Cabling Installation & Maintenance articles from September 2007

Cabling Installation & Maintenance archives from September 2007

Don't accept short shrift.(EDITORIAL)
September 1, 2007... OK, this month I won't be as wordy as I normally am. That's mostly because I'm not allowed to be anymore. As you may have noticed, the space in which I write my monthly diatribe is no longer a full page; it's now accompanied by our editorial...

Optical connectivity a good choice in the data center.(PERSPECTIVE)
September 1, 2007... Optical connectivity can maximize a data center's overall operations efficiency. Optical cable with laser-optimized 50-[micro]m OM3 fiber provides bandwidth capabilities that support up to 10-Gbit/sec transmission for existing applications as...

Blown fiber systems see growth and acceptance: vendors enhance product lines as blown fiber increases market share in specific markets and regions.(design)
September 1, 2007... First installed in the mid-1980s by British Telecom for use in outside-plant (OSP) applications, blown optical fiber is a system in whichfiber is blown into a network of microduct tubes via an air-delivery system of compressed air or nitrogen....

Back to school with 10-Gbit Ethernet: rural Georgia school district acquires E-rate funds to implement the most advanced UTP cabling available.(installation)(Cover story)
September 1, 2007... Encompassing 686 square miles and slightly more than 22,000 residents, Emanuel County includes Swainsboro and seven surrounding communities located in east-central Georgia, 90 miles west of Savannah. Here in this rural area, a county school...

IPLM: why it achieves value beyond port count: Intelligent Physical Layer Management systems can bring to the physical layer the capabilities that are possible at higher layers of the network.(technology)(Intelligent physical layer management )
September 1, 2007... Achieving maximum network uptime to run mission-critical applications requires attention to all aspects of good network housekeeping. With links in the data center numbering in the thousands, and with the density of connected devices becoming...

Feeling hot, hot hot ... and not liking it: while heat has always been an issue in data centers, density makes it a critical concern today.(data center)
September 1, 2007... Since January, Cabling Installation & Maintenance has dedicated multiple pages in each issue to one or another aspect of data center management. Over the course of those nine months, I have commented privately (and only half-jokingly) on...

Will 802.11n be: a good neighbor? The protocol is designed to interoperate with legacy a/b/g access points, with a non-high-throughput duplicate mode aiding performance.(wireless)
September 1, 2007... On June 25, the Wi-Fi Alliance (www.wi-fi.org) officially started its 802.11n draft 2.0 certification, and products from 14 vendors (and counting) are now certified. But will these new products work well side-by-side with their legacy...

Hot-air isolation cools high-density data centers: methods for isolating the chilled supply air from the hot return air are plenty, and worthy of close examination.(thermal management)
September 1, 2007... The first paragraph of an article about cooling data centers will give away that article's ageWhen I first started writing and speaking about data center thermal management some seven or eight years ago, I always felt compelled to open with a...

Cabling considerations for network-based video: the cabling installation professional's role in the deployment of video over IP is crucial; so is the need to perform their tasks well.(security)
September 1, 2007... Cabling installation professionals typically play a significant role in the installation and deployment of any new video-over-Internet Protocol (IP) project, whether the network is shared or dedicated solely to a single function, such as...

San Francisco colocation facility expands data center with Category 6 solutions.(INDUSTRY spotlight)
September 1, 2007... A 3,000-square--foot data center expansion for San Francisco colocation and managed service provider ColoServe (www.coloserve.com), complete with a Category 6 cabling infrastructure, is helping its business customers keep up with current and...

APC launches 3-in-1 data center design tools.(INDUSTRY spotlight)
September 1, 2007... Integrating data center design, operations, and management in one software platform, APC's (www.apc.com) Capacity Manager and Change Manager tools are targeting data center managers looking to efficiently align the redundancy and equipment...

Ring around the campus.(INDUSTRY spotlight)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... More than $217,000 worth of fiber-optic cable donated by OFS (www.ofsoptics.com) will help the University of West Georgia complete a fiber-optic ring around the campus, a project considered vital for continued network reliability. ...

Corning, NY--Corning (www.corning.com) has developed an optical fiber-based technology for FTTx networks designed to allow the cabled fiber to be bent around tight corners with virtually no signal loss.(Short runs ...)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... CORNING, NY -- Corning (www.corning.com) has developed an optical fiber-based technology for FTTx networks designed to allow the cabled fiber to be bent around tight corners with virtually no signal loss. The company's nanoStructures technology...

Toronto, ON--Nortel (www.nortel.com) has unveiled a vision for the "Unwired Enterprise," designed to enable businesses to create all-wireless office environments free of cabling.(Short runs ...)
September 1, 2007... TORONTO, ON -- Nortel (www.nortel.com) has unveiled a vision for the "Unwired Enterprise," designed to enable businesses to create all-wireless office environments free of cabling. The Unwired Enterprise is also intended to include seamless...

Columbia, MD--SPL Integrated Solutions (www.splis.com), a designer and installer of high-bandwidth video systems, has created a Network Services Division to provide network design and consulting services, targeting Fortune 1000 corporations, higher education institutions, and the Federal government.(Short runs ...)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... COLUMBIA, MD -- SPL Integrated Solutions (www.splis.com), a designer and installer of high-bandwidth video systems, has created a Network Services Division to provide network design and consulting services, targeting Fortune 1000 corporations,...

Richardson, TX--released in October 2006 and available only in the European, Middle East and African markets, CommScope's (www.commscope.com) GigaSPEED X10D FTP solution is now being offered to customers worldwide.(Short runs ...)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... RICHARDSON, TX -- Released in October 2006 and available only in the European, Middle East and African markets, CommScope's (www.commscope.com) GigaSPEED X10D FTP solution is now being offered to customers worldwide. The foiled twisted-pair...

Arlington, VA--the TIA (www.tiaonline.org) TR-42.3 subcommittee on commercial building telecommunications pathways and spaces is developing a revision to J-STD-607-A: Commercial Building Grounding (Earthing) and Bonding Requirements for Telecommunications.(Short runs ...)
September 1, 2007... ARLINGTON, VA -- The TIA (www.tiaonline.org) TR-42.3 subcommittee on commercial building telecommunications pathways and spaces is developing a revision to J-STD-607-A: Commercial Building Grounding (Earthing) and Bonding Requirements for...

Brick, NJ--North American Video (www.navcctv.com) will provide a networked video surveillance system that includes 140 Infinova PTZ dome cameras as part of a contract for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) of Los Angeles.(Short runs ...)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... BRICK, NJ -- North American Video (www.navcctv.com) will provide a networked video surveillance system that includes 140 Infinova PTZ dome cameras as part of a contract for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) of Los Angeles. Also...

Cable assembly in NECA spotlight.(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... From show-stopper to featured product, Quik-Pull custom cable assemblies, developed by Clifford of Vermont (www.cliffordvt.com), will be among the headliners in the new product room at this year's NECA Show, Oct. 4-6, in San Francisco. A year...

Acquisition, upgrades move ConEst rapidly forward.
September 1, 2007... Less than a year ago, bidding and protect-management software producer ConEst (www.conest.com) announced it was acquiring the RapidBOM telecommunications design and estimating system from Catalyst Data Inc. Since that announcement, ConEst has...

USB signal extender.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... The patent-pending USB SuperBooster wall plate allows a USB signal to run over Category 5, 5e, and 6 patch cords, enabling a USB device to function with a host computer up to 150 feet (compared to typical wall plates at 15 feet). SuperBooster...

Sliding splice shelf.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... Designed to accommodate up to 96 LC, 48 ST, or 48 SC adapters, the RFE-SLF-EMT/2U frame-mounted, slide-out termination shelf can also be used as a splice unit to store 96 single fusion splices, 72 mechanical splices, or 36 mass fusion splices....

Data center UPS.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... The Powerware 9395 uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is designed for data centers, manufacturing operations, medical facilities, and other large system applications. This three-phase, double-conversion, online UPS integrates the capabilities...

Cabling solutions, testers.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... The Copper & Fiber Cabling Solutions catalog features items most commonly used in premises networks. The resource reflects the company's expanded line of copper products and its end-to-end cabling solutions. In addition, a new family of...

Structured wiring tester.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... NETcat Pro NC-500 structured wiring troubleshooter is a digital tool designed for fast and accurate check of cables, wiring, and network service. This one-button, touch-screen tool tests wiring continuity and proper pair allocation, measures...

Three-phase PDUs.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... HP 8.6 and 11 kVA three-phase modular power distribution units (PDU) are designed for dense data center environments requiring rack-mount power distribution. Each unit uses a standard input plug and has six IEC C19 outlets. These modular PDUs...

Industrial wireless mesh.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... OneWireless, an industrial wireless mesh network solution, promotes plant safety and efficiency with a scalable infrastructure that supports wireless-enabled devices in strategic locations throughout a facility. Scalable to 30,000 devices,...

Rack panels, snagless cable.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... Black universal sub panels (USP) are constructed of 06-inch steel and feature both popular and hard-to-find connectors, providing flexibility for mixing inter faces needed to support data center and other rack-mount communications applications....

Structured cabling solutions.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... The 2007 Commercial Structured Cabling Solutions catalog features the company's latest products, including fiber-optic plug-and-play MPO cassettes, 10-Gbit fiber-optic jumpers, Category 6 shielded modular connectors, HDMI Decorex inserts, and...

LC, SC fiber connector.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... FastCam fiber-optic connectors now include LC and laser-optimized SC versions. These pre-polished devices are designed to provide simplified, precision mechanical termination of singlemode and multimode fiber, without the need for special...

Raised floor clamp, catalog.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... Designed for grid-based underfloor mesh common bonding networks (MCBNs), the quad-bolt StructuredGround access floor grounding clamp ensures direct contact between the perpendicular MCBN conductors, minimizing overall resistance and creating a...

Front-access fiber distribution hub.(Product Focus: enclosures)
September 1, 2007... AFL Telecommunications' newly designed fiber distribution hub (FDH) features a dual-door access--one door opens from the front, the other from the side--allowing for full access from the front to all key fiber terminations, routing, and...

Customizable audio/video enclosures.(Product Focus: enclosures)
September 1, 2007... The Presentation Rack (pictured) is designed for audio/video applications in classrooms, conference rooms, and board rooms. This compact customizable enclosure features front-and rear-door access, vertical lacing bars for efficient cable...

High-density fiber enclosure.(Product Focus: enclosures)
September 1, 2007... This rack-mount fiber enclosure has been developed specifically to support Cisco's MDS 9513 matrix switch used in large data center and storage area network installations. Fiber Connect, a Leviton company, has designed a proprietary blade...

Thermal-ready network solution.(Product Focus: enclosures)
September 1, 2007... Engineered to combat thermal challenges associated with network switches with side-to-side airflow, the N-Series TeraFrame network cabinet features proprietary Passive Cooling Solutions to manage high-density switches while maximizing data...

Data center server enclosures.(Product Focus: enclosures)
September 1, 2007... The redesigned ES series server cabinet features increased rear vertical capacity and bottom cable access. Optional features include: a top cable trough that allows top cable access to the left and right of the cabinet; horizontal cable...

A variety of weatherproof protection.(Product Focus: enclosures)
September 1, 2007... Four weatherproof enclosures are designed for everything from remote WLAN equipment to indoor/outdoor installations. The NB141207 is a NEMA 4X/ IP65-rated 14 x 12 x 7-inch housing constructed from UV-stabilized molded fiberglass reinforced...

Adaptive enclosure for IT environments.(Product Focus: enclosures)
September 1, 2007... The 3G series of adaptive enclosures for data centers feature a beveled front door with 77% open venting patterns for optimal heat dissipation, a deeper vertical cable trough built for high-density cable requirements and simplified access, and...

Seismic-resistant cabinet.(Product Focus: enclosures)
September 1, 2007... The Seismic Shelter cabinet is designed to protect vital equipment during extreme seismic activity, having been extensively tested and certified to exceed Network Equipment Building Systems (NEBS), Bellcore, and the Uniform Building Code (UBC)...

Wall-, rack-mount solutions.(Product Focus: enclosures)
September 1, 2007... Pacific Interconnections' wall-mount enclosure features double-door access, keyway entry, and splicing and termination in one box for up to 48 ports. [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] A 19-inch rack-mount high-density enclosure for up to 96...

Simplified server racking.(Product Focus: enclosures)
September 1, 2007... WMRK series configured server enclosures feature simplified cable, thermal and power management when mounting servers or other data-specific components. Perforated front and split rear doors with a Decora temperature monitoring module are...

48-user wall-mount cabinet.(Product Focus: enclosures)
September 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...

Heat, cable management meet aesthetics.(Product Focus: enclosures)
September 1, 2007... Aesthetically designed Cablemax enclosures are built to help solve problems associated with increased heat generation and cable management. Features include use of 63 of 80% mesh openings in front and rear doors as well as a removable top...

Enclosure with shock-pallet shipping.(Product Focus: enclosures)
September 1, 2007... The 25U and 42U SmartRack Premium enclosures now feature "shock-pallet" packaging, shipped on a special pallet that features additional reinforcement and shock-absorbing material. Each shock-pallet accepts up to 1,050 pounds of additional...

26-inch wide cabling enclosure.(Product Focus: enclosures)
September 1, 2007... The Barracuda 26-inch cabling enclosure is designed to handle networking switches and other equipment requiring large cable bundles. It comes in 19- or 23-inch EIA configurations, or a combination of both within the same enclosure. ...

Aerial drop closure.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... The Coyote aerial drop closure is designed to provide a protective environment for splicing fiber-optic drop cable in FTTx aerial applications, and its proprietary splicing platform allows for low-count fiber splicing without the need of a...

Small-scale polishing tool.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... Featuring a built-in DC motor (optional 12-volt battery) to power the turntable, the FP180m fiber connector polisher is designed for small-scale production and laboratory applications, as well as for terminating fibers in the field. The tool...

Small business WLAN.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... The ZoneFlex multimedia WLAN system targets small/medium businesses and hot zone operators, leveraging three proprietary technologies to enable plug-and-play WLAN, eliminating Ethernet cabling to access points, and providing simplified user...

Cable ties, holders.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... The WIT-50RLA series of self-mount cable ties snap into a predrilled hole. Bundling can be done before or after mounting. The arrowhead mount rotates in the hole to self-align the bundle. Available in four lengths, the ties offer 50-lb. tensile...

Three-phase 'smart' PDU.(New Products)
September 1, 2007... The Sentry Modular Cabinet Power Distribution Unit (CDU) family is designed to take a three-phase in-feed and distribute single phase power via basic CDUs that can be placed anywhere in the cabinet. These 'smart' devices offer a secure network...