Cabling Installation & Maintenance articles from April 2007

Cabling Installation & Maintenance archives from April 2007

WWWhere are we going?(Editorial)
April 1, 2007... One of my favorite stories I about the hesitancy some people had to embrace the Internet in the 1990s involves a former colleague. He put a twist on the question, "What is the Internet?" which was actually asked by many who would now never...

Cabling abatement: we know why ... here's how.(Ask DONNA)
April 1, 2007... In this timeless "best of" Ask-DONNA, from September 2004, columnist Donna Ballast helps you weigh the idea of beefing up your installation bottom line by adding cable inspection/removal services--and what it will take to do the job right.--Ed....

Building a better hospital with low-voltage convergence: prestigious Colorado children's hospital strives to deliver sophisticated technology and converge all low-voltage systems on one cabling infrastructure.(design)(The Children's Hospital )(Company overview)
April 1, 2007... Perched at one mile above sea level, The Children's Hospital in Denver, CO has been faced with the need to grow beyond what its current location can accommodate. The result is a state-of-the-art facility due to open in October that features a...

Preterminated fiber systems and polarity maintenance: the TIA/EIA-568-B.1-7 specifications define three methods of maintaining polarity in serial duplex optical connections.(installation)
April 1, 2007... Optical communication systems provide a myriad of solutions for the many issues facing today's communications-network designer. Most notably, the reduced cable diameters and increased connection densities offered by fiber links have proven to...

PoE Plus infrastructure aids emerging technologies: as standardization efforts move ahead, questions about heat dissipation get answered.(technology)
April 1, 2007... Since the approval of the recommendations set forth by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE; www.ieee.org) 802.3af task force in 2003, Power over Ethernet (PoE) equipment vendors have been designing standards-based...

Standards guide the way in data center administration: multiple standards-making bodies have addressed technical and workmanship best practices.(data centers)
April 1, 2007... Structured cabling systems within data centers are similar to those in commercial office buildings in several ways, one of the most significant of which is that specifications for their design, installation, and maintenance are spelled out in...

The future of DVR amidst IP-video proliferation: IP-based video systems may be closing the gap, but will the evolving DVR market stay strong? Security professionals weigh in on the market and technology issues.(security)(digital video recorders)(internet protocol)(Interview)
April 1, 2007... Digital video recorders (DVR) for surveillance solutions have evolved considerably since they began replacing traditional VCR systems more than a decade ago. But does the proliferation of IP-based video systems spell the end of DVRs? While...

Air-blown fiber an MVP at University of Phoenix Stadium: fiber technology is a key enabler of the flexibility required to support conferences, exhibitions, concerts, and sporting events in the same facility.(fiber-optics)
April 1, 2007... The six-level, 1.7 million square-foot University of Phoenix Stadium, home of the NFL's Arizona Cardinals, played host to the Fiesta Bowl and the first ever BCS Championship Game in January. And while the national audience no doubt was busy...

From category 5e to Class F: de-mystifying cabling specs: while the technical requirements of TIA and ISO standards are similar for various grades of cabling, knowing the terminology details is key to understanding performance.(standards)
April 1, 2007... When faced with the daunting task of upgrading an existing network or designing a new building facility, it's important that you look to industry standards for guidance on performance and lifecycle considerations. But while the technical...

Founding president steps down at Fluke Networks.(INDUSTRY spotlight)
April 1, 2007... Chris Odell, who for more than ten years has served as founding leader of what is now international cabling/ network test solution provider Fluke Networks (www.flukenetworks.com), is passing the baton of leadership onto Paul Caragher, most...

Partnership aims to speed 10-Gbit Ethernet to the data center.(INDUSTRY spotlight)(Brief article)
April 1, 2007... In the coming weeks, 10-Gigabit Ethernet solution developer SMC Networks (www.smc.com) plans to unveil a family of 10-Gbit network interface cards (NIC) that will incorporate Solarflare Communications' (www.solarflare. com) PHY layer and...

New BICSI OSP manual broadens the landscape.(INDUSTRY spotlight)(Building Industry Consulting Services International)(outside plant)
April 1, 2007... Incorporating legal issues for the outside plant (OSP) designer as well as an international scope concerning standards and installation guidance, the new fourth edition of BICSI's Outside Plant Design Reference Manual (OSPDRM) is being touted...

Boston, MA--A study by FTM Consulting Inc., part of the IGI Certified Report Series (www.igigroup.com), suggests that after a decade of significant growth in the 1990s, the copper-based structured cabling systems market has struggled in recent times and has now stalled.(Short runs ...)(Brief article)
April 1, 2007... BOSTON, MA -- A study by FTM Consulting Inc., part of the IGI Certified Report Series (www.igigroup.com), suggests that after a decade of significant growth in the 1990s, the copper-based structured cabling systems market has struggled in...

Peachtree City, GA--Furukawa America Inc. (www. furukawaamerica.com) and 3SAE Technologies (www.3SAE.com) have formed a strategic alliance designed to capitalize on Furukawa's fusion splicer manufacturing expertise and 3SAE's specialization in advanced fiber-optic splicing systems and custom solutions for OEM photonics and mission-critical industries.(Short runs ...)(Brief article)
April 1, 2007... PEACHTREE CITY, GA -- Furukawa America Inc. (www. furukawaamerica.com) and 3SAE Technologies (www.3SAE.com) have formed a strategic alliance designed to capitalize on Furukawa's fusion splicer manufacturing expertise and 3SAE's specialization...

Beaverton, OR--Outlining the acceleration of the new channel in the security industry based on IP technology, Milestone Systems (www.milestonesys.com) president Eric Fullerton told a recent gathering of channel partners and leading security manufacturers in Miami that the increased efficiency of IP is the financial driver for end users, that the richness and value offered by video in traffic, and that together.(internet protocol)(Brief article)
April 1, 2007... BEAVERTON, OR -- Outlining the acceleration of the new channel in the security industry based on IP technology, Milestone Systems (www.milestonesys.com) president Eric Fullerton told a recent gathering of channel partners and leading security...

Eden Prairie, MN--ADC (www.adc.com) is opening a new manufacturing facility in Lexington, SC.(Short runs ...)(Brief article)
April 1, 2007... EDEN PRAIRIE, MN -- ADC (www.adc.com) is opening a new manufacturing facility in Lexington, SC. The leased facility will manufacture cable-intensive fiber connectivity products for service provider customers that deploy FTTx services throughout...

Computer networking school gets racked.(INDUSTRY spotlight)(Westwood College)
April 1, 2007... Rack and enclosure developer APW-Mayville (www.apwmayville.com) is now an integral part of the learning process at Westwood (CA) College of Technology--a national university offering a variety of career-focused degree programs in Computer...

New York City---According to a study by AMI-Partners (www. ami-partners.com), small and medium businesses (SMBs) worldwide are feeling confused by the multiple and complex range of VoIP solutions aimed at the SMB segment.(Short runs ...)(Report)(Brief article)
April 1, 2007... NEW YORK CITY -- According to a study by AMI-Partners (www. ami-partners.com), small and medium businesses (SMBs) worldwide are feeling confused by the multiple and complex range of VoIP solutions aimed at the SMB segment. The study, Making the...

Data center cooling system.(New Products)
April 1, 2007... The InfraStruXure InRow RP cooling unit for data centers and small computer rooms places cooling next to the heat source, and can support power densities of up to 70 kW per rack when used with hot-air containment systems. Designed to meet...

Composite camera cable.(New Products)
April 1, 2007... Brilliance composite camera cables are designed for the interconnection of digital remote field cameras in SDI/HDTV applications. This round, smooth cable combines two of the company's RG-59 Type SDI coax with four single-pair cables for mic...

Compact WLAN module.(New Products)
April 1, 2007... The OWSPA311gi/x WLAN serial port adapter is a compact module for portable industrial devices and is designed for a straightforward wireless upgrade. This module features IEEE 802.11b/g WLAN and a high-performance TCP/IP stack, and is designed...

Secure data cable.(New Products)
April 1, 2007... LANscape Solutions Tactical Cable is designed for routing between buildings and modular telecommunications gear where data and video security are essential. The Tactical media uses 900-[micro]m buffered fiber surrounded by dielectric strength...

FTTx splice-on device.(New Products)
April 1, 2007... The FITEL splice-on connector system, designed for increasing speed and limiting insertion loss during field fiber repair and customized FTTx installation, consists of factory-polished ferrules with pre-cleaved fiber stubs, plus high-strength...

Mini HDTV cable.(New Products)
April 1, 2007... The RGB250S series of miniature HDTV component video cables feature subminiature 25-gauge solid coaxial elements, 3-GHz bandwidth, a low-loss, gas-injected dielectric, and solid copper conductors. UL riser-rated Type CMR, these cables also...

Fire protection products.(New Products)
April 1, 2007... More than 45,000 lab-tested fire protection products, building materials, and equipment and services can be found in the 2007 Approval Guide on CD-ROM. Produced by product testing and certification organization FM Approvals, this guide provides...

Connector cleaning kit.(New Products)
April 1, 2007... Five new fiber-optic cleaning kits for a variety of installation needs feature alcohol cleaning wipes, adapter swabs, and reel cleaners. Also available are 200x and 400x microscopes. Kits are packed in one of two available carrying cases. ...

AC-based wiremap test.(New Products)
April 1, 2007... The DTX CableAnalyzer can validate twisted-pair cabling links that use midspan Power over Ethernet (PoE) controllers. AC Wiremap tests the wiring in each link to assure that VoIP phones, wireless access points, security cameras, and other PoE...

Data center KVM.(New Products)
April 1, 2007... For a data center or branch offices that require local management of up to four servers, the 1 x 4 Server Console Switch is a KVM device. One console controls four additional computers and up to three additional USB 2.0 devices. USB...

Cat 6 mobile patch.(New Products)
April 1, 2007... The company's Category 6 mobile patch box is designed for open spaces in small installations and for mobile applications. Providing up to six lines, this box is especially suited for offices, warehouses, and tradeshows where temporary or...

Security installation tester.(New Products)
April 1, 2007... The SecuriTEST CCTV/security installation tester is designed for use with video monitors, DVRs, fixed and PTZ security cameras, and twisted-pair cabling. Incorporating a 2.5-inch color LCD screen, this six-in-one device is a video...

Secure-grip hand tools rated to 1,000 volts AC.(Product Focus: safety equipment)
April 1, 2007... Offered individually or in multi-piece sets, these insulated hand tools meet ASTM F1505-01 and IEC 60 900 standards, and comply with OSHA 1910.335 regulations as well as NFPA 70E standards. Each tool is UL- and VDE-listed, and certified to...

Ladder safety ties, hook.(Product Focus: safety equipment)
April 1, 2007... Designed to secure a ladder to a pole or aerial strand, the Safe Tie and Sky Hook prevents slide/lateral movement that can lead to accidents. The products release in seconds, without causing back injury These OSHA-rated products are built to be...

Anti-vandalism module.(Product Focus: safety equipment)
April 1, 2007... The Jack Module Blockout Device is designed to control access to data and deter vandalism to jacks, blocking unauthorized access and potentially harmful foreign objects. The module snaps in to most R J-45 jacks and can be installed without...

Protective gloves and eyewear for indoor/outdoor installation.(Product Focus: safety equipment)
April 1, 2007... A new line of Journeyman utility gloves features a breathable synthetic palm designed to provide a firm grip. Reinforced thumb, index finger and fingertips add protection, while contact points on the index finger and thumb have a smooth surface...

Fiber-optic conversion.(New Products)
April 1, 2007... Combining advanced optical demarcation features with media conversion, the fiberLinX-II delivers high-speed Internet, transparent LAN, and Ethernet private line services via fiber-optics. Line cards provide an Ethernet demarcation at the...

Data center PDU.(New Products)
April 1, 2007... The P1000 Series of rack power distribution units (PDU) are suited for data centers, computer rooms, and other environments that require "always on" power. The PDUs are available for horizontal and vertical applications, and feature 18 AWG...

Cat 5 A/V balun.(New Products)
April 1, 2007... Designed for interconnecting audio/video (A/V) components over long distances, the Keystone-mount Category 5 A/V balun system is compatible with standard Keystone wall plates, and features a tool-less IDC connector for simplified connection of...

A/V fiber-optic link.(New Products)
April 1, 2007... The DVM-100 Series of fiber-optic links for video, audio and data are designed for applications ranging from corporate audio/video installations, to digital signage, security and surveillance, and teleconferencing. The DVM-1000 9-bit video and...

Modular MicroTCA cabinet.(New Products)
April 1, 2007... Designed for MicroTCA applications, this modular cabinet features a stacked arrangement of open card cages, fan trays, and heat exchangers. (The MicroTCA specification, developed within the PICMG organization, creates a physically small but...

Interlocking armored cable.(New Products)
April 1, 2007... Opti-Core fiber-optic indoor and indoor/outdoor interlocking armored cable is designed to eliminate the need for innerduct or conduit, and with a smaller crush-resistant pathway. This aluminum cable is used within buildings to provide...

Mini-telecom room.(New Products)
April 1, 2007... PanZone wall-mount cabinets can be used as mini-telecommunications rooms to mount active equipment and to provide secure and accessible network connections. With a verified working load rating of 250 pounds, the cabinet is built to swing open...

T-1, E-1 extender.(New Products)
April 1, 2007... CopperLink-T T-l/E-1 extenders (Models 2113 and 2115) are designed to triple the normal reach of T-1 and E-1 circuits while cutting the required number of copper pairs in half. These plug-and-play devices can be used to connect remote PBXs over...

Underfloor monitor.(New Products)
April 1, 2007... The J Comm branch circuit monitoring system (BCMS) fits under a raised floor to monitor current, voltage, and other power-related measures in the data centers. The patented BCMS technology monitors each circuit branch breaker and is designed to...

Aerial FTTx closure.(New Products)
April 1, 2007... Designed for aerial, pedestal, and hand-hole applications, the Coyote In-Line Runt Closure for FTTx installations can be configured using a selection of splice trays to accommodate various splicing methods and maximum capacities up to 144...

Bend-insensitive fiber.
April 1, 2007... For last-mile infrastructures and FTTx installations, CasaLight is a bend-insensitive optical fiber designed to withstand the frequent handling and sometimes extreme degree of bending involved in these installations. According to the company,...

HDMI fiber-optic extender.(New Products)
April 1, 2007... HDMI-X fiber-optic extender is designed for high definition multimedia in video wall systems, medical imaging equipment, and home theater. It includes a HDMI transmitter and receiver, plus an external 12-volt power supply adapter. Cables...

Ungrounded FTP.(New Products)
April 1, 2007... Part of the company's 10-Gigabit SMARTen product family, these U/FTP (ungrounded foiled twisted pair) cables have been designed to eliminate alien crosstalk, and require no grounding during installation. According to the company, the U/FTP...

Power, environment monitor.
April 1, 2007... The company claims its Sentry Cabinet Power Distribution Unit, Version 6.0, firmware is the first to offer data center managers the ability to automatically manage individual devices based on key operating parameters, including temperature,...

Pretty poke-thru.(New Products)
April 1, 2007... Steel City fire-rated poke-thru systems are now available in four- and three-inch core drill sizes to accommodate a range of wiring configurations, and have been designed for improved aesthetics to blend in with building decor. The company says...