Table of ContentsContentsDesignManaging more than one million feet of cableWhen it comes to cable management, even the simplest alterations to a company`s network support center can present a host of problems. Potential pitfalls abound in practically every aspect of cable management, from developing the concept and design to ensuring that mission-critical applications are disrupted as little as possible.
InstallationThe race to replace backbones "down under"Racing is a way of life in Australia, and the biggest day on the racing calendar is the day of the Melbourne Cup. That`s when everyone on the entire Australian continent seems to stop to watch the famous race every November. TABCORP is the organization in Melbourne that coordinates the race-betting business. For TABCORP`s communications network to suddenly stop on Melbourne Cup Day would be an unthinkable nightmare, costing the company millions of dollars in lost revenue. To avoid such a catastr
Product UpdateConduit and duct provide new pathways for expansionThe explosion of growth in outdoor communications systems requires the constant installation of new cable. Customers and contractors are demanding greater capacity and easier placement methods, and conduit and duct manufacturers are introducing products to meet those demands.
The truth about conduit and ductIs conduit simply conduit, and duct just duct, whether it be for inside or outside plant? Two manufacturers say yes, but a chairperson for a National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA--Rosslyn, VA) committee that deals with metallic conduit and duct says there is a difference.
StandardsComparing cable performance beyond 100 MHzMany claims and counterclaims have been made about cabling media that are "better" than Category 5. Adding further fuel to the debate is a recent survey indicating that 92% of major cable manufacturers are specifying the performance of their 4-pair copper cabling beyond 100 megahertz. This performance criterion raises a number of important questions. Are all of these performance claims meaningful? What level of performance is appropriate for future applications? What will this additional perform
Technology50-micron fiber gets a second glanceFor years, glass optical fiber generally has been categorized into two groups: singlemode and multimode. Singlemode fiber has a core diameter of approximately 9 microns and can accommodate signal transmission down a single path (mode) of light--hence the name, "singlemode." Multimode fiber gets its name from its ability to accommodate signal transmission down several modes of light. Both types of fiber have outside diameters of 125 microns. Although multimode fiber is manufactured in 50- and 62.
Crosstalk & FeedbackAsk DonnaMaximum crossconnects per runQ: What does the Telecommunications Industry Association/Electronic Industries Alliance (tia/eia--Arlington, VA) mean when it says that "no more than three horizontal crossconnect points are allowed per run?" Is a patch cord two points or just one? Or is it not counted? Is a 25-pair Amphenol cable plugged into the front of an ibm 8260 hub considered a crossconnect point?
SC connector colorsQ: TIA 568SC specifies connector and adapter colors as beige = multimode and blue = singlemode. But cables going in and coming out of a line interface unit (liu) adapter are specified as orange = multimode and yellow = singlemode. Why the conversion? This creates unnecessary confusion, especially for composite cables terminated in the same liu.
T568A and T568BQ: Which of the eia wiring configurations--T568A or T568B--is the crossed one? I have two patch panels--one of each--and I want to purchase another one identical to one of them, but I am having trouble determining which to order.
Defining Hybrid CableQ: When the tia TR-41.8.1 working group on commercial cabling talks about hybrid cables, does it mean mixed Category 3 and 5, or mixed fiber-optic and copper cables, or what?
EditorialWill the Y2K bug KO the cabling industry?If we can believe the market research firms that study the cabling industry--and there`s no reason not to--we have experienced steady double-digit growth for a number of years and are projected to continue to do so well into the next millennium. However, market growth projections are based on assumptions about ongoing economic and business trends that may or may not continue into the future.
EndfaceIn search of the truth: Air-blown myths blownDeciding what type of cabling system to use when installing or upgrading an optical-fiber local area network (LAN) used to be easy. Pull the cable, then make the myriad intermediate connections and end terminations necessary to complete the circuits.
Products & ServicesIndustry SpotlightSyzygy opens West Coasts first BICSI Training CenterSyzygy Network Solutions (Orange, CA) says its California dreamin` is becoming reality. The data-communications company recently announced that it would open the West Coast`s first BICSI (Tampa, FL) Training Center for registered cabling installers.
Scope releases software upgradeScope Communications Inc. (Marlboro, MA) has released an upgrade of its Version 5.0 software for the WireScope 155 cable analyzer and Fiber SmartProbe, a continuing step in providing free upgrades for users of its handheld network testing tool, says marketing manager Eric Olson.
New ProductsAerosol sprayThe Dust Blaster dst-10 high-pressure aerosol spray cleans dust, dirt, lint, and other particulate matter from electronic components. The spray contains nonflammable compressed gas that is residue-free and non-ozone-depleting. The inert gas does not abrade or degrade surfaces, including plastic. The spray is suitable for PCs, splice boxes, keyboards, circuits, contacts, relays, and communications equipment.
Wireless local area networkThe Aviator Wireless Network is a Windows 95-based peer-to-peer local area network that combines the mobility of wireless RF technology with the power and reliability of a traditional wired network. It transmits and receives data to a distance of 75 feet through walls, floors, and ceilings. Multiple PCs in the home or office can share all printers and applications, transfer data and programs between computers at 500-kilobit-per-second speeds, and access all attached disk drives and cd-roms. Prox
Tone generatorsThe AdapToner (AT) Modular Break-out Tone Generator series tests any configuration of pairs in both 6- and 8- position modular jacks and plugs. All units offer a "snag-proof" modular plug, a jack with protective cover, selectable solid/warble tone signal, and weather- resistant design. The AT6 and AT8 have alligator clips, and the at6a has heavy-duty "bed-of-nails" piercing clips and a default switch to pair one Universal Service Order Code for all test functions.
Optical power meter and light sourceThe opm 6 optical power meter and ols 6 optical light source provide dual-wavelength optical-loss testing on multimode and singlemode fibers. Designed to operate and simultaneously test at 850/1300 nanometers or at 1310/1550 nm, the pair provides National Institute of Standards and Technology traceable test results. The power meter groups data into 10 user-defined files for storing up to 960 dual-wavelength test results. Full fiber documentation is obtained by transferring the stored data to a P
Outside-plant fiber-optic cableOutside-plant fiber-optic cable will now include Corning`s large-effective-area LEAF fiber to improve the performance of high-speed systems and provide capacity to handle future bandwidth requirements of the telecommunications industry. The singlemode non-zero dispersion-shifted optical fiber introduces a performance attribute called "effective area." LEAF fiber has a larger effective area than standard non-zero dispersion-shifted fiber and was developed to meet the emerging 1550-nanometer requi
Label design softwareLabelMark/WIN software is an improved version of the Windows-based label design software, LabelMark for DOS. Users have the option of viewing many labels simultaneously as they are guided through file creation, label formatting, and printing. The software also permits editing. Other features include an automatic serialization function, which generates serial and constant data on labels; random label printing; and preprint testing. Labels can be printed using different font sizes on different lin
Red laser sourceThe HiLite visible red laser source troubleshoots faults on fiber-optic cables in distribution frames, patch panels, splice trays, as well as the deadzones of optical time-domain reflectometers. Other applications include end-to-end continuity cheeks, identifying connectors in patch panels, and identifying fibers during splicing.
FC-style adaptersThe Series FCA FC-style adapters have a precision zirconia sleeve to meet ultra-low-loss requirements. These adapters are available with a square flange or a "D" hole mounting. Singlemode fc/pc adapters come with either square flange or "D" hole mounting and are compliant with NTT-FC specifications. The fc/ apc adapter is also available in both configurations and is compatible with Seiko Giken-style connectors.
Punchdown toolThe Punchmaster II punchdown tool features impact-absorbing cushioned pads to reduce operator stress and increase gripping capability. The high/low spring actuation setting can be adjusted to match specific termination requirements or operator preferences, while precision blades cut cable terminations in a single action. The device incorporates a Turn-Lock blade-holding design to facilitate blade change. A storage mechanism holds spare blades and helps prevent blade loss.
Telecommunications toolkitsThe IS300 Deluxe Telecom Kit contains the TS22 AL data lockout test set with speakerphone and the D914 impact tool, which combines impact and torque. It also includes basic tools needed for installation and maintenance projects. The IS200 Telecom Kit contains the TS30 test set with high-impedance monitor, DataSafe operation, RainSafe protection, and the D814 punchdown tool with four interchangeable blades. The IS100 Telecom Kit contains the six basic tools in addition to the D914 impact tool.
Structured cabling systemBelden Wire & Cable Co., Kent Datacomm, and mod-tap have formed an alliance to offer PowerChannel, an end-to-end, copper-based structured cabling system. The system provides a communications transport infrastructure that supports high-bandwidth applications and increased network traffic requirements. The system exceeds requirements set forth by the eia/tia TR-41.8.1 utp Draft 4B. All patch cords, modular outlets, modular patch panels, and unshielded twisted-pair cabling have been optimized to en
Metal enclosuresThe XL line of metal enclosures includes 11 standard models of free-standing enclosures, 4 standard wall- mount enclosures, and 7 models of free-standing and wall-mount racks. Among the accessories are shelves, cooling devices, outlet strips, and cable-management devices.
Modular jacksGanged, right-angle modular jacks (modjacks) can be used in most periph-eral line applications, such as with modems, local area networks, and print-sharing devices. The jacks have panel ground tabs on the shields between ports, multiple pcb grounds, and internal grounding tabs that complete the circuit-to-ground unshielded cable/plug appli- cations. The devices are fcc-licensed and approved and are intermateable with all fcc-68 modular plugs. They feature 50-micron-per-inch gold plating.
Premier Productsutp without fepVelocsity Plus, an enhanced Category 5 plenum product from Cable Systems International (csi) Inc., provides an alternative when the cost and availability of fluorinated ethylene propylene (fep) are issues. The non-fep design incorporates a high-density, polyethylene (hdpe) foam/skin insulated core, which csi says provides excellent electrical properties. Fire performance equal to that of fep plenum Category 5 cable is provided by the use of a foamed polyvinylidene fluoride jacketing material.
Extended-bandwidth utp cableUltraMedia unshielded twisted-pair (utp) cable from CommScope has a positive attenuation-to-crosstalk ratio (acr) at 400 megahertz. The cable is engineered for high-speed, full-duplex, parallel transmission protocols and supports voice, video, and data applications, including 3D imaging and broadband video.
Cable Installer TipsUse spool core to protect cable during pullsThe shape of the T-bar supports in some ceilings can impede a cable pull, and if the cable is pulled with too much force, both the support and cable can be damaged. Also, maneuvering cables around 90o corners can be difficult during a cable pull.
Make a catch basin to use when drilling masonryWhen you are core drilling through masonry or concrete above a tile ceiling, gravity will pull the spraying water down toward the tile. The ceiling tiles can become compromised if they get too wet.
Make your own power/data poleA single power/data pole is not always large enough to carry all the power and data cables you want to send through it, and bidding two power/data poles into a job obviously doubles the cost of bidding in only one.
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This IssueNo Image Available Volume 6
Issue 8
August 1998
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