cim 20070301 mar_2007

Solutions for Premises and Campus Communication Systems Worldwide

www.cable-install.com

Pathway prep for 10-Gbit installation

The data center over/under: You’ve got to have a plan

Finding MIMO

Solutions for Premises and Campus Communication Systems Worldwide March 2007

...and how cabling is keeping pace

THE WORLD’S GOING GREEN

Contents Zoom In Zoom Out Search Issue Next PageFor navigation instructions please click here

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Fiber optic hardware plays a critical role in the network, protecting your fiber optic connections while making them convenient to access and manage. Corning Cable Systems Pretium™ Fiber Optic Hardware has been thoughtfullydesigned to do so with the unique needs of communication networks in mind. Pretium Hardware features deeper housings for high-density connectivity, integrated cable and jumper management for easy network administration,and designed-in cable strain-relief. That’s thoughtful design, and it’s a natural fit in your enterprise network.Customer-focused innovation is second nature at Corning.www.corning.com/cablesystems/cimls

Thoughtful design comes naturally.

© 2007 Corning Cable Systems LLC.

Previous Page Contents Zoom In Zoom Out Front Cover Search Issue Next Page BA

M SaGEFC7Installation MaintenanceC7



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departments

Cabling Installation & Maintenance March 2007 3

features

MARCH 2007 VOL. 15, NO. 3

ABOUT THE COVER

Two years ago, the prevailing attitude in the cabling industry was that

there was little motivation for making RoHS-compliant

products that were not big sellers. Today, that attitude

has changed.TO LEARN MORE,

SEE PAGE 15.

COVE

R IM

AGE

FRO

M B

IGST

OCK

PHO

TO

15 Cabling goes ‘green’ withnew attitudes, materialsAmid new and pending environmental legislation in the United States and abroad, most cabling vendors have overcome challenges to offer 100% RoHS-compliant products. BETSY ZIOBRON

25 10-Gbit transmission impact on cable pathwaysLarger and/or heavier cables affect such issues as conduit fi ll and bend radius. DALE BUDENSKI & CYNTHIA MONSTREAM

31 Open architecture cabling suits luxury apartmentsThe Hartford 21 building is helping to revitalize the Connecticut city, while plenum-rated cable helps pamper its residents with communications services. SHARON CARDINAL

37 Cable conveyance requires planning and executionWhether cables run overhead, underfl oor, or both, planners must pay attention to what else is running through a data center’s specs. PATRICK MCLAUGHLIN

45 802.11n: The next generation in wireless LAN technology

Multiple-input multiple-output transmission is the key for high-throughput wireless networking. FANNY MLINARSKY

51 INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT

Belden set to acquire Hirschmann, LTKin deals totaling $260 million

Category 6A UTP cables get smaller

6 EditorialRay of light

10 Ask DonnaWant some cable with that furniture?

57 New Products

64 Product Focus: Coaxial connectors

CABLING INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE (ISSN 1073-3108), a trademark, is published 12 times a year, monthly, by PennWell Corporation, 1421 South Sheridan Road, Tulsa, OK 74112; telephone (918) 835-3161; fax (918) 831-9497; Web address www.pennwell.com. Editorial offi ces: 98 Spit Brook Road, Nashua, NH 03062-5737; telephone (603) 891-0123. © 2007 CABLING INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE. All rights reserved. Authorization to photocopy items for internal or personal use, or the internal or personal use of specifi c clients, is granted by CABLING INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE (ISSN 1073-3108), provided that the appropriate fee is paid directly to Copyright Clearance Center, 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923 USA; (978) 750-8400. Prior to photocopying items for educational classroom use, please contact Copyright Clearance Center, Inc., 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923 USA; (978) 750-8400. For further information, check CCC Online at the following address: http://www.copyright.com/. All rights reserved. No material may be reprinted. Bulk reprints can be ordered from Diane Troyer, telephone (603) 891-9135. Corporate offi cers: Frank T. Lauinger, Chairman; Robert F. Biolchini, President and CEO.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: CABLING INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE, Circulation Dept., P.O. Box 3280, Northbrook, Il 60065-3280. Return undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: P.O. Box 1632, Windsor, ON N9A 7C9. Periodicals postage paid at Tulsa, OK 74101 and other additional offi ces. Subscriptions: In the U.S.: one year $74; Canada/Int’l surface : one year $84; International via air: one year $100. If available, back issues can be purchased for $16 in the U.S. and $21 elsewhere. We make portions of our subscriber list available to carefully screened companies that offer products and services that may be important for your work. If you do not want to receive those offers and/or information, please let us know by contacting us at List Services, CABLING INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE, 98 Spit Brook Road, Nashua, NH 03062-5737-“Canada return address: PO Box 122, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6S4”.





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PATRICK MPATRICK MccLAUGHLINLAUGHLINChief EditorChief Editor

[email protected]@pennwell.com


Ray Gendron, recognized by most who were familiar with him as the face and voice of

BICSI Cares, passed away on Feb-ruary 18 aft er a lengthy battle with cancer. Ray leaves a wife, three chil-dren, and fi ve grandchildren.

He also leaves behind him on this earth literally thousands of people, most of them very young, whose lives were made better by Gendron’s

generous and self-less efforts. The story goes that the founding of BICSICares was an im-promptu happen-ing, when Ray literally passed a hat down a row of seated attendees

at a BICSI conference sometime in the late 1970s. When the hat came back fi lled with cash, Ray decided to give the money to a local children’s charity. So was born the tradition ofBICSI adopting a local charity,always one benefi ting children, in the city in which it was hosting a conference.

Anyone who has at-tended a BICSI confer-ence has been asked, nudged, harassed,cajoled, and/or guilted

—most oft en by Ray him-self—into donating mon-ey to the local charity. Th e fi rst time I saw Ray in action, I walked away convinced that 90 percent of his con-versations consisted of three words:

“For the kids.” Th at phrase was om-nipresent whenever he was around, its purpose to remind everybody of the ultimate benefi ciaries for whom

Ray was working.For those of you who have not

attended a BICSI conference, the format has been the same as long as I have been paying attention. Th e charitable contribution is made on a Th ursday morning, one of the last pieces of offi cial conference busi-ness. From what I can tell, every mo-ment of every day leading up to that time, Ray was working somebody todonate money to the cause. And if they had already donated, he’d encouragethem to donate again. Dig a little deeper, he’d say. “For the kids.”

At each conference, Wednes-day is BICSI’s Regional Lunch day.Attendees from each of the associa-tion’s geographic regions are invitedto dine with other attendees from that same region. It’s an opportuni-ty to do some social networking, and the region director conducts a good-and-welfare meeting of what’s going on locally. For Ray Gendron, these lunches represented fi sh in a barrel. He’d make about a fi ve-minute visit to each of them, his voice raspy and sometimes barely audible because

of how fervently he had been fundraising to that point. Ray would talk about the specif-ic charity that would receive the donation and, of course,encourage everybody to do what they could to help.

But something else Ray did at these region luncheons struck me years ago, and has stayed with me since. He would state that an-other region had issued a challenge, claiming that it could collectively donate more money to BICSI Cares than the region he was currentlyaddressing. Th e thing was, every-

body in the room knew that no such challenge had been issued. Who knows how many times Ray told that made-up story? Each region lunch, times three conferences per year, times however many years he was at it. He put forth a lot of those made-up challenges. But if one of them—just one over those years—inspired one person’s competitive spirit and ultimately resulted in more help for a group of children in need, then Ray accomplished his goal.

While everyone knew who Ray Gendron was, he couldn’t personallyknow every one of the few thousand people gathered at a conference. But many times, I saw him glance at a person’s name badge and politely-yet-energetically call them by name. Th at’s what he did with me, and he never failed to make my experience at a BICSI conference a better one for having spent a little time with him. Likewise, the money raised for char-ities, thanks in such a large part to Ray’s eff orts, made life a little bet-ter for so many others he also didn’t know personally. “For the kids.”

It’s sobering to realize that some of the children who directly bene-fi ted from BICSI Cares’ fundraising eff orts preceded Ray Gendron in departing from this earthly life. My faith and optimism tell me, however,that Ray was warmly received into their eternal company

Ray of light

Ray Gendron










©2006 Hoffman Enclosures Inc.

You may know us as the leading choice in enclosure technology. But do you know everything else we can do? Hoffman offers:

The broadest range of innovative racks, cabinets, cabling solutions and network accessories at affordable prices.

A wide array of modification options.

Thermal management solutions that handle next-generation servers and networks.

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C abling’s transition from the building pathway into the system furniture pathway is

a critical but oft en overlooked de-tail in cabling projects. For exam-ple, the United States Marine Corps hired a project manager to provide, and I quote, “aggressive quality as-surance advocacy for the commu-nication and information systems” being installed in their new com-mand operations facility building.

Th at’s a good idea, but it sounds like they arrived at it a little late in the de-sign/build process. Th e project managersent me an e-mail describing the sit-

uation and attached these photos.Acting as a commissioning agent,

he has already exhausted his list of requirements from the project specifi cations, and had hoped someNational Electrical Code require-ment would “cover” this issue. And, of course, there are none. He isunderstandably frustrated.

I believe it was Frank Lloyd Wright who commented that doc-

tors can bury their mistakes, but architects can only advise their cli-ents to plant shrubbery. Well, as tele-communications systems designers, it may be time to bring in the potted plants on this one.

Practically speaking, for the fi rst situation, the fl oor tiles could be care-fully cut and the transition from un-derfl oor-to-furniture relocated under the furniture-system wall panel.

As for the second situation—and yes, this only addresses aesthetics and not cable support or abrasion protec-tion—covering the exposed cables with a split, fl exible, non-metallic tub-ing in gray or black is about as good as it gets. Unless, of course, you want to pull the cables back to the wall and reroute, reterminate, and retest.

My motto is, “When in doubt, spec it out,” borrowing where pos-sible from the NEC requirements for branch circuits. For example,

NEC 2005 Article 605 Offi ce Furnish-ings (Consisting of Lighting Acces-sories and Wired Partitions) states:

“All conductors and connections shall be contained within wiring channels of metal or other material identifi ed as suitable for the conditions of use. Wiring channels shall be free of pro-jections or other conditions that may damage conductor insulation.”

So, why not add the requirement for another “wiring channel” or two to your project specifi cations, sepa-rate from the channel containing the branch circuits for light and power, for the telecommunications cable? Have your “wiring channels” extend from the termination of the building pathway (wall or fl oor) to the work area outlet in the offi ce partition.

Still worried about what the tran-sition will look like? Require a shop drawing and/or a mockup beprovided for your approval prior to installation of the cabling.

It sure beats watering all those plants.

Want some cable with that furniture?

DONNA BALLAST DONNA BALLAST is BICSI’s standards is BICSI’s standards representative, and a BICSI registered representative, and a BICSI registered communications distribution designer communications distribution designer (RCDD). Send your question to Donna at: (RCDD). Send your question to Donna at: [email protected]@swbell.net

I believe it was Frank Lloyd Wright who

commented that doctors can bury their mistakes,

but architects can only advise their clients

to plant shrubbery. Well...it may be time to

bring in the potted plants on this one.

For a snafu like this, very carefully cut the fl oor tiles, and the transition from the underfl oor system to the furniture could be relocated under the furniture system’s wall panel.

In a move that would consider aesthetics only, try using a split, fl exible, non-metal-lic tubing colored gray or black to cover up this mess.










Are you ready to feel the speed?Super fast testing with the WireScope Pro LAN Cabling Tester

© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2006

Agilent’s WireScope Pro tester sweeps a full 1GHz in a few seconds, boosting your test speed to new industry leading Cat 6A and Cat 7 autotest times of 9 seconds. It also accelerates your copper and fiber testing with dual-wavelength fi ber probes, the elimination of fi eld calibration, and a new auto-increment capability.

The WireScope Pro tester is the only handheld to provide Alien Crosstalk (AXT) measurements simultaneously on multiple ‘exciter’ cables, as well as produce fi nal results on the spot, so you can quickly handle any future AXT fi eld testing requirements. Alternative approaches could take hours to complete and require PC post processing to see the results.

With simple software upgrades and a robust hardware platform operating at 1 GHz frequency, you’ll save on the cost of test because you’ll stay state-of-the-art for many years, eliminating the need to buy new testers every year or two.

Experience the speed of the WireScope Pro tester now at www.agilent.com/fi nd/wirescope or by talking to one of our engineers by calling our 800 #s.

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New Integrated Solution for Printing Cable LabelsFrom D-Tools and Brother P-touch®

Electronic Labeling Systems

Flexible Integration Allows Users to Design & Print ProfessionalQuality Laminated Cable Labels, Maximizing Operational Efficiency

With all of the technologies needed to integrate and manage business today,it’s no wonder we’d rather quickly scribble off a handwritten label than try to use computer software and run multiple unlinked programs. Eliminating costlyproblems caused by illegible, handwritten or incomplete labels can seem like adaunting task. Now there is a solution that increases productivity, streamlinesoperations and manages assets efficiently and effectively, including professionallydocumenting your work using P-touch® labels.

Brother International Corporation is a leading manufacturer of electronic labelingsystems. D-Tools is a worldwide leader in easy-to-use, highly accurate systemdesign software. The two companies have worked together to provide the ultimate labeling solution for printing professional quality cable labels.

With P-touch® PC connectable label printers, audio/video designers and installers,as well as system integrators who use D-Tools’ unique system integrator softwareto design, estimate and manage their products, can now easily print cable labelsdirectly from D-Tools System Integrator™ 4.5 software. This solution gives inte-grators, designers and installers the advantage of producing legible and extremelydurable P-touch® laminated labels, and helps eliminate costly problems caused byillegible, handwritten or incomplete labels, at a price that’s more cost effectivethan other methods.

“This offers a seamless, cost-effective way to print P-touch® laminatedcable labels directly from D-Tools System Integrator software, insteadof running multiple, unlinked programs,” says Duane Yamashita,Marketing Manager for Brother International Corporation.

Cable label management is a critical part of every system integrator’s productivity.D-Tools, an industry leader, has been recognized and awarded for its innovationsin important technologies for system integrators. Marking cables with P-touch®

laminated labels satisfies labeling concerns over readability, accuracyand dependability.

This solution provides software that touches each phase of system integrationprojects – from design, proposal, project management and reporting – streamlining the process, improving the quality of tasks accomplished, and ensuring that end users will not need to make software changes for each clientand for every label printer. Brother’s quality P-touch® products are known for producing durable and legible labels.

For more information about Brother P-touch® line of products contact: www.brother.com or 1-800-4PTOUCH. For more information about D-Tools System Integrator 4.5 please visit www.d-tools.com or call 1-866-386-6571.

BROTHER’S SPECIALLYFORMULATED FLEXIBLE ID TAPEThis tape is specially designed for wrapping around cylindrical surfaces,including wrapping and flagging cablesand wires. Its unique adhesive allowstight wrapping without uncurling, andallows the tape to stick to itself for secure flagging and tagging.

P-TOUCH® COMMERCIALLABELING SOLUTIONSBrother currently markets more thantwenty P-touch® Electronic LabelingSystems, encompassing handheld and desktop models and computer connected label printers.

Some P-touch® models feature a half-cutter, which slits only the laminatedlabel, leaving the label backing intact.This allows you to print easy-peel labels – one at a time, or in strips.

With ink sealed between two toughpolyester laminates, Brother’s patentedP-touch® laminated labels are extremelydurable—protecting against extreme temperatures, abrasion, fading, exposureto chemicals and moisture, and otherharsh conditions. The variety of laminated tapes includes standard, extra strength adhesive, flexible ID and tamper-evident tapes.

CONTACT:Brother P-touch® 1-800-4PTOUCH

©2006 Brother International CorporationBridgewater, NJ • Brother Industries, Ltd., Nagoya, Japan. All trademarks and registered trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective companies.

ADVERTORIAL

D-Tools software P-touch printer

Professional-qualitycable labels





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Now, print high-quality cable labels right from your Excel®spreadsheet.Documenting your installations is important — it says a lot about you and the quality of your work. That's why P-touch electronic labeling systems are ideal for contractors and installers. A solution that will always give your work the professional touch.Dependable - Tapes with special adhesives designed for labeling cables, panels and

faceplates assures labels will not fall off*Time-saving - Pre-print a roll of labels using data from an Excel® spreadsheet or

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Laminated label printed using model PT-9500PC

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MOHAWKCabling Excellence forOpen Architecture

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www.cable-install.com Cabling Installation & Maintenance March 2007 15

design

When CI&M fi rst re-ported on the RoHS (Restric-tion of Hazardous Substances) initiative (see “Get Ready for Green Initiatives from All Corners,” January 2006, p. 42), many cabling vendors were in the early stages of changing raw materials to meet RoHS require-ments, and few were well on their way to 100% compliance.

Now, more than a year later,concern for the environment is at the forefront of manyindustry objectives, and “green” initiatives are emerging in all corners of the globe.

Changes in attitudesRoHS is the European Union (EU) directive (2002/95/EC)that went into eff ect on July 1, 2006 and requiredcabling vendors throughout the industry to restrict levels of lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, and two fi re retardants in electrical and electronic products entering the European market.

In late 2005, cabling vendors were being bombarded daily with RoHS concerns from customers while dealing with the logistical nightmare of information manage-ment, determining which products to convert, changing manufacturing processes to comply, and retesting and recertifying the new products. Two years ago, the pre-vailing attitude was that there was little motivation for making RoHS-compliant versions of products that were not big sellers. Today, that attitude has changed.

“While RoHS is not a U.S. initiative, we knew that it was something that our factories abroad would have to

abide by,” says Todd Harpel, director of marketing for cable manufacturer Berk-Tek (www.berktek.com). “We, therefore, felt it was benefi cial for us to also comply here in the States. As a result, we undertook the eff ort of iden-tifying what materials needed to be changed in all of our manufacturing facilities, and we are now 100% RoHS-compliant on all copper and fi ber cables.”

Now that dollars have been spent on compliance, most manufacturers believe it makes more sense to make and sell RoHS-compliant products exclusively versus main-taining two separate versions.

“Carrying multiple lines of any specifi c productincreases the risk for selling the wrong product, and it would take a lot of logistics to keep track of compli-ant and non-compliant versions,” says Mike Barnick,senior manager for solutions marketing at SYSTIMAX(www.systimax.com). “Also, when you sell through dis-tribution, there’s no way of really knowing where some-thing is going to end up.”

Exemptions undeniably have been the most debat-

These microscopic tin whiskers, caused when pure tin rather than a tin-lead combination is used in circuitry, can cause short circuits.

Cabling goes ‘green’ with new attitudes, materials

Amid new and pending environmental legislation in the United States and abroad, most cabling vendors have overcome challenges to offer 100% RoHS-compliant products.

BETSY ZIOBRON BETSY ZIOBRON is a freelance writer and regular contributor tois a freelance writer and regular contributor to Cabling Cabling Installation & Maintenance.Installation & Maintenance. She can be reached at: [email protected] She can be reached at: [email protected]







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Following in the footsteps of the 2006 RoHS directive are several recent environ-mental initiatives affecting the electrical and electronics industry. REACH—Regis-

tration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals—was published at the end of 2006 and enters into force on June 1. REACH will require manufacturers and importers to gather and report information on the properties of their substances so that consum-ers can fi nd information on hazardous chemicals used in the products they purchase.

China has taken a different approach to RoHS that goes into effect this month. Unlike the EU, China RoHS requires every electrical and electronic product to be labeled with hazardous substance levels and a “safe use” period, which indicates the number of years that environmental protection is required for the product. The directive also calls for man-datory testing of all electronic products in one of China’s certifi ed testing facilities before

they can receive government compliance certifi cation.

For now, any product can be sold into China as long as it is properly labeled; however, a catalog of products that China plans to publish this year will eventually list all products re-quired to meet RoHS hazard-ous substance levels.

Closer to home, several states like California continueto draft and adopt legislation, and NEMA made a recent en-vironmental pledge with their

“call to action” on restricted substances. Under phase one of the plan, all NEMA companies that manufacture products within the scope of the EU’s RoHS will be required to meet RoHS compli-ance in all markets worldwide by July 1, 2010. Phase two calls for NEMA members to restrict hazardous substances for nearly all other NEMA products by July 1, 2014.

“With China RoHS a reality and the many other initiatives on the horizon, our RoHS team is still quite active,” says Panduit’s Bernie Westapher. “We have a group that maintains vigilance on environmental regulations worldwide so that we can take immediate action to comply when it’s relevant to our product lines. At this point, I don’t believe any company could say that they’re done dealing with these initiatives or know when they will be done.”—BZ


able RoHS issue due to the directive’s generic and oft en confusing language, not to mention the appealing possibility of avoid-ing immediate compliance. Consequently, several proposedexemptions are under review or pending review by the EU Commission. When RoHS fi rst came on the scene, some in the cabling industry believed the term “equipment” did not apply to network cabling, and that cabling was a “fi xed instal-lation” and, therefore, exempt. Th at perception has also shift edamong cabling vendors.

New view on exemptions“In the beginning, some were under the impression that thecabling in the walls did not have to be compliant, but I be-

lieve that perhaps the cost to comply did not turn out as high as initially thought,” says Barnick. “I also believe there is peer pressure. Once some become compliant, it becomes the thing to do, and vendors had to decide whether they were going to get in the game.”

Says Chuck Schumacher, corporate RoHS and WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) compliance program manager for Panduit (www.panduit.com), “Since the begin-ning, our position on exemptions has been that they are tempo-rary provisions of the law that allow companies to sell existing stock and provide some time to modify manufacturing pro-cesses. Our goal was to be 100% compliant without taking advantage of any exemptions because the exemptions will

eventually go away.”According to the RoHS directive, exemp-

tions will be reviewed at least every four years, with the goal of eventually eliminatingthose exemptions unless there is no provenalternative technology. Some RoHS exemp-tions have been clearly stated and are likelyto remain, such as equipment used for na-tional security applications and the 4% lead by weight found in today’s copper alloy.

“Th ere have been studies that show lead-free processes to not be as reliable, and that is why military, nuclear medicine, and othercritical applications are exempt from that requirement,” says Dave Sauder, director of corporate quality for ADC (www.adc.com).

“We interpreted the RoHS directive to require pretty much everything we make to be com-pliant with no exemptions; except, of course, the copper exemption. We use a lot of copper, and you just can’t buy it without 4% lead—it’s what makes copper machineable.”

Seen and unseen differencesAccording to Berk-Tek’s Harpel, RoHS compli-ance was an invisible change to the customer because the form and function of the products were not altered. While that is the consensus among vendors, some chose to change their part numbers while others did not.

“We didn’t feel the need to change part numbers,” says Harpel. “We keep an eye oninventory and estimated that the likelihood of having non-compliant product in distribu-tion inventory at the July 1 deadline was very small.” To ensure that non-compliant product was not sold into the European market, Berk-Tek date-coded all products and stamped them with the RoHS designation.

Latest RoHS initiatives

The pollution control mark (left) is required under China RoHS on product packaging when no toxic substances are present, meaning that the product is recyclable. The second mark (right) is used when the product contains toxic substances. The number in the middle represents the number of years of environmental protection required for the product.





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In response to a request from the National Electronic Dis-tributors Association (NEDA; www.neda.org), some vendors did change part numbers. “It was made clear by OEMs and the supply chain that a part number change was essential so that there would be absolutely no confusion as to whether or not a product is compliant,” says Bernie Westapher, group vice president of marketing services for Panduit. “Stock is all over the world in various forms of compliance and non-compliance, and it’s very diffi cult for distributors to know what they’re sell-ing when part numbers don’t change.”

While all agree that the change to RoHS is virtually invisi-ble to customers, no one can deny that to comply with RoHS, something had to change in the composition of cables and con-necting hardware. “Th ere are basically two things that have to be taken into consideration with RoHS: Th e polymers and the metals,” says Panduit’s Schumacher. “With cable, the jacket and insulation materials involve PVC and other polymer materials, and in many cases, there were lead stabilizers that had to bereplaced. With connectivity, the biggest challenge was replac-ing some of the metals used in platings and solder.”

According to ADC’s Sauder, the abundant use of cadmium plating in connectivity had to be eliminated. “Cadmium has a lot of nice features that make products very easy to work with,” he explains. “Not only does it provide

corrosion resistance, but when added to the plating of connectors, it provides a slightlubricating property for fasteners.” Saudersays that while, to date, there has been nomaterial found to replace the lubricating properties of cadmium, ADC was able to switch its fastening strategy to ensure fasten-ers had their own lubrication prior to use.

Th e change in raw materials and sub-stances causes a chain reaction through-out the entire manufacturing process.

“Th e majority of the components in our cable products have always been compli-ant; however, a few constructions required raw-material manufacturers to formu-late to lead-free alternatives,” says Jim Crompton, director of product manage-

“We interpreted the RoHS

directive to require pretty

much everything we make

to be compliant with no

exemptions; except, of

course, the copper ex-

emption. We use a lot of

copper, and you just can’t

buy it without 4% lead—

it’s what makes copper

machineable.”






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“What the world doesn’t

need is a different RoHS.

It’s common logic that we

need a global standard,

otherwise manufacturers

would have to go through

everything we’ve been

through all over again.”

ment with the AMP Netconnect division of Tyco Electronics(www.ampnetconnect.com). “It’s not like you can just empty the hopper of one material and pour in the other. When you change the raw material, it’s a total re-evaluation of the prod-uct. For example, changing a cable jacket formula can change the product’s burn-performance characteristics, which re-quires requalifying with UL for NFPA 262 or ANSI/UL 1666 compliance.”

According to Crompton, working with suppliers to reformu-late to RoHS compliance also gave AMP Netconnect the oppor-

tunity to review and enhance performance wherever possible.

Not without challenge“One of the biggest impacts is change itself,” says Westapher of Panduit. “If you change how you manufacture a product for any reason, there are entire systems involved–quality systems, computer systems, bills of material–the list goes on and on. Change has to be managed carefully, and in today’s complex and global processes, every aspect has to be reviewed and ad-dressed, which is a signifi cant cost to manufacturers.”

In addition to the challenging logistics and cost to become RoHS-compliant, ven-dors have also faced technical challenges. For example, RoHS requires replacement for the tin-lead coatings used on many lead frames and printed circuit boards, but pure

tin is susceptible to the formation of tiny whiskers. (See photos, page 15.)

“Lead suppresses tin-whisker growth, and there have been some high-profi le ex-amples where moving to a lead-free solder caused the tin to grow tiny whiskers that can reach lengths long enough to cause an electrical short in tightly spaced circuitry,” explains ADC’s Sauder.

With the tin-whiskering eff ect, space be-tween adjacent circuitry, plating process control, and good design practices can be critical. “Th e risk from whiskers for our product family is very small,” says Tyco Electronics’ Crompton. “We use the best known whisker management practices to design our products, and we’ve conducted extensive testing of tin-plating chemistries. For AMP Netconnect, it’s more about hav-ing a solid solder joint, which depends on making sure you achieve proper wet-





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For cooler data centers and maximum system uptime, insist upon cable made with exclusive ADC AirES technology. For more information on all ADC’s TrueNet structured cabling systems contact us today. Ask for your complimentary interactive Cable Selection Guide.

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ting and good hole fi lls with the higher temperatures of the no-lead process.”

While not completely whisker-free, matte tin fi nish has shown signifi cant reduced whisker formation and has become the fi nish of choice among many vendors.

Aside from tin-lead whiskering, cable and connectivity man-ufacturers have also had to retest all products for performance and safety requirements per standards, such as Underwriters Laboratories fi re-retardancy requirements. Meeting the stan-dards requirements was not overly diffi cult for vendors, but fi nding an orange colorant without cadmium was not as easy.

“Any time you change something in the insulation of a con-ductor, it changes the electrical properties,” says Berk-Tek’s Harpel. “To fi nd a new orange colorant that allowed us to con-tinue meeting electrical performance on the orange pair was honestly the most diffi cult challenge we faced. Th e other col-orants were easy to replace.” According to Harpel, there is a slight hue change from the original orange color, but it is so subtle that most don’t notice it.

Affecting the homelandBecause most cabling vendors have switched their product lines to be RoHS-compliant without maintaining non-com-pliant versions, other countries, including the U.S., are reaping

the benefi ts. In other words, the U.S. has become compliant only because of the EU’s directive.

“We no longer carry non-compliant products or components,” says SYSTIMAX’s Barnick. “If we can be environmentally friendly aft er spending the money to reformulate and get to a RoHS-compliant state while still maintaining excellent per-formance characteristics, then that’s where we are, and we’re better for it. Why go back? In the long run, we have fi nite re-sources; we only have so much water, air, and land. We can’t continue to abuse it.”

Most agree that RoHS legislation is imminent in the U.S. “As more states enact their own limited form of RoHS, I be-lieve that the impact on state-to-state commerce will cause the issue to be forced up to the federal level,” says ADC’s Sauder. “In my opinion, the EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] would be smart to get ahead of the curve and adopt something similar to the European and China RoHS for the entire nation.”

Panduit’s Westapher agrees: “What the world doesn’t need is a diff erent RoHS. It’s common logic that we need a glob-al standard, otherwise manufacturers would have to go through everything we’ve been through all over again. Our hope, expectation, and communication are that one standard isimperative.”





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10GBASE-T

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Losing your cool is just not an option.Not when your data center feeds mission-critical applications throughout the

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installation

Widespread adoption of10-Gigabit Ethernet (10-GbE) is gaining momentum in data centers and as backbone applications, so it is critical that the design and installation of any structuredcabling system takes into account the appli-cation’s unique requirements. Every aspect of structured cabling system pathways must be designed to ensure the highest channel performance. Yet today’s familiar pathways and installation methods may not be ade-quate for new cable technologies that accom-modate 10-GbE.

Th e Telecommunications Industry Asso-ciation (TIA; www.tiaonline.org) has yet to update the TIA/EIA-569-B standard to ad-dress the larger cable needed to support10-GbE. Factors to consider include the larger diameter of the cable, additional bend radiusrequired, and increased weight of cables, such as Augmented Category 6 UTP (Category 6A) and shielded cables (Category 6 FTP, Catego-ry 7 STP). Th ese requirements diff er signifi -cantly from those of older cable designs and have a direct bearing on the performance of a 10-GbE system.

Next-generation cableTh ere is no guarantee that Category 6 UTP cable will support 10-GbE transmission for a defi ned minimum distance. Instead, TIA developed a Telecommunications Systems Bulletin, TSB-155, which defi nes additional testing guidelines to qualify installed Category 6 UTP and its ability to support 10-GbE. Testing within the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE;

www.ieee.org) has shown that most Category 6 UTP cables will not support 10-GbE beyond 55 meters, and many do not come close to 55 meters. Category 6A UTP cable is designed to support 10-GbE on a four-connec-tor, 100-meter channel. To provide this higher level of performance—without adding shielding—the cable wasredesigned to reduce the eff ects of alien crosstalk.

Alien crosstalk (electrical noise from other cables) has become the dominant noise source for 10-GbE because external noise cannot be controlled through digital sig-nal processing (DSP) techniques. DSP techniques are

The effects of larger and heavier cables needed to support 10-Gigabit Ethernet are felt building-wide, from the entrance facility through the telecommunica-tions rooms, pathways and spaces, all the way to the work area.

10-Gbit transmission impact on cable pathways

Larger and/or heavier cables affect such issues as conduit fill and bend radius.

DALE BUDENSKIDALE BUDENSKI is with Wiremold/Legrand (www.wiremold.com). is with Wiremold/Legrand (www.wiremold.com). CYNTHIA MONTSTREAMCYNTHIA MONTSTREAM is with Ortronics/Legrand (www.ortronics. is with Ortronics/Legrand (www.ortronics.com). Lylette Macdonald of Ortronics/Legrand also contributed to this com). Lylette Macdonald of Ortronics/Legrand also contributed to this article.article.





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only able to eliminate internal cable noise like near-end and far-end crosstalk; and echo cancellation techniques minimize the eff ect of return loss. Th e way to minimize alien crosstalk is to provide greater separation between cable pairs or by shield-ing pairs from neighboring cables.

Category 6A UTP cables have larger overall diameter that provides additional separation between twisted pairs within adjacent cables to reduce alien crosstalk. Th ere are two shieldedoptions that support 10-GbE: Category 6 FTP cables em-ploy foil around all four pairs while Category 7 STP cables have a shield around each pair and an overall shield around all four pairs. Th e larger diameter and bend radius of thesecabling options have a signifi cant impact on the cabling path-way design.

Th e diff erence in diameter between Category 6 and Cat-egory 6A may seem trivial, but it can have a signifi cant im-pact on the number of cables that can be accommodated in a particular pathway. For example, TIA recommends that a 0.75-inch (21-mm) conduit will hold two Category 6 cables, but only one Category 6A cable, at 40% fi ll. Similar capaci-

ty reductions are noted for other cabling pathways. Systemdesigners should plan for perimeter raceway systems, cable trays, furniture systems, and other pathways to handle the largestcable outside diameter (OD) to be installed for the life of those systems. TIA recommends a minimum of two cables per work area; however, BICSI-suggested best practice is to design path-ways for three cables.

Th e larger bend radius of Category 6 FTP and Category 6A UTP cables also requires more space—in telecommunications rooms, horizontal pathways, and at the workstation—so as to avoid creating tight bends that degrade performance. Addi-tionally, Category 6 FTP and Category 6A UTP cable is heavier than the cable that is currently in use. Caution must be taken so that even if the current TIA guidelines for fi ll-rate are fol-lowed, the additional weight of the cable does not cause prob-lems for the cable at the bottom of the conduit.

Any distortion of the cable jacket could result in perfor-mance problems during the life of the system. And because its greater weight makes cable more diffi cult to pull, pathways that off er in-lay installation may be preferable both for initial

installation and to accommodate moves, adds, and changes.

Building-wide impactsTh e impact of 10-GbE cabling will be felt throughout the build-ing from the main equipment room to the workstation. (See photo, page 25.) Not only is the twisted-pair copper cabling becoming larger and heavier, but there is an additional need to better manage cable bundle size and to provide adequate separation between cables:

• Entrance facility/equipment room. Cable-managementrequirements will be impacted by cable diameter, weight, and bend radius. Th e cable management used must be able toaccommodate the additional size and weight of the cable. Th is will require additional space in the racks, including vertical and horizontal management that will allow randomcable placement to minimize alien crosstalk issues.Insuffi cient cable management may result in cables becom-ing compressed or kinked, which will result in decreased per-formance. When selecting a rack solution, make sure it willaccommodate the larger bend radius of the backbonecabling; also keep in mind the additional requirements for equipment or patch cords on the front of the rack.

• Telecommunications room. As in the entrance facility,adequate cable support is needed in the telecommunica-tions room. Typically, there are three diff erent cable sys-tems that need to be managed—backbone, horizontal, and cross-connect—introducing a range of cable types fromfi ber to high-pair-count and the new Category 6A UTP cables.Additionally, telecommunications room space is at a premi-um, contributing to the need for higher cable density. Racks and cable management must accommodate the routingdemands of cables that may be larger, heavier, and require a greater bend radius, oft en in limited available space.

• Horizontal and backbone pathways. A wide variety of wire and cable management systems are available to supportCategory 6 FTP and Category 6A UTP cable. Th e selection of a particular system depends on many factors. Of partic-ular concern is maintaining the proper cable bend radius, supporting extra weight, and providing additional space to manage larger, loose cable bundles.– Perimeter raceway systems are available in many sizes to

accommodate larger cables. New internal confi gurations have been developed to provide more space for required, larger cable bend radius. And removable covers facilitate lay-in installation.

– Cable tray is a popular pathway solution, but larger trays may be needed when installing Category 6A cable. Trays must have drop-out fi ttings that meet or exceed bend-radius specifi cations. Trays and supports must meet high-er weight requirements; hooks will not give the supportrequired for large bundles of larger, heavier cabling.

– Underfl oor and cellular duct systems off er ample

Diameter, bend radius for 10-GbE cablingCable Diameter Bend radius

Category 6 0.22” (5.72 mm) 1.00” (4 x OD)

Category 6A 0.35» (9 mm) 1.42» (4 x OD)

Category 6 FTP 0.28” (7.24 mm) 2.28” (8 x OD)

Category 7 STP 0.33” (8.38 mm) 2.64” (8 x OD)

Diameters listed in this table are nominal values of cables currently being sold. Not all cables of a particular category have the outside diameter listed here.










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capacity and may be more cost-eff ective thanusing conduit to feed fl oor boxes.

– Conduit must be sized appropriately—a mini-mum of 1.0 inches for two cables and 1.25 inchesfor four cables.

• Work areas. Larger diameters and greater bend-radius requirements dictate more spacious housing for cable slack that will be hard to manage in stan-dard wall boxes. Even if the slack is pulled back into the wall, a larger box still must be used to maintain the larger bend radius required. Th is additionalslack-space requirement must be designed into the pathway. Double-gang boxes should be used for two cables, per BICSI recommendations, and it is suggested that triple-gang or larger boxes be used for four cables.

A long-term viewTh e impact of larger and heavier cables must be considered at every point in both pathways and spaces.Even if an end user is not ready for a 10-GbE system yet, path-ways and spaces are static components that have a life expec-tancy far greater than that of the cabling system, so long-term planning is always a wise choice.

Designers and installers must also be aware of continuously evolving standards, codes, and regulations. Although 10-GbE over twisted pair presents some new challenges, quality prod-uct, quality design, and quality installation remain the basis for the highest channel performance.

This cutaway of Wiremold’s DS4000 raceway shows the additional bend-radius it allows.





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The City of Hartford, CT leapt forward at the turn of the millenni-um with the creation of a new Civic Center, convention center, and an ambitious Connecticut River water-front destination called Adriaen’s Landing. Symbolically and econom-ically, the availability of upscale, in-town residential space was criti-cal to the new millennium of Hart-ford’s prominence.

The Northland Company ofNewton, MA (www.northland.com) already had a major presence in the city, with properties including 242 Trumbull, 90-104 Allyn Street, City-Place II, Goodwin Square, and Metro Center. For Hartford 21, Northland shared the vision, attracting residents epitomizing Hartford’s emerging suc-cess—upwardly mobile and technolog-ically literate. To support the intended clientele, the Hartford 21 cabling infra-structure would serve 262 luxury res-idences, each complete with fl exibleaccess to high-speed data, cable televi-sion, satellite, and telephone facilities.

Turner Construction’s offi ce in Milford (www.turnerconstruction.com) chose McPhee Electric Inc. of Farmington (www.mcpheeusa.com) to install the security, surveillance, card access, temperature-control, building-automa-tion, fi re-alarm, data-communications, and telecom-munications infrastructure. To enhance the building’s competitive technological advantage, McPhee’s open architecture system would set Moore’s Law in action to run its natural price/performance advancements over

time. With the infra-structure available for multiple technologieswithin the building, vendors would be free to compete for sub-scribers while tenants enjoyed access to ev-er-improving choicesof vendors andtechnologies.

McPhee project manager Brian Parentundertook the two-

year-long project with full support of Local 35 inside wiremen and technicians, who are certifi ed to in-stall Siemon (www.siemon.com) and Mohawk (www.mohawk-cable.com) systems. Parent was tasked with anticipating the frequent breakthroughs in high-speed multimedia, and to accommodate them cost-eff ectivelyat Hartford 21. McPhee’s certifi cation for Siemon’s 20-yearwarranty was a critical consideration for Northland, which would manage the network upon occupancy.

Th e $160 million, 35-story tower includes panoramicnorthwestern views of the city and the Metacomet

Open-architecture cablingsuits luxury apartments

The Hartford 21 building is helping to revitalize the Connecticut city, while plenum-rated cable helps pamper its residents with communications services.

SHARON CARDINALSHARON CARDINAL is copper product specialist with Mohawk is copper product specialist with Mohawk(www.mohawk-cable.com).(www.mohawk-cable.com).

All cabling for data, voice, and video services is concentrated in a resi-dential cabinet about the size of a medicine chest, in a closet within each apartment.





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ridges of Avon Mountain as well as the distant Berk-shires. Located at Asylum and Trumbull streets,adjacent to the Hartford Civic Center, Hartford 21 was in the very core of the city’s downtown busi-ness district.

Residential cable cabinetsMcPhee’s modular architecture concentrates allcabling for data, voice, and video for each apartment in a residential cable cabinet—the size of a small,recessed medicine chest—located in the residence’s coat closet near the front door. Th is location cen-tralizes connectivity within the apartment, allow-ing voice, Digital Subscriber Line, or satellite video service personnel to install, activate, and troubleshoot servicesconveniently within the apartment.

Terminated in each of the 262 residential boxes are two RG-6 broadband coaxial cables, as well as two 4-pair, color-coded, unshielded Category 5e cables—blue for

data and white for voice. In total, more than 400,000 feet of Mohawk MegaLAN Plenum Category 5e cable is installed, with 150,000 feet of RG-6 and 70,000 feet of RG-11.

Inside are cross-con-nects for four to six voice, video, data, and satellite outlets in the apartment. Additional port capacity is provid-ed within the enclosure for future expansion, while electrical outlets and a wide space re-main to accommodate a cable or DSL modem, or other device (com-

plete with tie wraps to hold it in place). Cable identifi cation labels are attached to panel surfaces.

Each bedroom supports one workstation, while living-room jacks are conveniently placed on opposite walls to accommo-date two possible workstation locations. Each of the 60 one-bedroom units has four data/voice/CATV/satellite wallplates and one wall phone jack.

Two-bedroom units (there are 198 in all) have six wall-plates and one wall phone, while penthouse units have ad-ditional plates to support libraries and additional bedrooms. Th is allows users both fl exibility and the peace of mind that

comes with the hardwired net-work security.

Wallplates carry two 8-pin modular RJ-45 jacks, one for voice and one for data, with-in twin coaxial connectors be-low—blue tagged for cable and red tagged for satellite televi-

sion. At the time of this writing, the satellite vendor(s) for the complex had not been determined.

Intermediate cross-connectsAccess by telecommunications carriers is easy in Hartford 21’s 30 intermediate cross-connect (IC) spaces. On each fl oor, a compact Siemon 110 termination block terminates a 50-pair copper backbone. Chatsworth ladder trays support runs tocable cabinets in individual apartments. Each fl oor’s IC breaks out its own 50-pair home runs and RG-11 coaxial cable from

The wallplates are color-coded; the blue RJ-45 port is for data, while the blue coaxial port supports cable TV and the red coaxial port supports satellite TV.

In one of the 30 intermediate cross-connects at Hartford 21, a Siemon 110-style block terminates a 50-pair copper backbone cable.

While the term “telecommunications closet” has fallen out of use in favor of the more politically correct “telecommunications room,” at Hartford 21, the voice, data, and video cabling systems do indeed converge inside a closet, as shown here.














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the main cross-connect, passing the rest through for breakout in respective fl oors above.

Each apartment is supportedby redundant RG-6 coaxialcables, and up to four 4-pair Cate-gory 5e MegaLAN cables, patched through to specifi c jacks.

ICs are preinstalled with a vacant innerduct for the future addition of fi ber through this otherwise inaccessible space, or, as described by McPhee’s project manager Parent, “an unimpeded raceway right back to the core.”

Main cross-connectSecurely located below ground level among the dense concrete fl oors of Hart-ford 21’s four-fl oor parking garage, the main cross-connect (MC) supports30 ICs’ data, CATV, satellite, and telephone wiring. Vacant fi ber conduit from all 30 ICs enter from above, with vacant conduit exiting the building fromfuture fi ber applications.

Mounted on one wall, a set of punchdown blocks supports the YMCA’s offi cesand facilities, which are on the fi rst two fl oors. Mounted on the same wall, theenclosed SBC/AT&T installation brings 1,000 wire pairs from the street.

With the building occupied, property owner Northland manages the MC, which is under the 20-year Siemon/Mohawk warranty. Communications utilities, such as Cox and AT&T, will perform cross-connects for their own customers within the building.

Even aft er construction, the MC space has plenty of expansion capacity, with space for future applications. Empty 4-inch conduits with orange bushings are ready to feed south-facing retail space along Asylum Street as well as the adjacent interior Civic Center and shops facing Trumbull Street. Ladder racks line the walls, ready to support cabling from future racks and electronics supporting retail busi-ness, restaurants, offi ces, and nearby public gathering spots.

Empty 4-inch conduits are ready to feed south-facing retail space along Asylum Street as well as the adjacent Civic Center and shops facing Trumbull Street.

These conduits are partially empty of ascending cables, having discharged most of their runs on lower fl oors. The remaining runs pass upward to and through intermediate cross-con-nects on fl oors above.





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In this, the third installa-tion of a year-long series of articles covering technical and business issues associ-ated with structured cabling systems in data centers, we examine the considerations that go into the decision to run cables overhead or un-der a raised fl oor.

While some of those considerations refl ect trends that mark the current state of data center management, for many, the primary consideration is already shaping up as a trend in this series—thermal management. Th is month’s article on overhead/underfl oor cable convey-ance will focus, to some extent, on thermal management. Last month’s article (“Performance, workmanship play key roles in data centers,” February 2007, p. 31) discussed the idea of proper cable management ensuring that ca-bles do not inhibit airfl ow, which is critical to thermal management. And the article that kicked off the year-long series (“Cabling in the data center: Just a piece of the puzzle,” January 2007, p. 37) on data centers included the following quote from Corning Cable Systems’ (www.corningcablesystems.com) Alan Ugolini: “If you stacked up the issues that are important in a data center, cool-ing would be on top.”

This month, the discussion begins with Rog-er Jette, president of Cable Management Solutions(www.snaketray.com), describing current trends aff ecting users’ choices to convey cable above racks and cabinets or under a raised fl oor in data centers. “One of the driving factors has little to do with cable, but rather with ther-mal management,” he begins. “Some data center manag-ers want to keep the space underneath the fl oor reserved for massive amounts of air to help cool the data center. Th ey run the cable overhead so nothing but air can run under the fl oor.”

Adds Alan Green, partner with technology consulting fi rm Grid Associates (www.gridassociates.net), “Th at is

especially true of bigger data centers, many of which run cable overhead because they don’t want anything in the fl oors but air.” Th e extent to which those fl oors are raised in large-scale data centers can be eye-opening as well, he says. “Th ree- to four-foot fl oor height is preferable,” in extremely high-dense data centers, Green notes, adding that, typically, the only thing running underneath that highly raised fl oor is air.

“Th e upper echelon of data centers may use 3- or 3-½-foot raised fl oors,” says Andy Chaloupka, business devel-opment manager with Panduit (www.panduit.com). “And they prefer to put no cable down there. One of their pri-mary concerns is they don’t want to put anything in the way of airfl ow.”

Furthermore, from a practical standpoint, access of-ten matters. “Th e pathway up above is generally more ac-cessible than that beneath a fl oor,” Chaloupka adds.

Cable conveyance requiresplanning and execution

Whether cables run overhead, underfloor, or both, planners must pay attention to what else is running through a data center’s spaces.

PATRICK MPATRICK MCCLAUGHLINLAUGHLIN is chief editor of is chief editor of Cabling Installation & Cabling Installation & Maintenance.Maintenance.

This image of cables running through the Snake Canyon shows the other systems around which communications cables must be conveyed, even when run under a raised fl oor.





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“Routing cable overhead allows moves, adds, and changes dur-ing normal working hours. In many instances, getting access tounderfl oor systems can only happen aft er hours, and some-times at a higher labor rate.”

Design considerationsIn 2005, Julie Roy, principal of C2 Consulting (www.csquared-consulting.biz) and contributor to www.bcsreports.com, made a presentation at a BICSI conference about the Telecommu-nications Industry Association’s TIA-942 standard covering data center infrastructure. In her presentation, she discussed considerations that should be made when cabling is placedeither overhead or underfl oor. Among those considerations are that a raised fl oor provides more fl exible cooling options than does ducted air. Additionally, cabinets and racks should bearranged on raised fl oors to permit tiles along the front and rear of the racks/cabinets to be lift ed.

She also pointed out that cable trays suspended from the ceiling provide more fl exibility for supporting racks/cabinets of various heights, and for adding and removing cabinets and racks. As a good-practice recommendation, she also pointed out that cable trays can be installed with several layers; a three-layer system would include copper-based communicationscable in the bottom layer, fi ber-based communications cable in the middle layer, and power cable in the top layer.

“Going overhead requires more engineering, because you have to avoid things like fl uorescent lighting and sprinkler sys-tems,” states Tony Lookabill, RCDD, national accounts man-ager for GS Metals’ Flextray line of cable tray.

While thermal management is one consideration, Cable Management Solutions’ Jette points out, “Management of the cable is highly critical. It is necessary to coordinate to get path-ways into specifi c places, so coordination of all services is a key ingredient to successful conveyance.”

Obstacles to cable conveyance can be anywhere and every-where above a series of racks or enclosures, and as Jette fur-ther notes, thermal management can be an issue there as well:

Cable Management Solutions’ Mega Snake product line (the tray on top) is frequently used in overhead data-center applications, in large part because of its signifi cant capacity.





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“I have been in data centers where active cooling componen-try is above each tray, and in data centers where chillers aredirectly on top of enclosures.” Such arrangements make for challenging designs of cable-conveyance equipment.

Inherited spaceAnother reality creating challenges in these environments is the types of buildings in which they reside. “Very oft en, a data-center user, such as a bank, will buy an old warehouse,” notes Grid Associates’ Green, adding that such spaces provide high ceilings that allow tall raised fl oors. But, he says, these envi-ronments can also present challenges because the structure was built without a data center’s requirements in mind. “One client of ours bought a 300,000-square-foot warehouse, and the data center is going into a bolt-on,” he explains. “Another data center is in an existing building, and there are all kinds of things to work around.” Th ese workarounds can be accom-plished—and, in fact, are some of the tasks Green’s company is hired to accomplish—but nonetheless they are a fact of life when cable is run overhead.

For some data center managers, visual appeal plays a role in deciding whether to go overhead or underfl oor. “Some data centers are showplaces, where the owners might take custom-ers or investors through,” says Panduit’s Chaloupka. “Many of them do not want anything above the cabinets for aesthet-ic reasons.”

Other reasons can also push users to underfl oor cabling. C2’s Roy stated in her presentation that most standalone computer systems are designed for cabling from below. Jette adds, “In the current trends we’re seeing, many users have one pathway for ca-ble above cabinets and one path beneath the fl oor.” Sometimes, he says, users run only power beneath the fl oor. Other times, both power and data cabling are beneath a raised fl oor.

When to go underWhen data cabling does run underneath a raised fl oor, Cha-loupka points out, “it is important to keep cables in close prox-

Power cables, like these running underfl oor through Cable Manage-ment Solutions’ Power Snake Canyon, should run in the data center’s cold aisle.





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Cablofil’s new Under Floor Cable Management System (UFS) is a wire mesh

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imity to inlets going into the racks,” he says, “in order to protect and support cables transitioning up into a cabinet or rack.”

“When you run cable underfl oor, it is important to get the cable as high off the fl oor and as close to the fl oor as possible,” notes GS Metals’ Lookabill, noting that doing so allows for the

maximum amount of airfl ow possible to run under the raised fl oor. He adds that everything run under a fl oor, including power cables in the data center’s cold aisles, should be in a tray system up off the fl oor. “If possible, the diff erent cable types can run in diff erent tray systems,” Lookabill says.

An absolute-must in these situations is to run underfl oorcable-support structures in the hot aisles of hot-aisle/cold-aisle setups. By doing so, any heat generated by cables will not ad-versely aff ect the cold air fl owing through the cold aisle. Like-wise, when access to the cable is necessary, lift ing a tile to gain access will not disrupt the fl ow of cold air in the cold aisle.

As is the case with overhead conveyance, underfl oor cable pathways require coordination with other trades. While the ideal situation might be for nothing else other than cold air running beneath a raised fl oor, in reality, the pathways forother utilities frequently reside there as well.

When data center managers get the opportunity to decide whether to establish cable pathways overhead or underfl oor, they must take several factors into consideration, from build-ing structure to thermal-management needs and aesthetics. Th e issues are many and can confl ict with one another. Re-gardless of the method used, and even if both areas are desig-nated for cable pathways, having to eff ectively working aroundother data center services is a virtual guarantee.

Panduit’s Fiber Runner system is appropriate for both fi ber-optic and high-end copper cabling systems. Among the system’s benefi ts in data centers are easy access, bend-radius control, cable-management capability, and the lay-in trough system’s allowance for technicians to minimize or eliminate the need to bundle cable.





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WHERE THE PERFORMANCE,SECURITY AND ALIEN CROSSTALK

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TX

RX

The multipath challenge



wireless

Wireless data networking, frequently referred to as Wi-Fi, started its life in the small-offi ce/home-offi ce environment where perfor-mance takes second place to cost. But this wirelesslocal area networking (WLAN) technology is about to turn the corner into the lucrative enterprise and wire-less video-distribution markets with the emergence of a high-speed physical-layer technology now being standardized by the Institute of Electrical and Elec-tronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11n task group.

Th e IEEE 802.11n specifi cation, due to be released inOctober 2008, raises the throughput of WLAN by a factor of four or higher and guarantees at least 100 Mbits/sec ofreal data throughput, with data rates reaching600 Mbits/sec. Already, pre-standard chipsets from such companies as Intel, Broadcom, Qualcom, Athe-ros, and Marvell claim measured throughput in the300-Mbits/sec range or higher. With this level of through-put on the airlink, wireless access points (WAPs) will need to step up to 1000Base-T Gigabit Ethernet-level con-nections to the infrastructure in order to keep up.

Finding MIMOIEEE 802.11n owes its high-throughput performance to the latest wireless transmission advancement—multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO). Th e 802.11n wireless transmission technology is based on MIMO signaling.

MIMO is a signifi cant innovation in the area of wire-less data transmission. It turns the long-time nemesis of WLANs—multipath—into a friend. Multipath is com-mon indoors, where the wireless signal refl ects from walls, fl oors, ceilings, furniture, and people. Refl ections addtogether in the air, presenting a challenge to the receiver that has to separate the original transmitted signal from the refl ections. While today’s 802.11a/b/g radios struggle to separate the signal from this muddle, 802.11n MIMO radios actually take advantage of multipath to send mul-

tiple data streams via the available spatial paths.MIMO radios use multipath to achieve gains in oper-

ating range and throughput. Two techniques employed in MIMO are spatial multiplexing and beamforming:

• When the MIMO radio uses spatial multiplexing, it sends more than one data stream simultaneously toincrease throughput.

• When it employs beamforming, it sends multiple ver-

sions of a single data stream via multiple antennas to im-prove reception and minimize packet error rate.

Beamforming works in conjunction with maximum ratio combining (MRC), which is a digital signal process-ing (DSP) technique that adjusts amplitudes and phases of received data signals, and adds them in such a way as to optimize the bit error rate (BER) performance.

Spatial multiplexing can yield higher throughput than beamforming by virtue of sending multiple distinct da-ta streams, but it may not work in some environments where line-of-sight transmission paths dominate and multiple paths may not be available.

Multipath creates multiple versions of the signal by virtue of refl ections from walls, fl oors, ceiling, furniture, and people. The refl ections accumulate in the air, making it challenging for the receiver to recover the original signal.

802.11n: The next generation in wireless LAN technology

Multiple-input multiple-output transmission is the key for high-throughput wireless networking.

FANNY MLINARSKY FANNY MLINARSKY is president and principal consultant at octoScope is president and principal consultant at octoScope (www.octoscope.com), a consulting company focusing on wireless and RF (www.octoscope.com), a consulting company focusing on wireless and RF product design and advocacy. She can be reached at: [email protected] design and advocacy. She can be reached at: [email protected]







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Typical MIMO system

TX RX

2 × 3


A MIMO N × M system typically refers to radios withN transmitters and M re-ceivers. The signal from each transmitter is received by each receiver through the wireless channel. Th e possible number of paths through the channel areN × M, so a 2 × 3 MIMO channel has six paths.

Th e communicating radios automatically determine the best possible signaling scheme based on the channel condi-tions. For channels where direct line-of-sight path dominates, beamforming is used to send the same data stream from each transmitter so that multiple versions of the same signal can be received by the receivers and either combined using MRC or selected based on signal integrity.

When multipath createsmultiple spatial paths, the data stream can be di-vided and sent in parallelby multiple transmitters through each of the avail-able paths, thereby multi-plying data throughput. Th e receivers each can select one of the unique spatial streams and then recombine theminto the original data signal. Highly sophisticated DSP is needed to dynamically adjust and negotiate the transmis-sion scheme between the communicating radios.

Legacy WLANs based on 802.11a, b, or g specifi cations use automatic data rate adaptation based on channel conditions—the better the channel, the higher the rate. (See table, “Legacy 802.11 physical layer opera-tion.”) Th ese legacy radios transmit a single data stream using either Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) or Orthogonal Frequency Di-vision Multiplexing (OFDM) modulation.

In 802.11n MIMO net-works, signaling selection is considerably more com-plex than in legacy networks, which has driven the 802.11n task group to introduce the concept of modulation cod-ing scheme (MCS). The variables in MCS selection in-clude such factors as number of spatial streams, and mod-ulation and data rate on each

stream. Radios establishing or maintaining a link must automatically negotiate the optimum MCS based on channel conditions and then continuously adjust the selection of MCS based on motion of devices or changing channel condi-

tions caused by fading and other real-time events.Th ere are 77 diff erent MCSs specifi ed in IEEE P802.11n/

D1.10—the current draft of the 802.11 standard as of Janu-ary—with eight of those MCSs being mandatory for 802.11n-compliant devices to implement. Th e table “Rate-dependent parameters” is an example of how MCSs are specifi ed.

Th e highest data rate of 600 Mbits/sec is achievable with MCS #31 using 64-quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) in a

40-MHz channel and operating with a short guardinterval (GI) of 400 nanoseconds. GI is the time delaythe receiver uses when recovering data. It is optimized fordata sampling in the presence of propagation delays, echoes, and refl ections in a multipath channel.

With 77 MCSs from which to choose, the complexity of MCS adaptation decisions becomes considerably higher than in legacy networks. Th is level of complexity likely makes in-

This is an example of a 2 × 3 MIMO system with two transmitters and three receivers, totaling six paths.

Legacy 802.11 physical layer operationSupported date rates (Mbits/sec) Supported frequency band (GHz)

802.11b (DSSS) 1, 2, 5.5, 11 2.4

802.11a (OFDM) 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 5.8

802.11g (11b and 11a) 1, 2, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 2.4

Rate-dependent parameters (For mandatory 20 MHz, NSS=1, MCSs, NES=1)

MCS index

Modulation R NBPSCS

(iss)NSD NSP NCBPS NDBPS Data rate (Mbits/sec)

800 ns GI 400 ns GI

0 BPSK 0.5 1 108 6 108 54 13.5 15

1 QPSK 0.5 2 108 6 216 108 27 30

2 QPSK 0.75 2 108 6 216 162 40.5 45

3 16-QAM 0.5 4 108 6 432 216 54 60

4 16-QAM 0.75 4 108 6 432 324 81 90

5 64-QAM 0.66 6 108 6 648 432 108 120

6 64-QAM 0.75 6 108 6 648 486 121.5 135

7 64-QAM 0.83 6 108 6 648 540 135 150

GI = Guard Interval, or the time delay used by the receiver in recovering data

NSS = Number of spatial streams

R = Code rate

NBPSC = Number of coded bits per single carrier

NBPSC (iss) = Number of coded bits per single carrier for each spatial stream, iss

NSD = Number of data subcarriers

NSP = Number of pilot subcarriers

NCBPS = Number of coded bits per symbol

NDBPS = Number of data bits per symbol










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teroperability between devices from diff erent vendors challenging.

IEEE 802.11n networks use existing unli-censed bands at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, match-ing the frequency plan of legacy networks. But while legacy networks occupy a single20-MHz channel, 802.11n networks can use 20- or 40-MHz channels. A 40-MHz channel consists of two 20-MHz chan-nels—a primary and a secondary. Th e primary 20-MHz chan-nel boundaries and regulations are the same as for the legacy

802.11a, b, and g networks. Th e secondary channel is the adjacent20-MHz channel, either above or below the primary channel. Th is secondary channel may be shared among diff erent basic service sets. A basic service set is analogous to a cell in a cellu-

lar network, and consists of the WAP and its associated stations.

802.11n will also operate in the 3.65- to 3.70-GHz contention-based band being standardized by the IEEE 802.11y task group.MIMO devices can operate in three modes: Legacy (802.11a/b/g/), mixed mode (802.11n and 802.11a/b/g), or greenfi eld (802.11nonly). Th e highest throughput is achieved in greenfi eld mode, when only the 802.11n de-vices are present on the network. Th e mode of operation impacts network throughput.

At this phase of the 802.11n technologi-cal progress, it is important to compare the throughput performance of legacy, mixed, and greenfield modes. A single legacystation on an 802.11n network can signifi -cantly decrease total network throughput.

Greenfi eld 802.11n networks are made up entirely of MIMO devices and can achieve the highest throughput, which makes them suitable for video transmission.

New cabling opportunitiesTh e emerging 802.11n standard creates two types of opportunities for the cabling and network installer community:

First, it is enterprise-ready because of its high throughput, maturity, improved se-curity, and manageability. Enterprise net-works may require upgrades to cabling and telecommunications-room equipment to support the new Gigabit Ethernet and Pow-er over Ethernet-capable MIMO WAPs.

In addition, 802.11n is poised to jump-start the huge wireless video distribution market, which has the potential of signif-icantly increasing the demand for video-grade cabled networks in the homes to interconnect MIMO WAPs.

Th e wireless multimedia communica-tions era is just beginning.

MIMO is a signifi cant innovation in the area of

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Compiled by Patrick McLaughlin & Steve Smith


In late January and early February, Belden (www.belden.com) announced

the intention to acquire two companies in separate deals whose value total more than $450 million. Th e company char-acterizes the acquisitions as signifi cant steps toward its strategic objectives.

On January 30, the company announced it had entered into an agreement to pur-chase Hirschmann Automation and Con-trol GmbH (HAC; www.hirschmann-ac.com) from European private-equity in-vestor HgCapital for a cash price of ap-proximately $260 million. Hirschmann is a supplier of Industrial Ethernet solutions and industrial connectivity that generated$250 million in revenues last year.

“Th e acquisition of Hirschmann is a major achievement in our pursuit to expand our business in desirable end-markets, beyond cable, to signal trans-mission solutions,” says John Stroup, Belden’s president and chief executive offi cer. “In addition to having a broad portfolio of connectors for the industrial market, Hirschmann is the undisputedleader in the application of industrial Ethernet solutions.”

Th e company expected a mid-March close date for the acquisition. In a con-ference call on February 16, Stroup stat-ed the Hirschmann acquisition came aft er a bidding process that includedseveral suitors.

According to planAlso in that conference call, Stroup stated that Belden developed its strategic plan aft er an assessment of the threats and opportunities ahead of it. While assess-ing its own situation, Stroup said, Belden made three primary observations. First, its business was concentrated in North

America and Europe, and underrepre-sented in emerging markets including China and India. Second, the majority of the company’s business comes from cop-per cables, while every vertical market it serves has developed increasing interest in fi ber-optic and wireless technologies. And third, the company wanted to shift its business toward solutions as opposed to component strategy.

The Hirschmann acquisition ad-dresses Belden’s third observation, as Hirschmann is a systems-solution pro-vider to the Industrial Ethernet market-place. Stroup says it also helps address the second observation about serving vertical markets through fi ber-optic and wireless technology. Hirschmann has three divisions: Industrial Ether-net, Industrial Connectors, and Elec-

tronic Control Systems. Th e Industrial Ethernet division, or “INet” as Belden re-fers to it, produces rail- and rack-mount-ed Industrial Ethernet switches and

Belden set to acquire Hirschmann, LTKin deals totaling $260 million

Before it made news with its two re-cent acquisitions, Belden was one

of two companies that announced at the BICSI Winter Conference in late January that it had developed a small-er-diameter Category 6A unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable. ADC (www.adc.com) made a similar announcement while the conference was being heldJanuary 23-25.

Th e newest generation of Belden’s 10GX cable is 0.295 inches in diameter. Th e 23-AWG copper cable is available in CMR (riser), CMP (plenum), and LSZH (low-smoke, zero-halogen) versions.

ADC’s next-generation CopperTen Category 6A UTP cable (see page 57) has an average outside diameter of0.275 inches, the company says. ADC

added that the industry average Cat-egory 6A UTP cable is 0.31 inches, meaning CopperTen achieves a 22% reduction in cross-sectional area bycomparison.

“Th is reduction in the size of AugmentedCategory 6 UTP cable will give data cen-ter and network managers more fl exi-bility and higher performance for their investment,” says Jaxon Lang, vice presi-dent of product management, structured cabling for ADC. “Th e market has been demanding a smaller Augmented Cate-gory 6 UTP cable, and ADC delivered.”

Cabling Installation & Maintenance will track the market to see if other Cat-egory 6A UTP manufacturers intro-duce smaller-diameter versions of the cable.

Category 6A UTP cables get smaller

Hirschmann Automation and Control added these cable sockets and plugs to its SunCon connector system in late January. Just a few days later, Belden announced it was acquiring Hirschmann, taking possession of this and all other product lines aimed at the industrial networking market.





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related equipment, including wireless access points. Industrial Connectors, or

“ICon,” provides industrial connectors for sensors and actuators. And Electron-ic Control Systems (ECS) produces load moment indicators—safety devices used on cranes and other load-bearing equip-ment to prevent it from tipping over.

As part of its announcement, Belden stated, “HAC’s product range is highlycomplementary to Belden’s industrialcable product line. In a factory, many of the devices connected by Belden cableare the kinds of products made by Hirschmann. HAC’s industrial Ethernetexpertise together with Belden’s signal transmission expertise will deliver to our customers global networking solutionsfor the most demanding environments.”

Belden added that the acquisition fi ts into its strategic plan by expanding its

overall connectivity portfolio, improv-ing market access, providing solutions for its existing industrial customers, improving the company’s position in emerging markets, and opening oppor-tunities in wireless and fi ber optics in the industrial space.

According to Stroup, Belden’s fi rst pri-ority with Hirschmann is to achieve rev-enue growth outside Europe. He said that while the company’s products are mar-ket leaders in Europe, and well-known and respected outside the continent, they have not benefi ted from sales support outside Europe. Th ey’ll now have that sales support, he says.

“We are uniquely positioned because we’ve been on the factory fl oor and in the enterprise from a cable point of view,” he said in the February 16 conference call.

“Bringing on Hirschmann, we now have

connectivity as well as switches.” Stroup also stated that the go-to-market chal-lenge will be real for this product line.

“Customers are increasingly interested in solutions,” as opposed to components, he stated. “Th e modes getting to market through channel partners are somewhat bifurcated. Some are good with cable; others are good with automation. But we have already had some encouraging con-versations with channel partners on both sides. We think we’ve got the method and path to get there, but it will require energyand thoughtfulness.”

Entering AsiaEight days aft er the Hirschmann deal was made public, Belden announced it is acquiring LTK Wiring Co. Ltd. (ltkca-ble.com), which the company described as one of the largest manufacturers

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA—The Ethernet Alliance (www.ethernetalliance.org) has formed an Energy-Effi cient Ethernet (EEE) study group. “We’re going to look at ways to reduce power consumption by switching to lower speed during periods of low-link utilization,” says EEE chairman Mike Bennett of Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. “Considering that Ethernet is the network technology of choice worldwide with an ever-increasing market presence, it is clear that we have an opportunity to reduce energy use signifi cantly while minimizing the impact on the industry.” If you’re interested in participating in the EEE, contact Bennett at: [email protected]

RICHARDSON, TX—A recent survey conducted by SYSTIMAX Solutions from CommScope (www.systimax.com/research) indicates that responding users reported 1.9 hours on average of network downtime a month, and found that companies that have deployed higher performance cabling tended to experience lower average downtime. The survey of nearly 1,500 IT professionals in 45 countries looks at the effects of network infrastructure solutions and support services on user productivity. “They [IT professionals] probably have a sinking feeling that money is draining from the company bank account every time a server crashes or a service provision to a key user takes a week to fulfi ll,” says Fiona Nolan, global marketing director of SYSTIMAX. “The good news is that the study shows that professionals who are willing to invest in quality systems are better able to support the evolving networking needs of the company.” According the SYSTIMAX, the study shows that many IT professionals plans to install copper-based Category 6A cabling, while Category 5e is heading for obsolescence. As for fi ber, the study shows that over

the past fi ve years, there has been a rapid growth in acceptance of laser-optimized multimode as an alternative to traditional multimode and singlemode media.

DES PLAINES, IL—Gepco International (www.gepco.com), a manufacturer of professional audio and video cables, is expanding its fi ber-optic production capabilities. The growth includes new fi ber-optic contact polishing technology that exceeds previous methods and the SMPTE standard. Gepco says it has further increased its assembly throughput capacity through additional equipment, personnel, and customized cable management techniques. The company’s hybrid fi ber line includes cable assemblies terminated with Lemo or Canare connectors, distribution rack systems, bulk cable and connectors, and breakout cable assembly solutions.

SPARTANBURG, SC—Fiber-optic products manufacturer AFL Telecommunications (www.afl tele.com) and voice and data solutions provider Leviton Manufacturing Co. (www.levitonvoicedata.com) have embarked on a marketing and system integration alliance to support fi ber-to-the-home (FTTH). The alliance is focused on supporting end-to-end solutions through a combination of Leviton’s FTTH Integrated Network home technology portfolio, and AFL’s FTTH passive infrastructure, network electronics, and system integration expertise. AFL will promote the alliance as part of the FTTH Made Easy program, a comprehensive solutions-based program designed to meet the needs of residential developers and builders seeking to integrate FTTH within multi-dwelling unit and master-planned communities.

BRIGHTON, MA—Dr. Paul Polishuk of the Information Gatekeepers

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of electronic cable for the China market. Its 2006 revenues were $220 million. Th e deal, which the parties expect to close in early April, is an all-cash transaction for approximately $195 million.

“Th is acquisition propels us toward one of our stated objectives, expanding our presence in faster-growing emerging markets,” Stroup stated. “It adds anotherprestigious brand to our portfolio and better positions us to compete eff ectivelyin China.” He called the method by which the companies courted each other

“nearly an ideal acquisition process.”He added that LTK Wiring is a sup-

plier to companies manufacturing con-sumer electronics, telecommunications equipment, white goods, automobiles, and other OEM products in China. Users of Sony’s PlayStation3 and Nintendo’s Wii video-game systems have made use of LTK products, as the company is a supplier for both of those entertainment systems.

“With LTK’s manufacturing expertise and capacity, we are now positioned to better serve Belden’s Asia customers in networking, broadcasting, and industrial

infrastructure,” says Stroup. LTK has three manufacturing plants in China— Huizhou, Shanghai, and Dalian—which combined employ approximately 2,000.

Long-range viewSizing up the acquisition’s fi t with its cor-porate strategy, Belden says it places the company in emerging markets thanks to LTK’s sales offi ces in Japan, Taiwan, Ko-rea, Singapore, and Th ailand in addition to China. It also will help Belden meetdemands of its regional customers in Asia, thanks to the three manufacturing plants in China. Belden also says the acquisition puts it into a leading position in consumer-electronics, a new market for the company.And LTK wiring has greater depth ofexperience working directly with OEMs than Belden had previously.

Stroup says he does not see LTK’s China manufacturing facilities as likely sources for products that will be sold to North American or European customers.

“Freight and logistics generally off set cost advantages” of manufacturing in China, he notes, adding that a plant opening in

Mexico this year will serve the North American market, and production facil-ities within Europe will continue to serve the European market.

As to whether the acquisitions should be considered an “off ensive” or “defen-sive” move, Stroup characterizes it as off ensive. “We’re not seeing signifi cant cannibalization of our copper products by wireless or fi ber. We’re acknowledging that in many applications and in many markets, a blend of these technologies is a superior path for the customer. We want to be better than anyone else at supplying that. We are a company that comes from copper, but we are increasingly becoming a company that is blind to the medium and really focused on giving the custom-ers what they need.”

He said the back-to-back announce-ments were coincidental, explaining that Belden will only enter into strategic deals that meet certain fi nancial criteria. So, while his preference would be to not have a long stretch of time before the compa-ny’s next acquisition announcement, that may, in fact, be the case.

Short runs… Group (IGI; www.igigroup.com) and Frank Murawski, president of FTM Consulting (FTM; www.ftmconsultinginc.com) are teaming up to develop and market reports for the telecommunications and data communications industries. According to Murawski, “This relationship will allow FTM to focus on what it does best, namely, production of high-quality market research reports,” while Polishuk adds, “This new arrangement fi ts nicely with IGI Consulting’s new report series called IGI Certifi ed Reports.” IGI technical and marketing staff reviews all reports for quality and value before it agrees to market them under its own brand.

SWANNANOA, NC—At the Solarfl are Communications (www.solarfl are.com) test facility in Irvine, CA, SMP Data Communications (www.smpdata.com) recently demonstrated what it says is the fi rst functional testing of 10GBase-T over Category 6A cabling performed on a 100-meter channel. Channel confi guration consisted of six-around-one cables bundled every eight inches, and equipment used for channel performance validation was Solarfl are’s 10Xpress 10GBase-T PHYs that are currently sampling to OEM customers. Bi-directional Ethernet traffi c was sent over Solarfl are’s 10GBase-T link using two 10-Gbits/sec traffi c generators with XAUI interfaces. At the same time, SMP says, bi-directional traffi c was running on all six neighboring channels simulating a worst-case alien crosstalk environment. All channels were confi gured for the maximum 100-

meter length with four connectors, in accordance with IEEE and draft TIA guidelines. According to SMP, there were no CRC errors in the received frames on both ends over several hours of testing.

BOTHELL, WA—Leviton (www.leviton.com) has formed a national support team comprised of RCDD specifi cation engineers (commercial cabling, design, and installation experts) who are equipped to help build the best wired or wireless cabling infrastructure possible for IT projects. This S3 Team is available to help specifi ers with all information required to create solutions to challenging design and installation issues. The free service includes materials available on the company’s website, as well as access to local Leviton specifi cation engineers.

WESTWOOD, MA—Recent analysis from Vertical Systems Group (www.verticalsystems.com) indicates that Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) installations are the leading migration source for today’s 10+ Mbits/sec business Ethernet services, representing 35% of the U.S. port base. Dedicated IP VPN and ATM services represent the next two most sizeable migration sources, followed by “Greenfi eld” or new applications, frame relay, and private lines. “Current growth of the 10+ Mbits/sec business Ethernet segment is driven by customers upgrading or replacing other high-speed network services at sites that are already fed by fi ber,” says Rick Malone, principal at Vertical Systems Group.





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From copper to fiber, General Cable has a 10 Gigabit Ethernet solution for you. We’re proud to offer high-quality GenSPEED® and NextGen™ Brand cables that support 10 Gig, and can be customized to fit any network, including:

• Backbone to horizontal drop• Outside plant to inside your data center• 55m to over 30km

With more than 100 years of wire and cable experience, General Cable has the resources, product offerings and applications support you can depend on. You choose the route… we’ll help get you there.

Delivering Solutions that Keep You Connected

From copper to fiber, General Cable has a 10 Gigabit Ethernet solution for you. We’re proud to offer high-quality GenSPEED® and NextGen™ Brand cables that support 10 Gig, and can be customized to fit any network, including:

• Backbone to horizontal drop• Outside plant to inside your data center• 55m to over 30km

With more than 100 years of wire and cable experience, General Cable has the resources, product offerings and applications support you can depend on. You choose the route… we’ll help get you there.

Delivering Solutions that Keep You Connected

Which route will you choose?10 Gig10 Gig

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The fi rst triple-play tester that

replaces 6 traditional testers.

Tri-Porter™ is the ultimate “Triple Play” solution with over 50 separate features and capabilities that will make your job of assuring customers’ cabling systems easier than ever before. It combines a world-class speakerphone butt set with a full ethernet network tester that has active network negotiation capabilities, as well as line testing at 100Mbits to qualify VoIP.

The video/coax tests include a unique tone generation technology that will let you trace signals thru splitters, traps and fi lters to fi nd the other end of a cable link. It further detects RF energy and measures signal strength of cable runs. Tri-Porter™ handles a full range of physical wiring tests for the fast, effi cient delivery of IP-based voice, data and video services for either the home or small offi ce.

The perfect 21st century tool for 21st century needs.

DSL-safe telephone test set network tester tone generator cable tester/verifi er tone detector/cable fi nder

coax mapper

Tri-Porter™ (IVT600) includes a handy carrying case, along with the 20-piece wiremapping sets, for remote discovery of telephone, network and coax cables.

Introducing

(voice/data/video) Tri-Porter™

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New Products Compiled by Steve Smith


A leaner Cat 6ACopperTen Category 6A UTP cable has an average outside diameter of.275 inches, compared to the industry average of .210 inches, and is designed

to enhance airfl ow, reduce installation costs due to light weight and smaller volume, and improve fi ll rates in cable trays, conduit, and raceways. Th e cable is built to run 10-Gigabit Ethernet over100 meters.

ADC

www.adc.com

Power analyzerDesigned to measure and carry out diag-nostic and power-quality work on single-phase systems or three-phase balanced low-voltage networks, the PowerPad Jr.

Model 8230 is a single-phase power quality analyzer. Compact and shock-resistant, the unit helps you obtain instant wave-forms of electrical characteristics, and then monitor their variation over a peri-od of time. Th is multi-

tasking measurement system is designed to handle all measurement functions and waveform displays of the various magni-tudes. Th e instrument records volts, amps, watts, VARs, PowerFactor, THD, andother signals.

AEMC INSTRUMENTS

www.aemc.com

Indoor/outdoor cableIndoor/outdoor riser tight-buff ered cables have been redesigned to meet or exceed GF-409 and ICEA-S-104-696, provide a

more compact and light-er weight cable with 2 to 24 buff ered fi bers, and of-fer a higher performance over previous designs. Th ese cables are speci-fi ed for campus networksbetween buildings where interbuilding lengths are short enough that the in-staller can gain savings by terminating tight-buff ered cables. For indoor appli-cations, the cable is OFNR-listed, and for outdoor use, the cable features anouter jacket that incorporates a UV sta-bilizer for protection against exposure to the sun, as well as anti-fungus protection for underground installations.

AFL TELECOMMUNICATIONS

www.afl tele.com

OSP enclosure conversion kitTh is Fiber Scalabilty Center (FSC) up-grade kit for the company’s outside plant cabinets lets fi eld technicians con-vert a cabinet orig-inally deployed in a traditional PON architecture into a cross-connectfi ber-to-the-prem-ises (FTTP) so-lution. The kit also lets the user re-deploy the origi-nal splitter into a central offi ce confi g-uration without changing the footprint of the cabinet. Th e FSC is availablein 48-port pre-terminated modules, with pre-terminated subassemblies, splice trays and associated hardware for patch-only and patch-and-splice applicatons.

APA CABLES & NETWORKS

www.apaenterprises.com

Home cabling solutionsCable solutions for data, voice, video, audio and security applications in the home can be found in a new catalog of HomeChoice cables. Featured prod-ucts range from cables designed for basic voice/data/video installations, to struc-

tured cabling solutions for the “intelli-gent home”—including multimedia and home theater, whole-home security and access control networks, and lighting and environmental control systems.

BELDEN

www.belden.com

Residential distributionTh e Residential Network Solution sup-ports applications for current and emerging commu-nication and video entertainment. Da-ta, voice and video signals converge in the center and are then distributed to individual room outlets. A basic sys-tem is pre-designed for voice and data applications, while the enhanced system provides fl exibility for removing mod-ules and allows plug-and-play for copperand fi ber applications. Other features include an 8-port switch that lets us-ers network up to seven computers, complete automation capabilities, and central control of multiple integratedhome communication and video enter-tainment applications.

COMMSCOPE

www.commscope.com

Secure connectorTh e secure Keyed LC Solution, a small-form-factor LC connector format, is






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With Sentry!

FSTS Features:

©Server Technology, Inc. Sentry is a trademark of Server Technology, Inc.

Solutions for the Data Center Equipment Cabinet

The Sentry Fail-Safe Transfer Switch™ (FSTS) features two input power feeds (A & B In-Feeds). If either in-feed becomes unavailable, the FSTS auto-switches to the remaining source.

Rack-Mount Fail-Safe Transfer Switches

> Patent Pending In-feed Sharing: Each in-feed supportshalf the load

> Fast Transfer Rates: Power interruption will not affect uptime or performance

> Phase Synchronization: Power In-feeds do not need tobe phase synchronized

> Input Voltages: 100-120 or 208-240 VAC, 20/30 Amp> Patented Arc Suppression: Prevents arcing between relay

points and contacts during power in-feed transfers> Branch Circuit Protection> Local RMS load current monitoring per circuit> Switches on power drop, brownout or over-voltage conditions

Server Technology, Inc.1040 Sandhill DriveReno, NV 89521USA www.servertech.com

[email protected]

tf +1.800.835.1515tel +1.775.284.2000fax +1.775.284.2065

How Do You SupplySingle Power Cord Deviceswith Dual, “Fail-Safe”Redundant Power?


New Productsdesigned for organizations that need to segregate networks due to privacy or se-curity concerns. Based on the standard LC single-fi ber connector, the Keyed LC

provides a physical separation for up to four networks, applications, or organi-zations. Four color-coded key combina-tions prevent inadvertent or unauthorized access to networks and enhance network identifi cation. On the front and back of the patch panel, keyed connectors and adapt-ers are used to match access rights to the proper network. Key features in the con-nector and adapter cannot be duplicated with standard LC components. Th is con-nector supports up to 288 fi bers in a 4U rack-mountable housing.

CORNING CABLE SYSTEMS

www.corningcablesystems.com

Loose-tube plenumFREEDM loose-tube, gel-free, plenum-rated cables are designed for indoor/outdoor installation, including aerial, duct, and riser or plenum applications. According to the company, there is no need to transition-splice when entering the building (from dedicated outside

plant cable to dedicated fl ame-retar-dant OFNP cable), and minimizes rout-ing restrictions once inside the building. The all-dielectric cable constructionrequires no grounding or bonding, and the gel-free design provides for effi -cient and craft -friendly cable prepara-tion. Available with 12 to 60 fi bers and in62.5-µm, 50-µm (including laser-op-

timized), and singlemode versions, FREEDM features a fl ame-retardant jacket that is UV-resistant and enables direct exposure to sunlight. Interlock-ing armor is available for specializedapplications.

CORNING CABLE SYSTEMS

www.corningcablesystems.com

Analyzing internal securityOptiView Series III Integrated Network Analyzer has been re-engineered to help network managers and engineers im-plement current IT projects as well as







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FAST AND EASY INSTALLATIONS

CATEGORY 6 AND FIBER OPTIONS

GUARANTEED RELIABILITY

ON TIME PROJECT COMPLETION

(I can finish your cabling in one day...with a little help from RapidNet.)

Cool.I can offer:

Tim Data Center Manager

RapidNet Pre-terminated network cabling

phone: [800] 822 4352

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RapidNet pre-terminated network cabling system

allows you the flexibility and efficiency to meet tight

deadlines, complete more installations and better manage

project fluctuations. Proven to reduce installation time more

than 85%, each link is factory terminated and tested for opti-

mal and guaranteed performance. Our patented cassettes

simply click into the modular 19” patch panel. RapidNet

installations are fully warranted and HellermannTyton

will assist with take-offs and product selection. With a

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New Productsperform rapid root-cause troubleshoot-ing analysis. Designed in part to help increase data security and regulatory compliance, the Series III supports free string match fi lters and triggers, 802.1x authentication, gigabit line-rate traffi c generation and internetwork through-put testing, encapsulation-independent protocol fi ltering, application-level traf-fi c analysis, and application-layer bounce charts for performance visualization.

FLUKE NETWORKS

www.fl ukenetworks.com

Control cablesTh is new line of control cables is de-signed to meet the needs of contractors installing home networks using Crestron-branded automation and control com-

ponents. Bundled within a single jacket, the cables are designed to distribute con-trol signals, Ethernet data, CATV, satel-lite, broadband, and modulated video in residential networks. Th ey feature one pair of 18 AWG or 24-volt power and one shielded twisted-pair of 22 AWG for control data, plus two or four Category 5ecables. Optional models for more com-plex installations include 24/4P control wiring for two RG-6 BC quad-shielded coax cables.

HONEYWELL

www.honeywell.com

Extra surge protectionSurgeGate power protection devices are designed to protect products from surgesthat would burn out typical suppressors. Th ey shut off the power for extendedsurges and sags, and reset when the dan-ger is past, saving communications equip-ment and cutting down on service calls.

The SurgeGate line also includes add-on modules to protect com-munications lines, including tele-phone, T-1, leased lines, LANs, and coax connections to cable, satellite, and antenna lines. When used in conjunction with an uninterrupt-ible power supply (UPS), SurgeGate can keep systems up and running through storms and blackouts.

ITW LINX

www.itwlinx.com

Outdoor access pointTh e JetWave 2410 is a 2.4-GHz IEEE 802.11g/b wireless outdoor access point designed to link two or more separate networks located in diff erent buildings.

With data trans-fer rates of up to 54 Mbits/sec,this access point supports point-to-point and point-to-mul-tipoint bridge, wireless client,

or repeater modes. It integrates a 12 dBi fl at-panel antenna and 802.3af PoE port for installation in areas where no power outlets are available.

KORENIX TECHNOLOGIES

www.korenix.com

High-density fi ber panelFeaturing 96 LC ports, these 1U high-density fi ber patch panels with LC con-nectors are designed for server farms and

storage applications where minimizing rack space is essential. Two models are available: bronze alignment sleeves for multimode applications, and ceramic alignment sleeves for singlemode.

L-COM CONNECTIVITY PRODUCTS

www.l-com.com

72-port patch panelTh is 72-port patch panel is designed to increase port density by 50% without increasing rack unit space. Built for zone enclo-sures, racks, and cabinets, these72-port panels are available in stan-dard, angled, and recessed confi gu-rations. All paneldesigns are QuickPort-compatible, pro-viding Category 5e/6/6A connectivity options.

LEVITON VOICE & DATA

www.levitonvoicedata.com

No-rack-space panelVertiGO Zero-U patch panels consume no rack space, eliminating interference with cooling racks or other panels, and lessen-ing the complexity of cable routing. Ver-

tiGO can be installed in server cabinets, free-standing racks, on a ladder tray, or in raised fl oor applications. A hinged open-ing makes the patch panel more adaptable to moves, adds, and changes, and protects terminations when the door is closed. A magnifi ed label holder is designed to im-prove visibility inside dark spaces.

LEVITON VOICE & DATA

www.levitonvoicedata.com

A/V cable infoDesigned for commercial and residential A/V professionals, this 240-page catalog provides a broad selection of wires, cables, installation components, tools, and spe-cialized services. Also included is a tech-nical glossary, a cable substitution chart, and international AWG/metric conver-






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New Products

sion chart. Th is catalog is also available in CD-ROM format.

LIBERTY WIRE & CABLE

www.libertycable.com

Server system upgradeImproved clustering, security and man-agement features in soft ware for the com-pany’s LX Series of out-of-band console servers are designed to allow an unlim-ited number and combination of servers in large data center applications to be

combined into a single management en-tity. Management enhancements include user-confi gurable utilization thresholds and automated power control. Th e Ver-sion. 5.0 soft ware also features improve-ments in navigation and confi guration designed to simplify searching for spe-cifi c devices, making confi guration up-dates, and for determing console server maintenance.

MRV COMMUNICATIONS

www.mrv.com

A/V over Category 5Developed for audio/video (A/V) inte-grators and custom home installers, the

Component Video/Analog Audio Balun (500052, 500053) lets you connect one full YPbPr/RGB video channel plus one mono hi-fi analog audio channel via Cat-egory 5 cable in a point-to-point confi gu-ration. Th e balun supports 480i/p video formats as well as high-defi nition 720p and 1080i/p, supports an additional ana-log audio connection for commercial and residential A/V systems, and features a modular RJ-45 connector. It is designed to support up to 500 feet via Category 5 in HDTV mode.

MUXLAB

www.muxlab.com

Fiber microscopeTh e ViewConn hand-held video

microscope is designed to eliminate guesswork when mating fi berop-tic connectors. Featur-ing an eye-safe LCD monitor, the mi-





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New Products

croscope looks for dirt and debris that can aff ect signal quality. A cleaning tool can be incorporated into the device to reduce installation time.

LIGHTEL TECHNOLOGIES

www.lighteltech.com

Harsh environment tiePan-Ty cable ties are designed for high- temperature (75º to 500º F) or harsh chemical environments. Made from polyetheretherketone (PEEK), an ex-tremely chemical-resistant material with

low-smoke-low-gas, the cable ties are de-signed to provide excellent loop tensile strength in a lightweight material.

PANDUIT

www.panduit.com

10-GbE shielded cableDesigned to provide exceptional alien crosstalk performance beyond 500 MHz,the TX6 10Gig is an end-to-end10-Gbit Ethernet (10-GbE) solution built to deliver ETL and Delta-tested perfor-mance in a four-connector channel up to100 meters. According to the company, the system also exceeds requirements of

TIA/EIA 568-B.2-AD10 and ISO 11801 Class Ea Edition 2.1 draft proposals, and the IEEE 802.3an-2006 ratifi ed standard for 10GBase-T transmission over twisted-pair cabling. TX6 is built for data center server links and high-end workstations where suppression of EMI/RFI, in-creased transmission performance, and

security are critical. Copper cable is available in plenum, riser, and LSZH fi re ratings, and system connectivity compo-nents are 100% performance tested.

PANDUIT

www.panduit.com

Vandal-resistant cameraTh e SVD-4300N, 10x auto-focus zoom, vandal-resistant dome camera features 500 TVL color and 570 TVL black and white. Combined with its 10x optical zoom, a 10x digital zoom provides 100x

total zoom. Built of die-cast aluminum with a thick polycarbonate dome, the SVD-4300 withstands a 10-lb. sledge-hammer strike. It is IP66-rated and features motion detection and privacy masking accessible via on-screen display. With 3-axis adjustment and dual voltage, this security camera includes the com-pany’s proprietary SSNR noise reduction that provides clear pictures in low light plus DVR storage savings.

SAMSUNG 360

www.samsung360.com

Pre-terminated UTP,fi ber trunking assembliesTen-Gigabit/sec-capable UTP and fi -ber-optic trunking cable assemblies are designed to simplify installation of per-manent links. UTP pre-terminated trunk assemblies (top photo) are available in custom lengths up to 120 feet, and off er multiple connector, cable category and jacket rating options. According to the company, these factory-terminated and tested assemblies can reduce deployment time by up to 75% compared to traditional

fi eld-termination of individual cabling channels. By consolidating multiplecable runs, they are designed to improve cable management and pathway space utilization in raised fl oor or overhead cable tray. Featuring individual outlets instead of cassettes, and a six-leg, dou-ble-ended construction with integrated pulling eye, these copper trunks utilize a closed-mesh sheathing to protect bun-dles during pulling, and include a pro-prietary “trident cut” design that routes individual cables into position.

Off ering from 6 to 144 fi bers per as-sembly, fi ber-optic pre-terminated trunk

assemblies (bottom photo) can be cus-tom-confi gured for permanent fi ber links in high-density environments, such as data centers. Also designed to reduce installation time up to 75% over traditional termination methods, these fi ber-optic trunk assemblies feature LC, SC, ST, or MTRJ connectors, are avail-able in singlemode or multimode, and with plenum, riser or LS0H ratings.Optional pulling eyes are available to protect fi ber connections duringinstallation.

SIEMON

www.siemon.com





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Product Focus: coaxial connectors

The company’s line of F, BNC, and RCA coaxial con-nectors is designed for ex-ceptional mechanical and electrical performance. The F connector features a BNC-style, two-piece center pin and body, designed to in-crease reliability and high-performance signal levels.

The 75-Ω design, says the company, delivers low return loss, and excel-lent insertion loss and RF leakage performance. A gold-plated crimp

center pin is designed to create con-

sistent cable center dimensions andreduced installation time.ADCwww.adc.com

The EZ line of one-piece coaxial com-pression connectors for mini-RG-59 cable is compatible with all major domestic and import 23/24 AWG cables, and accommodates a wide

range of conductor, dielectric, and cable tolerances. These 75-Ω con-nectors, available in F, BNC and RCA, straight, and right-angle designs, are especially suited for security, audio/video, and home theater applications. For higher performance applications, such as broadcast and CATV, a line of one-piece connectors are com-patible with mini-RG-59, RG-59, andRG-6 precision video cables.WHITE SANDS ENGINEERINGwww.whitesandsengineering.com

Ultraminiature Coax Connector and Cable Assembly (UMCC) series is a lower profi le ver-sion (2-mm off the board) of the company’s SSMT series. Designed to meet next-gen-eration wireless applications, these connectors feature snap on/off mating and a 3 x 3-mmfootprint, and are built for excellent elec-trical performance through 6 GHz. Con-nectors and assemblies are available as double-ended jumpers and inter-se-ries cable assemblies for 0.80-mmand 1.37-mm diameter single-shield, and

1.32-mm diameter double-shielded cable, as well as PCB jack receptacles for board-mount applications.TYCO ELECTRONICSwww.tycoelectronics.com/products/rfcoax

Low-profi le ultra-mini

High-performance adaptersAccording to the manufacturer, these F-type coaxial adapters will soon meet SCTE specifi cations, offering the highest level of video performance when used with RG-6 coax cable. Available in nickel-plated (1-GHz) and gold-plated (3-GHz) versions, these RCA and

F-type compression connectors feature a radial crimp to compress uniformly around the con-nector body for increased audio/video signal in-tegrity. The company’s QuickPort styles provide terminations at the wall plate.LEVITON VOICE & DATAwww.levitonvoiceanddata.com

One-piece compression connector has wide range of tolerances

LMR cable connectivitySubminiature A (SMA) male plugs for LMR200 and LMR400 coaxial ca-ble are among the newest additions to the compa-ny’s line of connectivi-ty products.

A l s o new are reverse-

polarized SMA plugs and SMA female jacks for

LMR400 cable, as well as type N plugs and jacks.

L-COM CONNECTIVITY PRODUCTSwww.l-com.com

Low-loss F, BNC, RCA





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Learn about the testing challenges for 10Gig Ethernet over copper cabling and see how new installation and testing guidelines help combat Alien Crosstalk.

Download our white paper today at

www.flukenetworks.com/10Gig

White Paper

Fluke Networks

www.flukenetworks.com

3

Without sophisticated digital signal processing techniques in the electronics, reliable transmission is no longer possible around that

frequency and for higher frequencies. This phenomenon sets a limit in bandwidth for twisted-pair cabling.

Near-End Crosstalk or NEXT measures the crosstalk signal that appears at the same end of the cabling link from which the test or disturb-

ing signal is launched. Figure 1 illustrates Near-End Crosstalk in a two wire-pair system. If transmission simultaneously takes place over

multiple wire-pairs as is the case in 1000BASE-T and 10GBASE-T, Far-End Crosstalk (FEXT) must be considered and tested as well (see

Figure 2).

The crosstalk depicted in figures 1 and 2 takes place between wire-pairs in one cable (wire-pairs wrapped in the same sheath). Alien

Crosstalk is the exact same phenomenon, but the crosstalk coupling now occurs between wire-pairs in different, adjacent cabling links.

Alien Crosstalk is a challenge for unshielded twisted-pair cabling (UTP) as it is the most significant disturbance or noise source for the

10GbE application when using UTP cabling. Figure 3 shows the Alien Crosstalk in a wire pair induced by wire pairs in adjacent cables.

Alien Crosstalk will be measured as Alien NEXT between wire pairs, as well as Alien FEXT. Since the combined impact of many wire-pairs in

the bundle upon the wire-pair under test (usually referred to as the victim wire-pair) must be assessed, Power Sum Alien NEXT (PSANEXT)

and Power Sum Alien FEXT (PSAFEXT) should be computed and evaluated for wire-pairs in a cabling bundle.

Figure 1 – Near-End Crosstalk (NEXT) measures

2 that

returns to the receiver side and competes with “Signal B to A” arriving at the same receiver over pair 2.

Figure 2 – Far-End Crosstalk (FEXT) measures the crosstalk induced in wire-pair 4 that travels the length of the cable in the

direction of the transmitted signal and competes with the clarity of “Signal 4” arriving at Receiver 4.

White Paper

Table of contents

Testing Challenges for 10 Gb/s Ethernet

over Twisted-Pair Cabling

New installation and testing guidelines help combat Alien Crosstalk (AXTalk)

The standards for 10 Gigabit/sec Ethernet over twist-

ed-pair copper cabling (10GBASE T) are still in the

development stage. Many issues and requirements

have been defined in recent months; we expect the

standards on 10 Gb/s Ethernet will be finalized and

published in mid-2006. This paper provides an over-

view of the requirements for the twisted-pair cabling

and methods to measure and certify the performance

of the installed cabling system.

Introduction to 10GBASE-T field

testing and certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Understanding Alien Crosstalk and

how it impacts 10 Gb/s performance . . . . 2

Testing Alien Crosstalk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Alien Crosstalk test strategy . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Applicable cable types. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

©2006. Fluke Corporation.N E T W O R K S U P E R V I S I O N

10Gig Testing White Paper

New Products


Filtered power UPSDesigned to protect sensitive equipment against fl uctuating power or power loss, the S4K6U uninterruptible power system (UPS) features 10-kVA of powercapacity, fl exible output voltage, internal batter-ies, and integrat-ed maintenance bypass switch housed in a 6U enclosure. Its on-line double conversion topology is designed to continuously con-vert incoming AC power into fi ltered DC power, then recreating it into low-distor-tion AC power. Th e UPS also automati-cally senses input voltage and confi gures output voltages to let users power a vari-ety of loads with diff erent voltages and without an extra transformer.

SOLA/HEVI-DUTY

www.egseg.com

Category 6A jacksTh e SS-60300 Series of Category 6A PCB-mounted jacks feature internal compen-sation to enhance electrical performance without the need for extensive second-ary compensation on the main PCB.

Designed for 10-Gigabit Ethernet net-working and computing applications, the jacks’ patent-pending design integrates the capacitive and inductive compensa-tion on a fl exible circuit board thatattaches directly to the tips of the jacks’ contacts, close to where the jack and mod-ular plug connect. According to the com-pany, this close proximity helps cancel NEXT crosstalk introduced to the jack from the plug. In addition, as the fl exible circuit board attaches to the jacks’ con-tacts, the jacks are designed to preserve the standard modular connector design, thereby ensuring reliable connections.

STEWART CONNECTOR

www.belfuse.com/StewartConnector

Splice-on connectorTh e Lynx CustomFit Splice-On connec-tor is a fully cross-compatible splice-on connector for customized FTTH/FTTP, outside plant, and fi eld terminations. Compatible with a wide array of splicerand fi ber holder brands, the connector

An extensive line of coaxial RF connec-tors and adapters is designed espe-cially for wireless applications. N-type, reverse polarity, TNC, MC Card, SMA, and MCX 50-Ω connector types are

offered in crimp, straight, right-angle, panel, bulkhead, and clamp styles that are designed to perform from DC to11-GHz. Sizes include RG-316 (100 Series),RG-58 (195 Series), low-loss RG-8(400 Series), and large 900 Series.HYPERLINK TECHNOLOGIESwww.hyperlinktech.com

Fixed-length assembliesSMA hand-formable cable assemblies for RF/microwave applications are analternative to semi-rigid cables. Featur-ing Johnson connectors on each end, they are constructed of a silver-plated,

copper-covered steel conductor with an additional copper-tin composite braid foil. According to the company, the cablesprovide 100% shielded coveragedesigned for outstanding voltage stand-ing wave ratio (VSWR) and lower inser-tion loss up to 18 GHz. In-stock and customized lengths are available.EMERSON NETWORK POWERwww.emersonnetworkpower.com

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Extend T1/E1 over:

Data Comm for Business, Inc.

WireUp to Several Miles

of 2-pair Wire

FiberMiles of Fiber

EthernetIP/Ethernet

New “Z” Dualband AntennaShown in the Oberon Model 1050-00 Access Point Enclosure

Material: UL 94-V0 PC/ABS

Size: 1.75 inches high

Cable: 16” Plenum Rated RG-58/U PL

Connector Options: RPTNC(Male) or RPSMA(Male)

Mounting Method: Through hole 15/16 dia (0.94)

78-14 UNF Plastic Hex Nut

Gain: 2.4GHz—4dBi (802.11b/g)

Gain: 4.9GHz-5.8GHz—4dBi (802.11a)

Cost: As low as $27.35

Wireless Mounting Solutions

Visit www.oberonwireless.comCall 1-877-867-2312 for details.

New Productseliminates the need to invest in specialty splicing equipment, reducing cost of own-ership. According to the company, the connector’s termination eliminates the

need to predetermine the length of pre-terminated jumpers required for a given application, letting fi eld technicians cus-tomize terminations while ensuring accu-rate and permanent connectorizations.

SUMITOMO ELECTRIC LIGHTWAVE

www.sumitomoelectric.com

Outdoor access pointTh e AP-5181 access point is designed for outdoor use and can withstand wind, rain, lightning, extreme temperatures, and power surges. Extending enterprise communication beyond offi ce walls, the

AP-5181 is mesh-capable, allowing for cre-ation of self-assembling, self-healing, fl ex-ible outdoor wireless networks that can be managed remotely with wireless next-generation (Wi-NG) architecture.

SYMBOL TECHNOLOGIES

www.symbol.com

Secure Ethernet connectorTh e RJ45 SECURE jack-and-plug con-nector system features mutually exclu-sive keys for restricted access to network connection points. Th e system, which consists of modular jacks and patch ca-ble assemblies, is designed so that the modular jacks match with the patch ca-ble assemblies via a keying confi gura-tion. Mating a cable to a jack is possible only if the key-ing matches. Built to meet or exceed TIA/EIA and ISO/IEC require-

ments for Category 6 component perfor-mance, this system also complies with all performance requirements forGigabit Ethernet, 10 and 100Base-TX, Token Ring, 155-Mbits/sec ATM,100-Mbits/sec TP-PMD, ISDN, analog and digital video, and analog and digi-tal voice (VoIP).

TYCO ELECTRONICS

www.tycoelectronics.com

Fiber-optic assembliesCustomized singlemode and multimode fi ber-optic cable assemblies are available in simplex, duplex, and up to 24-pair fan-out construction. Connector options include SC, LC, and ST. Hybrid con-nection custom lengths are also available.According to the company, the assem-blies meet Telcordia GR-326 compliance standards, and undergo in-house testing to ensure quality.

COMMUNICATIONS TEST DESIGN

www.ctdi.com

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www.seikohgiken.com Tel: 770-279-6602

For 1.25mm, 2.5mm PC and APC type ferrules and connectors

Portable, lightweight cleaner with no battery or power source required

Ultra dust-free, lint-free, micro-fiber cleaning cloth – completely dry process

Spring-loaded tip for controlled cleaning pressure

Adjustable tip up to 45 degree for hard to reach connector

Custom adaptors available upon request for: Mil/Aero termini, OptiTap, etc.

Results

Functions

AfterBefore

Approved byMajor Telecom

carriers


hot productsPrevious Page Contents Zoom In Zoom Out Front Cover Search Issue Next Page B

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The index of Advertiser’s is published as a service. The publisher does not assume any liability for errors or omissions.

Chief Editor / Patrick McLaughlin(603) 891-9222 • [email protected]

Executive Editor / Steve Smith(603) 891-9139 • [email protected]

Senior Editor / Matt Vincent(603) 891-9262 • [email protected]

Circulation Manager / Jayne Sears-Renfer(603) 891-9416 • [email protected]

Art Director / Kelli Mylchreest

Lead Illustrator / Chris Hipp

Senior Vice President/Group Publishing DirectorMark Finkelstein(603) 891-9133 • [email protected]

Associate Publisher/National Sales ManagerEd Murphy(603) 891-9260 • [email protected]

CABLING INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE EXECUTIVE AND EDITORIAL OFFICESPennWell ATD98 Spit Brook RoadNashua, NH 03062-5737Tel: (603) 891-0123, fax: (603) 891-9245Internet: www.cable-install.com

FOR SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES ONLY:Tel: (847) 559-7520, fax: (847) 291-4816

In Europe:Tel: +44 181 675 9775, fax: +44 181 675 [email protected]

CORPORATE OFFICERSChairman / Frank T. Lauinger

President and Chief Executive Offi cer / Robert F. Biolchini

Chief Financial Offi cer / Mark C. Wilmoth

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY DIVISIONSenior Executive AssistantCarol WoodwardTel: (603) 891-9112, fax: (603) 891-9287 [email protected]

VP Audience Development / Gloria S. Adams

ATD PUBLISHING SERVICES DEPARTMENTS

Art Director / Meg Fuschetti

Production Director / Mari Rodriguez(603) 891-9193 • [email protected]

Marketing Communication Manager / Kristen Jones(603) 891-9425 • [email protected]

Ad Traffi c Manager / Lacy Ward(918) 832-9268 • [email protected]

PRINTED IN THE USA GST NO. 126813153

Publications Mail Agreement Number 40052420

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

Senior Vice President/Group Publishing DirectorMark FinkelsteinTel: (603) 891-9133; fax: (603) [email protected]

Associate Publisher/National Sales ManagerEd MurphyPennWell Corp./ATD98 Spit Brook RoadNashua, NH 03062-5737 Tel: (603) 891-9260; fax: (603) [email protected]

Reprint SalesDiane TroyerTel: (603) 891-9385; fax: (603) 891-9245 [email protected]

List Rental / Bob Dromgoole(603) 891-9128 • [email protected]

CI&M ONLINESenior Vice President/Director of Internet ServicesTom CintorinoTel: (603) 579-9002; fax: (603) [email protected]

INTERNATIONAL SALES Australia/New Zealand / Glenn ClarkeFax: +61 3 9 568 [email protected]

Canada / Fred OuimetteTel: (905) 890-1846; fax: (905) [email protected]

France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Andora, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Western Switzerland / Luis MatutanoTel: +33 1 39 66 16 87; fax: +33 1 39 23 84 [email protected]

Austria, Eastern Europe,Germany, Northern Switzerland / Johann BylekTel: +49 89 904 80 144; fax: +49 89 904 80 [email protected]

India / Rajan SharmaTel: +91 11 686 1113; fax: +91 11 686 [email protected]

Israel / Dan AronovicTel: +972 9 899 [email protected]

Italy / Jean-Pierre BruelTel: +39 03 175 1494; fax: +39 03 175 [email protected]

Russia / Anton AntoniukTel: +7 095 234 5678; fax: +7 095 234 [email protected]

U.K. & Scandinavia / Amanda LoftusTel: +44 0 1793 862111; fax: +44 0 1793 [email protected]

Asia Sales Manager / Adonis MakTel: +852 2 838 6298; fax: +852 2 838 [email protected]

Japan / Manami KonishiTel: +81 3 5771 8886; fax: +81 3 5771 [email protected]

Korea / Paek KwonTel: +82 2 420 1293 or 1213; fax: +82 2 420 [email protected]

Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, ThailandGrace LeungTel: +65 6 836 2272; fax: +65 6 735 [email protected]

Taiwan / Anita ChenTel: +886 2 8751 5162; fax: +886 2 8751 [email protected]


COMPANY PAGE PHONE WEB

ADC 21 800-366-3891 www.adc.com/truenet

AFL Telecommunications LLC 47 800-235-3423 www.afl tele.com

Agilent Technologies 11 800-829-4444 www.agilent.com/fi nd/wirescope ext 5465

Allied Electrical Group insert 800-688-4857 www.alliedeg.com/cope

Bel Stewart Connector 20 717-235-7512 www.belfuse.com/stewartconnector/

Belden/CDT C3 800-BELDEN.1 www.belden.com

Berk-Tek 24 800-BERK-TEJ www.berk-tek.com

Brother International 12-13 877-4ptouch www.brother.com

Cable Management Solutions 4 800-308-6788 www.snaketray.com

Cables To Go 61 800-287-2843 www.rapidrun.com

Cablofi l Inc. 41 800-658-4641 www.cablofi l.com

Communications Supply Corp. 44 800-321-9122 www.gocsc.com/vodavi

Corning Cable Systems LLC C2 800-743-2671 www.corning.com/cablesystems

Datacom For Business 66 800-432-2638 www.textender.com

Diamond Ground Products 67 805-498-3837 www.diamondground.com

Diamond SA 34 41 91 785 45 45 www.diamond-fo.com

Dow Wire & Cable 50 800-444dow www.dowwireandcable.com

Dymo Corp. 30 www.rhinolabeling.com

Emerson Network Power 19 800-247-8256 www.emersonnetworkpower.com/ connectivity

Fiber Instrument Sales 22 800-5000-FIS www.fi berinstrumentsales.com

Fluke Inc. 1, 65 800-508-0490 www.fl ukenetworks.com/itpropormo

General Cable Company 55 800-424-5666 www.generalcable.com

Hellermann Tyton 59 800-822-4352 www.hellerman.tyton.com/cm1

Hoffman Enclosures Inc. 7 www.ehoffman.com

Hyperline Systems Canada 49 866-63-hyper www.hyperlinesystems.com

ICC Premise Wiring 5 888-ASK-4ICC www.icc.com

Leviton 23 800-922-6229 www.levitonvoicedata.com

Light Connection 67 315-736-7384 www.thelightconnection.com

Live Wire and Cable 65 888-897-6008 www.live w-c.com

Micro Care Corp. 42 800-638-0125 www.MicroCare.com/ CableBandwidth

Mohawk 14 800-422-9961 www..mohawk-cable.com

Oberon Inc. 66 877-867-2312 www.oberonwireless.com

Optical Cable Corp. 2 800-622-7711 www.occfi ber.com

Paladin Tools 18 800-272-8665 www.powerplaytools.com

Panduit Corp. 28, C4 800-777-3300 www.panduit.com

Prime Communications 67 888-289-4899 ext. 233

Pulizzi Engineering Inc. 40 877-PULIZZI www.pulizzi.com

Rittal Corporation 53 937-390-5599 www.rittal-it.com

Samsung Electronics 39 972-245-7353 www.samsung-security.com

Seikoh Giken USA Inc. 67 770-279-6602 www.seikohgiken.com

Server Technology 58 800-835-1515 www.servertech.com

Siemon Company 43 www.siemon.com

Systimax Solutions 17 800-344-0223 www.systimax.com/visipatch360

Terahertz Technologies Inc. 48 315-736-3642 www.terahertztechnologies.com

Tessco Technologies 29, 33 800-472-7373 www.tessco.com/go/square

Test-Um/JDSU 35, 56 805-383-1500 www.test-um.com

Toyota Motor Sales USA 8-9 800-732-2798 www.toyota.com

Transition Networks 36 800-526-9267 www.milan.com

Tyco Electronics Corp. 38 800-553-0938 www.ampnetconnect.com










From the new Belden System 10GX® toinnovative DuPont Abandoned Cable Servicesto the leading limited combustible cablingproducts available, Belden and DuPont leadthe way in structured cabling solutions.

The Belden System 10GX, utilizing DuPontmaterials, isn’t simply tweaked Category 6technology. It’s a revolutionary new systemdesigned around four totally new enablingtechnologies that deliver on the two mostcritical factors in 10 Gigabit service: reductionof Alien Crosstalk and controlled performanceup to a minimum of 500 MHz.

DuPont Abandoned Cable Services, supported by Belden, consist of a suite ofservices designed to make understanding andresponding to changing building safety codesand standards relating to cabling simple andaffordable. These services identify and reporton abandoned cable hazards and providedetailed plans for cable removal managementand infrastructure improvement.

All of Belden’s limitedcombustible cablingproducts use DuPontTeflon® FEP insulationand jacketing materialsto lower smoke generation by 2000%compared to conventional plenum-ratedcable. In fact, no other structured cablingcompany uses as much Teflon® as Belden!

Belden and DuPont clearly do stand out from the rest. For more information, please call Belden at 1.800.BELDEN.1

www.belden.com

www.dupont.com/cablingsolutions

Working together, Belden and DuPontlead the industry in creating innovativestructured cablingtechnologies and solutions.

Belden® and DuPontTM

The Clear Standouts in Cabling Solutions

©2006, Belden Inc.

DuPont, Teflon® and the DuPont Oval are a trademark orregistered trademarks of DuPont and its affiliates.

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PANDUIT is a Global LeaderProviding Innovative End-To-EndNetwork Connectivity Solutionsthat Enable the Deployment of Technology.

Network Identification Systems Copper Cabling Systems Fiber Cabling Systems Outlets Raceway Systems Zone Cabling Systems Network Management and

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Accessories

Visit us at www.panduit.com/ls902Contact Customer Service by email: [email protected] by phone: 800-777-3300 and reference ad # ls902

PANDUIT introduces the affordable and powerful COUGAR™ LS9 Hand-HeldThermal Transfer Printer Prints a wide variety of continuous tapes for marking of cables,

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Legends can be easily aligned with ports on patch panels and faceplates, eliminating the need for manual spacing and guesswork

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cim 20070301 mar_2007

Business

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comoutdoor

facing retail

wirescope

perimeter

cer robert

buff ered

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