Table of ContentsContentsDesignTraditional learning meets modern communicationsPrivate learning institutions constantly face numerous academic, financial, and technological challenges. They must justify their tuition and compete for enrollees by offering students premier learning opportunities without the assistance of public funding. And as we approach the end of the century, few will dispute that access to current technology such as e-mail and the Internet is essential in any comprehensive academic offering.
Law school makes the case for wlansGraduates of Nova Southeastern University`s Shepard Broad Law Center (Fort Lauderdale, FL) will be much more cyber-savvy than students of years past. When they graduate, the budding lawyers will have become accustomed to the mobility and flexibility of wireless computer access to their notes as well as to sending e-mail, printing, filing, and connecting to the Internet or the university`s intranet. This kind of mobile electronic study is possible in various locations in the three-story law cente
Keeping cable testing ahead of the curveIn today`s dynamically changing network environments, the need to futureproof cabling installations is becoming more critical every day. Corporate customers want to be sure that every new cabling investment they make can handle the potential migration to higher-speed protocols. So they typically specify cable that exceeds today`s 100-megahertz practical usage limits. At the same time, cable-test standards continue to be something of a moving target, especially for higher-frequency transmission.
A practical approach to patch-cord managementEnd-users who think the appearance of the telecommunications closet (TC) should take a back seat to all the "more important" issues that surround a network should think again. Shamefully disorganized TCs, with patch cords strewn about, are a pox on the cabling industry, yet are often the sole image that our industry provides to outside observers.
InstallationFiber boosts competitive computer gamingCompetitive computer gaming is a relatively new sport that is being given a big boost by fiber-to-the-desk networking. Because of the graphics-intensive nature of computer games, fiber`s bandwidth and transmission speed are critical to the success of the sport.
Product UpdateFirestopping: A must in any installationWith firestopping, damage and injuries can be minimized. Without it, a structure can be reduced to a virtual smokestack.
Special ReportTraining, contest highlight 98 eventFor the third consecutive year, bicsi (Tampa, FL) and PennWell (Nashua, NH), publisher of Cabling Installation & Maintenance, will cosponsor a training program and exposition to provide designers, installers, and end-users of communications cabling plants with information on the industry`s latest products, procedures, standards, and technologies. From Oct. 12-14, bicsi will host its Cabling Workshop and Cabling Installation & Maintenance will host Cabling Installation Expo `98 at the Georgia Int
Vendors display recently released productsMany products introduced to the cabling industry over the past year will be showcased at Expo `98.
Bucket-truck safety training saves livesMany different industries have used personnel lift trucks in a wide range of applications for nearly 50 years. What often gets overlooked is operator training for safe operation of a unit as well as for the correct application of a particular machine.
Call before you dig-- or pay the penaltyIn 1998, the federal government appropriated several billions of dollars for road construction, bridge work, and municipal sewer and water projects. This massive outlay has created dust, commuting delays, overheated engines, and utility-services interruption--often caused by "dig-ups" of buried telecommunications facilities by contractor backhoes and others.
Cable blocks provide support across the spanCable blocks prevent aerial cable sag and help reduce the risk of damage during placement and lashing.
Using multi-cell conduit in the outside plantWhen building a new campus network infrastructure, designers should plan for a 15-year timeframe. This is a challenge because there is no way to know what technology will evolve during that period. However, good estimates made with existing technology will most likely provide sufficient capacity.
StandardsInternational cabling standards face the futureThere are a number of significant technical differences between published standards for structured cabling. These differences fall into two main groups: implementation and performance.
TechnologyPlenum-cable demand remains strongFew issues in the premises-cabling industry have gained as much attention over the past several years as the supply of plenum-rated cable. The process by which plenum cable is made, and particularly the materials used to achieve plenum rating, have gained much of the spotlight. Consumers have had to deal with the varying supply of fluorinated ethylene propylene (fep), a proven wire-insulation material, as well as with alternative insulation materials that have not always met electrical- or fire-
Crosstalk & FeedbackAsk DonnaBackbone cabling trendsQ: I am finding a lot of optical-fiber backbone with copper running to the workstations. Is this a growing trend?
Cable bend radiusQ: I am installing 500-metric-circular-mil-copper, 15-kilovolt cable with 133% insulation and a copper tape shield. The cable manufacturer gives a minimum bend radius of 12 times the cable diameter, which is 1.6 inches. Does that bend radius apply only when you are pulling cable around a 90o angle, and does it change when you are pulling cable around a smaller angle? If so, how do you calculate the change?
School bus alertQ: Currently there are systems available that automatically telephone homes to alert parents that the school bus is approaching. My company designs and manufactures electronic equipment for the mobile communications industry. One of our technologies is automatic-vehicle-location fleet management based on global- positioning systems. We can provide the technology through a cable system that would show a "school bus is near" message on a television screen. Do you think the industry would be intere
Whats Next for Structured CablingWhen you plug the equipment cord into the network equipment and the work-area cord into the network interface card on a computer you either get a link light or you don`t. When you attach your cable tester to a channel and then test, you get either a "pass" or a "fail," with reports of margin. In both of these cases, does it matter how many connectors are in the channel? No, the only thing that matters is that the channel meets the prescribed parameters. So if you had really good connectors--conn
EditorialThe business side of cablingIn a high-technology industry like cabling, it is sometimes easy to forget that we are in business. Rapid technological change focuses us on keeping up with electronics and optics, and our daily as well as weekly and monthly whirl of activities provides us with trade shows, technical journals, standards meetings, and new-product announcements aimed at filling these informational needs. But how do we keep up with the business side of cabling?
To The EditorYear 2000 ComplianceIt was interesting to read your editorial regarding the Y2K bug (see "Will the Y2K bug KO the cabling industry?", August 1998, page 7) and how it may affect the cabling industry. I am currently working on a Year 2000 compliance project for a large state government agency here in Washington state. In our project, we are concentrating on certifying the network infrastructure, including all voice, data, and video transport systems. It is a fairly straightforward but tedious process to investigate e
"Middleman" is a cost-saverIn his article in the July 1998 issue (see "Years-old cabling carries end-users toward future," page 55), Patrick McLaughlin states, "By purchasing all the cable, connectivity components, cable-housing equipment, and network electronics directly, the University of California at San Diego (ucsd) saved money because it didn`t have to go through a middleman." On the surface it would appear that buying products directly is economical, but the fact is, it isn`t.
EndfaceStandards clear up giga-confusionAnumber of recent magazine articles and misinformation in the cabling industry have spread fear, uncertainty, and giga-confusion regarding the category or level of cabling required to support gigabit data rates over copper wire. The key objective of the 802.3 committee of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (ieee--New York City), which is responsible for the 1000Base-T Gigabit Ethernet standard, is to make the protocol work over the vast majority of installed Category 5 cabling
Products & ServicesIndustry SpotlightMoves, Adds & ChangesR.J. Rouse has been named senior vice president of global marketing, and David Gibson has been appointed vice president of marketing, both at Ortronics Inc. (Pawcatuck, CT). With 25 years of international marketing, sales, and management experience, Rouse has worked at Hubbell, Siemens, and Emerson Electric. Gibson has 20 years of electrical experience in marketing and sales.
Greenlee rolls out new DSV productsGreenlee Textron Inc. (Rockford, IL) claims it has the most extensive line of tools available for the data-communications industry, thanks to a newly expanded line of wire and cable installation, test, and maintenance products, including:
Y2K--First the good newsSome in the cabling industry dismiss the Year 2000 problem as something that information-technology departments need to worry about. While it is true that the physical plant is composed of passive components that do not process dates, the more the network interfaces with other systems, the more vulnerable it is to Y2K malfunctions. And as many companies designate "Y2K managers" to spearhead Y2K-compliance projects, network designers find themselves wearing this new hat.
Massachusetts telecom licensing bill stalledThe licensing of telecommunications installers in Massachusetts is shelved--for now. House Bill 2288, which proposed the licensing, had not made it out of committee when the legislative session ended July 31, 1998.
Equipment-leasing industry growing, becoming more competitiveTo lease or not to lease is no longer the question, according to a report from the Equipment Leasing Association (ela--Arlington, VA).
New ProductsBackboxes and wallplatesQuickPort single- and dual-gang backboxes provide multiple knockouts for cable entry and raceway and are available in 1.45- and 1.89-inch depths to accommodate extra copper and fiber- optic cable storage for future growth. The backboxes have multiple cable access breakouts on the back and sides to accommodate both rear cable entry and side raceway cable entry points. Cables can be managed inside the box with wire ties at each of the entry points. Strain-relief points facilitate both copper and f
Ladder tool caddyThe Ladder Tool Caddy from LadderWare installs on nearly all A-frame ladders. The device is suitable for ladder-top maintenance where multiple tools are needed. The caddy comes in two models: the two-sided version has 14 pockets, and the four-sided version has 19. Both models feature a snap-together trap on top for miscellaneous items and are lightweight, durable, and weatherproof.
Rack systemThe refk free-standing rack measures 19 x 70 x 24 inches. The unit is delivered in a knock-down package that can be assembled in the field. Only one bolt in each corner locks the sides to the top and bottom. The system includes the frame (top, base, sides, rails, clips, and leveling feet) as well as a flush louvered door and flush Plexiglas door.
Custom wire assembliesThe Quik-Pull custom wire assemblies are suitable for any multiconductor wiring application. Three configurations--spiral, straight, and staggered--can be customized to meet installation needs. The assemblies come in any gauge and color and in any wire type, including coaxial and fiber-optic cables. The custom assemblies feature sequential footage markers and custom wire coding every 11/2 inches. There is only one reel to set up and one cable to pull, saving labor costs.
Wall-mount enclosuresValue Line wall-mount enclosures are manufactured from 16-gauge steel. The units feature cable-management rings that maintain bend radii and strain relief, and cable-mounting brackets at all entry points. The devices accommodate lgx-compatible adapter panels (ST, SC, or FC) and are capable of handling up to 12 and 24 fibers. A 48-fiber version is forthcoming. An optional key lock is available for added security.
Multichannel raceway systemThe Twin-70 nonmetallic surface raceway offers users the ability to integrate power and communications cabling systems in two separate channels within one raceway. Channels are designed with a 70-millimeter opening to accept any nema standard faceplate. Among the available accessories are device brackets, which eliminate the need for internal junction boxes, base, and cover couplers; inside and outside corner fittings; right-angle fittings; transition fittings; divided tee fittings; entrance end
Electrical connections catalogThe cadweld Welded Electrical Connections catalog provides installers with information on purchasing and using cadweld connections. The publication contains illustrations and product descriptions of connections using solid or concentric standard copper conductor--insulated or bare. Materials, tools, and accessories also are listed.
Consolidation-point modulesConsolidation-point modules provide a central point for connecting equipment in an open-office multiuser environment. Up to eight devices, including telephones, fax machines, and computers, can be served by each module. Incoming cables can be routed through the raceway products and into the end openings. You can also mount the modules over wall boxes and feed cable through the back of the unit. For larger work clusters, you can group two or more consolidation-point modules. The 31/2 x 8.0 x 21/4
Digital video transmission systemThe Fibervision Fiber Optic Serial Digital (sdi) Video Transmission System equalizes the sdi input and provides two re-clocked sdi outputs at the receiver. The system supports distances to 2 kilometers with no degradation of signal in accordance with smpte 259M, 293M, and other similar digital video standards, with speeds up to more than 360 megabits per second. Consisting of a transmitter and receiver, each priced at $995, the unit is designed for use with multimode optical fiber. It requires n
Socket termination kitThe socket termination kit, for use with the Volition brand VF-45 connectors, includes all the tools needed for socket installation in a small pouch that fits on a technician`s belt. The kit has an all- in-one termination station that cleaves the fiber and inserts into a V-groove in the connector, polishing the fiber automatically with a polishing puck integrated into the tool. Newly trained technicians using the kit can complete installations in less than 2 minutes. The kit comes with a cable j
Anaerobic multimode connectorsThe ST-compatible and SC Quick Cure Glass-Insert Multimode Connectors (gic) incorporate all the polishing advantages of the glass-in-ceramic ferrule with the quick-cure installation of anaerobic adhesives. The parts have been preassembled to save time and improve productivity. The Quick Cure gic can be assembled on 900-micron buffered fiber or on 3-millimeter fiber cable. The anaerobic adhesive uses a two-part epoxy process. The adhesive is first injected into the metal ferrule holder. The fiber
DC power plantThe horizon DC power plant system has been expanded to accommodate cellular and personal communication services in cell-site applications. The new unit--H24W600GU--provides up to 800 amperes of power within a relatively small footprint. The device houses a complete power plant within a relay rack measuring 51 x 23 inches. The rack can hold an 8A battery-disconnect assembly and 800A of 24-volt rectification and 80A of -48V power.
Shoulder holsterThe Drillinger Shoulder Holster carries cordless drills and bits in an ergonomically designed holster that distributes the weight of the drill to your shoulders instead of to your lower back. The device holds all brands of drills. The detachable drill-bit holder fits all types of bits and can be purchased separately. The holster is fully adjustable, can be worn over suspenders, and comes in left- or right-handed models. Prices range from $39.99 to $59.99.
Wall-mount bracketsBottom-hinged wall-mount brackets suit applications in which space is limited. Patch panels can be self-mounted on the wall with bottom-hinged brackets, facilitating front access to rear of patch panels (sold separately). Brackets have the standard Electronic Industries Alliance hole pattern and measure 21 inches wide and 8 inches deep. They mount on 19-inch-wide patch panels and are available in 31/2-, 51/4-, and 7-inch heights.
Coaxial-cable stripping toolThe coax-rg coaxial-cable stripping tool strips coaxial cables to different configurations. A three-step measuring device integrated within the tool allows precise, custom stripping of the outer sheathing, braid, and dielectric material for acceptance of bnc- and tnc-style connectors. The tool weighs 11/4 ounces and is 31/2 inches long. No maintenance or adjustments are required because the retractable, spring-loaded, stainless steel, hollow ground blade automatically adjusts to the conductor.
Fiber ducting systemThe LightWays fiber ducting and protection snap-together system requires no hardware, reducing installation time. Vertical drops can be accomplished in less than 5 minutes with a simple cut-out tool, eliminating the typical disassembly and replacement of ducting sections to drop fibers into racks. The halogen-free units come in 8-, 4-, 2-, and 11/4-inch sizes. All materials meet UL-94V-O specifications.
Steel cable trayThe steel cable tray is suitable for use in petrochemical, pulp and paper, and automotive plants, as well as in schools, universities, and government facilities. Featuring pregalvanized, stainless steel, and painted-finish materials, the tray has reinforced, strut-shaped rungs that accept conventional metal framing accessories. The 15/8-inch-width rungs--the widest in the industry, according to company claims--help reduce cable insulation stress and are reversed to allow for pipe support either
Wool bagThe mineral wool bag is a fire-retarding product that takes seconds to install and provides hours of fire resistance. As a result of the astm-e-84-70 test (surface-burning characteristics of building materials), the bag has been rated as a Class "A" building material. In the astm-e-119 test for fire endurance, the bag did not allow fire to pass through the opening for 64 minutes at 1750 degreesF. The device is used to fill open areas around conduits, pipes, and cables to prevent the transmission
Cable gel removerHydraSol cable gel remover is now available in aerosol with a directional spray straw for difficult-to-reach areas. This water-based cable gel and flooding compound remover offers maximum solvency power on pe/pj or etpr greases. The gel contains no chlorinated solvent, cfc, or glycol ether.
Video fiber microscopeThe vfs 1 Video Fiber Scope inspects fiber-optic connectors through bulkhead adapters. The portable unit checks installed connectors in patch panels, distribution frames, network equipment, and test equipment. The device includes an inspection probe and a display unit. The nose of the probe can be used in a straight position or at a 60 degrees angle. The probe accepts adapter-specific tips that can be readily changed when you are inspecting different connector types.
Mini fusion splicerThe Type 41-S battery-powered single-fiber mini fusion splicer is suitable for taut-sheath and aerial-splicing applications as well as for standard cable installation and restoration. The device is the fourth generation in the company`s line of mini splicers that use fixed V-groove alignment technology. Features include a mirror-free design to reduce maintenance time, a dual light-emitting diode X-Y observation system, an arc-test function, and a multipositional 4-inch monitor with 50x magnifica
Cable-management systemThe SoftCinch Velcro-based cable-management system lets system specifiers, designers, and installers protect the entire cabling run. The Velcro component is key to preserving system integrity and maintenance because it is flexible, re-enterable, and almost impossible to overcompress. The cable-management system is suitable for high-speed data, security, audio, and video wiring systems.
One-piece junction boxesThe pan-way low-voltage one-piece junction boxes are suitable for surface-mounted network cabling applications. The boxes are available in standard and deep styles. They can both be used with any size ld-profile raceway or any size PD raceway, as well as with mini-com executive series faceplates, executive series bezel faceplates, and bezel inserts. They feature one-piece design with either adhesive or magnetic backing and accept any standard National Electrical Manufacturers Association facepla
Handheld digital multimetersThe tx-dmm family of handheld True rms digital multimeters (dmms) features simultaneous reading of AC and DC measurements using dual numeric displays. Both the TX1 and TX3 models use digital rms for high- resolution AC measurements with instantaneous settling time. The TX3 version provides 0.05% DC accuracy and 50,000-count resolution and has a built-in digital thermometer and 4- to 20-milliampere process loop measurements. It offers 30 memory locations, allowing users to store data for tracking
Encapsulated closuresThe Flexshell line of forced encapsulated closures now includes the Mini-Flexshell closure, which accommodates new construction and maintenance repair for 25- to 100-pair telephone cable. Patented "fingers" molded into the shell eliminate the need for wrapping. In addition, the closure is adjusted until it is only slightly larger than the splice bundle, reducing the amount of encapsulant required. The device features a translucent shell that lets installers monitor the level of encapsulant and t
Premier ProductsCategory 6 digital test toolThe dsp-4000 Digital Cable Analyzer is Category 5E- and Category 6-ready and satisfies both the copper and fiber test requirements of the new standards, according to Fluke Corp. The analyzer tests both installed and new cable to the new Category 5/Class D, Category 5E, and the anticipated Category 6/Class E standards, and even verifies to the proposed Category 7/ Class F stan- dard to 350 megahertz.
Frame-to-station connection systemsPower Sum, GigaMax, and eXtreme cabling systems are complete frame-to-station connecting hardware systems comprising new QuickPort connectors, patch panels, and patch cords. The three units are designed to meet channel specifications for Category 5 power sum, proposed Category 5E, and proposed Category 6/Class E attenuation-to-crosstalk-ratio performance. The systems feature snap-in-style connectors that can be used with Leviton Telcom`s existing line of QuickPort field-configurable connector ho
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This IssueNo Image Available Volume 6
Issue 10
October 1998
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