Table of ContentsContentsDesignDesign an underground fiber-optic cabling plantPlanning, teamwork and a flexible design can help designers and installers implement an underground optical-fiber cabling plant.
InstallationNYU networking project brings dormitories into the 21st CenturyA state-of-the-art telecommunications and data-communications network is a powerful recruiting and administrative tool that also creates a sense of community in this far-flung urban campus.
Firestopping cable openings helps safeguard buildings and occupantsUsing approved firestop methods and materials, such as special caulk, putty, wrap strips or fire-barrier sheets, can reduce risks to structures and their occupants.
Product UpdatePigtails ease fiber terminationIn any fiber-optic cable installation, the way the cables are attached to the system--whether at a building entrance, in a wiring closet or at points between the transmitter and the receiver--is vital to the success of the telecommunications network. If done well, this connection allows optical signals to pass with low attenuation and little return loss. One of the proven ways to join optical fibers is with a fiber pigtail--a fiber cable with a factory-installed connector on one end and untermin
StandardsSetting the standard at TIAAs technology continues to develop at a rapid pace in the telecommunications industry, the demand for technical standards has increased proportionately. This is reflected in the volume of standards and other technical publications produced by the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA--Arlington, VA). In 1995, 47 documents were published. Halfway through 1996, the 1995 total had already been matched, and the accelerated pace is expected to continue.
TechnologyModular multimedia outlets offer flexibility in creating and maintaining a cabling systemTo accommodate the different cabling media used in today`s telecommunications installations--copper, fiber and coaxial cable--manufacturers developed the modular multimedia outlet (MMO). These outlets are known as work-area outlets, information outlets, multimedia outlets and, more recently, multiuser telecommunications outlet assemblies, or mutoas, which can also be used in open-office configurations (see "New Standard for Open-office Architectures," page 6). The outlet is the point of connecti
Crosstalk & FeedbackAsk DonnaWIRELESS COMMUNICATION PROVIDERSQ: Who offers wireless communications equipment (other than Telxon) in the 900-MHz to 2.4-GHz range? We plan to use the equipment for warehousing, retailing and building-to-building communications.
FIREWALLQ: My cable installer has penetrated several concrete masonry fire walls (4-hour, F-rated), and I suspect that the installation is not up to standard. My problem is that I do not know what the standards are for this type of installation. The installer presented me with a page from the bicsi (Tampa, FL) Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual (tdmm), Issue 7, Chapter 20, page 20. At the top of the page, a drawing shows a cross section of an installation involving polyvinyl chloride (PVC) i
EditorialThe focus is on installersPerhaps the one thing that separates Cabling Installation & Maintenance most clearly from other publications in the cabling industry is what we like to call peer-to-peer perspective. Put more simply, we focus on cabling installers and cable-plant managers.
No single cabling-material solution suits all fire scenariosJust as we do for all decisions in life, we must continue to look for the best balance of choices in making decisions for fire-safe cables. Flame spread, smoke generation and carbon monoxide are more likely to kill people during a fire than acid-gas generation from a halogen cable. While undesirable, acid gases generated by cable combustion in a fire are a minor factor in fire-fighting and saving lives, compared to these other hazards. As the cabling industry moves toward more-stringent cable st
Products & ServicesIndustry SpotlightSasco receives state training moneyAlthough Sasco Data Systems (Mountain View, CA) knew the key to success was a well-trained work force, it didn`t have the resources to set up a comprehensive training program. So, the company turned to the state for help and, approximately one year later, received a $337,000 technology training block grant.
IdentiComm introduces z/linx modular cabling systemIdentiComm (Wescosville, PA) recently introduced z/linx, a preterminated, preassembled and pretested zoned structured cabling system, at the Networld+Interop show in Atlanta. According to the company, this system enables companies to organize, deploy, adapt and standardize their closet-to-closet and closet-to-workstation communications and information networks quickly and easily.
Moves, Adds & ChangesWalker Systems Inc., a Wiremold Co., recently moved its offices to 1000 Innovation Dr., Williamstown, WV 26187. The new telephone number is (304) 375-1000.
New ProductsPatch-cable testerThe Wiring Verifier tests wiring schemes for 2-, 3- and 4-pair cables terminated with modular plugs, and verifies conductor continuity for coaxial cables. It indicates opens, shorts, miswires, reversals and crossed pairs in cables terminated with modular plugs. Wiring schematics include tia/eia-568A/B, usoc, 10Base-T, token ring, tp-pmd and custom configurations.
Duplex fiber-optic housing seriesThe sscf Series SC duplex housing and adapter is compatible with other ntt/sc connectors and meets IEC and TIA standards for dual-fiber telecommunications and data communications applications. The series uses singlemode performance features and offers panel adapters that mate with all standard simplex SC connectors. Adapters come with precision, singlemode-grade, phosphor-bronze or zirconia-ceramic split sleeves.
Fiber-optic testerThe handheld Gap PMD II Analyzer tests polarization mode dispersion in optical fibers in the 0.1- to 100-ps range for measurements in the factory or field. Results can be viewed and stored in a notebook computer.
Fiber-optic switchThe GP700 multichannel fiber-optic switch, available in a benchtop version, controls to 1 x N modules and to 16-solenoid (1 x 2, 2 x 2, or on-off) switches. Controls include nine memory registers for saving/recalling switch states, four macros for storing sequences and two I/O ports for sending and receiving electrical triggers.
Field service kitThe jtk-87tek3 general-application toolkit has gate-swing tool pallets and foam protection and is housed in a rugged Rota-Tough case. It contains more than 100 tools, including the Tektronix TekScope THS 720 handheld digital oscilloscope. Kits and instruments are also sold separately.
Fiber-optic video linkA broadband multimode fiber-optic video link, catvLite Model 1704/1705 transfers up to 10 television channels (within one octave) over distances of 3 km (at 1300 nm) or 0.75 km (at 850 nm). CatvLite provides an LED-based system for transferring 10 am-vsb standard television channels over multimode optical fiber. Link bandwidth is between 5 and 166 MHz. Carrier-to-noise ratio is typically 52 to 55 dB, depending on channel loading and system optical loss. Because catvLite is compatible with multim
End-user surge suppressorsThe PowerTracker surge suppressors provide three levels of surge protection (standard, advanced and maximum) in three configurations (plug-strip, wall-mount, and specialty products). The Standard model provides 360 J with let-through voltage of 150V, while the Maximum model provides 720 J with let-through voltage of 10V. PowerTracker surge devices provide emi/rfi noise reduction of up to 99.99%. The plug-strip configuration provides six to eight outlets, while the wall-mount version provides six
EMC connector shieldShrinkMate connector uses a polymer thick-film silver ink to coat the inside diameter of the heat-shrink tubing, eliminating electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) problems on data, signal and power lines. The connector provides a circumferential connection around the shielding of the cable and the butt of the connector, which eliminates cable-to-connector leakage (a major source of EMC problems) and soldering of braided shielding. The commercial rating of the shield is 40 to 82 dB at frequencies o
Universal-fit connectorsUniversal-fit connectors for 1 5/8-inch cables feature interchangeable heads, which allow easy replacement of a damaged contact or conversion from a Type N to a 7/16 DIN. The center pin screws into the center conductor of the cable and is tightened by an open-end wrench. Self-flaring design ensures proper contact with the outer conductor, while spring fingers grip the outer conductor and rotate within the body, eliminating bending or breaking during installation. An extra-thick gasket provides
Crimping problem wall posterAn easy-to-understand wall poster illustrates 13 common crimping problems and how to avoid them. The problems include "banana" terminals, loose wire strands, too-large or too-small crimp heights, bent locking tangs, and over- or undersized bellmouths.
Wire marker and bar coderA handheld label maker can produce virtually any type of permanent label, create heat-shrink tubing for marking wires and cables, and even make bar codes. The N2000 industrial labeling system produces 0.5- or 1-inch adhesive-backed labels or heat-shrink tubing. Features include a 57-key alphanumeric keyboard, a two-line LCD display, 128K RAM, computer compatibility, text variations, eight commonly used bar codes and six prompting languages. The labels use thermal-transfer technology for permane
CRT wall-mountsAlthough too large for industry-standard EIA racks, 21-inch CRT monitors fit easily into the 22-inch-wide System/85 module. The module is part of a variety of three-, four- and five-bay systems; it can also be ordered as a component for a customized modular system. The rack bays are available in the standard vertical style or a sloped version for improved monitor viewing.
Fireproof blanket for ductsConstructed of a high-quality ceramic fiber with a density of 6 pounds/ft3, the FSB Flameshield Blanket is an easy-to-install fireproofing duct wrap. Flameshield Blanket is available either unfaced, with foil on one side, or with foil on two sides and fully encapsulated in 24- or 48-inch widths and 12.5- or 25-foot lengths. The product complies with essential zero-clearance and flame-spread certifications. When used with the Firestop putty, the blanket forms a complete system tested according t
Power management cd-romAll versions of the PowerAlert Plus network management software for a number of operating systems (Novell, Windows 95, Windows, Windows NT, OS/2, Unix, HP-UX, and HP Openview) are now available on a single cd-rom. Working with SmartPro, a line-interactive UPS series, PowerAlert Plus measures and displays power parameters from any workstation or server. All events are forwarded to the Master Network Power Log, which provides comprehensive records of power disturbances, pools alarms from any Smar
150-kA surge protectorWith lightning strikes averaging discharges of 30,000 A, the ZoneMaster`s 150,000-A surge capacity ensures protection from lightning strikes with surge current capacity to spare. ZoneMaster controls the UL-1449 6000V test transient to below 400V. Key to achieving this high-surge capacity in a small package are three terminal block metal-oxide varistors. This unit can be configured to protect any worldwide service up to 600V AC. Complete with onboard diagnostics and remote monitoring capability,
DIN/mini DIN adapterInterconnect products that interface with DIN-5 and mini DIN-6 and -8 connector types are now available. All cables feature 24 AWG wiring size with dual shielding composed of a copper braid and aluminum mylar and drain wire. The connector ends are fully molded in the popular gray color. A choice of five lengths from 3 to 25 feet is offered in both male-male or male-female genders.
Telecommunications catalogA combination product catalog and user`s guide, this publication covers the telecommunications industry, including the broadband, broadcast and wireless communications markets. The catalog presents six product categories: interconnect products; 75-ohm cable connectors; high-performance cable assemblies; patching products; crossconnect accessories; and tools and accessories. An acronym list, glossary, cable group table, and part number index are provided at the end of the catalog.
Engineering publications catalog1996 catalog of EIA, jedec and TIA standards lists hundreds of new and revised standards, interim standards, and related engineering documents and publications. Features of this latest edition include the following information for all three societies: divided tabbed sections for the organizations` documents, which are listed numerically and by subject; a master numeric index; an engineering committee codes appendix; and membership information. The catalog is also available on cd-rom.
UTP media filterDesigned for use with 16/4-Mbit/sec token ring LANs, these UTP media filters provide filtering, balancing and impedance matching, while limiting the amount of radiated electrical energy to comply with FCC Class A regulations. The UTP 16/4 media filters attach to the token ring adapter cards via a DB-9-type interface, while an RJ-45-type plug provides direct access to the network cabling system. The Standard media filter, which is tril-certified, consists of filter circuitry in a plastic housing
Fiber-optic switch moduleThe Programmable 1 N Fiber-optic Switch Module is designed for optical signal routing, for performing automatic optical testing and for a multichannel otdr. This stand-alone module features self-diagnosis, auto-recovery and status reporting functions. It has a wavelength range of up to 1650 nm, low insertion loss, low backreflection and ?0.01-dB repeatability.
Wireless LAN productsWireless Ethernet LAN products use spread-spectrum frequency-hopping to enhance reliability in transmissions in the 2.4-GHz radio band frequency. The products include a pcmcia adapter, an ISA card adapter, a point-to-point bridge and a LAN access point. These products can be used to enhance existing Ethernet LANs or provide roaming capability for mobile users.
Fiber management systemThe 948 Series Fiber Management System includes enclosures for patching, splicing, distributing and coupling fiber-optic signals for singlemode and multimode cables. The panels are preloaded with the company`s components, which include adapters, splice trays, couplers and cable assemblies. Accessories such as racks and inner bay units are also available.
Interface converterModel 265, RS-422 to RS-232 interface converter withstands and protects the equipment to which it is attached from surges of more than 10kV. It also protects against RFI and EMI caused by equipment interference and lightning. Full-duplex transmission is provided at up to 19.2 kbits/sec over a distance of 2 miles.
FMS termination drawerThe 1 U Fiber Management System termination drawer for 19-inch racks protects fiber connectors. It features an integral configurable panel, which accepts up to four 6-packs of ST or SC adapters and patch fields for up to 24 ST or SC adapters or 16 Escon or fddi adapters. The system`s cable management drawer slides out for access to patching and facilitates backbone cable-frame management and end preparation.
Stainless-steel cable tiesStainless-steel cable ties enable cable bundling and identification in harsh environments. The ties are available in coated and uncoated styles and offer a safe, permanent installation where fire-resistant wire bundling is needed. The cable ties are available in sizes from 6-1/2 to 69 inches, in both permanent and reusable styles.
Cable Installer TipsAvoid a patch cord "spaghetti bomb" on the front of racksMost cable installers take great pains to meet installation requirements and dress cables neatly at the rear of patch panels in the telecommunications closet. Unfortunately, the contractor?s work at the rear of the rack or cabinet is seldom seen. More noticeable is the patching field at the front of the rack or cabinet, which often looks as if a spaghetti bomb had exploded between the patch panel and the hub(s).
Ground rules for rough-inToo often, wires and cables are pulled and components installed without sufficient forethought and planning. This can result in an installation that is not only unsightly but also difficult to maintain and troubleshoot. In extreme cases, substandard installation practices during rough-in can degrade the performance of the cabling plant.
Bucket-seat provides ergonomics and organizationBright and early Monday morning, you arrive at the site of a new job. After a pleasant weekend, reality sets in: You have to install 500 quad unshielded twisted-pair office locations--2000 inserts--and faceplates, too. Total manpower to accomplish the task: one rookie and you.
Keep innerduct straight to ease cable pullingAnyone who has pulled innerduct knows how difficult it is to keep it straight. As it comes off the feeder reel, this continuous, flexible plastic duct--sometimes known as subduct--tends to snake because of reel memory, and it detours around or over obstacles.
Select properly listed optical-fiber cablesYou`ve just been awarded a contract to install the cabling infrastructure for a multistory bank building. Four floors of the building are to be interconnected via a riser shaft, and 24 work areas on a single floor need to be interconnected. Air-handling plenum areas will be used for some cable runs on this single floor. The specifications require that the optical-fiber cable used in this installation be in accordance with the recommendations in the 1996 National Electrical Code (NEC).
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This IssueNo Image Available Volume 4
Issue 11
November 1996
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