News, products and trends for the communications systems industry
Compiled by Matt Vincent
Klein Tools expands VDV product line with more options for handling twisted-pair and coaxial cables
Klein Tools has introduced a variety of new additions to its Voice-Data-Video (VDV) product line, including its Coax Explorer 2 Tester with Remote Kits, its Pass-Thru Modular Crimper and two new models of radial strippers.
Per a company press release, “The Coax Explorer 2 Tester and its attachable remote kit tests and maps coaxial cable up to four locations at once for convenience. The Pass-Thru Modular Crimper cuts, strips and crimps twisted pair cable, reducing prep work time and eliminating wasted materials with pass-through technology. Both radial strippers are equipped with automatically adjusting blades for consistent cuts that won’t damage internal conductors. This extension to the VDV line was developed to increase efficiency on the job when preparing, connecting and testing twisted-pair and coaxial cables.”
Thumbnail descriptions of each new product, per Klein Tools, are as follows.
The Coax Explorer 2 with Remote Kit (Cat. No. VDV512-101) tests coaxial cable and maps up to 4 locations with color-coded, push-on remotes. Featuring simple, push-button operation, the tool’s easy-to-read LED panel indicates pass, open, or short conditions and simplifies cable identification. The kit includes a removable, snap-on remote holder, 4 push-on remotes, F adapter and 2x AAA batteries. The kit’s test remotes and F-adapter conveniently snap into the remote holder for storage; the remote holder clips onto the tester. Additional Coax Explorer 2 products sold separately include the Coax Explorer 2 Tester with remote #1 (red–Cat. No. VDV512-100), and the Coax Explorer Remote Kit (Cat. No. VDV512-110).
The Pass-Thru Modular Crimper (Cat. No. VDV226-110) is a reliable, all-in-one tool that cuts, strips and crimps paired-conductor cables (STP/UTP). The crimper yields 2,000+ cuts from durable, heat-treated blades that trim flush to connectors, eliminating unintended contact between conductors. The full-cycle ratchet mechanism ensures complete connector termination, while an on-tool wiring guide minimizes wiring errors. Cable parameters are as follows: 28-22 AWG flat or round; solid or stranded telephone and data; crimps RJ11/RJ12 standard modular connectors and crimps and trims Klein Tools RJ45 Pass-Thru Connectors (not for use with standard, non-pass through connectors). Klein Tools Pass-Thru Connectors are currently available in CAT5e and Cat6 (Cat. No.’s: VDV826-702, VDV826-728, VDV826-703 and VDV826-729). Replacement blades are available (Cat. No. VDV999-076).
The Twisted Pair Radial Stripper (Cat. No. VDV110-261) easily and cleanly strips twisted-pair cable. This stripper’s consistent cutting won’t damage internal conductors. With a finger-loop design for quick, smooth stripping action, the tool’s durable, high-carbon steel cutting blades automatically adjust to cable diameters, eliminating damage to internal conductors. Additional features include an easy debris clean-out compartment, and an additional external blade in a structured design that allows user to slit wire jackets for mid-span access or to open lengthwise.
The Combination Radial Stripper (Cat. No. VDV110-295) easily and cleanly strips coaxial and twisted pair cable, offering one-step 2-level coaxial preparation of 5/16’’ and 1/4’’ strips. The tool’s slide depth gauge accurately pre-measures coax cable. This stripper also works with RG6Q quad shield (dual shield) cable.
“This expansion to the Voice-Data-Video line offers a total solution for all voice and data installations,” concludes Karen Alpan, product manager at Klein Tools. “These convenient new products are durable and precise, increasing efficiency on the job and saving both time and money.”
Brother Mobile Solutions launches PT-E800W, on-demand print and laminate industrial labeling system
Brother Mobile Solutions, Inc. (BMS) has announced the launch of its PT-E800W on-demand print and laminate labeling system, the newest addition to Brother’s P-touch family of thermal transfer label printers.
Per a company press release, “Designed to fulfill a diverse range of labeling needs in manufacturing, electronics, industrial machinery, warehouse, harsh and outdoor environments, telecommunications, and more, the PT-E800W is a versatile, self-contained, fully transportable desktop labeling system. It is ideal for labeling applications requiring premier print quality, superior adhesion and extreme durability — all at an excellent price/performance value. Like all P-touch label printers, the PT-E800W offers excellent printing performance, rock-solid reliability, WiFi and USB connectivity options, and interoperability across all major operating systems.”
Craig Robinson, director of the industrial labeling business for Brother notes, “We’re excited to bring the PT-E800W to the industrial marketplace. Its performance stands head and shoulders above other desktop labeling systems–not only because of its extraordinary barcode and label design capacity, go-anywhere versatility and world class tape options–but also because of its price point. For most industrial users, the PT-E800W will virtually eliminate the need to purchase higher priced printers or costly converting services to generate labels for tough environments.”
The Brother PT-E800W comes with Brother P-touch Editor software and printer drivers enabling users to print directly from iOS and Android laptops, smartphones and tablets using the direct wireless feature. Brother’s exclusive P-touch Editor label design/printing software can also link and print laminated labels using stored data from Microsoft SQL Server, Access, Excel or CSV files through the USB or the built-in Wi-Fi WLAN interface.
Brother’s Robinson adds, “Powerful, portable and ready to use out of the box, the PT-E800W gives label creators the freedom to be completely self-sufficient. An integrated handle makes the compact unit easy to carry anywhere — just set up on a table or desktop and it’s ready to go.” A complete solution and carrying case, the PT-E800W printer comes with a detachable full-size keyboard, large LCD backlit screen, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, cables, and space for storing multiple tape cartridges inside the body of the unit.
Enterprise cloud specialist Nutanix names ex- Aruba Networks, Cisco exec as chief marketing officer
Nutanix, a specialist in enterprise cloud computing, announced the addition of Ben Gibson to its executive team as chief marketing officer. Gibson will oversee development and implementation of a global marketing strategy designed to accelerate adoption of the company’s enterprise cloud solutions.
He arrives at Nutanix with broad experience in product, brand, demand and customer experience. Most recently Gibson was chief marketing officer at F5 Networks, where he was responsible for overseeing the application networking and security company’s global marketing strategy. Before joining F5 Networks, he served as chief marketing officer at Veritas, where he supervised a global team of marketing professionals and led the company’s rebranding efforts following a spin-off from Symantec. Prior to Veritas, Gibson spent five years as chief marketing officer at Aruba Networks. During his tenure at Aruba, the company tripled its annual revenue as it expanded from wireless networking into mobile security and location services.
“Whether by design or by accident, the multi-cloud era is here,” Gibson commented. “Customers are demanding the freedom to build, develop and operate their applications where they choose, and they expect ‘one-click’ simplicity. With the Enterprise Cloud OS, Nutanix has the vision, the innovation — and most importantly, the unprecedented customer satisfaction scores — to lead in this new era. Our focus will be rapidly expanding our influence and impact across new markets, and within each Nutanix customer–spanning innovative infrastructure managers, cloud architects, and application developers.”
Earlier in his career, Gibson held several marketing leadership roles at Cisco, including vice president of data center/virtualization marketing. In this role, he ran the outbound marketing strategy and execution for a number of Cisco’s application networking products.
“In addition to his extensive industry and marketing expertise, Ben possesses an uncanny ability to anticipate new market trends and buyer behavior, which will be extremely valuable to Nutanix in today’s dynamic enterprise computing market,” commented Dheeraj Pandey, chairman, founder, and CEO of Nutanix. “His ability to see around the corner and understand what will delight our customers next will be invaluable in helping support our continued growth.”
£ Distribution
Graybar opens new warehouse distribution center in South Florida
On Oct. 10, 2017, Graybar, a North American distributor of electrical, communications and data networking products and provider of related supply chain management and logistics services, announced the opening of a new service center in Ft. Lauderdale that is dedicated to the tri-county area in Southeast Florida.
The new service center, located at 3410 SW 30th Ave. in Ft. Lauderdale, spans 161,500 square feet and serves as the primary shipping facility for Graybar in southeast Florida. The distributor says the new facility will provide access to over $10 million in inventory and more than 14,000 SKUs, as well as product staging, kitting, and customizable consolidated packing service capabilities.
Per a company press release, “The facility represents Graybar’s commitment to sustainability and features 100-percent high efficiency LED lighting, high efficiency HVLS fans, low VOC paints and adhesives, and automatic/low flow fixtures to minimize water consumptions. It is equipped with a full backup generator and hurricane-rated storage yard protection and screening.”
“This new service center has been years in the works as we strive to best support our customers’ needs across Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties,” said Andy Ciccone, Graybar’s Tampa district vice president. “We officially opened on September 5, and the facility was quickly put to the test with Hurricane Irma’s arrival. We were proud to be back in business the day after the hurricane. This new location will improve the region’s access to inventory and enhance the services we offer customers.”
£ NETWORK CABLE
Network infrastructure specialist Wirewerks opens new world headquarters
On November 16, Wirewerks, a manufacturer of network infrastructure solutions, announced the opening of its new world headquarters facility in the Baie-D’Urfé TechnoPark, just west of Montreal, Quebec.
The customized 40,000 square foot facility houses the corporation’s executive, finance, operations, and marketing offices as well as its Global Engineering & Development Center, Optical Fiber and Copper Manufacturing Centers of Excellence, and the company’s advanced Education & Training Center.
Jais Cohen, president of Wirewerks noted, “Our new headquarters is a testament to our history of continuous growth driven by the exceptional hard work and dedication of our people. The customized facility is a strategic investment in our future that provides us with a solid foundation for the company’s continuing expansion and evolution going forward.”
Edouard Tabet, Wirewerks’ head of engineering, added, “We custom-designed the interior spaces for optimized functionality and future growth. The engineering labs, manufacturing facilities and education center are all fully equipped with the latest tools, technology and processes, staffed with energetic, smart professionals who are committed to our culture of innovation and customer-centric growth strategy.”
Per a Wirewerks press release, “Baie-D’Urfé, Quebec is a family-friendly lakeside community located just 15 minutes west of Montreal’s international airport and 30 minutes from the Montreal city center. The location offers easy transportation for both people and products and a quality ‘lifestyle’ setting for employees, all just a few minutes from the excitement of a major metropolitan center.”
“Our suburban Baie-D’Urfé location is great for our families while our close proximity to Montreal gives us access to a wonderfully diverse world-class city, world-ranked universities, and global transportation networks,” says Wirewerks’ Cohen. “Our new global headquarters facility and location are more than just a building and an address — they’re competitive and strategic advantages for our continuing success.”
£ STANDARDS
BICSI hosts inaugural ACE Summit in Dubai
BICSI hosted its inaugural ACE Summit in Dubai last October 10, during the 2017 GITEX Technology Week. The summit, which was aimed at architects, consultants and end-users, focused on standards for design and implementation best practices for the ICT community.
“The UAE is at the forefront of adopting the world’s latest and advanced technologies. The response from companies to participate in BICSI ACE Summit clearly shows the keenness to excel and this is the right platform for architects, consultants and end‐users to understand the ideal way to go about it,” commented BICSI president Brian Ensign, RCDD, NTS, OSP, RTPM, CSI.
Speakers at the summit included Abdulqader Obaid Ali, chief executive officer of Smartworld, a joint venture company between Etisalat and the world’s first purpose‐built aerotropolis Dubai South; and Ajay Rathi, senior director, information technology, Meraas Holding.
The summit gave industry stakeholders the opportunity to learn about international standards applicable for effective design and implementation of best practices for ICT applications such as data centers, structured cabling, wireless infrastructure and audio‐video. Representatives from the ACE community also spoke to participants during a panel discussion about the challenges faced in the implementation of best practices.
BICSI’s Ensign added, “There are clearly very strong benefits of following standards. It is not a question of whether companies should go for it. It needs to be planned right from the design stage before an organization makes this transition to gain the maximum business benefits. With ICT as the common thread for digital infrastructure and smart building concepts, an effective and efficient structured cabling is critical to the success of both initial implementation and future growth to meeting the building and occupant needs. The standards developed by BICSI and other associations like TIA, IEEE, ISO, etc. are written to define these current practices and drive improvement in quality and system performance,” he concluded.