Table of ContentsContentsDesignColliSys favors design/build for backbone upgradesTo bring a large campus cabling project in on time and under budget, this Minneapolis contractor applied both innovative management and plain old common sense.
InstallationTool maintenance saves time and moneyTo protect your investment, know where your hand tools are, keep them in good working order and use the correct tool and the proper technique for the job.
Bar Coding Cuts WasteCompanies are becoming aware that a good shelf-ready bar-coding system can provide an edge in the marketplace. By computerizing their equipment-management operations with a tool-tracking system, contractors can boost productivity and optimize asset utilization, and decrease incidents of missing items. A tool-tracking system can reduce the amount of paperwork and time spent recording and reporting on tools and equipment operations. It also eliminates or reduces reporting errors and confusion rega
Product UpdateButt sets identify voice-line problemsTechnicians rely on one of the most commonly used pieces of telecommunications test equipment to detect noise, transmission loss or opens and shorts--the butt set. Resembling an ordinary telephone handset, this versatile tool often contains high-tech features that make it easier to identify and monitor a wide range of voice-line problems.
StandardsNational Electrical Code revisions focus on optical-fiber cablesThe National Electrical Code (NEC) ) was revised in 1996 to accommodate technological advances in intrabuilding wiring practices. Specifically, the 1996 version of the code includes modifications and clarifications to sections that affect optical-fiber communications cables used in nonmetallic plenum raceways, hazardous locations and network infrastructures. For example, Article 770 covers the requirements for optical-fiber technology used in place of, or in conjunction with, electrical conducto
TechnologyPlastic optical fiber installed in beta site networksWhen choosing the media for a new premises installation, designers and installers consider such issues as bandwidth, cost and ease of use. For the backbone, multimode glass fiber or Category 5 copper cable is usually the choice, and for the horizontal portion of the network, unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable is typically selected.
Crosstalk & FeedbackAsk DonnaFUTURE BANDWIDTH REQUIREMENTSQ: What problems do you perceive now or in the future for such high-speed applications as 10Base-T and ATM switching, using low-bandwidth fiber-optic cable; for example, 160/200 micron? It will be especially significant for system suppliers offering 15- to 20-year guarantees to determine whether their systems will handle the future bandwidths and speeds. Also, how important is it that fiber-optic cables connecting to each other have matching bandwidths?
Designing UTP cable plantQ: In my new position, I will be responsible for designing and overseeing the implementation of the UTP cable plant for a new 2000- to 4000-station network. My objective is to design a structured system that is flexible and also conforms to industry standards. I reviewed the tia/eia-568a standard and have put together a proposed design.
EditorialTrends to watch in 1997New Year`s is traditionally a time to look to the future, so this month we at Cabling Installation & Maintenance will identify some trends that we think you should watch in 1997:
Choosing the right fiber LAN architectureFor years, network planners have recognized the significant performance benefits of optical fiber: low attenuation, high bandwidth and smaller size, to name just a few. But until recently, many of those who sought these benefits in their installations felt they had to force-fit optical fiber into a copper-based design.
Products & ServicesIndustry SpotlightInaugural Cabling Installation Expo a successMore than 2000 people visited the Charlotte Convention Center (Charlotte, NC) in October to attend the first-ever Cabling Installation Expo. Called the ultimate "how-to/what-with" event, the show featured 123 exhibitors and was sponsored by PennWell Publishing Co.`s Cabling Installation & Maintenance magazine (Nashua, NH) and bicsi (Tampa, FL).
Myers wins Expo Installer Tips contestA highlight of last fall`s Cabling Installation Expo was the Installer Tips Contest, where show attendees wrote up their favorite cabling installation tips and shortcuts in competition for an Indy-style go-cart. The 3.5-horsepower grand prize, valued at $1300, went to Todd E. Myers, operations coordinator at Pennsylvania State University (University Park, PA), for his tip, "Pulley eases cable-pulling at workstation outlet" (see page 41).
BICSI CABLING WORKSHOP DEBUTS AT EXPOThe first bicsi Cabling Workshop was held at Cabling Installation Expo `96 in Charlotte, NC, in October. Cosponsored by bicsi (Tampa, FL) and Cabling Installation & Maintenance (PennWell Publishing, Nashua, NH), the Expo started with general session speakers and a technical seminar on Category 5.
New ProductsTone generator and amplifier probeTone generator and amplifier probe simplify location and identification of cable pairs, individual conductors and telephone wires to distances of 50,000 feet. With both continuous and alternating tones, the tone generator functions through low-resistance circuits and is powered by a 9V battery. A three-color LED display indicates polarity, reverse polarity, the presence of alternating current and continuity. The amplifier probe senses the generator`s signals and identifies specific conductors or
Modular cable testerThe Model 468 modular cable tester tests the most common modular configurations for opens, shorts, reversals, transposed pairs and more. The transmit and receive units withstand accidental connection to active circuits, and all test results are provided through sequencing LEDs. The transmitter unit also supplies a tone signal that can be used to identify the far end of the cable being tested.
Graphical multimeterThe 867B Graphical MultiMeter provides engineering and industrial users with graphical and reporting capabilities presented on a display screen. It uses blue light-emitting diodes from Nichia of Japan, which are converted to white backlight with an amber filter, to provide high contrast and a bright image when coupled with Hitachi transmissive liquid-crystal displays. The multimeter also offers 0.025% basic DC accuracy, which allows the detection of very small DC signal variation. The meter mea
OTDRLynx, a hand-held optical time-domain reflectometer, measures loss and locates faults in singlemode optical-fiber communications networks operating at either 1310 or 1550 nanometers at distances to 80 kilometers. It can measure the location, loss and reflectance of every splice in the network and display findings on its internal LCD display. Its dynamic range is 22 decibels at 1310 nm and 20 dB at 1550 nm, and loss resolution is 0.1 dB. The 2.2-pound otdr is priced from $8400.
Media converterThe OmniRepeater 400FTD, a twin- axial-to-fiber media converter, connects fiber to remote terminals, PCs or workgroup hubs and provides direct PC attachment at the workstation end for fiber-to-the-desk applications or at the host end as a fiber converter. This is done through direct PC mounting or through a twinaxial or unshielded-twisted pair cable. Wall- and rack-mounting features are standard. A built-in fiber-test capability produces data streams that test fiber connections and establish th
Polished fiber cable assembliesAngle-polished and super-ultrapolished fiber-optic cable assemblies offer low reflectance performance. Angle-polished finishes have a return loss typically less than 72 dB, while super-ultrapolished finishes can achieve 55- to 60-dB return loss. SC and FC singlemode assemblies are available with an angle-polished finish. The super-ultrapolished finish is available on SC, FC and ST singlemode assemblies.
Lightning/surge protectorThe Model 8022 lightning/surge protection module provides 4-wire, multistage protection in a DIN rail package. It accommodates 4-wire networks used for data communications of RS-232-based signals or other signals whose amplitude falls within +15 to -15V. Protection is provided in three stages: the first is a high-capacity gas discharge tube to protect against the threat of very fast and excessive voltage transients; the second and third stages are 2-kW-rated semiconductor suppressors, which reac
Surface-mount housingThe QuickPort 4-Port Housing simplifies installation and changes with flexible and reaccessible features that accept cable through the sides or the base. The entry holes and interior are sized to support tia/eia-568a-compliant bend-radius requirements, and tie-wrap anchor points are provided at each cable entrance for strain relief. The four ports can be individually configured in the field by using the existing line of QuickPort snap-in jacks and blanks. The cover offers a quick-release latch
Uninterruptible power systemsThe Fortress family of uninterruptible power systems (UPSs), which provides protection in network computing environments, is now available in 520-, 720-, 1020- and 1420-volt-ampere models. New features include PowerSteady voltage regulation, hot-swap battery capabilities and Windows 95 plug-and-play compatibility. Prices start at $509.
Crimp toolThe DCT4 crimp tool has foam handles, full cycle control and an emergency ratchet release. Interchangeable crimp dies cover a variety of applications and can be used on state-of-the-art coaxial-cable connectors. Crimp dies can also be designed and produced to meet specific customer needs.
BNC connectorSuited for telephony and broadcast industries, the QT (quick termination) BNC connector from the RF Products Division uses a center-contact design with a gas-tight joint that ensures the quality of the connection to copper- center conductors. Connectors have a color-coded rear plastic cap to ease connector identification by cable type.
Communication product catalogPanduit`s new 196-page communication products catalog provides detailed specifications and technical data on the company`s line of communication system solutions. Information is included in four categories: pan-net network cabling systems, pan-way and panduct cable distribution systems, pan-code tia/eia-606-compliant labeling products and accessories, and panduit cable ties and accessories. The catalog also includes tutorials and a guide to the tia/eia-568a standard.
Desktop enclosuresVerotec desktop enclosures are available in three heights, full and half 19-inch widths and depths of 250, 300, 350 and 400 mm. The standard case provides an attenuation level suitable for most applications. Higher performance can be obtained through a retrofittable EMC upgrade kit. Accessories include transparent, lockable front doors, side-carry handles, chassis trays and rear cable ties. A tower version is available.
Bare fiber adaptersST- and FC-style adapters allow bare fibers to be stripped, cleaved and inserted into the adapters, which can be connected and disconnected quickly for troubleshooting. The adapters are available in 125-micron singlemode and multimode fiber with 1-dB attenuation levels and at operating temperatures of -20o to +60oC.
Patch plugThe IC110 Patch Plug offers the option of punchdown or toolless cap-down termination. Features include built-in strain relief, a non-slip surface and gold-plated contacts. The tool can be used in combination with the company`s IC110 Cross-Connect Solutions. Patch cords are also available with factory-terminated IC110 plugs.
Cable Installer TipsPulley eases cable-pulling at workstation outletWhen you are pulling cable through conduit to the workstation, maintaining the minimum bend radius of optical-fiber and Category 5 copper cables can be difficult. In addition, you can scrape the cable jacket on the collar of the conduit and scratch your fingers and knuckles.
Use rip cord to remove encapsulant from buried enclosuresEncapsulant is difficult to remove from a re-enterable closure, especially when wire or cable of small diameter is used. In re-entering the closure, the installer must be careful to ensure that the conductors or fibers are not damaged during the procedure; this can be time-consuming and painstaking work.
Implementing a centralized optical-fiber cabling systemAs fiber becomes more popular for horizontal cabling, cabling installers and cable-plant managers are centralizing the electronics that supports users on multiple floors. The problem is to create a centralized optical-fiber cabling system using 62.5/125-micron multimode fiber that is standards-compliant and will support future multigigabit services.
Improve cable sorting by temporarily backward-mounting the 110 blockSorting cables on premounted 110 hardware before terminating them takes considerable time and effort. And it is even more time-consuming in a large cabling installation project.
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This IssueNo Image Available Volume 5
Issue 1
January 1997
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