Table of ContentsContentsDesignNetwork design and installation considerationsOne of the most challenging decisions a telecommunications manager can make is choosing the proper design for an optical-fiber cabling plant. Optical-fiber cable, which has extremely high bandwidth, is a powerful telecommunications medium that supports voice, data, video, and telemetry/sensor applications. However, the effectiveness of the media is greatly diminished if proper connectivity is not designed into the system. Such connectivity allows for flexibility, manageability, and versatility o
InstallationMicrosoft chooses sonet for corporate networkWhen you are Microsoft, you need an engine as powerful as any telecommunications carrier to power your corporate network. The foundation of Microsoft Corp.`s upgraded Puget Sound ring network in Redmond, WA, is a powerful Synchronous Optical Network (SONET) backbone built with 4-fiber bidirectional line-switched rings (BLSRS).
Microsoft tests dwdm on corporate campusAs the demands for faster transmission speed and greater capacity rapidly increase, corporate network managers are eyeing dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) technology as one solution to increasing their company`s bandwidth. According to market research firm Pioneer Consulting (Cambridge, MA), the growth of DWDM in enterprise networks will triple by the year 2000. One of the first companies to seriously consider using dwdm within the corporate environment is Microsoft Corp. at its cam
Product UpdateCable cutters come in all shapes, sizes, and capabilitiesWhen Derrick Givens embarked on a career as a cable installer 16 years ago, he was introduced to a tool that he swears by to this day.
StandardsProgram tests premises systems at extended frequenciesWith the TIA/EIA-568A Commercial Building Tele-communications Cabling Standard nearly three years old, the Category 5 requirements specified in that document should be considered minimum standards. Such new protocols as Asynchronous Transfer Mode, 100Base-T Ethernet, and Gigabit Ethernet have network managers concerned about how their networks will perform at the higher frequencies and data rates required by these technologies. Current test methods have to change to measure critical new paramete
TechnologyWireless technology rides the mobility waveBy most accounts, an increasing number of users will deploy wireless local area network (LAN) systems in the coming years. Research firms estimate that the U.S. market for wireless lan products will approach $1 billion over the next few years, and some chart the market`s growth at 40% to 60% annually.
Crosstalk & FeedbackAsk DonnaInstaller "cheat sheets"In 1997, the University of Rochester Medical Center (Rochester, NY) was installing a new fiber-optic infrastructure. It was a huge project: a 4-million-square-foot building with a backbone consisting of more than 10,000 strands of optical fiber that had to be connectorized and patched.
Determining what the customer wantsQ: My company was recently asked to provide a solution to extend the network of one of our customers from its offices located on the ground floor of a 12-story building to the sixth floor. I specified a 6-strand multimode fiber from the telecommunications closet on the ground floor to the new offices on the sixth floor. The customer said that this was too expensive a solution and opted to have a Category 5 tie cable run from a port off one of the hubs to a port on the new hub that will be on the
Performance/administrative trade-offsQ: Does the tia/eia-568a Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard allow me to bring the cable into the closet, punch it down on a wall-mounted 110 block, off the 110 block to the 110 connector on a rack-mounted patch panel, and then use a patch cord to connect to a hub? Or should I eliminate the wall-mounted 110 block and punch it down directly on the 110 connector on a rack-mounted patch panel? The first scenario seems more flexible.
Locating a contractor by regionQ: Who are the top consultants in the New York City metropolitan area for cabling-system design? Any ideas on where I can find more information on these firms?
EditorialGet out and vote!A utumn is election time in America, and we at Cabling Installation & Maintenance certainly want you to get out and vote. However, we are interested in your doing more than just your civic duty; we also want you to vote for our first Readers` Choice IQ Awards.
To The EditorFive more connector choicesCabling Installation & Maintenance did a good job of covering the results of the TR-41.8.1 Working Group`s voting process on fiber-optic connectors.
Accommodating equipment cordsIn the April 1998 issue of Cabling Installation & Maintenance, page 8, T. Kirschbaum responds to my Cabling Installer Tip`.
EndfaceThe myth of connecting hardware power-sum performance claimsVendors who claim that their connecting hardware is "power-sum" compliant appear to offer a performance advantage over those vendors who specify their hardware`s worst-case pair-to-pair near- end crosstalk (NEXT) performance. Although perfectly applicable to the specification of cabling and cabling performance, some power-sum claims for connecting hardware are ill-founded and could result in end-users getting less than what they bargained for.
Products & ServicesIndustry SpotlightPennWell launches structured cabling marketplace seminarJay Regan, group publisher of Cabling Installation & Maintenance, announced this week that the magazine would be sponsoring a Structured Cabling Marketplace seminar to be held in conjunction with the annual Cabling Installation Expo, scheduled for October 12 to 14, 1998, at the Georgia International Convention Center in Atlanta.
Cabling Installation & Maintenance goes internationalCabling Installation & Maintenance is now available internationally, with the July 1998 launch of an Australia/New Zealand edition in partnership with building-trades publishing company Connection Magazines Pty. Ltd. (Melbourne, Australia). Cabling Installation & Maintenance Australia/New Zealand, published bimonthly, includes a core of editorial content from the existing North American magazine as well as articles about installations in Australia and New Zealand developed by Connection Magazine
Finalists selected for Readers Choice IQ AwardsThe initial screening for Cabling Product News` Readers` Choice IQ Awards was completed at the June 1998 bicsi Summer Conference in Toronto. Cabling Product News, a quarterly supplement to Cabling Installation & Maintenance, rounds out the product coverage provided in the monthly magazine with more in-depth articles about new-product developments.
New ProductsTest-and-measurement guideThe 1998 Lightwave Test & Measurement Reference Guide showcases the most recent developments in fiber-optic test and measurement technology. The 240-page catalog includes equipment for performing fiber-geometry analysis and spectral attenuation measurements, patch cord and calibration software, and a software development kit. The guide also contains diagrams, tables, and graphs that clarify technical concepts.
Battery directoryThe 1998 Directory of Battery, Battery Charger, and Electric Vehicle Companies lists and describes companies and organizations involved in the North American battery market. The directory includes battery companies, foreign companies operating in the United States, research organizations, and trade associations. The publication is based on a literature review, patent examination, and discussions with commercial and government sources. Each profile in the directory contains name, address, telepho
Inspection kitThe TRI/LITE Conduct-A-Lite Inspection Kit has Lucite extensions that conduct light from a built-in illuminator. The kit includes a single cell holder, a double cell holder, a 6-inch straight rod, a 4-inch curved rod, a 21/2-inch straight rod, an inspection mirror, and a vinyl storage pouch. The light runs on one or two AA batteries (not included), depending on which cell is used.
Optical power metersThe FM8515B Issue 2 optical power meter extends the low-end dynamic range of FM8515B to -70 decibels with reference to one milliwatt, with the upper end at +5 dBm. The original units were calibrated down to -60 dBm. Battery life has been extended to approximately 100 hours, and the units can now be calibrated in less than 30 minutes. The FM8515C Issue 2 high-power version has a dynamic range of -50 to +25 dBm and is suitable for applications in cable TV and in long-span telephone and data commu
Multiplexer moduleThe SiteNet MultiPort multiplexer module allows multiple computers, servers, or workstations to communicate simultaneously with the uninterruptible power supply device to which they are all connected. The module can be integrated with the SiteNet family of control and monitoring software for networkable uninterruptible power supply devices. The unit allows multiple ports--computers, servers, or workstations--access to critical information pertinent to shutdown. The device accommodates more than
Cable installerThe Cable Joe clamp-on cable installer pulls up to 20 cables at once, even around 90 angles. The unit features a six-roller design to route the cable. The installer clamps on to any surface--trays, joists, and walls--and opens and closes securely with a quick-release pin. It can swivel and suspend into any position.
400-MHz cabling systemThis shielded twisted-pair 400-megahertz cabling system supports high-speed protocols such as Gigabit Ethernet and applications such as high-speed video. The system provides an end-to-end solution with a performance of 10-decibel attenuation-to-crosstalk ratio at 400 megahertz. The unit features high-performance patch panels, modular communications outlets, horizontal cables, and patch cords. It is compatible with the company`s PatchView online cabling-management system.
Modular plug presserThe modular plug presser is the only such tool to be universally compatible with all modular plug configurations, according to company claims. The device was originally developed to meet the industry`s need for a reliable hand tool for in-field crimping of modular plugs. It features interchangeable dies that can be switched in a few seconds, without the need for other tools. Dies are available for conventional 4-, 6-, and 8-contact modular plug configurations, as well as for solid 22 or 24 AWG w
ToolkitsToolkits can be used by technicians for a variety of applications, including cellular phone repair, computer services, computer network maintenance, field services, and general electronics repair. The tool-kits come in either an aluminum or vinyl case and contain basic tools necessary for the specific applications indicated above.
Protector frameThe 191 Protector Frame provides building-entry protection and a crossconnect facility for large customer-premises installations. This double-sided, free-standing combination frame is constructed of heavy-gauge steel with a beige enameled finish. The 191 BET Protector Frame can mount up to 12 100-pair protectors on each of two vertical sides for a total of 2400-pair protection. The 191 MOXS Protector Frame can be configured to accommodate 12 100-pair protectors on the vertical side and eight 300
Fiber identifier kitThe TS956C Fiber Identifier Kit minimizes connectivity problems for fiber-optic installations, according to the company. The kit is suitable for construction and maintenance in outside-plant operations and can be used with singlemode and multimode fiber, cables, splices, and connectors. The unit indicates optical faults (breakpoints, microbends, bad splices, and improperly installed connectors) through the jacket or buffer of most commonly used optical-fiber cables. It can be used as a stand-alo
EMC enclosure brochureThe TechBrief literature series features information about electromagnetic-compatible (EMC) enclosures, which protect equipment against electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference. The brochure describes the factors that affect EMC in enclosures, including the type of enclosure material, plating or conductive coatings, and special door gasketing and covers to seal electromagnetic energy.
Test moduleThe MultiTest module can be configured to match the fiber-optic testing needs of the end-user. Using the FasTest feature, you can perform an automated bidirectional dual-wavelength loss test in less than 30 seconds. Using the optical return-loss test set, you can measure backreflection for networks, components, and connectors. A mailbox function lets you type a message and send it to another unit through the fiber under test. An optional visual fault locator helps pinpoint breaks, bends, splices
350-MHz patch cableThe 350-megahertz patch cable performs beyond current Category 5 requirements. When combined with proper hardware and connectors, the patch cable will allow local area network premises systems to achieve performance in accordance with Asynchronous Transfer Mode, 100Base-T, full-duplex, and other advanced protocols.
Test-equipment catalogThis full-color, 36-page test-equipment catalog features the VisualEYEzer Heads-Up Digital vom and the 9000 series of digital multimeters and clamp-on testers, as well as analog and digital testers, telecommunications testers, local area network cable testers, Fox & Hound wire tracers, battery testers, carrying cases, and replacement test leads. The publication also introduces the "Sniff-It" noncontact AC voltage detector.
Conduit and reaming screwdriversConduit and reaming screwdrivers feature durable, hardened-steel reamers that ream and smooth both the inside and outside of 1/2-, 3/4-, and 1-inch thin-wall conduit ends. The conduit fitting screwdrivers provide a hooded blade to help keep the tip on the screw, especially on overhead fittings. The device also has large, slip-resistant cushion-grip handles. The shaft and tip are made of high-quality U.S. steel and are heat-treated for maximum strength. The shafts are locked into the handle with
Premier ProductsFiber-optic testerThe FOtest`R DCT (duplex cable tester) manufactured by Fotec analyzes multimode fiber-optic cables used in local area networks and security systems. The device uses a measurement technique that allows simultaneous bidirectional loss measurements of two fibers and includes a full-duplex talkset for voice communications between test crews. The FOtalk talkset built into the instrument lets personnel communicate, compare results, and validate data. The combination of these features permits testing t
GIGAlite fiber cablesBerk-Tek, an Alcatel company, has designed GIGAlite multimode fiber solutions, which meet the requirements of Gigabit Ethernet and Asynchronous Transfer Mode. According to the company, gigalite fiber solutions guarantee that data-communications networks will be capable of running the high-speed applications that will be necessary to support the organizations of the future.
Hinged 110 wiring blockWith its integrated hinge design, the new IC110 Block 100 pair system eases the installation of telecommunications cabling while maintaining the standard 110 index strips and connecting blocks. The hinges provide total access to the cabling channel between the standoff legs, even after the wiring block is mounted. The wiring block`s cable-access openings make it easier to install Category 5 cabling by allowing the sheath to be minimally stripped to maintain bend radius and requirements and provi
Cable Installer TipsPrevent modem burnout from voltage surgesElectrical surges, spikes, and overcurrents on data lines often damage or destroy modems, resulting in both downtime and additional expense.
Use braided rope to make pulling gripIf you are not careful when pulling a cable through duct or conduit, the cable can twist out of shape, which can result in degraded performance.
Route cable through a floor with a cross joistThe occupants of a 150-year-old building wanted Category 5 cable run from a patch panel on the second floor of the building to an outer wall on the third floor. A cross joist was a roadblock to fishing the cable through the floor. However, the building had an access panel from the second floor to the third floor.
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This IssueNo Image Available Volume 6
Issue 9
September 1998
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