Cabling Installation & Maintenance articles from June 2007

Cabling Installation & Maintenance archives from June 2007

Trying to stay grounded on distributed topics.(EDITORIAL)(Editorial)
June 1, 2007... At any given time, there might be one or perhaps even two thoughts going through my head. Every now and then, those thoughts have to do with cabling and networking. And even less frequently, those thoughts drive me crazy. Here are some...

Planning your data center from scratch: site selection essentials.(Ask DONNA)
June 1, 2007... Our world runs not on fossil fuels, bio fuels or solar energy. Our world runs on data. Most of our modern telecommunications, commercial, financial, national-security, military, academic, and government systems are dependent upon reliable...

New fiber initiatives are transforming OSP; the shift from copper to fiber in the outside plant has given rise to new technologies and installation methods, and a rewrite of BICSI's OSP manual.(design)(outside plant)(Building Industry Consulting Service International)
June 1, 2007... Compared to other information systems, outside plant (OSP) practices have not changed dramatically over the past decade. The biggest change is what's being placed into OSP pathways. The demand for higher bandwidth and digital applications...

Integrated trunk modules: a data center design alternative: facilities of all sizes can reap system-performance benefits from an off-the-shelf solution.(installation)
June 1, 2007... The data center market in North America continues to grow and evolve. Small to medium-sized data centers continue to increase in numbers; data centers of all sizes are demanding products that provide the benefits and flexibility of a...

Weighing the hype, hope of Voice over Internet Protocol: some embrace the application's capabilities while others see it more like an oncoming train.(technology)
June 1, 2007... By nearly every account, the acceptance of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is expanding rapidly, particularly among residential consumers and commercial enterprises. A recent report from market researcher In-Stat (www.instat.com) stated...

Hunger for power drives data center designs: heat generation, cooling efforts, and power consumption add up to design challenges for data center administrators.(data center)(Cover story)
June 1, 2007... The challenge of designing a data center that adequately supports an organization's needs in the present as well as the future is a formidable task. As the cabling industry has witnessed over a couple of decades, the idea of building...

Biometrics technology putting a face on security: a round-up of some of the latest biometrics products and systems, as displayed at ISC West 2007.(security)
June 1, 2007... Technologies and products based on biometrics--facial and hand recognition--were on full display at the ISC West exposition, held in late March. In fact, one of three specialized pavilions within the exhibition focused on Access...

Corning re-opens manufacturing facility, unveils speciality singlemode fiber.(INDUSTRY spotlight)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... After mothballing its partially completed Concord, NC optical-fiber manufacturing facility in late 2002, Corning Inc. (www.corning.com) has reopened a portion of that plant and hopes to restart fiber manufacturing within six to nine months. ...

Data center cooling technology meets software troubleshooter.(INDUSTRY spotlight)
June 1, 2007... In a partnership the companies say is designed for providing more cost effective spaces for high-density deployments, such as data centers, Chatsworth Products' (www.chatsworth.com) TeraFrame cabinet system and Vertical Exhaust Duct System is...

Many disaster recovery plans may be a disaster in the making.(INDUSTRY spotlight)(Survey)
June 1, 2007... In a recent survey of more than 500 senior IT professionals conducted for data center software solutions provider Scalent Systems (www.scalent.com), nearly 90% of respondents said that lack of updated testing of their disaster recovery plan...

Richmond, IN--Belden (www.belden.com) has launched a Wireless Integrator (BWI) Channel Program designed to build a network of systems integrators and contractor partners who are qualified to provide design, installation, and maintenance services for the company's new wireless solutions.(Short runs ...)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... RICHMOND, IN -- Belden (www.belden.com) has launched a Wireless Integrator (BWI) Channel Program designed to build a network of systems integrators and contractor partners who are qualified to provide design, installation, and maintenance...

Mountain View, CA--Corning, JDSU, Molex, Nortel, the Association for Communications Technology Professionals in Higher Education (ACUTA), and the Open Fabrics Alliance are among the newest members of the Ethernet Alliance (www.ethernetalliance.org).(Short runs ...)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA -- Corning, JDSU, Molex, Nortel, the Association for Communications Technology Professionals in Higher Education (ACUTA), and the Open Fabrics Alliance are among the newest members of the Ethernet Alliance...

Irvine, CA--Aktino's (www.aktino.com) broadband-over-copper wiring infrastructure technology has earned the company a finalist award from AeA, the nation's largest high-tech trade association.(Short runs ...)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... IRVINE, CA -- Aktino's (www.aktino.com) broadband-over-copper wiring infrastructure technology has earned the company a finalist award from AeA, the nation's largest high-tech trade association. The company is being recognized for its physical...

Lumberton, NJ--start-up IntelliPath (www.intellipathsolutions.com) has purchased a family of physical layer network connectivity solutions from Brocade Communications Systems (www.brocade.com), and is now marketing them under the name Universal Connectivity System (UCS).(Short runs ...)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... LUMBERTON, NJ -- Start-up IntelliPath (www.intellipathsolutions.com) has purchased a family of physical layer network connectivity solutions from Brocade Communications Systems (www.brocade.com), and is now marketing them under the name...

Google home networking 'solution' promises to flush out 'smelly' last mile.(INDUSTRY spotlight)
June 1, 2007... Online search technology kingpin Google recently had Web-surfing cabling professionals scratching their heads with its promotion for a free in-home wireless broadband installation "technology," dubbed TiSP--the Toilet Internet Service Provider...

San Francisco, CA--a new section of the InfiniBand architecture specifications--Annex A5: Pluggable Interfaces; CATx Copper and Optical--intends to provide a flexible way for companies to incorporate innovative cabling, higher bandwidth links, and active cabling technologies (including copper and fiber) into the InfiniBand specification.(Short runs ...)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- A new section of the InfiniBand architecture specifications--Annex A5: Pluggable Interfaces; CATx Copper and Optical--intends to provide a flexible way for companies to incorporate innovative cabling, higher bandwidth...

Corning, NY--Corning (www.corning.com) Vascade EX 1000 optical fiber has been specified for the submarine cable that will be supplied to Faroese Telecom for the SHEFA-2 network connecting the Faroe, Shetland and Orkney islands with the mainland of Scotland.(Short runs ...)(www.xirrus.com)(Brief article)
June 1, 2007... CORNING, NY -- Corning (www.corning.com) Vascade EX 1000 optical fiber has been specified for the submarine cable that will be supplied to Faroese Telecom for the SHEFA-2 network connecting the Faroe, Shetland and Orkney islands with the...

GbE patch panel.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... The UniPatch GigE patch panel is designed for demanding copper cabling environments where frequent patching and higher density are required. This Gigabit Ethernet unit features a high-density card frame system based on the patented KRONE...

Fiber LAN tester.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... The N4376B lightwave component analyzer (LCA) tests 10-Gbit Ethernet and Fibre Channel LAN components at an 850-nm target wavelength. According to the company, testing multimode components at this wavelength with multimode conditions allows for...

DIN cable assemblies.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... Multiple connector cable assemblies are available in arrangements of two, three, or four DIN 43650-A or B and C solenoid connectors. Standard cable length is one meter, with 200 mm between connectors (custom lengths available). Each connector...

Tight-buffered cable.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... A new construction of the company's Adventum fiber-optic drop cable is designed for security and FTTx installation. Adventum ATR (riser-rated) and ATP (plenum-rated) cables are available in one or two tight-buffered fibers in a loose-tube cable...

Low-loss connectors.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... UniCam Pretium Performance fiber-optic connectors, says the manufacturer, are guaranteed to achieve a typical insertion loss as low as 0.1 dB. These no-epoxy/no-polish connectors are designed for quick field installation. Multimode connectors...

Cable organizer.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... The Ultimate Cord Organizer Clip helps you organize and track cables, cords, or wires between devices. Each slot in the clip has a letter assigned to it and retains the designated cables when open. You can sort by size and type, as well as...

Front panel frames.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... These 19-inch front panel frames are built for structural assembly parts and applications that do not specify the inclusion of complete card frames. Patch fields, displays, interfaces, and other front panel designs can be built up in...

Multi-faceted multimeter.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... LinkRunner Pro Network Multimeter is designed to troubleshoot Gigabit Ethernet links, help resolve 802.1X security conflicts, and provide comprehensive link status reports. The multimeter also performs Power over Ethernet verification to IEEE...

Tight-buffered armored cable.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... Tight Buffer Distribution Interlock Armored Cable can be used in open-tray applications, and is designed to provide protection in harsh industrial environments and intrabuilding voice/ data backbones. This Type OFCR/OFCP fiber premise cable...

Splicing enclosures.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... A family of rack-mount splicing enclosures includes a combo unit capable of patching and splicing within the same units. The double-decker combo is designed for complete front access, with a four-adapter panel capability on top and up to 96...

Stereo audio balun.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... The AVO-A2-WP-F wall plate balun is designed to distribute stereo audio signal up to 2,500 feet over Category 5 or 6 cable. The front panel features two gold plated female RCA connectors on a white face plate, while the rear panel features an...

PoE security system.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... PowerNet IP Reader-Controllers connect directly to an IP network to eliminate the need for traditional security control panels and wiring/cabling. By utilizing Power over Ethernet technology, the Reader-Controllers can reduce security...

High-density enclosure.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... This high-density fiber enclosure is designed to support Cisco's MDS 9513 matrix switch used for large data center and storage area networks. A blade configuration within the enclosure lets users quickly make a like-for-like connection into the...

Industrial Ethernet cable.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... Etherline Torsion CAT.5 is a halogen-free, industrial-grade Ethernet cable. It is suited for applications in industrial machines and equipment where torsional stress may occur. The cable, available in a two-pair configuration, has been tested...

Fiber connector training.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... A menu-based training DVD, Fiber Optic Connectors, focuses on termination, testing, inspection, and cleaning. Also included are chapters on: discrete parts of connectors; optical and mechanical tolerances and their impact on performance;...

'Smart' security camera.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... The Li045 camera for security installations features onboard video analytics designed to provide automated, real-time detection, tracking, and analysis of objects of interests, as well as identification of threats. The camera features an...

Loaded IDF rack.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... Designed for mounting to building truss and uni-strut, the IDF (intermediate distribution) Series racks are suitable for housing critical components in warehouses, retail outlets, or any open facility where cable run distances can become...

Fiber-optic patch cords.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... Integrating proprietary HLC connector technology and bend-insensitive glass, these HLC fiber-optic patch cords are built to address intermittent network failures and feature a dust- and scratch-resistant design for extended life in Incumbent...

USB KVM extender.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... The ST-C5USBV-300 extends a USB keyboard/mouse and VGA display up to 300 feet via Category 5, 5e, or 6 cable. Each extender consists of a local unit that connects to a computer and provides keyboard, monitor, and mouse connections, and a remote...

Telecom enclosure.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... The wall-mount Mighty Mo Telecom Enclosure supports up to 48 users and provides capacity for active and passive equipment. Features include a brush cable exit that prevents dirt and debris from entering the enclosure, swing-out access for...

Surface-mount boxes.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... Two-port and four-port Mini-Com Ultimate ID surface-mount boxes are built to accept universal-sized print labels and flush covers. They can be mounted on the wall or with the company's Pan-Way surface raceway. The four-port box tabs for...

FTTx distributor.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... Coyote Dome Closure is designed for a variety of fiber-optic distribution network requirements, allowing for simplified access to each cable entry separately to eliminate the possibility of disturbing other existing cables or fibers. Available...

Power monitoring unit.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... IPV42/70 Series of intelligent power controllers for data centers or remote site management is available in 42--and 70-inch vertical strips. This power distribution series is designed to provide individual on/off/reboot control of up to 24 AC...

Angled faceplate adapter.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... TERA-MAX angled faceplate adapters provide an angled work area mounting solution for the company's TERA and flat UTP MAX outlets within the company's CT faceplates. These adapters can reduce mounting depth requirements for work area outlets by...

Fiber distribution hub.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... The OmniReach indoor fiber distribution hub (FDH) 3000i is designed to organize and administer fiber-optic cables and passive optical splitters for such applications as multiple-dwelling units (MDUs). Providing a cross-connect and interconnect...

Access point enclosure.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... PanZone wireless access point (WAP) enclosures are now designed for use with Cisco Aironet 1130 and 1220 Series WAPs and optional radio modules that support IEEE 802.11a,b, and g standards. Designed with keyed lock to provide protection...

Laser-based cable pulling.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... Equipped with a laser sighting device, LaserLine is designed to accurately install a cable pull line up to 120 feet in seconds, through most web trusses, over suspended ceiling systems and hard-to-move objects, under sub-flooring, or in limited...

Stainless steel faceplate.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... The company's TracJack faceplates are now offered in stainless steel for installations where extra durability is required. The 403STJ series is available in one-, two-, three-, four-, six-, eight-, and 12-port sizes, and can be flush-mounted. A...

Plug-and-play mesh.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... QuikMesh, a plug-and-playwireless mesh system for security installations, wirelessly links security peripheral devices, such as card readers, biometric readers, and parking gates with central computer panels that manage security systems. The...

Connector test kit.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... Providing tools needed for testing and turning up hardened connector architectures, the OmniReach hardened connector test kit includes test cables, adapters, a cleaning kit, cleaning and turn-up documentation, product reference sheet, and...

Hand-held FTTx tester.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... The OFI-FTTx optical fiber identifier is designed to identify the presence or absence of an active optical network terminal (ONT) on FTTx F2 fibers at the fiber distribution hub (FDH). The unit can verify whether a splitter pigtail at the FDH...

Splineless Cat 6 for 5e apps.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... A redesign of the LANmark-6 Category 6 UTP cable eliminates the spline, making it lighter, smaller and, according to the company, easier to install. The cable's reduced diameter of 0.195 inches brings it close to that of a Category 5e cable...

Motion control cable.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... Motion Series cables for motion applications are flat and encapsulated in "glass-clear" silicone for greater flexibility. With a bend radius of as little as 1.5-inch, these cables are especially suited for linear motion and tight-space...

Wireless Ethernet jack.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... Karo Technology's WEJ-11g Wireless Ethernet Jack features an 802.11b/g wireless access point with wireless client isolation designed for greater security in public networks. Receiving power and data from a standard Power over Ethernet injector,...

Integrated cooling rack.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... The Liebert XDK, a Knurr rack enclosure with integrated cooling capabilities, is designed to protect up to 17 kW of high-density equipment in the data center. This closed architecture solution uses water to transport heat out of the enclosure,...

Large data center rack.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... Built for enterprises with medium to large data centers, the HP 10000 G2 Series of racks range from 22U to 47U and 600- to 800-mm widths. The rack features a patented 7 x 2 steel roll frame folded seven times rather than being cut thicker,...

Vertical patching rack.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... The VPC-12 is a 12-inch-wide, expanded capacity version of its Vertical Patching Channel (VPC) rack-mounted cable management system. Designed for being rack-mounted or side-stacked between adjacent racks, the VPC-12 has a capacity of...

RGB insert.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... The Decorex RGB-VGA insert will fit all of the company's Decorex faceplates, including single, dual, triple and quad-gang. The insert supports 15-pin RGB plus horizontal and vertical synchronization signals that pass through unprocessed to...

Cable management catalog.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... Volume 5 of the the DataCom Catalog features a wide selection of open frame racks, cable management systems, wall-mount cabinets and racks, free-standing cabinets, thermal management solutions, and modular enclosure systems. A new chapter is...

Hybrid Powerline adapter.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... The EZ Connect 200Mbps Powerline AV Hybrid Ethernet Adapter can transmit video, VoIP, and broadband access-sharing signals over ordinary AC electrical or coaxial cabling in the home. Compatible with HomePlug AV/1.0 and 1.1 devices, the adapter...

A trio of splitters and cutters.(Product Focus: crimpers, strippers, cutters)
June 1, 2007... New access and ribbon-splitting tools are designed for simplified fiber-optic applications: * The Universal Access Tool (UAT3) helps simplify a mid-span access on single-tube fiber and ribbon cable. The tool features a drive mechanism to...

Tons of power for both heavy-duty and single-handed crimping.(Product Focus: crimpers, strippers, cutters)
June 1, 2007... Color-Keyed 14-ton hydraulic crimping and cutting tools are designed to protect operator hands while simplifying work in tight spaces. A dual-speed action pump offers fast advancing ram speed for approach of die to connector, and a slower and...

Combo tool strips coax and copper.(Product Focus: crimpers, strippers, cutters)
June 1, 2007... The Coax/UTP Combo Stripper is designed for nick-free stripping of RG-59. RG-6. and RG-6Q coaxial cable, as well as Category 3, 5e. and 6 unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable. The company says that. unlike comparable tools. the Coax/UTP Combo...

Professional-grade hand tools with strain relief.(Product Focus: crimpers, strippers, cutters)
June 1, 2007... This line of high-performance crimpers, cutters, and strippers is designed for efficiency and to reduce hand strain. D-Snips feature notched scissor blades are designed for quick stripping of 19- and 23-gauge wire, and will cut up to 16-gauge...

Crimper with 19 attachments.(Product Focus: crimpers, strippers, cutters)
June 1, 2007... The Crimpfox Multi crimp tool features 19 exchangeable attachments for a wide variety of applications. Designed to crimp ferrules, cable lugs, push-on receptacles, coaxial connectors and modular plugs, this universal tool is suitable for...

Potable coax stripper.(Product Focus: crimpers, strippers, cutters)
June 1, 2007... The two-pound, battery-operated Model 824 Pivot Stripper can be used to strip RGU, semi-rigid, plenum, and heliax coax cable This tool can also process semi-rigid cable up to .141 inches outside diameter. A standard battery pack provides...

Hand-held fiber cleaver.(Product Focus: crimpers, strippers, cutters)
June 1, 2007... This hand-held precision fiber cleaver is built to provide the quality and feel of a full-scale tool. The 10,000 cleave blade life, according to the company, exceeds that of comparable hand-held cleavers. The tool is designed to be an...

Ergonomic hydraulic crimper.(Product Focus: crimpers, strippers, cutters)
June 1, 2007... The newly-redesigned Burndy Patriot (PAT644XT) 18-volt, battery-actuated hydraulic crimping tool is built for more crimps per charge and improved ergonomics. Featuring a patented high-speed hydraulic pump, transmission, and piston technology,...

More 'smart' UPS systems.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... Three new models have been added to the company's line of 8-kVA SmartOnline Hot-Swappable Modular UPS Systems. Model SU8000RT3U features 200 to 240 volts input and output, while Model SU8000RT3U1TF includes a transformer module for additional...

Fiber tool smorgasbord.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... A variety of new fiber-optic tools are designed to assist in a variety of installation requirements: * A hand-held microscope incorporates high-quality glass optics and dual illumination lighting for 200x magnification. With a 500-[micro]m...

IP security camera.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... The I-ONYX series of IP security cameras, powered by ViconNet software, is designed to deliver up to 30 fps of 864 x 586 PAL video across the network, and can be powered by Power over Ethernet or 24 volts AC. Initial models are: the VN-855, a...

Raceway as you like it.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... The company's Fiber Raceway System is now available in black and orange (in addition to yellow and gray), and in the following sizes: 2 x 2, 2 x 4, 4 x 4, 4 x 8, and 4 x 12 inches. An Outlet Trumpet Fitting for the 4 x 12 system lets fiber...

Fiber tool kit.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... Featuring lightweight, hand-held tools for field connectorization of the company's Pretium fiber-optic connectors, the UniCam Pretium Tool Kit contains an installation tool and double-blade cleaver that the manufacturer claims can eliminate...

Fiber inspection tool.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... The FiberInspector Mini is a miniature portable video microscope that lets you view both multimode and singlemode end-faces in fine detail. This tool is designed to help you get the best performance from fiber links by quickly identifying...

Physical layer software.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... PanView 4.1 physical layer management software now supports: real-time monitoring and alerts of end-to-end connectivity; a Service Provisioning tool that automates and streamlines work order development and processing; and a Common Switch...

FTTP splitter cabinet.(New Products)
June 1, 2007... The CSX-2 144 outdoor centralized splitter cabinet, environmentally sealed for splitting and redistributing optical power from feed fiber to distribution fibers, is suitable for pole-mounting or pad placement. The cabinet can accommodate two...