Table of ContentsContentsDesignDesigning a new network for Chase ManhattanChase Manhattan Mortgage, the third-largest mortgage lender in the country, needed a structured cabling infrastructure that would support all present and future software and communications applications at its new facility near Columbus, OH. The 1800 employees who would work in the new building use advanced financial, administrative, and customer-service software, including Lotus Notes, Microsoft Office, and work-flow programs, so they needed the support of a high-performance cabling system.
InstallationCable-tray systems change with the marketMajor trends affecting cable-management systems include the explosive growth of information technology and the increased reliance of businesses and institutions on high-performance data-communications systems. What`s more, people are working in ways--and spaces--that were unimaginable just a few years ago. As a result, a building`s cable-distribution system must be easily upgradable, reconfigurable, and movable.
Product UpdatePassive couplers are not so passiveThink of them as the off-ramps and on-ramps of a major highway. Just as commuters get to their destination via the highways and byways of the world, a lone beam of light can reach multiple points through a single fiber-optic cable with the help of a passive coupler.
Special ReportAssessing the costs and benefits of SCTP cableFor the distribution of high-speed signals in local area networks (lans) or compressed video applications, the network designer must choose a medium that will effectively transmit signals for current technologies as well as those anticipated for the future. Two types of horizontal distribution media that can be used in lans are unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) and screened twisted-pair (SCTP) cable.
Hybrid optical cable offers two benefits in oneFiber has become an attractive medium for structured cabling systems because of its ability to support the widest range of applications at the fastest speeds for the longest distances. Data rates continue to increase for current and developing applications. System designers can make accommodations for these higher data rates by installing optical-fiber cable in place of other media. Optical fiber increases the prospect of compatibility with future applications, and installing both multimode and
Gigabit transmission complicates fiber selectionEver since optical fiber has been used in local area networks (LANs), one of its most significant advantages over other cabling options has been its ability to handle ever-increasing amounts of data at higher and higher speeds. Until now, end-users have been told that the standard 62.5-micron multimode fiber used in a vast majority of lan applications has virtually unlimited bandwidth when used at the distances involved in the customer`s network.
The role of coaxial cable in broadband networksThe convergence of voice, video, and data over a single infrastructure is the trend in broadband communications networks worldwide. Hybrid fiber/coaxial-cable (hfc) networks offer broadband signal capability combined with rugged performance and economy. Such networks, which can be effectively deployed in both large- and small-scale environments, use optical fiber as most of the transport medium and coaxial cable for distribution of the broadband signal to the network user. This use of coaxial ca
StandardsClarifying category and performance specificationsEven as the 802.3ab committee of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (ieee--New York City) nears completion of its work on the Gigabit Ethernet specification, there is still great uncertainty about the capability of today`s telecommunications cabling systems to support tomorrow`s high-bit-rate applications. Fortunately, the Telecommunications Industry Association and Electronic Industries Alliance (TIA/EIA--Arlington, VA) and the International Organiza-tion for Standardization
TechnologyUsing technology to learn technologyProfessionals who design, install, and maintain the cabling infrastructure for today`s corporate networks must acquire a solid knowledge base and skill set. More and more, those in the cabling industry must be proactive in developing the necessary skills and knowledge, because the realm of what they must know is constantly expanding and changing. For many in the industry, computer-based training (CBT) and Web-based training (WBT) have provided learning opportunities with few restrictions. Traine
Crosstalk & FeedbackAsk DonnaIcon standardsQ: Currently, we are using solid triangles for data and open triangles for voice outlets. I`ve been told that this is contrary to standards and that I have it in reverse order. Archibus/FM, a facility management computer-aided design program that integrates with Auto cad, uses the same solid triangles for data and open triangles for voice. What standard identifies icon specifics, and what is the correct notation for voice and data outlets?
Navigating the InternetQ: I am working on a Maestro 4625 cordless phone, which is not communicating between the base and the handset. I find no board damage in either unit. Can you direct me to a Nortel technical-support site?
Qualifying for a surety bondQ: My company has been subcontracting to another cable company, which in turn, has contracts with rcn, MediaOne, and other large companies. We have been doing big jobs such as installing new cable and telephone systems into 100- to 500-unit commercial buildings. My company is extremely well-organized and efficient. The company we contract to is the opposite, and we often lose money and suffer from their "dropping the ball." We have been offered an opportunity for our own subcontract that require
EditorialSomething to be thankful forNovember is the month when the Thanksgiving holiday is celebrated in the United States. It is a time, according to commentators, when we should stop and think about our blessings.
EndfaceComparing the new-generation fiber-optic connectorsThe standardization debate within the Telecommunications Industry Association (Arlington, VA) about the new small-form-factor fiber-optic connectors has made end-users increasingly concerned about how to compare these types of products. While unfortunate, this level of concern is not unexpected. Any evolution in technology, such as this movement from larger SC-style fiber-optic connectors to the smaller offerings, naturally raises a number of questions until end-users become familiar with the ne
Products & ServicesIndustry SpotlightAMP facing attempted hostile takeover, other woesIt has been a tough four months for AMP Inc. The Harrisburg, PA-based manufacturer of electrical, electronic, fiber-optic, and wireless interconnection devices and systems, has been fac- ing a threat of hostile takeover by AlliedSignal Inc. (Morris Township, NJ), a maker of automobile and aerospace components.
Group promotes VF-45 interconnectA group of companies has formed the VF-45 Action Group to promote the use of the VF-45 fiber-optic interconnect and its adoption by standards bodies. Members of the alliance include Siemens Microelectronics, Sumitomo Electric Lightwave Corp., Corning Inc., Racore Technology, act Research, Canary Communications, and 3M Telecom Systems Div. (Austin, TX), which manufactures the interconnect. The VF-45 is one of the small-form-factor fiber-optic connectors vying for market dominance after the Teleco
New Products100Base-T modular connector systemA 100Base-T modular connector system includes patch panels and cable assemblies. The patch panels--a 24- and 48-port unit--feature power-sum Category 5 modular 50-pin/25-pair connectors. The connectors are connected via a PC board to 12 2-pair, 8-position, Ethernet-wired modular jacks. The panels are compatible with most 100Base-TX hubs and are fully compatible with 10Base-T hubs using 50-pin connectors. Panels have been tested and verified for 100-megahertz transmission performance. The company
Multiplex service fittingsMultiplex service fittings have been modified to be more flexible and cost-effective. The new design includes interchangeable faceplates and two sizes of service fittings with standard base plates. Different sizes help meet capacity requirements for power and communications services by letting the user select an appropriate service fitting based on the need for single- or dual-service. The fittings are finished with durable brushed aluminum and are UL- and cUL-listed.
Application/specification guideAn application/specification guide describes use of the company`s mounts with Velcro cable ties in a variety of maintenance, repair, and operation (mro)/construction applications. Products with part numbers, dimensions, mounting method, and packaging information are listed in tabular form. A separate table lists Velcro cable ties with part numbers, dimensions, minimum loop tensile strength, and minimum and maximum bundle diameters.
Modular plugsEnhanced, high-performance Category 6-and-beyond modular plugs are designed to keep the true integrity of the cable`s specifications intact. This is achieved by maintaining the twists of the individual conductors all the way to the termination point. The individual conductors are loaded outside of the plug by using a plug liner, which also reduces assembly time. The devices reduce near-end crosstalk.
Cable routerThe Cable Joe cable-routing device promotes efficient and proper installation by acting as a protective, stand-alone "third hand" for cable pull-through. The unit is a jointed, steel support arm topped by a cable pass-through ring lined with six rollers. The arm has a C-clamp and bolts to attach to almost any surface or location. It can be suspended and swiveled into any position to support up to 20 cables at a time. Rollers that line all sides of the pass-through let cable be pulled through in
Test-equipment catalogThe 384-page Spring `98 test-equipment catalog contains products for applications in telecommunications, local area networks, and fiber-optics, and for wireless, medical, electronic, and computer industries. The catalog features component testers, digital multimeters, frequency counters, function generators, oscilloscopes, and power supplies, as well as bit-error-rate testers, digit grabbers, digital butt sets, and transmission test sets. Other products include cleavers, light sources, optical t
Heavy-duty digital multimetersThe HD110B and HD115B heavy- duty digital multimeters are resistant to damage from water, dust, chemicals, dropping and voltage transients, and spikes. The devices have an oversized character display and an ergonomic shape. A Safety Tester feature checks for live circuits and indicates the presence of common power supply voltages with a series of light-emitting diodes. Measuring functions of the HD110B unit include a 1500-volt DC/1000V AC voltage range, current to 10 amperes, resistance to 20 me
Panel systemThe smart Panel system contains pre-installed wiring kits that provide an Ethernet hub to serve up to eight workstations within a single workgroup. The kits are preterminated and color-coded for the most simple network installation and are pre-installed so that no tooling or installation is required. The hub, which is tucked away inside the beltline raceway of a Mode Profile 80nxt(c) panel, can be connected by a backbone cable to a larger network group using either coaxial or unshielded-twisted
Telephone testerThe pocket-sized abs Tester (Almost a Butt Set) is equipped with the features most frequently needed to test analog voice systems. The unit tests dial-tone quality and jack polarity and detects tracing tones to identify specific conductors in a cabling run. The tester indicates call addressing for correct telephone extensions and has a volume control. The device comes with a moisture-resistant case.
Media convertersThe company`s line of media converters now includes a multimode-to-singlemode converter as well as multimode and singlemode Fast Ethernet converters with AutoCross. The Model ffc1013 multimode-to-singlemode converter enables protocol-independent conversion between singlemode and multimode fiber. It supports protocols such as Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, and Token Ring at data rates to 125 megabits per second. The unit also supports the company`s Linkalert fault detection. AutoCross instantaneously c
Fiber-optic splice cleanerCable Clean Fiber Optic Cleaner nonchlorinated cleaner can be used on fiber-optic and telecommunications splices. The cleaner removes "ickypic," contaminants, and charged polar soils, preventing residue that can lead to transmission distortion through spliced cables. It is available in one-quart bottles or as disposable wipes.
Universal continuity testerThe universal continuity tester accepts ST, FC, and SC connector styles. To use the tester, insert the connector into the universal adapter and push the on/off button. The red light-emitting diode light transmits light down the fiber, facilitating identification at the fiber`s far end. The unit is suitable for continuity verification or simple fiber identification when fiber is one of many in an interconnect location. The device operates on two AA batteries and costs $39.95.
Modular plug-and-jack catalogThe Modular Plug and Jack Systems catalog includes descriptions, photographs, specifications, features, benefits, reference charts, and ordering information for the company`s modular plugs and jacks. The 100-page publication details standard, high-performance, shielded and unshielded, and single-port and multiport versions of the devices.
Cable installation equipment catalogThe Cable Installation Equipment & Tools catalog contains more than 250 photographs and illustrations of products used for telephone, cable TV, power utility, and electrical construction. The catalog describes duct rodders, cable pullers, fiber-optic blowers and pullers, pulling eyes, swivels, cable guides, and pulling eyes.
Channel-solutions brochureThe Channel Solutions for Higher Standards brochure features GigaMo and GigaMo+ channel solutions, which are enhanced-frequency, 100-ohm unshielded twisted-pair cabling systems that can handle Gigabit Ethernet and 622-megabit-per-second Asynchronous Transfer Mode technologies. The four-color brochure discusses performance results on standards tests such as near-end crosstalk, attenuation, return loss, and attenuation-to-crosstalk ratio.
By the Book: Understanding LAN wiringThe local area network (LAN) has rapidly become the backbone of almost every business enterprise, so it is a little surprising that LAN wiring has not attracted more book-length publishing. (The latest book on the subject on my shelf was published in 1993.)
Premier ProductsQuick-connect singlemode connectorUsing ferrule and split-sleeve technology, the singlemode OPTI-JACK connector achieves the performance required for high-bandwidth data transmission in premises backbone and intrabuilding cabling applications. The OPTI-JACK connector employs the same form factor as its multimode predecessor, providing a familiar interface for users as well as high-port-density capabilities. The adapterless design mounts flush in faceplates, outlets, and patch panels. The number of components necessary for a comp
Patch-cord test setThe pct-350 patch-cord test set is suitable for both manufacturers and installers of modular patch cords, according to dcm Industries. The set enables quick and accurate testing of the transmission quality of modular cords used in local area networks. To evaluate cords manufactured by vendors as well as cords hand-made by installers on the job site. Currently, no tia standard specifies the performance of patch cords as individual components.
Mode-conditioning patch cordThe mode-conditioning patch cord is suitable for long-wavelength multimode applications such as Gigabit Ethernet. Although it functions the same way as a standard patch cord, the mode-conditioning unit consists of a cable assembly with an offset singlemode-fiber-to-multimode-fiber connection point and duplex SC connectors on each end. The device optimizes the singlemode launch nature of 1300-nanometer transceiver modules used for Gigabit Ethernet that must operate over both singlemode and multim
Cable Installer TipsUse soapy water to loosen cables in conduitThe use of some inferior cable lubricants during cable pulls can cause trouble when cabling technicians try to remove lubricated cable from conduit years later. Often, the dried lubricant acts more like glue than lubricant, adhering the cables inside the conduit and making removal difficult.
Stabilize strands while splicing fiber-optic cablesWhen fusion splicing optical fibers, installers often cannot stabilize the fiber strands inside the splice tray. Unstable fibers are annoying because they get in the way when installers are splicing other fibers.
Use cable sheath to clean drilled holeAfter you drill a hole in a cement floor to mount a rack, you must clear the hole of the cement dust. When installers use the quick method of blowing the dust out of the hole, they can end up with dust in their eyes, even if they are wearing safety goggles or glasses.
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This IssueNo Image Available Volume 6
Issue 11
November 1998
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