Bo don’t know Didley

Here's our Policy:
Four to five questions and answers will be published. They will be archived on ACES Int'l BROADBand.

Q & A:

Q1. "What are the major changes from ANSI/TIA/EIA 568A, 568B.1, 568B.2 to the current 568B.3?

A1. First, do not confuse the actual standard and the subsequent updates with the modular jack pin-out configurations. The 568A pin out is the "preferred" method and commonly used by Northern Telecom. The 568B pin out is the "optional" method and is commonly used by AT&T/Lucent/Avaya. Most manufacturers offer both pin outs on their patch panel and their jacks. Both the 568A and 568B pin outs are part of the ANSI/TIA/EIA 568A and the now 568B standard.

The Telecommunications Industry Association ("Bellheads") and the Electronic Industry Alliance (formerly the EIA Association or "Computer Nerds") are two organizations that have developed and submitted specific intrabuilding telecommunication and electronic standards to the American National Standards Institution (representing USA interests).

Remember that standards are always lagging behind technology. Standards committees (dubbed TR4X.X volunteers) are a consortium of manufacturers, other standards organizations, and telecom distributors. They are to be applauded for their extensive research before being subjected to a 2/3rds +1 vote by the membership for ratification. There are many technical issues that have to agreed upon, but other considerations include; (1) the "prime objective" of multi-vendor interoperability not proprietary systems and, (2) the politics whereby not all the membership has have the technology or next generation product ready to market!

Accordingly, the first formal "wannebe" proposal stage is published as a TSB Telecommunication System Bulletin or IS Interim Standard. This includes TSB 67 field testing UTP and ScTP, TSB 72 centralized fiber (FTTD or fiber-to-the-desk), TSB 75 open office MUTOA/CPs for modular furniture or cubes, and TSB 95 for Cat 5e termination and testing. Once the TSBs are incorporated, it becomes 568A-1, then A-2, etc.

Since the release of the second edition 568A Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard in 1995 there were a number of TSBs or addendums to the telecom "Bible". These TSB’s and IS’s or "New Testaments" addresses the new technologies required to support the higher performance cabling systems.

Higher performance simply means higher bandwidth as driven by the digital LAN applications. The market has moved rapidly from IEEE 10BaseT to "Fast Ethernet" 100BaseTX and to "Damn Fast Ethernet" 1000BaseT on four-pair 24 AWG UTP/ScTP. The profile of the copper UTP is changing to meet the 568B transmission guidelines with different manufacturer solutions of using 23 AWG copper, molded pairs, central core pair separator, and even shielding for proposed Cat 7 – which makes "fiber-in-your-diet" an economical alternative. MM or multimode fiber can more easily support 1000BaseSX/LX Gignet and ATM at longer distances with higher bandwidth.

The original 568 standard focus was on manufacturer-oriented product guidelines. It has now evolved in the 568B to include design/application guidelines, installation and testing practices in order to ensure installation compliance to the manufacture guidelines (a.k.a. warranty programs) which in turn, is to support the higher bandwidth LAN applications.

568B.1 includes all the 568A TSB’s and IS’s, A-1 UTP propagation and delay skew, A-2 corrections to 568A, A-3 bundled and hybrid cables (Smart Home cabling), A-4 modular 8PX8C patch cord NEXT testing, and A-5 transmission performance testing specs for Cat5e. (Take note: No more Cat 5 and still no standard for Cat 6 at the time of this writing!)

568B.2 specifies the component transmission performance models and measurement procedures needed for verification of four-pair and multi-pair UTP and ScTP.

The 568B.3 specifies the component and transmission requirements for centralized optical fiber (FTTD) 62.5um and 50um/125um multimode fiber and single mode fiber.

To obtain a copy of the complete TIA/EIA Building Wiring Standards contact Global Engineering at 1-800-854-7179 or www.global.ihs.com. I suggest getting the complete 3-ring manual that includes TIA/EIA 569A Pathways and Spaces 570A Residential, 606 Administration/Labeling, and 607 Grounding and Bonding and also includes 526-7A SM Fiber Testing and 526-14A MM Fiber Testing. Cost $595.00

Q2.  "Is there a difference in pulling fiber versus copper UTP?"

A2.  Absolutely! For UTP or ScTP the maximum tensile pull is 25 lbs. whether you are pulling one or six cables. Commonly, the pull string is tied and secured with electrical tape directly to the cables. There should be technician guiding the cable from the TC Telecommunications Closet or Room, another at any bend, and the another at the work area pulling in unison. If going through conduit or down the wall, be courteous and also pull some extra pull string for the next person.

If installing in a plenum-rated ceiling and the local code dictates, ensure the jacketing is labeled CMP Communications Plenum-rated and/or MPP Multipurpose Plenum-rated. I cannot over-emphasize labeling or identifying the cables and the pull boxes or spools BEFORE they are pulled. Otherwise, you’ll have to "tone and probe" each cable run. Subsequently, properly label the cable at BOTH ends as to it’s destination per the customer guidelines or per the TIA/EIA 606 standard.

Fiber pull strength is based upon each manufacturers’ specifications for both intrabuilding (within) and interbuilding (between or OSP Outside Plant) cabling. Simplex and duplex "zipcord" are not to pulled to the work area. They are only used as patch cords and will be labeled OFN or OFNR Optical Fiber Nonconductive Riser-rated and typically have a maximum pull of 100 lbs..

The tensile and crush strength of non-breakout or breakout-style intrabuilding fiber cabling is the result of the Kevlar or aramid yarn surrounding the fibers. Typically, these can be pulled up to 400 lbs.. Again, if you are installing in a plenum-rated ceiling and the local code dictates, the cable will be labeled OFNP Optical Fiber Non-conductive Plenum-rated.

It is very important not to twist fiber cable during pulling. A "Chinese fingers" mesh-grip with swivel is recommended. An alternative is to use a smoothly rounded "dog latch" with swivel. Remove some of the fiber jacketing and attach the Kevlar to the swivel in a knot and tape securely. This is for pulling in open ceilings "J hooks" as well as conduit or innerduct. With both fiber and UTP, cut away the last 12" as the cable may have been damaged or stretched during the pull.

Please note that the NEC states that you can use riser-rated cable in a plenum-rated ceiling or raised floor if the cables are being installed in rigid metallic conduit; Galvanized, IMC, or EMT – not flex EMT. Alternatively, if you are using plenum-rated innerduct, the fiber still has to be OFNP or plenum-rated. It sometimes makes sense to evaluate the cost of conduit and associated installation labor vs. plenum-rated innerduct!

This also applies to the NEC ruling which requires OSP cable to be fire-rated within 50 ft of entering the building or leaving rigid metallic conduit. The rigid metallic conduit rule allows you an alternative if your Equipment Room or demarc is beyond this 50 ft limitation.

When pulling OSP fiber or copper cable through conduit, use a proper poly-based lubricant and NOT YELLOW 77 "Gorilla Snot" as it hardens over time and may penetrate the jacketing. Typically, OSP fiber can be pulled up to 600 lbs. using a tensionmeter and no more that 100 ft. with two 90 degree bends between pull boxes. "Figure 8" or ADSS All-Dielectric Self-Supporting aerial cable exceeds the 600 lbs. to over 1600 lbs. as specified by the spacing between tower supports.

Q3.  "What tools do I need for copper and fiber terminations and installations?"

A3.  A technician should have his or her own tools for installing copper. The basic kit will cost from $100.00-$250.00 and includes; the tool belt holder, snips, sharpie, telepic, screwdrivers, knife, punch-down tool with different IDC tips (110, 66, BIX), separate Krone punch-down tool, jacket ring tool, safety glasses, hard-hat, ear plugs, tape ruler, electrical tape– and a preferred ACES Int'l or BICSI Professional Installer certification!

Experienced copper installers and/or the company will carry even more items and these costs will vary. It includes a rechargeable 3/8"screwdriver, electric ½"drill and bits, ratchet and sockets, wrenches, fiberglass fish-tape, two-way radio (if their cell phone doesn’t have it), coax strippers, crimp tool and dies, their own ladder(s), Gopher extension pole, large-grip cable cutter, calculator, labeling machine, and a modular and coax continuity tester(s) and butt set.

The company will usually supply the high-end test and installation equipment and pull string. These items also vary in price and includes a Level III tester and adapters, a Sidekick, laptops, fiber power meter and light source (Laser for Gignet), OTDR, fusion splicers, 200-300X fiber inspection scope, spool cable tree, conduit blower or vacuum machine, bull wheels, jack stands, tuggers, industrial OSP installation equipment, and any phone-specific testers.

The basic technicians fiber termination tool kit and carrying case is going to cost $800-$1,200.00. There are common tools for terminating and polishing fiber amongst the different manufacturers that includes; wire strippers, fiber ring tool jacket stripper, Kevlar snips, diamond-tipped scribe, 99% Isopropyl alcohol, electrical tape, Kim-wipes and Texwipes, sharpie, 6" ruler, LED "continuity" light, No-nics and/or Miller buffer stripper, 100X minimum 200X preferred inspection scope, ST and SC polishing jigs, polishing pad and/or glass and compressed air canister. It is also useful to have different types of pliers including a long-nose type, knife, cable cutter, and a safety kit with safety glasses, black mat, Teflon tweezers, bare glass fiber container, and 125um piano wire. I encourage you to explore the different tool options for more easily scribing individual fibers and cleaving tools for splicing.

The added kit costs will vary and will be dependent upon whose manufacturer(s) connector you are terminating. Each manufacturer has their own specific polishing technique and disposables requiring select polishing papers, chemicals, pad hardness, polishing jigs, ovens or ultra-violet lights, etc. There are special measuring and holding jigs or crimping tools required for prepolished and crimp-only like connectors. The VF-45 has it’s own complete termination kit as this connector does not use ferrules.

In order to interface with your testers or the equipment, you will need multiple patch and test reference cables having different connectors on each end (ST to SC or ST to LC, etc). It makes economical sense to purchase patch cords rather than making them in the field. These costs vary from $15.00-$30.00 each but the connector should have zirconia ceramic ferrules NOT plastic composite nor stainless steel. The attenuation values printouts that accompanies the MM fiber cords should be bi-directional and be below .5dB at both ends. The lower the loss the better the cable especially for reference test cables. SM fiber patch cords should also have with the attenuation readings (below .1 dB preferably) a photo and printout of it’s interferometer readings or 600X-1200X enlargement of the ferrule tip showing offset, eccentricity and back reflections. These measurement are critical in SM long-haul or broadband fiber applications only.

Q4.  "When does it make sense for our company to buy vs. rent high-end copper and fiber test equipment?"

A4.  The answer depends on your usage and if you can incorporate it into your quote. For instance, fusion splicing costs pennies vs. mechanical splicing. However, a new high-tech "do-it-all" splicer can cost $65,000.00 to $125,000.00 depending on the bells and whistles you choose. The same may cost $4,000.00-$6,000.00 a month to rent. Alternatively, a mechanical jig and cleaving tool may cost together $300.00, but each mechanical splice costs $8.00-$14.00 each and takes more time. There’s also the consideration of the environment and the weather. Fusion splicers need a sterile and stable surroundings. Are you splicing around telephone poles, manholes, construction sites, or outside splice boxes? Most important, how many do you need to terminate? Do the math.

The same decision holds true for an OTDR. The high-end long distance models costs $65,000.00 to $125,000.00. The midrange level $18,000-$26,000.00. For LAN applications to certify an installed fiber link, they may run $7,500.00-$12,000.00 depending if it’s laser, LED, operating wavelengths, pulse rate, sensitivity, and range.

In all circumstances, be cautious as the technician using this equipment should be certified in fiber and the equipment manufacturer before usage. Read the fine print on the rental agreements and warranty terms and conditions for damage repair or replacement!

If you are installing high-performance VDV systems to standards compliance, you must certify the cabling installation with proper test documentation. Most manufactures offer 15-year-to-lifetime warranties to the customer with the onus left to the contractor. Therefore, you usually need to become a certified contractor for the particular manufacturer being installed. If a network goes down, where do you think the fingers start pointing first?

Studies show 65-70% downtime is the direct result of the cabling related to improper installation and NOT the manufacturer. This is another reason to have your technicians and project managers BICSI-like certified! Accordingly, your documentation will prove your innocence only if you utilized the proper test equipment. At the minimum, you should own a Level III tester for UTP with the option of the fiber probes, a multiple wavelength (850/1300nm for MM fiber and 1310/1550nm for SM fiber) power meter, an LED light source (preferably a laser source for testing for Gignet applications) and an OTDR.

Q5.  "What differentiates one patch panel or tester from another?"

A5.  This question can be controversial as it is like asking someone if they prefer a Chevrolet or a Ford pickup. Remember the 568B standards for interoperability? If a patch panel or tester company meets these requirements, then it meets 568B compliance. The choice is usually already made by the customer or the consultant who, in turn, may also be influenced by prudent sales people representing a particular manufacturer connector-cable or tester solution. By the way, all Cat 6 products are proprietary to one particular manufacturer. You may experience different transmission performances using multiple Cat 6 vendors in the same installation. And, it will most likely void their warranties.

The patch panel choice may also be based upon the features; color options, port size, labeling techniques, cable management, patch cord routing, warranties, termination method, jack dust cover windows, the flush look, electrical transmission performance, and the new active cabling and patch cord tracing with database management. Did I mention price and availability?

Level I testers are doorstops. Level II testers are fine for Cat 3-5 10/100 BaseT testing, but very limited both in hardware and software upgrades when testing for 1000BaseT Gignet. Level III testers are required for Cat5e and proposed Cat 6 installations and have a variety of features. Since the cost of these testers run from $5,500.00-$7,500.00 plus add-ons, I would recommend doing some careful evaluations and beta-site testing. Is the hardware upgradeable to the forthcoming standards? What procedures and costs for the extra modules or probes as required for the different connector manufacturers’ proprietary Cat 6 systems? How accurate is it with fiber? Is it bi-directional and dual wavelength? TDR and OTDR functions? Warranty? Customer service? Size, weight, printout, how can I hang it on a rack? How long does it take to recharge? How easy is it to understand the software menu and identify the port ID? Are software upgrades available off the Internet? Is digital testing better than analog if all the 568B specs are analog? Oh, and what’s the price?

How To Submit A Question:

e-mail: conradb@crossbowcom.com

Non-published questions will be answered off line within 10 days.

        Bo

D.A. Bo Conrad, RCDD

President/Director

CrossBow Communications

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