Proudly Serving the Low Voltage Industry for 20 Years Volume 20 • Number 9 • 2010
A Primer on KVM Extenders and Their Applications By Aaron Johnson
Balancing Data Consolidation and Federation: Tips to Guide an MSO By Rick Halton
COMING SOON! from Cabling America
Retail/In-Store Communications Systems Installation Manual Gain knowledge and skills to start a new career, add clients to your existing communications company, enlarge your electrical business or just simply upgrade your information about one of the most overlooked fields in the industry – Retail/In-Store Communications – an industry that evolves into new outlets for hardware and cabling due to industry demands of speedier handling of customers in the retail environment. Contact Cabling America 214-319-6632 or via e-mail Steve@CablingAmerica.com.
at at
COMING SOON! from Cabling America
The CAT 6A system that’s head of its class.
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THE FUTURE IS ON *Qualifed Contractor CAT 6A installations only. © 2010 Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. All rights reserved.
conte nts 14 Balancing Data Consolidation and Federation: Tips to Guide an MSO By Rick Halton Balancing the network needs of today versus what’s required to grow the Multiple Services Operator (MSO) proposition in the future can be a complicated task. Both federation and consolidation of core network and service data are valid approaches, and each is being touted as the end-all solution for evolving MSO”s.
10
A Primer on KVM Extenders and Their Applications By Aaron Johnson In the realm of connectivity products, one of the most overlooked, yet valuable, tools in the arsenal of the network administrator is the console extender – also known as a KVM extender. Whilst the technology has been around for many years, KVM extenders have certainly proved to have quite the staying power.
18 Protecting Your Data With Surge Protectors By Steve Paulov Many
telecommunications
system
Products:
Departments:
6 Award of Excellence
4 Terminology
6 Latest New Products
problems are voltage and/or current
4 Calendar of Events 23 Network News 25 Advertiser/ Web Index
related. High voltage surges, often caused by lightning, can damage and destroy sensitive telecommunications equipment and even cause building fires. The threat to
the
communications
equipment
consists of overvoltage, overcurrent or both.
Have an idea for an article or an installation story to tell? Submit it to Cabling Business Magazine. Click here to get more information.
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Install It
Trace It
Track It Superior Essex Just Made Installing Cable Easier! Introducing Superior Essex CableID, a new cable identification feature that is designed to: » Save time on new installations » Simplify cable identification to trace, add, move/change cable » Display a 4-character alpha numeric code every two feet on the cable jacket CableID is now standard on our CAT 5e, 6, and 6A product lines. Learn more at www.SuperiorEssex.com/Comm/CableID
© 2010 Superior Essex Inc. All Rights Reserved
Toll Free 1.800.551.8948 | Fax 770.657.6807 | SuperiorEssex.com/Comm
page 4 | departments
editorial staff September/ October 2010
terminology Client A node that requests network services from a server.
Volume 20 Number 9
Client-Server Computing
Russell Paulov Editor in Chief/ Sales Manager russell@cablingbusiness.com
A technique by which processing can be distributed between nodes requesting information (clients) and those maintaining data (servers).
Rita Paulov Sales Associate rita@cablingbusiness.com
Closed Architecture (Proprietary System)
Harry Newton Associate Publisher Gerry Friesen Associate Publisher
An architecture that is compatible only with hardware and software from a single vendor. Contrast with Open Architecture.
Closet
Magazine Design Caren Lane Red. a design group www.red-adesigngroup.com 817-439-2095
Typically a location for hardware, conduit, power panels and electronics, such as multiplexers and concentrators. See Telecommunications Closet (TC).
Cabling Business Magazine (ISSN 1086-1823) is published monthly by Cabling Publications, Inc., 12035 Shiloh Road, Suite 350, Dallas, TX 75228. Subscriptions are issued without charge and distributed on the internet. For additional subscription information call 214-328-1717. The projected mailing date for Cabling Business Magazine is the third week of the issue month. An end user is a manager or administrator who recommends, specifies or authorizes the purchase of products for the cabling infrastructure in an organization or enterprise. An end user can also be described as an individual who uses telecommunications cabling for the purpose of designing, installing and maintaining a cabling system. A service provider is an owner, manager or administrator of a company that provides a variety of cabling services. These services include installing, maintaining, integrating, designing and engineering a cabling system. Articles, letters and press releases are gladly accepted for publication. However, no responsibility can be assumed for the return of unsolicited manuscripts, artwork, photographs or other material. All material becomes the property of Cabling Publications, Inc., which reserves the right to edit, alter, publish or otherwise use such material. Publishers of this magazine assume no responsibility for statements made by their advertisers in business competition, nor do they assume responsibility for statements and opinions expressed or implied in the columns or articles of the magazine. Permission to photocopy for internal or private use is granted by Cabling Publications, Inc.
Have an idea for an article or an installation story to tell? Submit it to Cabling Business Magazine. Click here for more information.
calendar of events October 3-6, 2010 Data Center World Fall 2010 Las Vegas, Nevada www.datacenterworld.com
October 12-13, 2010 BICSI 2010 South Africa Conference Muldersdrift, Johannesburg www.bicsi.org
October 27-29, 2010 IFMA World Workplace Atlanta, GA www.worldworkplace.org
October 12 - 15, 2010 ASIS 2010 Dallas, Texas www.asisonline.org
October 19 - 20, 2010 Remote Conference and Expo Dallas, Texas www.remotemagazine.com/ rem-conf10/rem10_index.php
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new products
award of excellence Indoor MDU Drop Cable Draka Communications Americas announces a new line of indoor drop cables intended for use in multi-dwelling units and multi-tenant units, the Draka Indoor MDU Drop. Draka’s MDU drop cable is available in a wide variety of options to meet end user requirements – BendBright-Elite fiber with a 5 mm fiber bend radius, BendBright-XS fiber with 7.5 mm fiber bend radius and others. For more information visit Draka online at www.draka.com.
Platinum Tools® SealSmart II Compression Tool Platinum Tools is proud to announce that its new SealSmart II Compression Tool is now shipping. The SealSmart II Compression Tool easily terminates F, BNC, and RCA connectors with a single tool so there is no need to switch adaptors. The universal head is designed to work with all standard compression connectors available on the market, including right-angle and RGB mini. The SealSmart II Compression Tool is ideal for all CCTV, digital satellite systems, CATV, residential and commercial structured wiring, security installations, home theater, and for use with coax cable sizes RG6 Quad, RG6, RG59, RGB/Mini 59, 23, 24, and 25 AWG. For more information on the SealSmart II Compression Tool and Platinum Tools’ complete product line, visit www.platinumtools.com.
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TeraFlex 10G Cables Superior
Essex
optical
fiber
multi mode cables are now available with
Macrobend
Resistant
Laser
Optimized 50 micron TeraFlex® 10G fibers. Cables made with TeraFlex 10G fibers can now be routed through tighter turns without the concern for attenuation increases that would put high bandwidth applications at risk. Additional information can be found at www.SuperiorEssex.com.
Building blocks for the entire data center.
One company, every solution. Leviton products cover every area of the data center, from the entrance room and computer room to the TR and support offices. Pre-terminated copper and fiber solutions, fiber raceway cable management, power distribution units, and Opt-X Ultra® and Replicator™ Series Fiber Enclosures make up just a few of the smart data center solutions that keep businesses, government buildings, and cities running. Rely on our data center specialists for technical support, including design, layout, elevations, pathways, and specifications — customized to each installation. Email Leviton’s data center team at dcteam@leviton.com, or visit Leviton.com/datacenter.
THE FUTURE IS ON *Qualifed Contractor CAT 6A installations only. © 2010 Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. All rights reserved.
page 8 | new products
Mojave™ Cables HCM is pleased to present the Mojave™ line of OSP fiber optic cables that are completely gel free. Super absorbent polymers are used within the loose tubes making the cables exceptionally easy
Gangable Plastic Boxes Arlington’s
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its PowerMod®HP (high power) series
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Additional
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978-422-3600 or visit their web site at www.andersonpower.com.
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A Primer on KVM Extenders and Their Applications By Aaron Johnson
In the realm of connectivity products, one of the most overlooked, yet valuable, tools in the arsenal of the network administrator is the console extender – also known as a KVM extender. Whilst the technology has been around for many years, KVM extenders have certainly proved to have quite the staying power. A KVM extender’s primary function is to “extend” the distance between a console (keyboard, monitor and mouse) and a server or computer. The benefits of these devices are countless and the possible applications are endless. KVM extenders empower users to control a server or KVM switch from a convenient remote location – away from loud and secure server rooms. This is particularly useful in instances where the server is physically located in a harsh environment.
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KVM Extenders
and their applications
page 11 10 | installation KVM extender solutions typically consist of a local unit (transmitter), a remote unit (receiver), power adapter and requisite cables. A KVM extender connects remote and local units using inexpensive LAN (or CAT5) cables and enables system operation from both local and remote locations. The local unit connects to the computer while the console attaches to the remote device. From there, the remote and local devices communicate video and data with each other. In a manufacturing setting, for example, a computer can be placed in a secure, environmentally controlled
server room leaving only the keyboard, monitor and mouse exposed to harmful conditions. Additionally, KVM extenders solve the issue of relocating computers which give off an abundance of heat. To expand IT management further, KVM extenders can be connected to supported KVM switches to control additional computers or servers. Offered by a variety of vendors, KVM extenders sometimes include value-added features such as audio functionality, IP connectivity, and RS-232 support which provides increased flexibility. KVM extenders can also maintain excellent video quali-
ATEN KVM Extenders ATEN’s Digital USB Console Extender (CE790) is an IP-based console extender with automatic cable detection (Auto-MDIX) and RS-232 serial functionality that allows access to a computer via a remote USB console (USB keyboard, monitor and USB mouse) anywhere on the Intranet – no distance limitations. The CE790 also features audio support, superior video resolution up to 1920 x 1080, and ATEN’s De-Skew technology to eliminate video artifacts.
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page 12 | installation
ATEN’s CE700A is a USB-based console extender capable of extending access to a computer or USB KVM from a remote console from up to 500 feet with a CAT5 cable. A resolution of 1920 x 1200 can be achieved at a distance of 100 feet. With the CE700A, video sources can be extended via CAT5, or ethernet cables, rather than bulky VGA cables – ideal for digital signage applications.
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ty over extended distances and provide a serial channel for devices such as touchscreens and barcode scanners. Fundamentally, KVM extenders can be categorized into remote and near-side devices and utilize costeffective and easily accessible CAT5 cabling to connect both devices in order to lengthen the distance of use. Even when using GUI-based applications, KVM extenders enable network administrators to access a computer from a remote location as if they were directly in front of the computer. The deployment of KVM extenders that utilize CATx cables offer significant cost
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savings. A single CAT5e or CAT6 cable is now common whereas, in the past, a fiber optic device was the only viable option. Not only is fiber optic hardware more costly than their CATx equivalent, the installation of fiber cables is more expensive, as well.
Scenarios for KVM Extenders KVM extenders offer a multitude of uses for manufacturing-centric organizations, construction sites, warehouse/distribution, brick and mortar retail locations, small-to-medium businesses (SMBs) and small offices/home offices (SOHOs). Below are
page 13 | installation some sample scenarios in which KVM extenders can be added to improve IT management: • Manufacturing and Environment: Ideal tool for harsh environments where it is important to separate the mouse, monitor and keyboard from the computer. This separation is essential in manufacturing where the computer should be shielded from dirt, dust, oil or moisture. • Security/Surveillance Systems: For security and monitoring purposes, users can install a camera and microphone in one area while placing the console in a convenient location for easy access and monitoring. To remove physical access to the computer, a KVM extender can eliminate this risk by storing the computer in a secured area. This is ideal for managing highly confidential data systems. • Health care/Hospitals: Medical records can be reviewed from one server via two separate rooms without the need to deploy a network. • Retail: With brick and mortar retailers trying to replicate the interactivity of the online buying experience, these units are perfect for kiosks such as store information, bridal registries, etc. Kiosks, especially, need a KVM workstation that is physically detached from the computer or KVM switch which is housed in a secure area. • Offices: For IT managers whose offices are located outside of the data center
for security, noise or climate reasons, these products offer simple cost effective central and remote management tools to serve as console duplicators. A receptionist can access a computer located in a back office – away from the reception area. • Small Office/Home Office (SOHO): For workers in the home or small office environment with one PC located in one part of the house and there is a need to access recipes in the kitchen or have to surf the Internet for car parts in the garage, then these products are ideal.
Conclusion KVM extenders have applications that reach far beyond the server room. Being able to extend the distance between a computer and console, or centralize control of a number of computers in a different location, is useful in a wide range of environments, from Internet cafes to production lines. All of these environments require high-quality video to be extended over long distances. With KVM extender technology, As evidenced, KVM extenders continue to thrive throughout a wide range of industries due to cost efficiency, easy cable management via CAT5, high video resolution and long distance transmission.
ATEN KVM Extenders Above: ATEN’s USB Console Extender (CE800B) allows access to a computer or USB KVM from a remote console from up to 820 feet away with a CAT5 cable. This extender is unique in that it not only supports audio, but both units also support external USB mass storagecompliant devices (Flash drives, USB floppy drives and USB-based CD-ROM drives). The CE800B also supports high video resolutions of up to 1600 x 1200. Below: ATEN’s VE800 extends the distance between HDMI source and HDMI display from 195 feet from the source. It is equipped with HDMI connectors and with an HDMI-to-DVI adapter; it will connect to DVI equipment providing greater flexibility and installation options when integrating several home theater components.
Aaron Johnson is sales engineer at ATEN and can be reached at ajohnson@atenusa.com. ATEN is a leading manufacturer of KVM (keyboard/video/mouse) switches in
addition
to
remote
management,
LCD consoles, digital signage and data connectivity solutions.
blog at www.cablingbusiness.com/wordpress
Balancing Data Consolidation and Federation:
Tips to Guide an MSO By Rick Halton
Balancing the network needs of today versus what’s required to grow the Multiple Services Operator (MSO) proposition in the future can be a complicated task. Both federation and consolidation of core network and service data are valid approaches, and each is being touted as the end-all solution for evolving MSOs. Those using one or the other may claim their choice was the most effective. So, how can an MSO decide which method fits their needs? This article will provide practical tips on how to evaluate each method and determine which makes the most sense for your problem.
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page 15 | security Do services require immediate response times? Every operator provides ser-
postal service, where you can never guarantee how long it’ll take for the message to arrive. The
data
consolidation
vices that need 24/7/365 per-
approach to the network and
formance continuity, and this is
services is a much better option.
where the question of federa-
In contrast to a federated data
tion or consolidation becomes
network, which relies on add-
critical.
session
ing a new layer of technology,
orchestration, identity man-
a consolidation simplifies the
agement, policy management,
process by eliminating layers.
presence and location-based
Reducing the number of layers
services are just a few examples
immediately increases response
where lack of service continuity
times. Another core perfor-
can quickly turn the consumer
mance differentiator is that in
off. As the customer’s frustra-
consolidated data networks,
tion builds they may even seek
data becomes unified into one
a new provider. A classic exam-
logical source. This means that
ple of this was in the early days
all data can be shared with any
of mobile Internet WAP ser-
application through a single
vices, where poor end-to-end
open interface, bringing with
connectivity often made it a
it deterministic response rates
gamble if you got to view your
and the ability to guarantee
Web-page or not. This resulted
service levels.
Call
setup,
in the slam-down syndrome,
Does data need to be shared with thirdfrequently so poor that custom- parties for integrated ers would just give up. services? where the first experience was
With data federation, there
Opening up your core net-
is a much higher chance of ser-
work and subscriber databas-
vice failure. Federation leaves
es is a major decision. There
data where is it and merely
are security concerns, technical
adds another meta-layer on-
challenges, compliance, gover-
top, creating a new view of the
nance and contractual details
data held in other databases
to consider – none of which are
across the network. While this
simple matters. If management
has the advantage of not radi-
decides to engage in sharing
cally shaking up the existing
data with a broader ecosystem,
network topology, it does mean
the network engineering team
that more complexity, latency
will need to grapple with these
and points-of-failure are added
issues.
into the network.
The more
Adding a federated data
complex the network, the lon-
layer on top of a data consolida-
ger the response times become,
tion approach is actually a good
not to mention the increased
strategy. Federation creates a
chance of a component failure
mediation layer through which
along the way. It’s a bit like the
selective subscriber data can be
safely shared with third-parties. Security is easily addressed with a federation approach “In contrast as it abstracts the schema on-top of the core to a federated network ‘open access’ data network, data layer. Abstraction which relies also allows the data on adding a schema to effectively new layer of hide the underlying technology, a framework, creating a consolidation virtual system. This has simplifies the advantages for thirdprocess by party applications as it eliminating means that changes to layers. the base schema can Reducing be hidden from the the number ecosystem, avoiding of layers unnecessary modifiimmediately cations to application increases logic, and creating a more manageable soluresponse tion. It also allows the times.” third-party to post updates to an abstracted view of data, leaving it up to the business to decide what the implications might be on the underlying data sources. However, while many thirdparty applications might not be mission critical, increasingly applications require high performance as customers expect a 24/7 experience and immediate responses. So, a balance can be struck for these third-party applications. Data access can be provided through a data integration framework, which maintains minimum latency requirements while allowing access to data to be flexibility configured through a rules engine. This allows data to be accessed using protocols typically used by developer com-
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page 16 | security munities, such as SQL or SOAP, facilitates data integration from multiple sources, while implementing almost any kind of control, monitoring, security measure or data manipulation.
Is your business trying to increase the pace of innovation to maintain a competitive edge? Launching new services is a difficult task for any operator. The marketing team needs to identify an opportunity, the business group must have a clear view of the costs and ROI, and the engineering teams need to build out the platforms and support systems. The first two stages of this process rely almost solely on knowing as much as possible about a provider’s current subscribers. Who are they and are they likely to use the new service? Without a mature, unified subscriber profile this is a very difficult and time-consuming, and can often lead to false assumptions. At the same time, engineers must struggle with the data spaghetti and the integration tax that each new service brings. In a recent survey, operators declared that on average it takes seven to twelve months to launch new services, while they typically desire to launch services in three to six months. The result is five missing months between the reality and expectation. Data consolidation takes a big step towards speed up the pace of innovation by opening up all subscriber data for any
application to access through standards based interfaces. However, choosing the right database technology to do this is critical. Mature providers will have very distinct data silos spread across their network elements and service platforms, often holding landlocked subscriber profiles. This occurs when an operator’s network embeds valuable customer data inside vendor applications or when two or more networks are mashed together after a merger. From a network engineering vantage-point, muddied networks like this reduce the ability to launch services more quickly, bringing major development and administrative problems. For example, if a fixed-line Telco operator merges with a wireless carrier or a cable provider, the new entity will have two or three very distinct, and often incompatible, networks that are forced to work together. Federation would simply add another layer to this bird’s nest of technology without simplifying subscriber data management.
Is your organization responsible for all data sources? In a business where your organization might not own all data sources, consolidation may not be the wisest choice. While consolidating data belonging to a third-party company may be totally impractical, even within one business, political alignment between different
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organizational domains may be necessary for consolidation to take place. In these environments a data federation approach is typically the best alternative. Each system can be left intact, administered by a separate team or entity, while data can be abstracted to create a unified view of all customer data. Access control to customer data can be managed both at the abstracted level and within each data source, giving each organization full control over their data assets. Additionally, data abstraction may involve representing data with a meta-data language, allowing unparalleled flexibility to merge and mash-up data, creating many new views on data from disparate sources.
page 17 | security
Is OPEX and CAPEX reduction a major concern? If the motivation to update the core network is to reduce operational expenses for the MSO, consolidation is again an ideal option. Silos of data, miles of server racks, administrative overheads, and the data integration tax translate into ballooning OPEX and CAPEX. As networks become more complex, more equipment is required. In turn, this translates into the need to hire specialized and highly trained support staff and costs continue to snowball. Consolidation eliminates this complexity by unifying data into one Common Information Model (CIM), supported by a single, distributed, database platform. The CIM is effectively owned by
the operator and contains all subscriber profile data for every identity, device, network, service, and customer preference. Consolidation is conceptually a revolution as it allows operators to begin to monetize subscriber data, but the process of implementing consolidation continues to be an evolution, as data accretion progressively happens as the network architecture develops. In fact, to stay competitive with fast moving, data-driven service providers, operators will turn to consolidation as a strategy to stay competitive, turning data into knowledge and customer dialogue. The cost savings become apparent when looking at the hardware aspect of consolidation. Miles of racks and servers could be eliminated if terabytes of data were moved to pizza-box sized hardware on carrier-scale database technology. For example, T-Mobile in Germany realized tremendous savings on floor space and equipment, as it was able to consolidate more than 20 Home Location Registry (HLR) servers, distributed over 11 sites down to one database, distributed over three sites and supporting 37 million subscribers.
cost control are paramount, data consolidation provides clear advantages. However, third-party access to subscriber profile data can justify a dual approach, where a data consolidation approach is complemented with a data federation and a data integration framework. This ensures service availability is maximized, latency is minimized, while core infrastructure is kept as simple as possible. One way to picture this solution is in a layered approach, where the core information infrastructure is consolidated. An additional data access layer opens up the core data assets for integration with multiple sources that require high performance. Finally, an outer layer federates profile data with external Web 2.0 applications. Ultimately, the choice of underlying database technology will be the critical issue to secure strong technology foundations. As the bottlenecks brought about by enterprise-class database technology are replaced, a new generation of carrierclass information architectures is preparing MSOs to become a value-added channel to market for the broader open IP ecosystem.
Conclusions While consolidation and federation both have their advantages, experience is proving that a balance should be struck between both approaches. Where the requirements of performance, scalability, and
Rick Halton is the director for worldwide product marketing, for Nokia Siemens Networks (formerly Apertio), the leading independent provider of subscriber-centric and
converged
networks
for
mobile,
telecommunications
fixed
operators.
For more information, visit www.nokiasiemens networks.com.
blog at www.cablingbusiness.com/wordpress
page 18 | power protection
Protecting Your Data With Surge Protectors By Steve Paulov
Many telecommunications system problems are voltage and/or current related. High voltage surges, often caused by lightning, can damage and destroy sensitive telecommunications equipment and even cause building fires. The threat to the communications equipment consists of over-voltage, over-current or both. The over-voltage element can destroy semiconductors in PBXs or CPUs while over-currents can generate enough heat to cause a building fire. To get a good understanding of these surges, you need to know what current and voltage are. Current is the amount of charge that is passed through a cross-section of conductor over time (measured in amps). Voltage is the potential difference between two points (measured in volts). Power is a combination of these two.
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page 19 | power protection Over-current protection, which reduces the likelihood of fires caused by power line crosses, is required under the NEC (National Electrical Code) for equipment connected to telecom networks and for campus environments. Modern telecommunications equipment and hardware, with its sensitive, solid-state components, requires overcurrent protection to protect people and equipment.
Lightning Surges There is absolutely no way to protect equipment in a part of a building that gets a direct hit by lightning. Direct lightning strikes are the most devastating, but lightning is not
only hazardous to equipment when the strike is very close, but will also induce hundreds of volts at a distance of 1/2 mile. This is the reason equipment failures occur during a storm when there is apparently no evidence of a strike in the immediate vicinity.
Power Line Crosses When the telecommunications line comes into contact with an electric power line, it creates an excess current on the communications line. This can be caused by either an electrician accidentally crossing a power line with a telephone line, or a downed electric line and telephone cable being crossed. AC current is
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page 20 | power protection “... when a person walks on a synthetic floor in a dry environment they commonly build up a static charge of 50kV in their body. When they contact another material, this charge typically arcs over to the contacted material. The discharge can be as high as 10 amps. ”
introduced into the phone line, which normally operates on DC current. Often a power cross produces very high voltage and current in the phone line and can last a long time, which can present a high risk of fire. If a protector does not protect the telephone circuit, this energy can travel through the telephone circuit causing damage to equipment and possible injury to personnel.
Power Faults Not to be confused with power crosses, power faults can occur in the following way: In most buildings, the power company’s neutral line is bonded to the telephone company’s equipment. If current is introduced onto this neutral line by any means, it will most likely be transferred to the communications line and into the equipment.
Induction When current flows through a conductor, a magnetic field is created around that
conductor. AC creates a magnetic field that has variable strength, continuously increasing and decreasing in strength with the flow of current. If two conductors run parallel and close to one another, the field of one conductor can transfer energy to the other conductor thereby making an electrical connection without actually making a physical connection between the two conductors. This transfer of energy is known as induction. For instance, when the power cable experiences a large current demand, such as occurs when power is first restored to service following a power blackout) an AC surge can be induced into the phone line.
Electrostatic Discharge Electrostatic Discharge is the transfer of electrical energy from one material to another material, through a conductive path to ground. Such surges produce high voltage with low current. The problem is usually found in dry climates,
From the Editor’s Pen... There have been several big changes here at Cabling Business Magazine. Margaret Patterson is no longer with, so if you have any hot articles, or press releases, please send those directly to me. In addition, Elizabeth Webb is no longer handling our circulation. If you need to be added to our subscriptions list, or have any questions regarding receiving our monthly magazine, please contact me with those requests as well. Cabling Business Magazine publishes articles submitted to us. Should you have any questions, find any errors, or simply disagree with what you read in one of these articles, please contact the writer directly. Their names and e-mail address are located at the end of the their particular article. I would like to personally thank our advertisers, and our readers for their continuing support of
Cabling Business Magazine. Without you, we would not have been able to send you our magazine for nearly 20 years. Thanks,
Russell P. Paulov Editor-In-Chief Cabling Business Magazine (214) 328-1717 russell@cablingbusiness.com
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page 21 | power protection but also may be caused by electrical field that surrounds a high voltage power facility. For example, when a person walks on a synthetic floor in a dry environment they commonly build up a static charge of 50kV in their body. When they contact another material, this charge typically arcs over to the contacted material. The discharge can be as high as 10 amps. This is enough energy to damage integrated circuits used with telecom equipment.
Types of Protectors Carbon The carbon protector has two carbon electrodes separated by an air gap, much like a car spark plug. When an over-voltage occurs, the current travels down one electrode and jumps the gap. Each time it does so a little bit of carbon is deposited on the electrode unit the gap is closed, at which time the protector has to be replaced. There is an air gap between carbon elements that is set to arc at about 300 to 1,000 volts and conducts surge current to a grounding conductor. Gas Tube Gas tubes discharge overvoltage through two electrodes in a glass or ceramic unit that is filled with gas. They have a wider gap and tighter tolerance on arc breakdown voltage and are typically set to arc at a lower voltage. This type of unit is used to protect communications equipment from damage should the communications lines experience
Figure 1 an over-voltage. Solid State A solid-state protector provides a voltage breakdown point that is essentially independent of the rate of rise of the surge voltage as compared to the voltage breakdown of a gas tube which is highly dependent on the rate of rise of surge voltage Fast clamping at low voltages, as well as stable and truly balanced electronic solidstate performance and can significantly reduce failure rates for both protector units and surge sensitive equipment. Gas tubes are ideal to protecting against high-energy surges. Solid-state arrestors are superior in speed, voltage control and long life. Each of these technologies has appropriate applications in protecting today’s telecommunications networks.
Different Types of Protection for Overcurrent Fuses prevent fires. In an over-current situation, the fuse will open the circuit, removing
the load from the equipment and eliminating the possibility of a heat-induced fire. Finding and repairing a line fault is as easy as replacing the fuse at the terminal block since the fuse opens prior to the equipment or cable. Wire Fuse Link The wire fuse link, which often is built into the primary protector block base at the building entrance, opens the circuit by melting but it won’ open until the fail safe mechanism shorts to ground. Therefore, there must be enough heat build-up in the fail-safe mechanism to make it short to ground before the wire fuse link functions as a fuse. PTC Fuse A Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) fuse is an over-current protection device that trips when a certain level of current is exceeded. In contrast with conventional fuses that need to be replaced, PTC fuses automatically reset once the over-current is removed.
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page 22 | power protection Heat Coil This is an over-current protector that the Telco typically provides in the primary overvoltage devices as a fail-safe mechanism. If an over-current condition develops, the heat coil shorts to ground. Primary Protection According to the NEC, the primary protection systems must be listed for the purpose and located as close as possible to the building entry point on exposed telephone circuit. Exposed circuits are telephone company cables that enter the building from the outside world.
UL 497A Secondary Protectors A secondary protector system must be listed for and be installed in series between the primary protector and the protected equipment. Secondary protection is placed between the primary pro“It is absolutely tection and the equipment that it necessary to is intended to promake sure that the power tect. This is additional protection company’s required to stop any ground is used surges that the prifor the AC power mary protection was and is the same not able to protect as the ground against. Any conused for the ductive path leaddata-line surge ing into the equipprotectors. ” ment is a potential threat for a surge. Secondary protection devices consist of sneak current protectors, or both sneak current protectors and solid-state voltage suppressors. Sneak current pro-
tector fuses limit current to 350 milliamps to protect equipment and cables from fire hazards. The solid-state suppressor responds within a billionth of a second (nanosecond) and clamps over-voltage to ground. Clamping voltages ratings range from five volts to 400 volts, thus offering protection for telecommunications equipment that uses vary low operating voltages.
Data Surge Protection Solid-state protection devices are designed to react in two to five nanoseconds. For each nanosecond that passes, the surge travels down the cable; solid-state surge protectors solve the surge speed problem but you need a protection device that is designed for high-speed networks. Today, Category 5e/6 surge protectors should provide the nanosecond response to surges while maintaining transparency for data transmission.
Grounding and Bonding A protection system with a poor ground is the same as having no protection at all. Too many times proper grounding has been overlooked. Recommended grounds are the utility company ground, a ground rod, or even well casings, if approved by the local AHJ. A note of caution, if the intent is to use cold water pipes as a ground, the metalcold water pipes may have been repaired and/or extended PVC piping. The introduction of PVC material renders a cold water pipe ground unacceptable.
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A thorough investigation of a cold water pipe ground is important since the PVC repairs or extensions may be covered by drywall. Bonding ensures the most effective ground. Bonding ties all of the grounds in the building together electrically. If there is a rise in ground potential and all of the grounds are bonded, no damage will occur since it is differential voltage that causes problems. It is absolutely necessary to make sure that the power company’s ground is used for the AC power and is the same as the ground used for the dataline surge protectors. A common ground reference must be achieved for all equipment. All ground conductors must be as short as possible and it is imperative that the ground wire not be coiled nor looped. The ground wire must be as straight as possible, remember that it must be the path of least resistance. Regarding the diameter of the ground wire, the larger the better. The larger the diameter, the better electrical conductivity. An ideal ground should have a total impedance of less than .250 ohms. A good rule of thumb to remember is that all lines entering or exiting a building need protection. Both ends of the cables between buildings must be protected. Install surge protectors, backups and fuses during all installations. Keep the data safe and secure, the telephones working and your business up and running.
page 23 | columns
network news RF Code and Future Facilities Form a Strategic Partnership to integrate Wire-Free Environmental Monitoring and Simulation-Based Capacity Planning for Data Centers RF Code, Inc, and Future Facilities, Ltd today announced the integration of RF Code’s wire-free environmental sensor-based monitoring solution into the Future Facilities “Virtual Facility” data center modeling environment. Available in July upon the release of 6SigmaDC V6, the integrated solution will be the first to combine real-time monitoring and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation tools. The integration of real-time monitoring and simulation is the ultimate data center management solution. RF Code and 6SigmaDC together offer a complete view of the past, present and future states of the data center environment in a unified system that will alert the data center manager to existing environmental or performance problems and help him steer clear of potential future problems. For more information contact www.rfcode.com.
Black Box Publishes its IT Professional Buying & Resource Guide Focuses on Top Tech Initiatives and Solutions to Address Today’s Most Important Networking Challenges Black Box Corporation an industry-leading provider of voice communications, data infrastructure, and product solutions, announced today that it has released its 144-page IT Professional Buying & Resource Guide. Focusing on 2010’s top technology initiatives, the Guide shows professionals how to increase network efficiency, prevent network breaches, reduce IT power consumption, maximize ROI, and more. The IT Professional Buying & Resource Guide is
filled with special features and information such as detailed Buyer’s Guides, Black Box Explains tutorials, Pro Tips, and diagrams. It also includes a Resources section that covers topics including cabling, connectivity, and networking using illustrations and tables. To learn more, visit the Black Box Web site at www.blackbox.com.
Graybar to Open Southern California Service Center Graybar, a leading distributor of electrical and communications products and provider of related supply chain management and logistics services, will add 70,000 square feet of inventory space to its City of Industry, Calif., warehouse to serve as a fully automated distribution center for its Southern California operations. The expanded facility is scheduled to open this August and will have approximately 157,000 square feet of warehouse space. The center will serve as the primary shipping location for Graybar’s branches in Southern California and will provide customers with fast access to extensive local inventory, supported by responsive delivery service. “In addition to utilizing the latest in warehouse technology, this expansion enhances our service capabilities by offering greater breadth and depth in our local inventories while maintaining support from our existing 200,000-square-foot Fresno zone warehouse,” said Dave Maxwell, vice president of Graybar’s California district. “We continue to differentiate Graybar in the marketplace, working to the advantage of both our customers and suppliers in California.” For more information, visit www.graybar.com or call 1-800-GRAYBAR.
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page 24 | columns
network news BICSI ANNOUNCES CANDIDATES FOR 2010 BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION BICSI, the association supporting the information technology systems (ITS) industry with information, education and knowledge assessment, is pleased to announce the slate of candidates for the 2010 BICSI Board of Directors Election. For a complete list of candidate biographies, please visit www.bicsi.org/election.
STM ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF GOVERNMENT DIVISION STM Group, Inc. (“STM”) today announced the formal launch of its Government Division. STM is a world renowned leader in the DVB-RCS satellite communications segment, and an awardwinner for its “Size, Weight, and Power” (SWAP) optimized cellular base station technology. STM’s newly formed Government Division will focus on bringing these state-of-the-art open standards based technologies to the U.S. Government. The new Division will help the U.S. Military and Federal agencies better capitalize on the DVB-RCS technology, which is already leading the industry in high-performance, bandwidth efficient VSAT networked solutions. Through its Government Division, STM will leverage its advanced technology to supply Satcom products and services that can alleviate many of the existing bandwidth and coverage limitations faced in Government use of satellite communication. For further information contact Brian Cunningham at bcunningham@stmi.com.
Toshiba Selects AudioCodes Media Gateways to Enhance Network Reliability and Messaging for Toshiba Strata CIX VoIP Systems AudioCodes (NasdaqGS: AUDC), a leading provider of Voice over IP (VoIP) technologies and
Voice Network products, today announced that Toshiba America Information Systems Inc., Telecommunication Systems Division (Toshiba — www.telecom.toshiba.com) has entered into a reseller agreement to resell AudioCodes Mediant 1000 and MediaPack series media gateways for use with Toshiba’s family of Strata® CIX™ IP business telephone systems and Strata Messaging unified messaging systems. AudioCodes media gateways provide PSTN circuit trunk-side connectivity to Strata CIX systems, converting the PSTN PRI or Analog circuits to SIP in a redundant and load-sharing architecture. Using call routing rules, the AudioCodes media gateways can detect network and equipment failures, redirecting call traffic to one or more still-active and operating Strata CIX systems, enhancing reliability and survivability. “Being selected by Toshiba for the difficult task of creating high-reliability communications solutions is a testament to the product reliability and embedded call routing intelligence within the AudioCodes media gateway products,” said Lior Aldema, chief operating officer for AudioCodes. “This relationship also demonstrates the value of the embedded T.38 fax-over-IP protocol in AudioCodes media gateways, allowing Toshiba to concentrate its development efforts on the Strata Messaging application and avoid protracted protocol development and testing.” “We are pleased to announce our relationship with AudioCodes,” said Brian Metherell, VP and general manager of Toshiba America Information Systems Inc., Telecommunication Systems Division. “Combined with the exceptionally dependable Toshiba Strata CIX family of IP business telephone systems, AudioCodes’ products give our customers enhanced survivability and reliability.” For more information on AudioCodes media gateways, visit www.audiocodes.com/CPE.
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page 25 | departments
ad index Automated Systems Design (ASD)
11
www.asd-usa.com
Cabling America
IFC
www.cablingamerica.com
Corning Cable Systems
9
www.corning.com/cablesystems/cbad2009
Creative Cabling Solutions
IBC
www.creativecabling.com
Energy Transformation Systems (ETS)
19
www.etslan.com
LEVITON
1
www.Leviton.com/CAT6A
LEVITON
7
www.Leviton.com/datacenter
Light Connection, The (TLC)
19
www.thelightconnection.com
Live Wire & Cable
IBC
www.livew-c.com
Platinum Tools
12
www.platinumtools.com
R.J. Enterprises
12
www.rj-enterprises.com
Server Technology, Inc.
5
www.servertech.com
Superior Essex, Inc.
3
www.SuperiorEssex.com/comm/cableid/
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