Cabling Installation & Maintenance articles from January 2008

Cabling Installation & Maintenance archives from January 2008

In '08, it'll be 6A and 10G.(EDITORIAL)
January 1, 2008... It's somewhat cliche to use the January issue of a monthly publication as a venue in which to predict what's going to happen in the new year. So I'll try to be neither trite nor obnoxious while contemplating what we'll see in 2008. Most...

Cable planning for IP convergence: understanding the art and science of building structured cabling systems for digital security applications.(design)
January 1, 2008... There are two mindsets concerning Internet Protocol (IP) convergence: One is, "IP network video is here now," and the other is, "IP is a long, long way away." But the bigger question is not "when?" but "how?" Who's in charge here, and what...

Installation opportunities that move with the economy: in the face of declining home sales, here's how residential installers can successfully transition to light-commercial projects.(installation)
January 1, 2008... With a decreasing number of new-home sales and an increasing number of foreclosures, the housing boom that began in 2001 appears to be officially over. While recent layoffs, price slashing, and dropping stocks have been taking its toll on U.S....

Get smart (buildings) for efficiency and conservation: intelligent network infrastructures making a strong case in the real-estate world.(technology)
January 1, 2008... In November 2007, Realcomm (www.realcomm.com) hosted a half-day "Intelligent NextGen Buildings" seminar in New York City. It brought together some of the great minds in manufacturing, commercial real estate, systems integration and consulting...

10 Gbits/sec and beyond: high speed in the data center: Ethernet, InfiniBand, and Fibre Channel all have their own cable and connectivity requirements.(data center)
January 1, 2008... The need for higher speed is growing everywhere in the data center, but at different rates for different applications. Even as adoption of 10GBase-compliant fiber and copper solutions grow, some user groups, such as video-content providers,...

Free-space optics stabilizing and growing: the point-to-point wireless technology is connecting disparate nodes at gigabit speeds.(wireless)
January 1, 2008... Well recognized as a niche technology that wirelessly connects network nodes when the prospect of installing cable is impossible or at least impractical, free-space optics (FSO) is being deployed around the globe. The technology, which...

CommScope helping to develop connected community.(INDUSTRY spotlight)
January 1, 2008... Partnering with North Carolina real estate structured cabling solutions provider iconnect Technology, CommScope Enterprise Solutions (www. commscope.com) is helping to make Langtree At the Lake (langtreeatthelake.com) in Mooresville, NC one of...

Researchers push l00-Gbits/sec over Category 7 copper.(INDUSTRY spotlight)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Engineering students at Penn State University recently told the IEEE High Speed Study Group (www.ieee.org) that their research shows the possibility of sending digital data at 100-Gbits/sec over 100 meters of Category 7 copper cable. "A...

Security installation helps reduce vandalism by 98%.(INDUSTRY spotlight)
January 1, 2008... A northern California provider/ installer of video surveillance systems via networked cameras recently completed an installation at the Shasta Union High School District that school officials claim has nearly eliminated undetected school...

Tinley Park, IL--NeoPhonetics (www.neophonetics.com), which designs custom VoIP systems for the enterprise, has launched a Network Assessment Tool that lets a company considering a data VoIP solution to determine whether their cabling, switching and routers, and network bandwidth are VoIP-compatible.(Short runs ...)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... TINLEY PARK, IL -- NeoPhonetics (www.neophonetics.com), which designs custom VoIP systems for the enterprise, has launched a Network Assessment Tool that lets a company considering a data VoIP solution to determine whether their cabling,...

Lexington, KY--Acuta (www.acuta.org), a non-profit association that supports higher education communications technology professionals, has named Dr. Walt Magnussen, telecommunications director at Texas A&M University, as its new president.(Short runs ...)(appointments)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... LEXINGTON, KY -- ACUTA (www.acuta.org), a non-profit association that supports higher education communications technology professionals, has named Dr. Walt Magnussen, telecommunications director at Texas A&M University, as its new president....

Tukwila, Wa--The Light Brigade (www.lightbrigade.com) is offering a three-day fiber-optic training course, "Fiber Characterization: PMD, CD, and ORL," during several dates in 2008 in Seattle.(Short runs ...)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... TUKWILA, WA -- The Light Brigade (www.lightbrigade.com) is offering a three-day fiber-optic training course, "Fiber Characterization: PMD, CD, and ORL," during several dates in 2008 in Seattle. The course provides classroom instruction on the...

Irvine, CA--Solarflare Communications (www.solarflare.com), developer of 10-Gbit Ethernet silicon and reference designs, is collaborating with Accton Technology Corp. (www.accton.com) to develop solutions for network equipment manufacturers that address enterprise/data center 10-GbE deployment over existing infrastructures of UTP copper cabling.(Short runs ...)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... IRVINE, CA -- Solarflare Communications (www.solarflare.com), developer of 10-Gbit Ethernet silicon and reference designs, is collaborating with Accton Technology Corp. (www.accton.com) to develop solutions for network equipment manufacturers...

London--structured cabling integrator Bailey Teswaine (baileyteswaine.co.uk) is offering intelligent infrastructure management (IIM) technology as a managed service.(Short runs ...)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... LONDON -- Structured cabling integrator Bailey Teswaine (baileyteswaine.co.uk) is offering intelligent infrastructure management (IIM) technology as a managed service. IIM involves deployment of intelligent patch panels in new builds for the...

Sunnyvale, CA--MoSys Inc. (www.mosys.com), developer of high-density embedded memory and mixed-signal intellectual property (IP) solutions, has introduced a Gigabit Ethernet Physical Layer (PHY) on copper semiconductor IP.(Short runs ...)
January 1, 2008... SUNNYVALE, CA -- MoSys Inc. (www.mosys.com), developer of high-density embedded memory and mixed-signal intellectual property (IP) solutions, has introduced a Gigabit Ethernet Physical Layer (PHY) on copper semiconductor IP. The product is...

Leviton, Meru enter wireless partnership.(INDUSTRY spotlight)(Leviton Network Solutions is partnering with Meru Networks)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Cabling and network infrastructure provider Leviton Network Solutions (www.levitonnetworksolutions. corn), formerly known as Leviton Voice & Data Division, is partnering with wireless infrastructure provider Meru Networks (merunetworks.com) to...

Cable tie remover.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... A new line of hand tools has been designed to safely remove cable ties and plastic strapping. Smooth safety guards provide protection to cables, sliding be hind the tie or strapping to prevent sharp blades from contacting bundled items. An...

Conduit, cable guides.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... The online AirES (Air Enhanced System) conduit capacity calculator helps determine how much cable a job will require based on conduit size. You input a conduit size and the calculator will determine the amount of the company's AirES cables will...

Cable support system.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... CableWay is a UL-listed cable runway support system for low-voltage or power cable. Rated for a maximum load of 6 pounds/linear foot, CableWay's components include support brackets that attach to a wall or ceiling without structural damage....

Audio decoder via Cat 5.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... Exstreamer IP-based audio decoders are designed for educational installations ranging from classroom recording to live paging and campus security. Programmable school bell/signal systems, for example, can run over Category 5 cabling. The device...

Industrial Ethernet components.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... DataTuff Industrial Ethernet connectivity components include cord sets, jacks, plug kits, tools, and accessories. These IP67-rated components are designed for use on the factory floor and process areas in unprotected and outdoor environments....

Feed-through, protector panels.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... These Category 6 feed-through patch panels eliminate punchdowns, and protect ports on network switches from the wear and tear of constant changes. Panels feature RJ-45 ports on both sides, and are available in shielded and unshielded as well as...

Chemical-resistant labels.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... CIL 8200SC Metalised polyester range of chemical-resistant labels let you add data using a thermal transfer printer. When used in combination with the company's thermal transfer ribbons, the labels resist a range of chemicals and solvents,...

WLAN port adapter.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... These WLAN serial port adapters enable cable replacement in industrial applications, such as programming, configuration, service, diagnostics, and data acquisition. A robust housing makes them suitable for harsh industrial environments when...

Dome security camera.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... WDR (wide dynamic range) indoor/outdoor vandal resistant mini-dome cameras feature Pixim Inc.'s (www.pixim. com/cameras) Orca chipset with Digital Pixel System technology that allows individual pixel sampling to determine optimum exposure in...

Outdoor WAP.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... Combining access point with amplifier, the SAP36g-OD outdoor wireless access point (WAP) features a small footprint and strong metal casing suited for ceiling-, wall-, or pole-mount installations. Power over Ethernet-capable, the WAP is...

Fiber test kit.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... Three fiber-optic test and inspection kits let installers and network managers perform cleaning and loss testing, and offer video inspection of fiber end-faces using a 200x microscope (FiberInspector Mini) that aligns the inspection probe with...

AV over Category 5.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... With the Twister 2 CAT-5 system, high-resolution video and stereo audio can be sent long distances on Category 5 cable with an optional skew compensation feature. This RS-232 Data/IR device is designed for applications requiring transport of...

3-in-1 OTDR.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... The OFL 250 handheld OTDR for testing and monitoring FTTx installations combines an optical power meter, laser source, and visual fault locator in an under 2-pound package. It provides automatic and manual setups, precision event analysis, and...

VGA boost over Cat 5.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... The 2xVGA Extender lets you extend VGA audio at up to 1,000 feet from the security video source. With a single Category 5 cable carrying its video signal, the 2xVGA receiver unit has two VGA video outputs for connecting more than one monitor at...

3-phase UPS.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... The UPS RP36000/3 is designed to dissipate less than half as much heat into a data center as comparable UPSs. The rack-mountable system provides 36 kilowatts of power or 24 kilowatts with N+1 redundancy. UPS paralleling allows up to six UPS...

Residential solutions.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... The 2008 Residential Structured Cabling Solutions catalog features connectivity products for computer networking, home theater, high-speed Internet, and multi-room video. Products include HDMI and RGB-VGA inserts, DSL filter modules, and a...

Speedy 10-GbE test kit.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... This 10-Gigabit Alien Crosstalk Testing Kit with software upgrade allows LANTEK 6A and 7G cable certifiers to perform complete alien crosstalk testing in compliance with proposed international standards. The kit consists of two dual-head AXT...

Wireless device server.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... Designed to connect hard-to-wire serial devices, the JetPort 5801 one-port RS-232/422/485 Wireless Serial Device Server is 802.11b/g compliant with up to 54 Mbits/sec. Security includes 128-bit WEE The unit can be configured with the company's...

Copper, fiber assemblies.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... Preterminated, factory-tested copper trunk cable assemblies are custom-configured in pre-engineered lengths using connectors that meet the specific needs of each application. These copper trunks use the company's QuickPort jacks, which are...

Shielded Category 6A.(New Products)(Leviton Network Solutions)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... This Category 6A shielded connectivity system is independently verified by ETL to support a 4-connector, 100-meter channel, and exceeds all electrical parameters and alien crosstalk requirements of the TIA/EIA and ISO Category 6A standards. The...

Mini-converter.(New Products)(Lynn Electronics Corp.)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Designed for integrating fiber-optic cabling into a 10/100 UPT environment for multimode applications up to 2 km and singlemode up to 80 km, the Mini-Media Converter series includes an advanced auto-MDI/MDI-X feature that lets you use a...

Enhanced estimator.(New Products)(Maxwell Systems Inc.)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Quest Estimator 7.6 is designed for faster speed and accuracy in contractor takeoff and estimating. The company says the latest version of its software streamlines the process from estimate to billing, and gives business owners greater...

Flat pack rack.(New Products)(Middle Atlantic Products Inc.)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... SFR Series wall racks are now available in a smaller, easy-to-assemble flat pack, designed to reduce shipping costs and storage requirements. The rack features an open wall-mount design that allows equipment to swing out, while a 90[degrees]...

Upgraded IP video manager.(New Products)(Milestone Systems)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Version 2.5 of XProtect Transact is an integrated IP video surveillance software solution for business, industry, and financial data center installations to help reduce fraud, errors, and theft. The software can help track goods from receiving...

Wall-mount baluns.(New Products)(Niles Audio Corp.)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Each of the company's nine new wall-mount CAT-5 Balun models are designed to convert a wide range of signals to balanced circuit topology, enabling conventional audio/video signals to be transmitted over long runs of Category 5 cabling....

Outdoor WAP, client.(New Products)(Moxa Tech USA introduces wireless application protocols)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Supplied in IP67/68-certified weatherproof casing, the AWK-1200 series IP68-rated Access Point/Bridge and IP67-rated AP client operate in temperatures from -20[degrees] to 70[degrees] C. The WAP and client are compliant with IEEE 802.11g/b and...

10-Gbit test kit.(New Products)(Optical Wavelength Labs)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... The newly redesigned Micro OWL 2 optical power meter features an improved menu system, user-flashable firmware, auto-wavelength switching, and an optional integrated precision-coupled visual fault locator (PCVFL). When bundled with the...

Composite ferrule connector.(New Products)(Panduit Corp.)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... With yield rates approaching 100%, composite ferrule SC and ST OptiCAM connectors are an alternative to zirconia ceramic connectors for static applications, such as behind the wall, fiber-to-the-zone, and panel installations. The connectors...

8-foot rack system.(New Products)(Panduit Corp.)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... PatchRunner is an 8-foot vertical cable management rack system designed to provide 16% more rack space for equipment in the same footprint as a conventional 7-foot rack. A 2-post standard rack is UL-listed for 1,000 pounds load rating, is...

Puller provides controlled force over longer distances.(Product Focus: cable-pulling equipment)(General Machine Products Company Inc.)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Stationed on a trailer body, the Sidewinder F.O. Cable Puller has been designed to exceed the requirements of underground telecommunication cable installation. It employs a single, 32-inch diameter capstan to provide a controlled force when...

Fish tape addresses difficult bends.(Product Focus: cable-pulling equipment)(Ideal Industries Inc. (Rockville, Maryland))(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Zoom fish tape features a braided stainless steel core and polyamide resin jacket. Built for conduit runs with difficult cable placement, such as multiple bends, elbows, and junction boxes, Zoom fish tape is designed for omni-directional...

Automatic cable payout system.(Product Focus: cable-pulling equipment)(Eraser Company Inc.)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Model APF100 Auto Prefeeder & Wire Payout System is designed for wire/cable sizes .030" to .312" OD (depending upon material condition). The device can be used with any of the company's wire and tubing cutters or the CS800 Wire Cut & Strip...

Color camera for networks.(New Products)(Pelco)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... IP3701 color network cameras are built on an open architecture designed to add flexibility to existing IT and security installations. Users can view and control the cameras via standard web browser, the company's Endura network-based video...

Splice tray secures fibers.(New Products)(Preformed Line Products Co.)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Coyote outside-plant splice trays with LITE-GRIP technology feature retention sleeves that are designed to secure bare fiber entering the tray, splice blocks that secure and protect fiber splices from movement and vibration, and ribbon managers...

Super wide day/night camera.(New Products)(Samsung Electronics Company Ltd.)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... The SHC735N Super Wide Dynamic Range (SWDR) Ultra High Resolution Day/ Night camera incorporates proprietary DSP technology designed for outstanding performance for video surveillance installations. An ICR filter provides day/night switchover....

Passive VGA balun.(New Products)(Seco Larm)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Using Category 5 or 5e shielded cable with shielded RJ-45 connectors, the Model EVT-SBP-GQ passive VGA balun connects a PC, digital video recorder, or video splitter to a VGA monitor at distances up to 450 feet. The balun is designed to work...

Surface-mount Cat 6A box.(New Products)(Siemon Co.)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... MAX surface-mount boxes support the company's 10G 6A F/UTP network cabling solution for screened Category 6A installation requirements. Available in 1-, 2-, 4-, and 6-port configurations, these boxes offer multiple built-in cable management...

Bridging media converter.(New Products)(TC Communications)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Featuring long-distance capability and rate control, the TC3240 10/100M 4-port switching/bridging fiber-optic Ethernet media converter is designed to convert or connect 10/100Base-TX UTP networks to 100Base-FX (fiber) networks. The converter...

Retractable fiber cassettes.(New Products)(Telescent)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... This 3U 19-inch rack-mount module contains eight SureLink retractable cable cassettes, and is designed to reduce slack cable management for wiring closets and test/measurement systems that require frequent reconfiguration. According to the...

Dual wavelength loopback.(New Products)(Timbercon)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... The Armadillo dual wavelength attenuated loopback is designed to provide wavelength-independent signal loss simulation across multiple applications. It features uniform attenuation technology that enables precision optical loss at both 1310 and...

Multi-support WAP.(New Products)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Built to support up to four independent IEEE 802.11 a/b/g radios within a single enclosure, the HyFi 100 DOCSIS-based wireless access point (WAP) can be auto-discovered, remotely configured, and centrally managed for roaming broadband access,...

Long-reach suppressors.(New Products)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... The Isobar ISOBAR825ULTRA and Protect It! TLP725 and TLP825 surge suppressors feature 25-foot-cords for protecting equipment across a room. Designed with eight outlets arranged in four filter banks, ISOBAR825ULTRA prevents common system...

Shielded panels, jack.(New Products)(AMPTRAC XG)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... An improved AMPTRAC XG shielded patch panel (pictured) is optimized for 10-Gbit Ethernet over copper. It looks and installs like an unshielded patch panel, with no special handling for bonding; a bonding bar automatically completes a metallic...

Handheld VFL.(New Products)(visual fault locator)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Featuring a 650-nm laser, this handheld visual fault locator (VFL) is designed to ease the task of locating damaged, broken, or tightly bent fibers that cause attenuation. The tool's cable jacket glows red when a fault is located, while a flash...

Single-fiber cleaner.(New Products)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... This disposable, electrostatic, cloth tool is designed to clean oil and debris on single-mode and multimode APC and UPC connectors. The cloth cleaning sheet is protected with a film to keep it clean until ready for use. According to the...

Fixed position camera.(New Products)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... The VC-700S (pictured) and VC-710S series of fixed-position compact camera domes are configured for in-ceiling or surface-mount installation to a standard 4 x 4 electrical box, without the need for an adapter. It can be rotated 90[degrees] to...

Fiber-based HDMI.(New Products)(Vizionware)(high definition multimedia interface )(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... The 1650LD Series of fiber-optic HDMI interconnects let you transmit 1080p HDMI at lengths of S0 to 100 meters with no data loss. Featuring the Deep Color HDMI specification, the 1650LD multiplexes all digital video data onto a single fiber...

Home automation cable.(New Products)(Windy City Wire)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Additions to the company's line of home automation cables include a 12/2 105-strand oxy-free audio, a 5C RGB, a 24-4p Category 5e PVC, and an OAS and 22-2p EPS line-level audio. Each includes the company's SmartWire feature, which is a...

Compact divided raceway.(New Products)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... The 2400D compact dual-compartment raceway is designed for jobs that do not require the extra capacity of larger perimeter raceways or vertical drop systems, and is an alternative to installing separate raceway runs and device boxes for power...

Large function floor box.(New Products)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... This multi-service floor box is designed for rooms that host large gatherings, meetings, and mini-trade shows but do not require full-size convention center boxes. It combines connections for power, communications, and AV devices, and a cover...

Multimedia cabling solution.(New Products)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... AV2000 multimedia cabling system is now HD-compatible, and built for multimedia, audio/video projects and live productions, mobile broadcasting, and post-production. The solution combines audio, high-definition video, data, and control signals...

Flush-cut ties.(New Products)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Featuring a patented Micro-Shear bypass cutting technology that square-cuts cable ties rather than pinching them and leaving spikes, the Model 2775 Quick-Cutter produces flush cuts with a smooth, flat finish. Quick-Cutter is designed to provide...

High-def A/V connectors.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... This expanded line of audio/video connectors is designed for a wide variety of high-performance, high-definition applications. Connectors include 3.5-mm stereo, HD-15 screw terminal, HDMI and DVI-I. Additional RCA QuickPort connectors feature...

IP video solutions.(New Products)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... A new set of Endura IP video security system products provides connectivity to intelligent video and mapping that enhance configuration and control. WS5000 Advanced System Software v. 1.5 features an upgraded user interface that provides more...

Plug-and-play splitter.(New Products)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... The OmniReach 1x64 FTTx splitter doubles the number of customers that can be served from a single splitter and reduces the feeder fibers needed for the network. Designed for all indoor and outdoor FTTx installations, the splitter offers...