Table of ContentsContentsDesignCharles Schwab invests in its cabling infrastructurePlacement and design of telecommunications closets help financial-services company meet current and future user needs.
Product UpdateQuick-connect fiber-optic connectors hasten fibers journey to the deskAs growing numbers of end-users demand high-speed data networks, fiber-to-the-desk installations are becoming increasingly common. Fiber proponents have effectively spread the message that fiber-optic local area networks (lans) provide bandwidth far beyond what is needed by any of today`s applications, and that a fiber lan will effectively handle tomorrow`s applications as well.
StandardsThe coming revolution in residential wiringThe wiring architecture that is found today in most homes has not changed much over the past quarter century. It consists of three separate and unrelated wiring systems supporting electrical power, telephony, and cable television. This three-part wiring infrastructure is about to change, offering a tremendous opportunity for cabling specialists to expand their markets.
TechnologyUse an underground cable locator to find buried cableWhen first introduced approximately 40 years ago, underground locators needed to do little more than find buried water, gas, or sewer lines. Today, locating has become more complex as telecommunications cables join utility lines in the underground environment. Surprisingly, though, today`s underground cable locators rely on the same basic technology found in their early counterparts--injecting an electrical signal onto the cable being located.
Crosstalk & FeedbackAsk DonnaConsolidation points in ceilingsQ: Could you clarify the specific points from tsb-75 about consolidation points? The March 1997 cover of Cabling Installation & Maintenance shows a consolidation point being installed in the ceiling; I was led to believe that you should not install them there because of access problems.
Rodent Damage....In response to my answer about rodents chewing cable (see "Rodent damage to cable," April 1997, page 44), I received the following information. Many thanks to David Cox, chief engineer of telecommunications for gte (Columbia, MD), for taking the time to educate all of us on the fine art of rodent eradication. I would caution you that, working in commercial office buildings, we do not have the same latitude in terms of options as is available in central-office buildings. And, while in the heat of
Cabling below a raised floorQ: When you are installing communications cabling below a raised floor in a room that doesn`t meet the requirements of an Information Technology Processing Room (as defined in Article 645 [nfpa-70] of the National Electrical Code [nec]), does the cable have to be type cmp or mpp, and does it have to be enclosed in conduit as outlined in Section 300-22(b)? My confusion stems from Section 800-53(a), which states: "Cable installed in ducts, plenums, and other spaces used for environmental air shall
EditorialThoughts on a dying trade showI attended a networking trade show recently that seemed to be dying. Floor traffic was obviously down from earlier years, when I`d seen the aisles packed with network managers from the surrounding large, prosperous, and technically sophisticated business community. The number of vendors exhibiting at the show was down too, and a number of those who were there and with whom I spoke said they didn`t think they`d be back next year.
Managing power strategicallyThe quality of the power supplied by your local utility company can be a deceptive commodity. You assume that utility power is a steady, consistent stream feeding all your electrical devices, but that is not always the case. The quality of power varies, shortening the lifespan of system components and creating problems that affect the availability and integrity of data. Unconditioned power from the utility company is not always suitable for sophisticated electronics, such as computer equipment,
To The EditorTips dont give the whole storyIn December 1996, you published several Installer Tips compiled by Dennis Mazaris (see "Find those elusive cables with a periscope," "Use a fishing reel to propel cable across a large room," and "Use a hooked pole to install cable in warehouse with high ceilings," pages 44, 46, and 52, respectively). I was very disappointed by the way Mr. Mazaris went out of his way not to refer to the manufacturer of the WallEye, the Sling-A-Line, and the Grabbit (Labor $aving Devices Inc., in this instance). W
Reader questions Installer TipIn the Installer Tip, "Powder makes cables easier to pull and terminate" (see March 1997, page 43), the author says the tip is for copper only and does not apply to fiber-optic cables because the powder interferes with light transmission.
Products & ServicesIndustry Spotlight97 Cabling installation Expo features exhibits, workshops, and a contestNorth Carolina`s Charlotte Convention Center will once again host Cabling Installation Expo. Sponsored jointly by Cabling Installation & Maintenance magazine (Nashua, NH) and bicsi (Tampa, FL), the second annual Expo will take place October 13 to 15, 1997.
Trip to the Rockies is prize for a winning Installer TripDo you have an installation tip that saves time or money? Then you may want to enter the Installer Tips Contest being held in conjunction with Cabling Installation Expo `97. Sponsored by Cabling Installation & Maintenance (Nashua, NH) and bicsi (Tampa, FL), the Expo will take place October 13 to 15 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, NC.
97 Cabling Installation Expo features ehibits, workshops, and a contestThe board of directors and corporate officers of CommScope Inc. (Hickory, NC) have been announced by the firm`s parent company, General Instrument Corp. (Chicago, IL). Sitting on the board of directors will be Frank M. Drendel, chair; Edward S. Breen; Nicholas C. Forstmann; George N. Hutton; and James N. Whitson. The corporate executives of CommScope Inc. will be Drendel; Randall Crenshaw; Brian D. Garrett; William R. Gooden; Jearld L. Leonhardt; Frank J. Logan; Larry W. Nelson; Gene W. Swithenb
3M Telecom Systems Div.To manage the planning and implementation of the Getty Center technology network in Los Angeles, CA, the organization brought in 26-year telecommunications industry veteran Dave Archer as senior telecommunications analyst. Working with a team of five specialists, Archer found a cost-effective solution that would meet all of Getty`s requirements for flexibility, upgradability, and future growth.
Largest private U.S. building project cabled with air-blown fiberThe Getty Center, a world-class arts and cultural complex, opts for an air-blown optical-fiber system.
New Productstdr/cable fault locatorThe Model 1270 is a combination time-domain reflectometer and fault locator for use on both twisted-pair and coaxial cables. It contains front-panel bnc and banana-jack connectors and includes an auto-search mode, independent cursors, multilevel/multifunction waveform filtering, and intermittent fault detection.
Video fusion splicerThe Fusion 2500 fusion splicer shows two simultaneous 65-magnification views of the fiber to be spliced. The package includes an independent pigtail port for pigtail splicing, built-in heat-shrink oven, data port, splice-data memory, time and date functions, arc counter, battery pack, universal voltage charger, work light, splice tray holder, and precision cleaver, all in a carrying case.
Angled faceplatesThese angled faceplates come in two configurations. The afp14 series is designed for flush mounting and accepts any four of the manufacturer`s high-density jacks or SF series of snap-in connector fittings. The afp12 series accommodates two high-density jack mountings and one SC duplex adapter. Both configurations offer 45o downward field-configurable jack and connector mounting, two locations for adhesive labels, and the ability to be fitted with optional snap-in clear label covers and snap-in p
Rotary upsThe Rotoups rotary uninterruptible power supply series is available in single- and three-phase input and output voltages and frequencies in power ratings from 5 to 1000 kilovolt-amperes. Its motor generator, in combination with other system elements, produces a harmonics-free sinewave output and isolation between the input and output. The system`s three main elements--the rectifier-inverter control unit, the motor-generator unit, and the battery pack--can be housed separately. Prices range from
Power-sum crosstalk testerPart of the lancat V Series 3.20, the lancat Vx cable tester and talk set combination includes power-sum near-end crosstalk and cable-grading capabilities. It also has a built-in two-way voice communication capability and a 20-second verification test. With a separately sold plug-in module, the lancat Vx functions as an optical power meter with result storage for measuring optical-power and cable loss.
Three-phase upsThe Comet ups uninterruptible power supply (ups) is available in 50-, 65-, and 80-kilovolt-ampere models. Advanced models include a pulsewidth-modulated inverter design using insulated gate bipolar transistors combined with the manufacturer`s digital power quality logic microcircuitry. The device is available in top-entry or top-and- bottom-entry configurations. An lcd front communication panel indicates the system`s operational and battery status. Remote monitoring with teleservice from the man
Laser sourceIntended for dense wavelength-division multiplexing systems, cable-TV networks, and other test and measurement applications, the fiber Bragg grating stabilized laser source has 0.08-nm accuracy at standard or custom wavelengths. An optical isolator is built in for stable output power. Each laser source undergoes a high-temperature burn-in process and is shipped with complete data.
Cable cutterThe OC 3950 Omni cutter cuts round material, wire, tubing, flat ribbon, and fiber-optic cable. Programming and operation are performed through a control panel. The machine can be integrated with a hot stamp or ink-jet wire marker, automatic coiling pan, or wire stacker.
Low-voltage product catalogThis 128-page low-voltage product catalog features Belden New Generation wire and cable and the active devices supporting fire and security systems. Other product lines include fiber-optic cable, closed-circuit TV equipment, tools, and test equipment.
Fiber-optic cleaverThe left-handed fcp-21 optical-fiber cleaver weighs 180 grams and has a footprint of 55 x 38 millimeters. It provides end angles of 0.5o or less and can cleave single fibers with buffer diameters of 0.25 to 0.9 mm. A 4-fiber ribbon version is also available.
Protocol analyzerCompatible with any PC, the Model 905 Comscope Protocol Analyzer is a serial data-line monitor, bit error-rate tester, and emulator. It connects to the parallel port of the PC. Built-in protocol emulator program interface software lets users select off-the-shelf test-analysis programs or write their own.
Cable rackConstructed for use with ormmac fiber cabinets, the FortissiMo cable rack can hold up to 1008 fibers and supports electronics, hubs, and copper crossconnect components. Both open and cabinet configurations have 44 rack units of available mounting space. Overall dimensions are 233/4 inches x 7 feet x 19 inches.
Diamond-blade cleaverThe ofc-2000 optical-fiber cleaver includes an angled diamond blade and allows for benchtop, tripod, or handheld use. It accommodates singlemode and multimode fibers, and right- or left-handed operation.
Fusion splicerThe Type-36 single-fusion splicer accommodates singlemode, multimode, dispersion-shifted, dispersion-compensated, cut-off shifted, and erbium-doped fiber. Its remote interactive maintenance system allows technicians at the manufacturer`s headquarters to provide maintenance support and systems upgrades directly to installation personnel at the job site. Average splice time is 25 seconds.
Mini-otdr moduleA new module allows the MW9070B mini-otdr to achieve 40-dB dynamic range. The MW9070B`s resolution has also been enhanced to 1 meter, at distances as far as 100 kilometers. Users can find splices or breaks in fibers with 1-meter resolution over both short- and long-haul lines. Price of the 40-dB module is $15,500.
Coring and stripping toolThe cst625pf coring and stripping tool for the comm/scope Power Feeder 625 Series cable strips and cores the cable in one step. It includes a replaceable heat-treated outer-conductor cutting blade and allows for manual or drill operation. The tool weighs approximately 24 ounces.
By the Book....Public Utilities Reports Inc. (Vienna, VA) has published The New Telecommunications Industry: Meeting the Competition, which examines today`s telecommunications industry and the changes that are radically affecting it. The book focuses on the interconnected, two-way, switched telephone network that is the backbone of the nation`s telecommunications system.
Cable Installer TipsOtdr and index-matching gel help determine fibers throughputAfter fiber-optic cable is routed into a building and terminated, the other end then awaits connection at a future, and probably critical, time. In the meantime, how do you ensure that there is adequate throughput in the cable without time-consuming end-to-end testing with a power meter and light source? If these instruments are to be used for testing, then at least temporary attachment of connectors to the unterminated end of the cable is needed, which may take considerable time. Also, a visibl
Gaining access above a lock-tile ceilingInstalling communications cabling above lock-tile ceilings can lead to the problem of gaining access to the area above the ceiling and then replacing the ceiling tile. In some cases, the ceiling has been painted, making it difficult to remove the original access panels. Also, the position of the spline rail can limit access to the wall backing the termination field or the end-user device.
Installing cable in an uninsulated wallWhen you drop cable down the inside of a wall, it can curl back up or get caught in electrical conduit or other wires inside the wall.
Measuring tape eases cable routing through wallsWhen you are fishing an insulated wall with fish tape for cable routing, problems can occur when the fish tape bends or turns. This problem can make fishing a wall difficult, time-consuming, and frustrating.
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Issue 8
August 1997
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