test equipment, tools catalogThis 48-page test, equipment and tools catalog features products for testing, repairing and installing electronic equipment. Included are descriptions of test sets, cable strippers and crimpers, power supplies and custom tool kits.
Uninterruptible power supplyAdvanced Network Plus line-interactive UPS has optional add-on battery packs that enable users to increase backup time and protect against extended power failures. This version offers internal battery reserves for extended computing time during power failures, a temperature-compensated battery charger, and a replace-battery indicator. The UPS also provides voltage regulation for brownout and overvoltage conditions, as well as EMI/RFI noise and spike filtration.
Crimp toolThe Telemaster three-in-one tool cuts and strips flat telephone cable and crimps two sizes of telephone modular plugs. Available in four models, the tool crimps a variety of plug pairs, including RJ-11/RJ-45, RJ-45/Decconnect MMJ, RJ-11/Decconnect MMJ, and RJ-22/RJ-11. Constructed of steel, the crimp tool includes a safety guard feature and locking device to ensure it is closed when not in use.
Velcro fastenersCablecatch Velcro fasteners anchor cords, cables and wires along surfaces to keep them organized. These reusable fasteners have a peel-away backing that enables them to adhere to equipment racks, desks or walls.
Split-sleeve systemThe firestopping split-sleeve system, previously made of aluminum, now consists of black iron. Available in 1-, 2- and 4-inch sizes, this system brings to within code those cables that are in violation of fire code, without removing or splicing the cables.
Category 3 jackThis Category 3 jack offers a 110-compatible block that can be terminated by a heavy-duty cap or 110 impact tool for easy installation, as well as high-performance transmission to 16 MHz. This jack can run any voice or 10Base-T system and can be installed as an individual jack or daisy-chain application.
Fiber-optic products brochureA 20-page brochure describes fiber-optic switches, filters and isolators. Data sheets, all-solder inline fiber-optic isolators, and fiber and component test systems are included.
Cable-detective kitThe LAN cable-detective kit contains a cable radar time-domain reflectometer that measures the length of installed cable or cable that is wrapped around the reel. The kit detects and measures the distance to any fault with an accuracy of 1 foot. This cable-detective kit also contains an end-to-end cable tester, which identifies possible faults on 4-pair UTP or coaxial cable, including opens, shorts, miswiring, swapped-pairs, crossed-pairs, inverted pairs and pair-to-pair shorts.
Silicone-based lubricantsPolywater Plus silicone cable-pulling lubricants are clean, slow-drying compounds that reduce friction and are used with silicone-lined and prelubed duct. Type NN lubricant is a non-stringy, pourable formula that does not contain frictionless rollers, which are common in other silicone lubricants. The high-cling lubricant also offers universal cable compatibility, temperature stability and cleanliness.
Fiber-optic fusion splicerThe Fusion 2000 automatic fiber-optic fusion splicer uses advanced power alignment technology. This technology, which uses a high-power light source, offers core-to-core three-axis alignment and accurate estimates of splice loss. This splicing system includes data memory, an RS-232 interface, a built-in splice sleeve heater with auto heat and cool cycles, and data and diagnostic readouts.
Cable Installer TipsA quick fix for T568A to T568B miswired cabling linksAll or part of your cabling system has been installed with T568A-wired jacks on one end (patch panel) and T568B-wired jacks on the other end (work area). In this case, when the 4-pair cabling is punched down to the standard color-code sequence (blue, orange, green, brown), pairs 2 and 3 become swapped, making communications on these pairs impossible. The ideal solution would be to install jacks of the same wiring configuration; however, you either do not have the time or do not want to incur thi
Installing pre-cabled conduit and ductOften, copper and fiber-optic cables must be placed in flexible conduit or duct to conform to regulatory safety codes, meet customer requirements or provide protection from environmental hazards. Placing conduit and then pulling cables can be costly and time-consuming, particularly in complex installations.
Preparing modular patch cords for field-terminationOne of the most difficult telecommunications products to field-terminate is the modular patch cord. It requires practice, patience and manual dexterity to assemble a patch cord without disturbing the cable lay; if the disturbance is too great, the link will fail a near-end crosstalk test. A properly terminated patch cord, however, will pass a continuity test and satisfy the transmission requirements of a particular category rating?Category 3, 4 or 5 as defined by Telecommunications Industry Asso
Installer TipsA common problem in testing optical fiber for loss is determining a loss budget to compare to actual measurements made by an optical-loss test set (see "Determining optical fiber link loss," June 1995, page 52). Complicating this problem is the fact that cable-reel readings are usually in feet while loss is specified in decibels per kilometer.
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This IssueNo Image Available Volume 3
Issue 8
August 1995
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