Table of ContentsContentsDesignDesign for redundancy at the Centennial Olympic GamesWhen the 1996 Olympic Games were under way and a worldwide audience was watching, the reliability and survivability of the fiber- and unshielded-copper-based cabling infrastructure were as important as the network`s transmission speed and capacity.
Installer training and registration program launchedBicsi (Tampa, FL), a telecommunications association known for several years as the industry body overseeing the design of building cabling systems, is now launching a program to train and register cabling installers. Bicsi`s registered communications distribution designer (Rcdd) designation will be joined this fall by apprentice, installer and technician categories in a three-level program that will be officially launched at Cabling Installation Expo `96, to be held at the Charlotte Convention C
Cabling Expo 96 attracts a broad range of exhibitorsAs of this writing, more than 120 manufacturers, distributors, contractors and service companies have signed up to exhibit at the first annual Cabling Installation Expo. Here`s a roundup of what these companies make or sell, and what they`ll be featuring at the show.
Exhibitors show new products, Bicsi debuts new training at first Cabling ExpoWhen visitors walk through the doors of the Charlotte (NC) Convention Center this month, they will be taking part in history in the making -- not once, but twice. First, they will get to try out an array of the newest voice, data and video products at the first annual "hands-on" trade show to serve the cabling industry -- Cabling Installation Expo `96. At the time of this writing, more than 120 companies -- manufacturers, distributors, contractors and service providers -- have signed up to exhib
InstallationPre-planning the cable pull saves time and increases productivityIn cable pulling, as in every line of work, ideal situations are rarely encountered; installers and technicians must, therefore, use creative thinking and ingenuity on each installation.
Product UpdateHandheld crimping tools provide consistent connectionsAn effective crimping tool forms a permanent physical bond between a cable and a connector. Because this type of connection is widely used and is vital to a system`s successful operation, many manufacturers design crimping tools for connectors attaching to all common types of cable. The most typical method -- and the most practical for field use -- is crimping with a handheld tool (see Product Update table, page 18).
Special ReportImplementing an integrated cable management systemImplementing a new cable management system is like running a marathon; although the University of Michigan has not yet crossed the finish line, perseverance and dedication will help them win the race.
Manage your fiber-optic network using softwareCurrent methods of manual record-keeping and limited electronic management are not adequate to maintain the vital, mission-critical medium represented by a fiber-optic network.
Integrating and controlling an "intelligent" crossconnect switchAutomated cable management through crossconnect switch integration can bring global enterprise network management to a higher level, by putting "intelligence" in the physical layer.
Define end-user and contractor needs when implementing a CMSAs more organizations upgrade their cabling plants to standards-based structured cabling systems, the need for cable management systems has become evident.
Inventory, Document and Label- Design and implement security and access system for all administrations points (closets, rooms, etc.)
Let your contractor document your installationDocumenting cabling and connections is vital to prolong the life of the infrastructure, contain the cost of managing day-to-day changes and recover from network outages.
Invest in the management of your cabling recordsWith time and money invested in planning and implementing a structured cabling system, companies must adopt modern management methods to maintain their infrastructure in order to benefit the most from it.
CABLE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARECable management systems (CMSs) are software applications that you can use from a personal computer to implement, manage and maintain structured cabling systems for copper, fiber-optic or coaxial-cable networks. Programs range from basic databases to more expensive, complex, graphical applications. In addition, a more-advanced technology combines hardware -- an "intelligent" crossconnect switch in the wiring closet -- with the applications software to manage moves, adds and changes to the physic
StandardsUnderstanding firestopping is simpler than it seemsAlthough firestopping is an important and straightforward activity, it is sometimes neglected and even omitted by cabling installers. "It`s the most ignored thing by installers that I`ve ever seen in my life," says Ed Phillips of Tel-Comm Contracting Inc. (Manchester, ME). "Every day, everywhere I go, I see violations of firewalls, firestops, fire floors and fire codes."
TechnologyScreened twisted-pair slowly gains groundA number of cable manufacturers offer it, and yet screened twisted-pair (ScTP) cabling has yet to enter the limelight as a preferred structured cabling medium in the United States. While several vendors are quite vocal about the benefits of both ScTP and shielded twisted-pair (STP) cable over unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable and optical fiber, others view it as a technology with limited appeal and stiff competition.
Crosstalk & FeedbackAsk DonnaGrounding Shielded CableQ: We are installing an Ethernet system in a hospital using the following Category 5 products: 4-pair braided shielded cable, shielded RJ-45 wall jacks, shielded RJ-45 patch panels and patch cords (Eia/tia-568 standard specification). Although it is a 10Base-T Ethernet system now, it could grow to be 100Base-T in the future. Do we need to ground both ends of the shielded twisted-pair cable?
Pathway separationQ: I was reading "TIA standards scene is complex and fast-paced," April 1996 (page 65) in which your name was mentioned as chairing an ad hoc task force on pathway separation. We have a special interest in steam-line separation in our outside plant at Indiana University. Has your group addressed this topic, and are there any guidelines or standards at present?
Defining transition pointQ: The Tia/eia-568a standard, Section 4.2, states that it is possible to have a transition point between flat undercarpet cable and one of the equivalent cables recognized in section 4.4. What does this mean? Is the transition point a physical concept; is the transition point a splice between flat cable and . . .? Doesn`t this contradict the next paragraph of the standard, which says, "Bridged taps and splices shall not be permitted as part of the copper horizontal cabling"?
More on Protecting Exposed Fibers . . .Paul Kolesar, Lucent Technologies (Middletown, NJ), offers the following comment regarding my response to the question about exposed buffered fibers in the classroom installation (see August 1996).
While discussing our differences of opinion, Kolesar explained the intent of Section 12.4.5;While discussing our differences of opinion, Kolesar explained the intent of Section 12.4.5; however, I believe that we do not pay contractors for intent--we pay them for compliance, regardless of intent.
EditorialDigging up the streetThe importance of planning and documentation to a construction project was brought home to me in a very concrete way recently when the local gas company replaced the pipe to my house. The procedure reminded me very much of cable-pulling, in that the contractor simply pushed a new plastic pipe through the old metal one, just as cable might be pulled through a conduit.
Do you have all the facts about time-delay skew?In the past several months, there has been a proliferation of information concerning time-delay skew. Most of this information has been based on the need of cable and component manufacturers to market their products. The issue has also been sensationalized in recent months in various cabling publications.
To The EditorAdvice on purchasing fiber-optic connectorsAs a fiber-optic component value-added distributor and a test equipment manufacturer, I feel compelled to respond to points made in "Sandia installation uncovers fiber issues" (June 1996, page 71). The article points out that simply selecting a quality connector does not ensure a quality end-product. Many people think that terminating optical fiber is a matter of stripping cable, gluing it into the ferrule and polishing. Testing a fiber-optic termination for three major performance criteria is e
ClarificationAccording to "Cable lubricants serve as inexpensive insurance for cable pulling" (Technology Update, June 1996, page 6), "soap- or waxed-based lubricants, for example, will dry to form a hard mass, making re-entry into a conduit difficult once the lubricant has set." The point I was making (see page 10 of that article) is that some lubricants--including some wax-based and many polymer-based lubricants--will leave hard residue in the conduit and should be avoided whenever it is likely that additi
Products & ServicesIndustry SpotlightWalker introduces cost-comparison softwareWalker Systems Inc. (Williamstown, WV), a Wiremold Co., has introduced a new service that lets specifiers of building wiring systems compare the initial and life-cycle costs of a variety of open-floor wire-management systems. The service is based on Walker`s Size-Up cost-comparison software. Working together, specifiers and Walker representatives can now access the computer program and use real-life data to generate life-cycle cost comparisons.
FCC proposal would allocate spectrum for wireless LANsThe Federal Communications Commission (FCC -- Washington, DC) may soon adopt a rule setting aside 350 MHz of spectrum for high-speed communications over short distances. The rule would make it possible for schools, libraries and individuals to hook up to the Internet by using wireless local area networks (LANs), bypassing traditional telephone systems.
Harris renames its Dracon DivisionThe Dracon Division of the Harris Corp. (Camarillo, CA) is now known as Harris Network Support Systems. The name change, according to Terry Shafer, director of marketing, reflects the growing diversity of the division`s business operations. However, Dracon will be retained as a product brand name.
Moves, Adds & ChangesExfo Electro-optical Engineering (Vanier, QC, Canada), a fiber-optic test-equipment manufacturer, is now offering its IQ Calibration System for in-house fiber-optic instrument calibration and verification. The IQ-1500 calibration power meter and IQ-2100 DFB laser source modules join the company`s modular IQ-200 fiber-optic test system to perform local calibration and verification of any fiber-optic power meter. For more information, call the company at (418) 683-0211, or fax (418) 683-2170.
New ProductsFiber-optic products catalogThis 144-page catalog includes performance information and technical specifications on Molex`s line of fiber-optic connectors and adapters, as well as its cable assemblies, termination tools and fiber-optic switches. Other sections include products for passive fiber-optic networks, distribution enclosures, frame systems and outside-plant enclosures.
Fish tapeIdeal S-Class Fish Tape is a safe, nonconductive, all-plastic tape for fishing in energized panels, circuitry or telecommunications installations. It is available in a plastic case in 25-, 50- or 100-foot lengths. It is manufactured with a fiberglass core and coated with nylon for maximum strength and flexibility. The core resists fatigue from repeated bending and pulling stress. The product also has a contoured, rounded eye that handles as many as six No. 10 bare wires.
Networking cableCommunications cable supports the Thomas & Betts All-lan network interconnection system for applications to 300 MHz. It features 41-dB attenuation, reduced crosstalk and improved Emi/rfi performances. Constructed of four individually foil-shielded pairs of 24 AWG solid wire within an overall shielding braid, it is offered in PVC, zero halogen and plenum-rated versions.
Media converterModel 372, a 100Base-T-to-fiber media converter, increases the distance between 100Base-TX-compliant local area networks. The product provides error-free network connections that are safe from ground loops, power surges, nearby lightning strikes and electrical interference. The converter allows fast Ethernet switches or 100Base-TX terminal equipment to connect via fiber-optic link segments. Prices start at $349.
Wire-management rackThe Mighty Mo II wire-management rack provides strain relief, bend radius and cable routing required for a Category 5 installation. The 7-foot rack comes with channel depths of 6.5 or 14 inches. It provides for separation of patch and building cables, supports split equipment shelves and electronic devices, and permits rear mounting of power strips, innerduct and other accessories.
Wall-mount cabinetsOffered in two- and three-section versions, these wall-mount cabinets come in 19-inch panel space widths and in 21- and 45-inch heights. The user can choose Plexiglas-paneled or solid-steel front doors and has a choice of adjustable panel mounting rails or fixed rails in the center sections. A key-locking front door is standard. Also new is the Slimcab, a desktop or rack-mounted, 1U (1.75-inch) high panel space cabinet that features all-aluminum construction. The Slimcab comes in two widths (8.5
Double-hinged enclosuresDouble-hinged enclosures combine two compartments: the front compartment features rack angles and a large safety glass viewing window, while the rear compartment provides space for an optional panel. The enclosures can be used to house electronic controls, networking equipment, and other 19-inch rack-mount devices. The enclosures are fully gasketed to protect against dirt, dust, oil, and water and are rated Ul/csa Type 12 and IP55. Five sizes are available: all are 600 mm wide, with height and d
Fiber-optic tool videoA training video covers the safe and proper use of fiber-optic tools. This full-color video, titled "Fiberoptic Tools: A Guide to Their Safe and Proper Use," covers the use of splicing scissors and knives, jacket strippers, Kevlar shears, fiber-optic strippers, bifurcated alcohol swipes, fiber-optic cleavers, and fiber-optic scribes. Produced as a service to the fiber optics industry, the 16-minute film is available in VHS or PAL formats.
Networking catalogA 400-page catalog contains a complete selection of network solutions for data, voice, video and multimedia applications. Product descriptions, photos, drawings and technical tips are also included. The catalog is divided into 12 sections, each of which highlights a specific network technology or product area (for example, ATM, LAN backbone, telecommuting, multimedia videoconferencing, and network services). The catalog also covers power protection and test equipment and describes the company`s
Connector polishing fixtureU-70 universal polishing fixture eliminates the need for individual ST-style, Fddi, RSD, SC, and FC plates for polishing multimode connectors. Simultaneous, multimode polishing of six 2.5-mm like-material ferrules of the same or different connector type is possible. The assembly setup plate automatically ensures identical ferrule extension into the polishing machine without requiring adjustment. U-70 provides consistent polishes of at least 50,000 terminations and requires no special tooling for
Digital TV training tapesA four-tape series called "An Introduction to Digital Television" covers the latest advancements in all-digital technology, the impact of video on overall systems design, and digital video compression technology. Issues surrounding video compression are discussed, and timely topics such as dealing with new networks and redesigning current video networks are also covered. Critical information concerning the typical television line, existing television standards and the techniques of sampling a wa
Cable raceway brochureA brochure on flexible raceway systems covers all cable protection and system management needs, including premises raceways, outside-plant raceways, communication boxes, and accessories (e.g., duct sealing plugs, swivels, ropes, tapes, lubricants, couplings, and adapters). Other cable protection conduit systems for both inside and outside applications are also presented. Some of the products highlighted in the brochure are Multi-Gard, a multicell conduit system with preinstalled inner ducts; In
Lightning protection systemThe combination of Flashtrab, a lightning current arrester, and Valvetrab MS, a pluggable distribution panel, provides a tight voltage-control system to protect electrical and electronic equipment. Both modules safely pass lightning currents to earth ground. Flashtrab extinguishes a 60-kA, 10 x 350-microsecond lightning waveform test to a 4000V level. Valvetrab MS, installed with Flashtrab, further reduces the residual 8 x 20-microsecond waveform to 15 kA.
Indoor/outdoor fiber-optic cableIndoor/outdoor FiberOptima cable is rugged and flexible, for an easy transition from outdoors to indoors. It eliminates the need for splicing or transitioning at the building entrance. This riser-rated cable is available in stranded loose-tube and central loose-tube designs. Both types of cable have a CommFlex jacket for improved handling and placement, easy-to-strip fibers, and vibrant coloring.
Fluke Corp. premieres power-management videoA new 20-minute educational video from Fluke Corp. (Everett, WA) provides insight into handling a number of electrical-power disturbances such as sags, swells, and overvoltages and undervoltages. Managing Electrical Power Systems also addresses the increasing problems associated with nonlinear electrical loads that lead to higher-than-normal frequencies, or harmonics.
Cable Installer TipsDocument and color-code your installationThe TIA/EIA-606 standard for the telecommunications infrastructure of commercial buildings recommends specific guidelines for documenting the premises network structured cabling system. However, some confusion may exist regarding standards-based color-coding in a telecommunications installation.
False wall improves cable installation in the telecommunications closetYour terminating hardware blocks are mounted to the wall. The cables feeding into the blocks from the ceiling above look like a rat`s nest. Other cables have been installed on top of the cable maze, making it look even worse. In some places, cables are spliced and hidden behind other cables because they were terminated in the wrong location and had to be rerouted.
Use Velcro to manage cabling in surface-mount racewaysInstalling cabling in a surface-mount raceway significantly increases the labor required for the job. Not only does it take additional time to install the raceway, but you will also need to spend more time pulling cable in an open raceway and managing the cable in what is usually an occupied space.
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This IssueNo Image Available Volume 4
Issue 10
October 1996
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