Cabling Installation & Maintenance articles from August 2006

Cabling Installation & Maintenance archives from August 2006

Live free or die trying.(EDITORIAL)
August 1, 2006... New Hampshire, the state in which I live and work, is an interesting little place. Its motto is "Live free or die." Over the years, I have heard several interpretations of that motto, and I believe it represents individual freedom, particularly...

So, how did we get from 150 feet to 100 meters?(Ask DONNA)(Column)
August 1, 2006... In this column, we will find out why, if studies show the typical length of most existing horizontal cabling runs is 150 feet, the standard-specified maximum channel length is 100 meters. But first, we'll need to revisit a little history....

10GBase-T standard may shift Cat 6A into high gear: it's the end of Category 5e, and with Category 6 under fire, long live Category 6A.(design)
August 1, 2006... As with most new technologies, the networking industry has jumped on the latest: 10-Gigabit Ethernet over copper cabling. While many seem to be saying, "I'll never need 10 Gbits/sec to the desktop," beware of the future and learn from the past....

Recycling used cable: challenges and opportunities: the cabling industry has a ways to go before it can be considered "green.".(installation)(Cover story)
August 1, 2006... It has been more than four years since the National Electrical Code, in its 2002 edition, first required the removal of abandoned cable. That requirement, which is law wherever the 2002 NEC or the portions of it relating to abandoned cable have...

Can your UTP cables take the heat of PoE? The characteristics of your unshielded twisted-pair cable can help determine the extent to which it will support emerging, higher-current PoE technology.(technology)
August 1, 2006... The convergence of evolving Ethernet-based applications on today's networks is demanding increased performance from the installed cabling infrastructure and its components. Applications that were once installed over separate, proprietary...

IP security breaks in to more than just video: while Internet Protocol-based surveillance enjoys rapid growth, other IP-based security systems aren't far behind.(security)
August 1, 2006... When it comes to Internet Protocol (IP)-based security systems, most of us are familiar with IP-based video surveillance, a technology that's been in the mainstream for well over three years. What you may not know is how IP technology can...

APC bolsters Data Center University program.
August 1, 2006... APC (www.apc.com) has announced a new set of courses and educational partners for its Data Center University by APC program, an online educational institution for IT professionals, engineers, and others involved in building or operating server...

Report: Chinese manufacturing of cables, assemblies to grow nearly 17% this year.(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... Output of cables and assemblies from manufacturers in mainland China is projected to grow by 16.8% in 2006, says a new report from Research and Markets (www.researchandmarkets.com), a market research firm based in Dublin, Ireland. Mainland...

Telco Systems to acquire Metrobility Optical Systems.(INDUSTRY spotlight)
August 1, 2006... Telco Systems (www.telco.com), a provider of carrier-class transport and access platforms for public and private Internet Protocol (IP) and time-division multiplexing (TDM) networks, has agreed to acquire Metrobility Optical Systems...

San Francisco--At the recent Gartner Symposium/ITxpo here, Gartner Inc. (www.gartner.com) analysts claimed that a lack of focus on user requirements will lead to businesses "wasting more than $10 billion procuring Gigabit Ethernet for the LAN by 2008.".(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- At the recent Gartner Symposium/ITxpo here, Gartner Inc. (www.gartner.com) analysts claimed that a lack of focus on user requirements will lead to businesses "wasting more than $10 billion procuring Gigabit Ethernet for the...

Huzhou, China--Zhejian Zhaolong Cable Co. Ltd. (www.zhaolong.com.cn) is notifying customers and merchandisers that its Model P-2200-1000 Category 5e cables, sold through distributors in North Carolina and Florida, may present fire or shock hazards and recommends cessation of use.(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... HUZHOU, CHINA -- Zhejian Zhaolong Cable Co. Ltd. (www.zhaolong.com.cn) is notifying customers and merchandisers that its Model P-2200-1000 Category 5e cables, sold through distributors in North Carolina and Florida, may present fire or shock...

Swindon, UK--In what it calls a technology breakthrough for inhome powerline communication, SiConnect's (www.siconnect.com) POEM technology is designed to deliver 16 different levels of managed quality-of-service (QoS), plug-and-play use, privacy protection, and other features, for triple-play services over existing home electrical wiring.(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... SWINDON, UK -- In what it calls a technology breakthrough for in-home powerline communication, SiConnect's (www.siconnect.com) POEM technology is designed to deliver 16 different levels of managed quality-of-service (QoS), plug-and-play use,...

Atlanta-Ga--The state government of Georgia is deploying iTRACS (www.itracs.com) software and Siemon (www.siemon.com) cabling in its new data center.(Short runs ...)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... ATLANTA, GA -- The state government of Georgia is deploying iTRACS (www.itracs.com) software and Siemon (www.siemon.com) cabling in its new data center. The software solution, which is designed to improve security and reduce illegal network...

San Diego, CA--Magnetic component manufacturer Pulse (www.pulseeng.com) has joined the Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA; www.mocalliance.org), and says it will introduce a series of RF diplexers, filters, and network interface devices to help enable home networking of digital entertainment between MoCA devices.(Pulse Engineering Inc.)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... SAN DIEGO, CA--Magnetic component manufacturer Pulse (www.pulseeng.com) has joined the Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA; www.mocalliance.org), and says it will introduce a series of RF diplexers, filters, and network interface devices to...

Hickory, NC--Cable and connectivity solutions maker CommScope (www.commscope.com) is teaming with telecommunications distributor Power & Tel Supply (www.ptsupply.com) to provide integrated cabinet solutions to carriers.(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... HICKORY, NC--Cable and connectivity solutions maker CommScope (www.commscope.com) is teaming with telecommunications distributor Power & Tel Supply (www.ptsupply.com) to provide integrated cabinet solutions to carriers. Based on end-user...

Glenview, IL--Communications and electronics distributor Anixter (www.anixter.com) has acquired all outstanding shares of IMS Inc. (Manchester, CT), a wire and cable distributor to OEM and electronic manufacturing services (EMS) companies--particularly in the Northeast and Middle Atlantic states.(Short runs ...)
August 1, 2006... GLENVIEW, IL--Communications and electronics distributor Anixter (www.anixter.com) has acquired all outstanding shares of IMS Inc. (Manchester, CT), a wire and cable distributor to OEM and electronic manufacturing services (EMS)...

Mountain View, CA--The Ethernet Alliance (www.ethernetalliance.org) has formed the Ethernet Alliance University Program (EAUP), which is a global initiative designed to serve as a forum for universities and educational organizations within the Alliance to work directly with industry leaders, acquire practical perspectives of academic theories, and help foster growth of Ethernet.(Short runs ...)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA--The Ethernet Alliance (www.ethernetalliance. org) has formed the Ethernet Alliance University Program (EAUP), which is a global initiative designed to serve as a forum for universities and educational organizations within the...

Rexel acquiring comm/electrical distributor GE Supply.
August 1, 2006... The Rexel Group (Rexel; www.rexel.com), a global distributor of communications and electrical supplies, and GE Consumer & Industrial, a unit of General Electric, recently announced the signing of an agreement for Rexel to acquire GE Supply...

AV baluns add value to copper cabling systems: the ever-faithful balun is becoming a key element in preserving structured cabling systems for driving audio-video.(product update)
August 1, 2006... Over the past 10 years, balun (BALanced-UNbalanced) technology has started to make inroads into the traditional audio-video arena. And today, baluns are having a major impact on the way audio-video (AV) equipment is installed. With recent...

High-density terminal block.(New Products)
August 1, 2006... The TDE.2 modular terminal block is designed to save space in enclosures when terminating shielded twisted-pair cables. This 6.2-mm wide device allows up to four cables per inch of enclosure space. The block mounts onto a din rail and features...

Composite video cable.(New Products)
August 1, 2006... Banana peel-style composite video cables, featuring the company's Brilliance 1855A and 1505A precision video cables, are designed to provide what the company says is optimum signal transmission performance over longer runs while enabling fast...

Fiber-sealing pedestals.(New Products)
August 1, 2006... The BDO-ET series of fiber pedestals is designed to house and protect sealed fiber terminal blocks and pre-connectorized fiber-optic service drops in out side plant FTTx deployments. A nonmetallic design protects fiber terminals and drops from...

Field-friendly OTDR.(New Products)
August 1, 2006... Designed for testing and troubleshooting LAN, telco, CATV, and FTTx networks, the OV-1000 optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) features a rugged platform with field-interchangeable multimode, singlemode, and advanced testing modules. The...

Residential cabling catalog.(New Products)
August 1, 2006... The company's 2006 Residential Structured Cabling Solutions product catalog features a complete connectivity solution for every room in the digital home. Users will discover how to distribute multi-line telephones, multi-user computer...

Kit for easy MAC tests.(New Products)
August 1, 2006... The CableIQ service kit makes it possible for a single data cabling service technician to troubleshoot the cabling as well as verify network service during moves, adds, and changes (MACs). It includes the CabIQ Qualification Tester, which...

Ethernet module.(New Products)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... The Phoenix A8911ETH Ethernet module is designed to provide Ethernet connectivity to the company's Phoenix Fiber Transport System. It is especially suited for transporting IP data and video traffic between Phoenix nodes. The module has three...

Pre-polished connectors.(New Products)
August 1, 2006... New 2Click pre-polished connectors for singlemode and multimode fiber LAN and backbone applications incorporate a factory installed pre-polished fiber stub inside. SC and ST connectors are available with singlemode and 62.5-[micro]m or...

Residential enclosure.(New Products)
August 1, 2006... Net Media Center residential enclosures (14, 21, 28, and 42-inch) now feature hinged doors, and additional knockouts on side and back for simplified cable routing. Interior dual side bridge lances have also been added to provide better cable...

Friendlier fish tape.(New Products)
August 1, 2006... A larger and more ergonomic handle, designed to provide installers with better control, maximum pulling strength, and easier rewinding, is one of the features of Tuff-Grip PRO--an enhanced version of the company's Tuff-Grip tape. Thirty-percent...

FTTx fault-finder.(New Products)
August 1, 2006... Remotely accessible fiber-optic fault finders for FTTx installations are designed to continuously monitor an active fiber link without interfering with the communications signal by transmitting an optical pulse into a fiber and monitoring the...

Pre-polished LC connectors.(New Products)
August 1, 2006... LC OptiCam pre-polished fiber-optic connectors are designed to provide field termination in less than half the time of field polish connectors. These LC connectors feature a patent-pending re-termination capability providing yield rates nearing...

Coax stripper.(New Products)
August 1, 2006... The LDT (lightweight drop trimmer) is a compact stripper for a wide variety of coaxial cable types. Featuring a one-step cable preparation, the company claims the LDT precisely exposes the center conductor by 5/16-inch and removes the proper...

FTTx connector.(New Products)
August 1, 2006... This outside plant FTTx hard fiber-optic (HFOC) connector family is designed for single and multiple fiber applications, and allow plug-in installation to single or multiple dwellings. They can be installed in pedestal closures, aerial and...

VDSL, triple-play tester.(New Products)
August 1, 2006... As part of its SunSet modular test toolkit family, the SSMTT-41 module is a multi-function tool for triple-play home deployments and, according to the company, the only one to support VDSL line verification function and inside wiring tests in...

Flexible conduit.(New Products)
August 1, 2006... Type A Liquidtight connectors and conduit are designed for installations with continuous flexing, vibration, or where corrosive elements are present. The conduit is constructed of a flexible PVC cover with a woven nylon web that's bonded to a...

High-density connector.(New Products)
August 1, 2006... The MRJ21 connector is designed to provide density and space savings for 10/100 or Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45/RJ-21 applications. Meeting standard Category 5e requirements, the MRJ21 has been designed to transmit simultaneous Gigabit Ethernet and...

Compact fan-out kit.(New Products)
August 1, 2006... The Durofan kit is designed to provide transition from jacketed ribbon to individual 2.0-mm protected legs. A molded snap-fit transition body protects 250-[micro]m fibers passing from ribbon to individual legs. The ribbon jacket and strain...

Fast heat-shrink oven.(New Products)
August 1, 2006... A new heat-shrink oven is designed to enable shrink times of 20 seconds or less, increasing fusion-splicer batter life by using 50% of the energy of standard heat-shrink ovens. The oven uses a radiant heating technology to rapidly shrink...

Analog/digital toner, probe.(New Products)
August 1, 2006... Combining advanced analog and digital toning technology, the IntelliTone Pro toner and probe performs tasks ranging from identifying a single cable in an electrically noisy bundle to pinpointing specific pairs within a cable and testing wiremap...

NID can wrench.(New Products)
August 1, 2006... The CW71638 can wrench is designed for universal access to network interface devices (NIDs), telephone boxes, and pedestals, as well as for tightening nuts on binding post terminals. It combines heat-treated 7/16-inch and 3/8-inch thin wall...

Estimating solution grows.(New Products)
August 1, 2006... Version 7 of the Accubid Pro, BidWinner Plus, BidWinner, and PowerBid estimating solutions can now share estimating data with ConstructJob, the company's Web-based project management system. Using a new Integrator utility (free with Version 7),...

Enclosure/UPS system.(New Products)
August 1, 2006... The InfraStruXure system, which integrates power, cooling, rack and other data center needs, now includes the company's Smart-UPS VT power module. Available in 20 and 30 KVA, and with 208 and 480-volt input, the system is especially suited for...

Products for integration.(New Products)
August 1, 2006... A 24-page color brochure, Integrated Markets, features the company's wide variety of low-voltage cabling products, including bundled structured cabling, home control cables, category cables, plenum and non-plenum electronic wire and fire alarm...

Data centers a high-growth market for structured cabling system suppliers.(PERSPECTIVE)
August 1, 2006... In our recent analysis of the cabling market for data centers, we found a large untapped market poised for explosive growth. Whereas the historic growth LAN data communications market for structured cabling systems has stagnated in the recent...