Cabling Installation & Maintenance articles from September 2006

Cabling Installation & Maintenance archives from September 2006

10GBase-T questions bring answers, which bring questions, which bring ...(Ask DONNA)(interview with John Siemon)(Interview)
September 1, 2006... My assignment this month was to address two subjects: "When will we see 10GBase-T network equipment in the market?" and, "Given that there is not a Category 6A component standard, will there be an issue with the connector on the 10GBase-T...

Putting 10GBase-T to work.(SPECIAL REPORT)(Cover story)
September 1, 2006... In a move that had been anticipated for years, the specifications for 10-Gigabit Ethernet (10-GbE) transmission over twisted-pair copper cabling formally known as IEEE Std 802.3an-2006--were approved in June. The finalization of those...

Structured cabling essentials for the 10GBase-T network: with networking speeds escalating so quickly, it is imperative to ensure the cables supporting the network are up to the task, today, and for years to come.(SPECIAL REPORT)(Cover story)
September 1, 2006... One of the hot topics in the industry today is determining what type of cabling should be installed to meet data networking needs for the foreseeable future. The next generation of Ethernet will deliver a networking speed of up to 10 Gbits/sec...

Performance is everything: the standards for 10GBase-T: TIA/EIA and TSB documents will spell out specifications for running 10-GbE over Augmented Category 6 and Category 6.(SPECIAL REPORT)(twisted-pair copper cabling systems)(Cover story)
September 1, 2006... The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers IEEE 802.3an 10-Gigabit Ethernet (10GBase-T) standard, approved in June, is the cornerstone for defining the new physical coding and sublayer interface for 10GBase-T applications over...

Testing guidelines for 10-GbE over twisted pairs: certifying links for alien-crosstalk performance is more likely to be a sample process than a simple one.(SPECIAL REPORT)(methods for twisted pair cables certification)(Cover story)
September 1, 2006... The IEEE standards review board approved the standard for 10-Gbit/sec Ethernet over twisted-pair copper cabling (10GBase-T) on June 8, and we expect that the 802.3 standards documents will be updated and published sometime this year. This...

A Grade A infrastructure for every student: the DeSoto County, Mississippi school district gets high marks for the services its cabling systems make possible.
September 1, 2006... Milton Kuykendall, superintendent of education for DeSoto County, Mississippi, has a clear vision for his school system: "This will be the best school system in the country." It is a bold statement, but something in his demeanor makes everyone...

Cable tray forms to fit a variety of applications: today's cable tray continues to target easy installation while responding to recent trends and technologies.
September 1, 2006... Cable tray has long been a popular choice for effectively supporting and routing cable in the commercial environment, and faster installation continues to be the most significant factor influencing the enhancement of cable tray products. ...

Infrastructure considerations in a VoWi-Fi installation: users may sneer if the wireless network's SNIR is insufficient to handle multiple voice connections simultaneously.(Voice over IP over the wireless local area network)(signal-to-noise plus interference ratio)
September 1, 2006... For many enterprise network operators, the next step in their converged network will be to engage Voice over IP over the wireless local area network (VoWi-Fi). The wireless LAN (WLAN) has proven the utility of workplace mobility for data...

Using fiber-optic cable in security and surveillance: tight-buffered cable's ability to handle the outside plant makes it an option worthy of serious consideration.(security)
September 1, 2006... Security and surveillance camera systems are now a vital application in the enterprise space, where optical-fiber connectivity has emerged as a primary media type. Separate LAN and security surveillance structured wiring installations are being...

Copper pricing concerns dog cable suppliers.(INDUSTRY spotlight)
September 1, 2006... For manufacturers of communications cable and their distributors, seemingly ever-present volatility in the global copper market raises a host of pricing concerns that, needless to say, ultimately affect the buying strategies of their...

Chicago, IL.--this city's largest residential high-rise Wi-Fi installation to date, a 43-story building at 1130 S. Michigan Ave., has linked 656 apartments without requiring cabling infrastructure in the individual units.(Short runs ...)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... CHICAGO, IL. -- This city's largest residential high-rise Wi-Fi installation to date, a 43-story building at 1130 S. Michigan Ave., has linked 656 apartments without requiring cabling infrastructure in the individual units. Installer MDI Access...

Minneapolis, MN--ADC's (www.adc.com) TrueNet structured cabling solutions have been installed at China's Olympic softball stadium, as part of the first venue renovation project in preparation for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games.(Short runs ...)(China's Olympic softball stadium)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... MINNEAPOLIS, MN -- ADC's (www.adc.com) TrueNet structured cabling solutions have been installed at China's Olympic softball stadium, as part of the first venue renovation project in preparation for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. Completed at...

Palo Alto, CA--Agilent Technologies' (www.agilent.com) Agilent Network Tester and N2S products were selected for the final phase of the industry's leading IPv6 interoperability event, Moony6, conducted in late July by the Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) and University of New Hampshire's Interoperability Lab (UNH-IOL).(Short runs ...)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... PALO ALTO, CA -- Agilent Technologies' (www.agilent.com) Agilent Network Tester and N2S products were selected for the final phase of the industry's leading IPv6 interoperability event, Moony6, conducted in late July by the Joint...

Phoenix, AZ--the city of Phoenix has selected a NetClear GT3 enhanced Category 6 horizontal structured cabling system from Berk-Tek (ww.berktek.com) and Ortronics/Legrand (www.ortronics.com) for data, voice and video applications in the first phase of its new 2-million-square-foot convention center expansion.(Short runs ...)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... PHOENIX, AZ -- The city of Phoenix has selected a NetClear GT3 enhanced Category 6 horizontal structured cabling system from Berk-Tek (ww.berktek.com) and Ortronics/Legrand (www.ortronics.com) for data, voice and video applications in the first...

MUTOAs taking the heat off of 'home run' configurations: the tried and true multi-user telecommunications outlet assembly is helping to combat combustible loading associated with added copper cabling in the open office and TR.(product update)(multi-user telecommunications outlet assembly)
September 1, 2006... Open office cabling and zone cabling methods have been among the most significant installation trends to spotlight the benefits of using a multi-user telecommunications outlet assembly (MUTOA) as an intermediate point in the horizontal cabling...

RF-shielded coax.(New Products)(radio frequency Coaxial cable)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... The CM-HPC series of rugged, low-loss, RF-shielded coax cable is designed for wireless applications, including antenna feeder, wireless communication jumper cables, and mobile antenna applications requiring low-loss RF cable. Suitable for...

Multi-dwelling gateway.(New Products)(Corinex Communications Corp.)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... This MDU (multi dwelling unit) gateway is designed to deploy high-speed networks over existing electrical wiring or coaxial cabling. It supports distribution of multiple channels of video, voice, and data throughout large buildings. Up to 96 of...

Enclosure protection.(New Products)
September 1, 2006... The E-Line system is an electronic swing handle for data enclosures, designed to safeguard sensitive information and equipment. The system is integrated with software that lets you grant or revoke access from a remote location. The access...

Powerline adapter.(New Products)
September 1, 2006... The Powerline Ethernet Adapter and Kit (DHP-301) lets home users tap into existing electrical wiring to extend a home network. The no-cabling technology is specially suited for high-definition media streaming, music sharing, and online...

Wi-Fi spectrum analyzer.(New Products)
September 1, 2006... AnalyzeAir is a hardware and software-based RF spectrum analysis tool for troubleshooting and optimizing wireless LANS (WLAN). The company says AnalyzeAir takes the cost and complexity out of wireless RF analysis by letting you see the physical...

UPS rack-to-tower.(New Products)
September 1, 2006... The HP UPS T1000 G2, T1500 G2 and R/T2200 G2 tower UPSs with USB support are designed to provided advanced power protection with increased uptime for servers, storage, and computer and network equipment. In addition, the R/T2200 G2 can be...

Firestop board.(New Products)
September 1, 2006... Based on feedback from electrical and telecommunications professionals, the CP 675T firestop board is designed for temporary or permanent sealing of blank openings or through-penetrations in fire-rated walls. The board is designed to be easy to...

Digital video coax.(New Products)
September 1, 2006... Brilliance RG-6/U Type precision video cable (1694F) is a flexible version of the company's 1694A precision video coax. While designed for patching applications, 1694F has a National Electrical Code CM rating so that it may be routed through...

Handle for rack security.(New Products)
September 1, 2006... This pull-latch handle is designed to secure 19-inch racks in the telecommunications room. A spring-loaded pawl allows for a push-to-close motion to secure the racks in place. To remove the rack, a tilt of the handle will disengage the latching...

All-in-one toolkit.(New Products)
September 1, 2006... A 13-piece data/video toolkit is designed to equip users with all the tools needed to terminate and troubleshoot simple to complex voice, data, and video cabling systems. Handpicked by professional installers, the tools include: the Data...

Triple-play tester.(New Products)
September 1, 2006... The IVT-600 is a home networking installation meter that handles a wide range of physical wiring tests for delivery of IP-based voice, video and data services. Billed as a "test, talk, and trace" tool, the IVT-600 tests for verification of...

Cross-connect DVD.(New Products)
September 1, 2006... Fiber Optic Patch Panels, Closures and Pedestals is a menu-based DVD that explains the various needs and roles that cable management products fulfill. Following an introduction of cable and fiber management applications, the DVD examines each...

Powerline adapter, kit.(New Products)
September 1, 2006... The 200 Mbps Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter (HDX101) and Kit (HDXB101) lets you connect a PC and any Ethernet-ready device to a home network, distributing broadband throughout the home via an AC electrical outlet. The adapters feature built-in...

Ties and mounts galore.(New Products)
September 1, 2006... The Super-Grip line of cable ties and mounts now includes a full range of sizes, from miniature through heavy cross-sections (18 to 175 pounds). All sizes are available in natural and weather-resistant Nylon 6.6. A high-grip strength is...

Single-port IDC baluns.(New Products)
September 1, 2006... Ultra miniature Model 430 single-port E1/E2 IDC Krone baluns are designed to cut costs in telecom environments by providing conversion from coaxial cable to copper twisted pairs. According to the company, the baluns' ultra-miniature size...

Fiber continuity tester.(New Products)
September 1, 2006... The CCT-2001 fiber continuity tester works with singlemode and multimode fiber, and is compatible with most types of connectors, including ST, FC, SC, LC, and MT-RJ. Powered by three LR44 or PX76A batteries (included), the continuity tester...

Multi-functional test set.(New Products)
September 1, 2006... Sidekick Plus is a multi-functional cable maintenance set designed to provide advanced twisted-pair cable diagnosis and troubleshooting capabilities. A digital handheld meter combines VOM and loop current tests, longitudinal balance or stress...

Label enhancements.(New Products)
September 1, 2006... Red flexible vinyl and clear permanent polyester tapes have been added to the E-Z-Code EZL-100 thermal label printer. Both offer an EZ-Peel split backing, industrial strength adhesive, and smear-free printing. Available in 3/4-inch width, the...

Round cable connector.(New Products)
September 1, 2006... The company's MTP connector line is now compatible with round, stranded cables. According to the manufacturer, using the MPO-style connector with round cable eliminates preferential bends, and provides better aramid yarn distribution during...

System design tool.(New Products)
September 1, 2006... The patent-pending Web-based Smart-Wire System Design tool lets you quickly design and create a low-voltage installation online. You can identify applications, apply devices, choose cables, identify locations, and create a marking and labeling...

Fiber ribbonizing tool.(New Products)
September 1, 2006... This enhanced ribbonizing tool is designed to reduce the time needed to terminate round fiber cable in connector styles with MT ferrules. According to the company, the tool is smaller, less expensive, and easier to use than comparable products...

PoE power patch panel.(New Products)
September 1, 2006... The 12-port DPoE power patch panel for Power over Ethernet applications, a 10/100Base-T compatible device, features a slim 1U design. According to the company, it injects power onto the horizontal data cabling, eliminating the need to replace...

Fiber inspection microscope.(New Products)
September 1, 2006... This fiber-optic inspection microscope is available in either 200x or 400x magnification strengths. Its achromatic glass objective is designed to provide outstanding image quality. The tool comes with a universal adapter that accommodates...

Fiber-In-A-Box.(New Products)
September 1, 2006... The Fiber-In-A-Box solution offers lightweight cable packaging with "out of the box" disbursement of fiber cable. Simply set the box down, unlock the built-in braking mechanism, and begin pulling. You can adjust the braking mechanism to apply...

One-step conduit sealant.(New Products)
September 1, 2006... The "one-step tube version" is now included in the two-part Hydra-Seal S-60 Wide Temp Foam conduit foam sealant. The sealant is designed to prevent intrusion of water and gases through conduits in manholes, cable vaults, and hand-holes. It's...

High fiber-count ribbon.(New Products)
September 1, 2006... The SST-UltraRibbon gel-free cable is a high fiber-count outdoor ribbon media featuring polymer-based dry water-blocking materials. The gel-free cable, available in fiber counts of 288, 360 and 432, is compliant with the ICEA outside plant...

Indoor/outdoor enhancement.(New Products)
September 1, 2006... Adventum indoor/outdoor optical-fiber cables now feature a 19% reduction in overall diameter and up to a 38% reduction in weight. The company says its patent-pending Dual-Unlite constructions provide a 50% smaller cross-sectional area than...

Hybrid video cable.(New Products)
September 1, 2006... The RGB62 and RGB644 series of hybrid component video cables, constructed with audio pairs and/or power conductors, are designed for commercial audio-visual applications that require distribution of high-resolution component video. The RGB62...

Non-adhesive markers.(New Products)
September 1, 2006... TipTags are non-adhesive, cross-laminated polyolefin tags with die-cut cable tie slots for mechanical fastening. These cable markers are designed for wire bundles or large cables, and can be used with the company's T18-T30 series cable ties....

Virtual media manager.(New Products)
September 1, 2006... For managing the data center, the IP Console Switches with Virtual Media are designed to provide local and remote access to a variety of devices, and require no software installed on the target servers. Remotely access KVM (keyboard, video...

Multimedia panels.(New Products)
September 1, 2006... Four-port and six-port multimedia patch panels are now available for the company's residential enclosures. Both panels feature all-steel construction and glossy white finish, and an open bottom is designed for efficient cable management. The...

Push-mount clip.(New Products)
September 1, 2006... The releasable Push Mount Wire Clip is designed to mount in a .250-inch diameter hole, and will fit a panel thickness of .020 through .070-inches. The Nylon 6/6 clips can be opened and closed multiple times for adding or removing cable. Maximum...

S-Video, audio via Cat 5.(New Products)
September 1, 2006... Replacing up to four coaxial AV (audiovisual) cables, the S-Video/Hi-Fi balun (500038) allows one S-video and one stereo audio channel to be transmitted via four Category 5 twisted pair in a point-to-point configuration. Its frequency response...

Optical power meter.(New Products)
September 1, 2006... The newest entry in the company's "Contractor Series" of fiber-optic testers, the RP 460 Optical Power Meter is said to be the industry's smallest optical power meter to offer 1,000 data storage measurements and USB download to a laptop. The...

To be fair, no one promised 10GBase-T would work on Category 6.(PERSPECTIVE)
September 1, 2006... If a desktop computer had the capability to transmit data at 10 Gigabits per second, one could transfer an entire DVD movie in 30 seconds--a movie that otherwise would require two hours to consume. The speed of 10GBase-T is so much greater than...