Table of ContentsContentsDesignFoxwoods expansion bets on outside-plant designLocated in Ledyard, CT, the Foxwoods Hotel Resort and Casino maintains a sprawling campus on more than 300 acres. A popular gaming location in the Northeast, the complex includes five main buildings, three of which contain casinos, including a bingo and special-events hall with 1500 slot machines. Two of these buildings also house restaurants and general offices, and one has a 300-room hotel. Also on site are a waste-treatment plant and a 200-room hotel with several restaurants.
What cabling installers need to know about building firesWhy is firestopping important? The more you know about how a building fire develops, the more you`ll understand why.
How copper cable is madeA tour of a copper wire and cable manufacturing plant informs us of the complex processes involved in making this fundamental product.
InstallationSoftware keeps tabs on cable and network componentsInformation-sharing between businesses and people has grown in recent years. And it is no secret that networks have become mission-critical as businesses continue to change and grow, resulting in significant financial investment by most companies. Compounding data-network expansion is the rapid deployment of Internet and intranet services. Meanwhile, companies remain vulnerable to costly network failures that can be generated by a lack of information about network infrastructure. In fact, millio
Product UpdateLAN testers look beyond Category 5When telecommunications systems bulletin TSB-67 was issued by the Telecommunications Industry Association (tia--Arlington, VA) in September 1995, it set performance criteria for installed links of Category 5 cabling. Specifically, it named four tests--attenuation, cable length, near-end crosstalk, and wire map--that installed cable would have to pass in order to be certified.
StandardsField testing--an integral part of a standardEnhanced-performance Category 5 cabling has become the most active project within the Telecommunications Industry Association`s (tia--Arlington, VA) TR-41 User Premises Telecommunications Equipment Committee. The Unshielded Twisted-pair (utp) Systems Task Group of TR-41.8.1 is chartered with writing an addendum for tia/eia-568a to specify additional parameters in support of new high-speed applications such as Gigabit Ethernet.
Telecommunications standard keeps pace with fiber-optics marketplaceWhile most standards in the tele-communications industry are revised infrequently, the commercial building telecommunications standard, ansi/tia/ eia-568a, is more of a living document. The working committee of the Telecommunications Industry Association (tia--Arlington, VA) that is responsible for the standard makes ongoing changes and enhancements to keep pace with the evolving needs of the marketplace.
TechnologyUse caution when working with fiberCabling installation professionals face safety hazards when working with both copper and fiber-optic cables, but if you ask them which cable provokes more cautious handling, they are likely to say copper because of the electricity it carries. Since optical fiber carries light, it is assumed to be the safer medium. This belief may be misplaced, however. While optical fiber doesn`t carry electricity, it does transmit light, which, in some instances, can damage the eye. The glass fiber itself also
Crosstalk & FeedbackAsk DonnaPros and cons of fiber-to-the-deskQ: I have been working in the design and installation of structured cabling for many years and have experience with unshielded and shielded twisted-pair cable and fiber-optic cable. To date, I have installed fiber only as a backbone. Now I am involved with a fiber-to-the-desk project with about 200 workstations. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this type of application?
Cable-hanging hardwareQ: We have a question about cable stress due to tie wraps and bridle rings. What types of cable-support mechanisms are available to eliminate stress and kinking with Category 5 cabling?
Stranded vs. solid cable--revisitedQ: On page 44 of the April 1997 issue of Cabling Installation & Maintenance, you responded to a question concerning stranded versus solid cable attenuation. I have known since day one that stranded cable would have more attenuation than solid cable because of the "skin effect" in high-frequency transmissions. I had suspected about 10% to 15% attenuation, but had never heard any specific numbers. Your response--20%--was the first quoted number I have seen.
Life-cycle cost for Category 5 vs. Category 3Q: My boss chuckled recently when he read your suggestion about using all Category 5 cable throughout an installation instead of using both Category 3 and Category 5. You stated that there isn`t a large difference in cost between Categories 3 and 5. However, the cost differential--8 cents versus 24 cents--is significant, especially when dealing with 500,000 feet of cable or more.
Telecommunications standardsQ: I read your response in the May 1997 issue (see page 50) to Donald Wilson`s question on Integrated Services Digital Network and Category 5 wiring. I also noticed you mentioned some ansi/tia wiring standards of the American National Standards Institute (ansi--New York, NY)--thus prompting a new question.
Pros and con of fiber-to-the-deskQ: I attended the "Do we need zone cabling?" panel discussion at the bicsi conference in June. I left with the message that individual 4-pair drops were a better design choice than a 25-pair Category 5 cable. Comments?
EditorialInternet services for cabling installers blossomAlthough my electronic-mail address has been plastered all over Cabling Installation & Maintenance for almost two and a half years, it is only within the last couple of months that I`ve begun to receive much e-mail from our readers. This suggests to me that you are starting to feel comfortable with this new communications medium--and if that`s the case, your timing couldn`t be better.
The past is prologue for Gigabit EthernetIf the current buzz about Gigabit Ethernet sounds familiar, it should. The emerging ieee 802.3 standard specification is merely the latest in a long line of local area network (LAN) protocols touted as the next big thing in high-speed networking. Like its predecessors, Gigabit Ethernet is being hailed as a potential spur for fiber deployment. What is the reality behind all of the hype? On the theory that a look at the past is helpful in attempting to divine the future, an examination of other hi
To The EditorInforming the front lineCongratulations on the excellent editorial written by Arlyn S. Powell, Jr., in the June 1997 issue, "The high cost of standards-making." I find the information in Cabling Installation & Maintenance to be extremely timely and informative. Your magazine brings together top consultants, leading-edge vendors, and pioneering information managers to show how technology is transforming businesses today, and how it may transform your business tomorrow. Your magazine is for people on the front line, who
Installer Tips turned into productsI was browsing through the MilesTek catalog recently and noticed that at least two of the handy ideas that Cabling Installation & Maintenance has published in its Installer Tips section are now being manufactured.
Products & ServicesIndustry SpotlightTelecom association resurrected in MassachusettsA bill that would require Massachusetts telecommunications installers to be licensed by the state and report to the state Board of Electrical Examiners has resulted in the resurrection of the New England Interconnect & Data Communications Association. Originally formed in 1990 in Rhode Island to overturn a similar law, the group provides a unified voice for the telecommunications industry for implementation of fair and equitable licensing.
BICSI to offer advanced classesWhen the bicsi Institute offers its class schedule this fall, attendees will notice the addition of three new courses--Wireless Telecommunications Networks, Fiber Optic System Design, and Telecommunications Project Management.
Copper vs. fiber questions raised at Broadband 97While product manufacturers continue to joust over whether the copper or fiber-optic cabling medium best provides the high bandwidth users will require, cabling contractors and cabling-plant managers are tasked with finding the meaningful information behind the marketing hype. The Broadband `97 conference provided cabling professionals with an opportunity to hear what industry experts had to say on this topic, to ask questions of those experts, and to decide for themselves the direction in which
Moves, Adds & ChangesFluke (Everett, WA), an electronic test-equipment manufacturer, has signed a license agreement with Cisco Systems Inc. (Menlo Park, CA) that provides Fluke with access to proprietary protocol details used in a Cisco series of switches. Under the agreement, Cisco`s virtual thinking protocol and discovery protocol will enhance features in Fluke`s SwitchWizard option, version 7.5. The new SwitchWizard option lets network administrators see across virtual local area networks throughout an entire ent
New ProductsUTP interconnection systemThis 4-pair unshielded twisted-pair interconnection system features a connector with a quadrant-pair-isolation configuration. The configuration provides four discrete signal transmission paths, allowing for compliance with cable manufacturers` published electrical specifications. The system also includes multiple-port information outlets, patch panels, patch cords, and adapter assemblies.
Harnessing grommetsThe HRSR series of harnessing grommets manufactured by XL Technologies is available in five color-coded sizes to fit connector backshell sizes 8 to 24. The re-enterable, heat-shrinkable grommets are installed via a three-step process that involves heating the ring and sliding a nonmetallic probe through the center of the wire bundle. The ring remains open after it is cooled, allowing wires to be added, removed, or reworked.
Dual-voltage upsThe Smart-ups XLT uninterruptible power supply provides 208- and 120-volt AC power output. Both the 1400 model and the 2200 model can accept up to 10 additional battery packs. List price for the 1400 model is $1999; list price for the 2200 model is $2299.
Token-ring fiber converterThe OmniHawk 4/16 is a self-configuring copper-to-fiber converter. It supports Category 3, 4, and 5 cable and reaches distances to 1145 feet on Category 5 at 16 megabits per second. It reaches to 8200 feet using multimode fiber. The device also provides a media test that checks the attached copper and fiber cables for integrity and reports any detected defects. It can be mounted to a computer`s network adap-ter card, a wall, or a rack. Singlemode and multimode fiber models are available.
Junction boxesRedesigned for use with the manufacturer`s Walkerduct in-floor wire-management systems, these junction boxes are available with round or square cover plates in standard and heavy-duty versions. The square cover plates serve buildings with tiled floors; the round plates are designed for patterned-carpet applications. Three-pronged duct-grounding clips, which are driven into place with a hammer, replace set screws in these junction boxes.
Crossconnect moduleThe Broadband Intra-office dsx module integrates the repeater function to handle crossconnects to 450 feet. The module fits into the manufacturer`s Broadband Connectivity System and in other broadband systems. It houses 24 terminations in 4 inches of vertical rack space and comes with a backplane that can be prewired.
Fiber-optic adhesiveF1-2-3 high-temperature epoxy adhesive provides a three-step color change that signals proper curing. The components are light yellow when unmixed, light green when mixed, and reddish amber when properly cured. The adhesive is available in several packages, including premixed and frozen syringes and 1-gram packs.
Cable-pulling capstansThese three capstans fit the manufacturer`s fiber-optic cable puller. The 30- and 50-inch-diameter capstans are available for fiber-optic cable pulling, while the 12-inch-diameter capstan is used to pull innerduct and power, telephone, and coaxial cables. All three capstans fit any 27/16-inch-diameter at&t bayonet-style shaft.
FittingsThese large-radius fittings are new to the MediaTrak Nonmetallic Raceway system. They have molded bases that eliminate miter-cutting of raceway corners and meet National Electrical Code requirements. A Category 5 ceiling fitting enables cable drops from a tee-bar ceiling. The fittings are also available with just a cover.
Heat-shrink tubingPOLY 221 LT is constructed of polyolefin and shrinks at 90 degrees C. The tubing`s shrink ratio is 2:1. Tubing comes in diameters ranging from 3/64 to 3 inches and is packed in 4-foot lengths or spools. It is available in black, white, red, blue, green, and yellow.
Power-distribution devicesProducts in the Rack Mount series of power-distribution devices can be mounted from the front, back, or side of an enclosure. They can be customized to specifications, including surge suppression and EMI/RFI filtering. Other options include the number and type of outlets, length, shape, color, and finish.
Clamping fixtureThe D 387 clamping fixture was designed for testing individually shielded twisted-pair cables at frequencies to 600 megahertz. The device is an option for the manufacturer`s cms-2XLD system and can connect four shielded pairs at one time while maintaining low noise-floor isolation. It features proprietary automatic insulation displacement connectors that eliminate the need to strip or crimp wire ends.
Mini tool kitThe LightCrimp Mini Tool Kit contains the tools necessary for terminating the manufacturer`s line of LightCrimp ST-style epoxyless fiber-optic connectors. It includes a crimp tool, cleaving tool, polishing plate, and polishing adapter in a zippered case. The manufacturer also offers 25 composite polymer LightCrimp connectors free with the purchase of the kit.
Tool kitsMulti-Tool I Kit and Multi-Tool II Kit fit in a pocket or hang from a belt. Multi-Tool I Kit includes the sog Paratool, a Mini Maglite, and a four-in-one screwdriver with two slotted/Phillips reversible bits and a tool pouch. Multi-Tool II Kit includes the MultiMaster Tool, a Mini Maglite, nine 1/4-inch sockets, two slotted and two Phillips 1/4-inch hex bits, a 3-inch extension, a 1/4-inch hex to 1/4-inch square adapter, and a 1/4-inch hex miniratchet.
Fiber-optic safety videoThis 25-minute video on fiber-optic safety highlights safe handling of fibers, chemicals, and lasers; laser classifications; and installation safety. Installation issues, including confined spaces, high-voltage concerns, and protective clothing and eye wear, are also covered. Cost is $125.
Wire-pulling lubricantYellow 77 Plus wire-pulling lubricant contains Teflon and maintains stability from 30 degrees to 190 degrees F. The lubricant maintains its paste consistency after drying and is safe for use on low-density polyethylene and semiconducting materials. It comes in quart bottles and 1- and 5-gallon pails.
Test systemThe FTB-300 test system can be used as a stand-alone device or with the manufacturer`s existing equipment. The unit can receive a call while performing a test without interrupting the test. Data can be downloaded from handheld power meters and loss test sets to the FTB-300 through a serial link. ToolBox 4.3 test-application software, which brings bidirectional otdr averaging capability to the field, is also available.
Digital cable testerThe DSP-2000 CableAnalyzer digital tester includes an automatic fault-isolation capability not available in previous models. The device tests the cabling link from workstation to hub and displays utilization and collision information. The unit`s monitor function indicates whether a cabling link is connected to an active hub port. The manufacturer claims a two-way test can be completed in 20 seconds or less. Free software is included that allows test information to be downloaded to a PC.
Rack-mount patch panelsThe FiberExpress series of rack-mount, fiber-optic patch panels includes four models. Each model contains interchangeable adapter strips for SC, duplex SC, ST, and FC connectors. Adapter strips come in either single- or double-density port counts, and are available loaded with a connector type of choice or empty. Prices start from $135 to $465, depending on the model. Loaded adapter strips are priced from $40.25.
Portable ATM analyzerThe tpi 750 atm Tester provides layer-one testing capability for DS-1, DS-3, and optional OC-3c interfaces. It contains a terminate mode for provisioning and troubleshooting, a monitor mode for full-duplex monitoring, and services-testing features. The unit operates on battery power for up to eight hours. Base price is $9995.
Cable hangersClick-On hangers for the manufacturer`s heliax coaxial cable allow cable to be installed in one "click." Each hanger accommodates two runs of cable. The hangers are made of a UV-resistant material and can be stacked three deep to form a single bundle.
APC cable assembliesThese singlemode, factory-terminated, angled-physical-contact cable assemblies are available with SC or FC connectors. FC assemblies come with either a 2- or a 2.15-millimeter connector key. The assemblies have a mean insertion loss of 0.2 dB, with a maximum reflection of -70 decibels. Both include zirconia- ceramic ferrules and a pull-proof design and comply with Bellcore`s TR-NWT-000326 requirements.
Distance-measurement multimeterThe 25XT distance-measurement multimeter and capacitance meter combination provides component inspection and audio/visual, cell-phone, and antenna matching. The device also measures volts, ohms, and amps, provides transistor testing, and operates to 40 kilohertz. Other features include max/data hold, stray-capacitance zero adjustment knob, auto off, safety test leads, and input warning beepers. The unit retails for $99.95.
Fault locator kitsThe FF-1 fault locator kit for singlemode optical fiber contains a visual fault locator, optical-fiber identifier, and singlemode-fiber otdr principal fault locator in a carrying case. It is priced at $4695. The FF-2 fault locator kit for multimode optical fiber contains a visual fault locator and multimode fiber otdr principal fault locator. It is priced at $3295.
Mini fusion splicerThe MiniMass fully automatic fusion splicer weighs 33/4 pounds and measures 6.8 x 7.3 x 2.6 inches. The splicer offers a typical splice loss of less than 0.05 decibel for identical singlemode fibers in a controlled environment. The unit is equipped to splice one fiber and 12-fiber ribbons, and all combinations in between. An optional case provides workstation capability.
Narrowcast isolation amplifierThe Narrowcast Isolation Amplifier 1800 combines narrowcast and broadband signals in broadband networks. The device integrates radio-frequency signal-combination and isolation-amplification functions into a single unit. It is 19 inches wide and 3.5 inches tall.
Multicell innerductOptiDuct multicell innerduct allows installation of up to six fiber-optic cables in a 4-inch PVC duct. The device is made of polyethylene and is available in single-, two-, or three-cell configurations. The two- and three-cell versions include shared-wall features. Individual cells can be color-striped for cable identification. Preinstalled pull tapes are also optional.
Blow-in systemThe fibercat pneumatic cabling caterpillar is an enhancement of the manufacturer`s pkr 60 cable blow-in system. The unit accommodates narrow starting pits and can be used with fiber-optic or copper cables. Adapters are available for different pipe and cable diameters.
Uninterruptible power supplyThe upstation gxt uninterruptible power supply is available in 700- and 1000-volt-ampere sizes for 120V AC applications. The power supply comes in a mini-tower design and includes user-installable simple network-management-protocol communications and a two-way bypass.
Enhanced Category 5 connectorThe Star power-sum connector allows for simultaneous voice, data, and video transmission on the same connector. The device loads from the front into the manufacturer`s existing Speedstar housing product line. No tools are required for connection; a hinged load bar aligns the wires to the insulation-displacement connectors and lets the wire pairs be twisted to the point of termination. The manufacturer`s suggested retail price is $5.50.
BERT moduleThis universal lab interface module is designed as a plug-in, general-purpose interface for the manufacturer`s handheld and benchtop bit-error-rate testers. The module allows independent modification of the signaling formats of all five input/output signals. Each signal can be configured to be bipolar and balanced, bipolar and unbalanced, unipolar and balanced, or unipolar and unbalanced.
Cable-lashing machineProviding parallel pull, the Aerial Cable Lashing Machine lashes single or multiple installations of copper, fiber, and coaxial cables, and lashes combinations of cable and innerduct. The unit weighs less than 35 pounds and can lash cable bundles up to 4 inches in diameter to strands 1/4 to 3/8 inches in diameter. It includes a 6-foot polypropylene towing bridle and a storage chest.
Intumescent sleeveThe FlameSafe Intumescent Sleeve is made of 28-gauge galvanized steel and is lined with FlameSafe FSP1100 intumescent firestop putty. The sleeve will firestop both sides of a wall or floor in one application and has been tested at Underwriters Laboratories Inc. for up to three hours. It is approved for use with rigid, nonmetallic conduit installations.
Duplex connectorThe Mini MT duplex connector intermates multiple fibers and interfaces two fibers to a full-duplex transceiver module. It measures 7 x 10 millimeters and can be used with multimode or singlemode fibers. The two fibers are contained in a single ferrule that uses guide pins for interconnection. Typical loss is 0.2 decibel.
Handheld test setThe SunSet STS-1 full-featured handheld test set tests STS-1, DS-3, and DS-1 circuits. Features include auto configuration, graphic display, menu-driven operation, and optional remote control. The product is upgradable using the manufacturer`s SunWare cartridges.
Cable-management rackThe Mighty Mo 110D cable-management rack includes front- and rear-mounting capability that allows for a maximum of 9000 pairs and mounts 300- and 100-pair blocks. The unit will bolt side-by-side with the manufacturer`s Mighty Mo II and FortissiMo racks. The Mighty Mo 110D`s dimensions are 39 inches x 7 feet x 6.5 inches.
Aluminum rackThe Slimcab 13/4-inch-high cabinet suits desktop or rack-mount applications. Constructed of aluminum, the rack comes in 81/2- and 17-inch widths and 8- and 16-inch depths. The top and bottom covers are vented, and mounting brackets are optional. Color options are sand-texture and black.
Network analyzerThe Fast Ethernet Notebook Sniffer Analyzer runs on a standard notebook personal computer. The analyzer automatically determines a network`s speed and analyzes 10-megabit-per-second and Fast Ethernet segments. The device focuses on sets of network conversations and analyzes minutes worth of real-time data, rather than seconds worth of data after it has been transmitted.
Left-handed fiber cleaverThe FCP-21l optical-fiber cleaver for left-handed installers is a modification of the manufacturer`s FCP-21. The device weighs 6.3 ounces and has a 1.5 x 2.2-inch footprint. The cleaver produces endface conditions with a push-button fiber breaker that gives typical end angles of 0.5 degrees or less. It can cleave single fibers with buffer diameters of 0.25 to 0.9 millimeter.
Composite cablesThis series of composite drop and distribution cables combines the manufacturer`s 75-ohm coaxial cable and unshielded twisted-pair cable within a single jacket. Part no. 6DE0A cable for use in building interiors includes an aluminum-braid coaxial core with two pairs of solid-copper, polypropylene-insulated utp conductors in a parallel-type construction. Part no. 6DE5C is similar to 6DE0A, except that it suits underground cable-TV and telephone applications.
Optical talk setThe talk set allows two-party communications over a single optical fiber in remote installation areas. The unit is part of the optical verifier test equipment series and includes an ST adapter for multimode and singlemode applications and an FC adapter for singlemode applications. Each unit is powered by a supplied 9-volt alkaline battery. It has a 25-decibel budget on multimode fiber and a 30-dB budget on singlemode fiber.
RF-connector catalogThis short-form catalog contains the manufacturer`s RF connectors and accessories for voice and data transmission. The 44-page catalog features nine series of connectors, such as BNC, twin BNC, miniature BNC, twinaxial, and D-subminiatures. It also includes corresponding adapters, terminators, jacks, and other products.
110 blocks and accessoriesCategory 5 110 blocks and accessories are compatible with the manufacturer`s patching and crossconnect products. The new 110 blocks can be configured with 110 insulation displacement connection connectors to provide 50- to 300-pair terminations in a unit. The 110 connectors are color-coded. Complete 110-block systems are available for rack- or wall-mount applications. Other wire-management accessories include port identification kits, tower systems, and patch cords.
Backup-power monitorThe Monitron mct-148 Midpoint Conductance Transducer tests 24- and 48-volt battery strings using a proprietary technology that allows for passive testing online. The monitor can be installed as a stand-alone device or input transducer through existing alarm architecture. It warns of battery problems or loss of capacity.
Cable-pulling lubricantNetwork Loop Lubricant is a silicone-enhanced liquid lubricant that can be used on copper, fiber-optic, and coaxial cables. The slow-drying lubricant comes in 1- and 5-gallon containers.
Optical-fiber identifiersThe FI720 and FI720C are designed for nondestructive identification of optical traffic on singlemode fiber. The FI720 measures from 0 to -40 decibel relative to milliwatts, and the FI720C measures from +20 to -20 dBm. Both detect continuous-wave, live optical transmission, and low-frequency modulated tones at 270, 1000, and 2000 hertz. They weigh 71/2 ounces, are 71/2 inches long, and come with a leather carrying case.
Network enclosuresEach product in the 19-inch wrk series of network enclosures includes removable side panels with handles, a solid locking rear door, a removable vented roof panel, and leveling feet. Cabinet frames, side panels, tops, and doors are also available separately. Nonremovable side panels are optional.
Mini OTDRThe TFS3031 TekRanger 2 mini otdr allows IntelliTrace measurements to be traceable to nist standards. This model includes improvements over the previous model in the areas of dynamic range, measurement range, and dead-zone performance. Prices begin at $8900, and owners of the original TekRanger can upgrade to the TekRanger 2.
Cable fastenerThe caddy CableCat fastener has been redesigned to allow for attachment to ceiling wires and grid. The cap-hook fastener holds up to sixteen 4-pair unshielded twisted-pair or fiber-optic cables. It includes a bend-back tab that provides contact-free containment.
Fiber-optic databaseThe PathSeeker fiber-optic database platform software package stores fiber data and lets users track routings by setting up network locations and identifying splice or termination points. A Windows 95-based application, PathSeeker provides fiber tracking and frame administration for fiber interconnect systems, cable and location routings for documenting outside-plant cabling routes, and database management for optical time-domain-reflectometer traces.
Surface racewayThe T-70 Nonmetallic Surface Raceway lets users run power and communications cables together. The raceway is available in single- or multichannel systems. Accessories include divider walls, wire retainers, and hanging boxes. Coupler, inside-corner, outside-corner, end-cap, and right-angle fittings are also available.
Miniature splice sleevesThe micro and mini splice sleeves offer a departure from the traditional 60-millimeter-long x 3.0-mm-diameter (after shrink) fiber-optic splice sleeves. The micro splice sleeve has a 1.5-mm diameter and is available in 25- and 40-mm lengths. The mini version has a 2.0-mm diameter and is available in the same lengths as the micro. The micro sleeve accommodates 250-micron fiber, while the mini accommodates 250- and 900-micron fiber. Shrink time for both sleeves is 30 to 50 seconds.
Electronics rack systemThe Miracel industrial rack system includes 19-inch basic frames, basic racks, local area network racks, metric-module racks, server racks, and computer racks. The system is available in three widths and three depths, with optional nema 12, UL 1244, and Bellcore Zone 4 ratings. Removable doors open 180o and can be left- or right-hinged.
Bar-code printerThe Bradyprinter tht Model 4042 prints high-density bar-code and two- dimensional symbology labels for small identification locations. The printer has a 400-dots-per-inch printhead and includes 21 fonts.
Multimedia connectivity devicesThe Residential Multimedia Connectivity products provide a single-source solution for integrating audio, video, voice and data-wiring devices. The line includes wallplates, surface-mount housings, and snap-in connectors. All devices are compatible with other standardized home-automation systems.
Copper-to-fiber converterThis 20-unit rack-mounted Ethernet copper-to-fiber converter is available in modules that include 10Base-T to 10Base-FL multimode, 10Base-T to 10Base-FL singlemode, 100Base-T to 100Base-FL multimode, and 100Base-T to 100Base-FL singlemode. One power supply powers up to 20 modules, and a redundant power supply is available.
Fiber-optic cabinetsThe FCR rack-mount six- and eight-pack distribution cabinets suit optical patch panel and interconnection applications. They are made of 16-gauge, cold-rolled steel covered with a black electrostatically coated powder paint. The removable front cover is made of smoked plastic to facilitate access to patch cords and pigtails. FCW wall-mount fiber-optic interconnection cabinets have separate front covers that provide access to the user side and lockable technician side of the cabinet.
Fiber-optic wallplatesFiber-optic wallplates in the WPL series are flush-mountable with two ST-style connectors. The devices are available for multimode and singlemode applications and are mounted at a 45o angle. They come in a standard almond color, with other colors available by special order.
Power conditionerThe Topaz P8 Power Conditioner provides power with inherent surge protection, noise filtering, and bidirectional harmonic filtering. The unit protects equipment from surges of up to 6000 volts and meets American National Standards Institute standards for computers with inputs as low as 65%. Plug-and-play models and permanently wired units are available.
Room-temperature epoxyNexbond 7200 epoxy sets in five minutes at room temperature. It provides greater than 99% transmission from 349 to 1600 nanometers in a 0.01-inch bondline.
Power-management deviceThe Power Administrator 800 brings control of individual power receptacles to the network administrator`s desktop. The device comes with a serial port for software configuration, terminal communications, or external modem. The unit has an optional interface card that provides network capability for Telnet and snmp support. It also has inputs for monitoring an uninterruptible power supply or another security system.
Fiber-optic cable bracketThe grooved Optical Fiber Expand-able Bracket accommodates up to six 3-millimeter fiber-optic cables. Each groove within the bracket can hold two cables, and the brackets can be snapped together. The brackets are made of flame-retardant, UL-rated nylon.
Tight-buffered cablesThe GX series of tight-buffered subgrouping fiber cables can be manufactured with 12 to more than 800 multimode or singlemode fibers separated into subgroups within a single jacket. The cables can be manufactured for riser or plenum specifications to meet most indoor and outdoor cable applications.
Front-access patch panelThe front-access modular-to-110 patch panel meets Category 5 connecting-hardware specifications and is compatible with other 110 crossconnect-system components. Each panel uses 8-pin modular, keyed, or unkeyed jacks and includes a printed circuit board as the interconnection method. Snap-on covers protect terminations and identify ports.
Handheld ATM analyzersHandheld Asynchronous Transfer Mode analyzers can be used on local-area and wide-area networks. Features include automatic testing and discovery modes, switched virtual circuit capability, as well as operation and management channel monitoring and transmission.
Labeling systemVersion 2.0 of the Interlink Label system suits premises wiring identification. The Windows-based software produces labels for identifying stations, ports, and front and rear patch panels. Label-set information can be created on a spreadsheet and saved to a database. Each label can accommodate two lines of text.
Wall-mounted rackThe Swing Out wall-mounted rack is 18 inches deep and is available in 24- and 47-inch heights. The rack has a 100-pound load-bearing capacity. The manufacturer claims that the three- step assembly process lets one person assemble the rack in less than 10 minutes.
Enhanced Category 5 cableDATALAN 350 unshielded twisted- pair cable has been sweep-tested to 350 megahertz. The cable is tested for return loss, near-end crosstalk, attenuation-to-crosstalk ratio, pair-to-pair crosstalk, and power-sum crosstalk. It is used in structured cabling systems as horizontal data-transmission cable, consists of four twisted-pairs, and is plenum-rated.
Talk setThe vcs-20a talk set has a dynamic range up to 50 dB on its 1310- and 1550-nm versions. The unit features full-duplex digital transmission, stable light source, and 2-kHz detection and generation. It is fully compatible with the fot-920 MaxTester and ftb-300 Universal Test System.
Cable Installer TipsAvoiding outlet damage in open-office installationsIn open offices, workstation outlets are often installed under the desk or below the work surface, making them difficult to work on. This setup also makes the outlets prone to damage from inadvertent kicking, or from boxes being shoved under the work surface. One alternative, using outlet hangers, can increase the cost of outlet installation.
How to route patch cordsWhen someone installs a patch cord in a management system, typically little, if any, attention is paid to patch-cord routing. After all, patching is by its nature a task to be performed quickly. This causes disorganization of the patch-cord management system and decreases the performance of the network by increasing the time needed to identify and rectify faults.
Using a chimney rod to push cables across ceilingsPushing cable across open spaces, such as in a dropped ceiling, generally requires the use of supplier-provided push rods. Because these rods can be attached to each other, they make it easier to push cable in areas where there are heating/cooling ducts and other obstacles. However, rods specifically marketed for this task can be expensive and are not always adequate for the job.
Fishing a large conduit made easierWhen feeding fish tape through conduit, you can run up against some unavoidable obstacles--a couple of 90o turns or previously installed cables--that make it difficult to push the fish tape through the entire length of conduit. The fish tape may get stuck on the second 90o turn, or it may become caught on the previously installed cables.
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This IssueNo Image Available Volume 5
Issue 9
September 1997
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