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MARCH 2014

SOLUTIONS FOR PREMISES AND CAMPUS COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS WORLDWIDE

DATA CENTER PAGE 11

Isolating air for effciency

SECURITY PAGE 19

Zooming in on IP cameras

ORDERLY NETWORK ID

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www.cablinginstall.com Cabling Installation & Maintenance MARCH 2014 1

ABOUT THE COVER

A network-identification plan based on

standards and best practices can bring

order to any size cabling system. Here a

technician labels patch-panel ports.

TO LEARN MORE, SEE ARTICLE ON PAGE 5

Group Publisher Susan Smith (603) 891-9447; susans@pennwell.com

Chief Editor Patrick McLaughlin (603) 891-9222; patrick@pennwell.com

Senior Editor Matt Vincent (603) 891-9262; mattv@pennwell.com

Marketing Manager Joni Montemagno

Art Director Angela Millay

Production Director Mari Rodriguez

Senior Illustrator Dan Rodd

Audience Development Manager Debbie Bouley

Ad Traffic Manager Glenda van Duyne

EDITORIAL OFFICES

PennWell Corporation, Cabling Installation & Maintenance 98 Spit Brook Road LL-1 Nashua, NH 03062-5737 Tel: (603) 891-0123, fax: (603) 891-9245 www.cablinginstall.com

CORPORATE OFFICERS

Chairman Frank T. Lauinger

President and CEO Robert F. Biolchini

Chief Financial Officer Mark C. Wilmoth

TECHNOLOGY GROUP

Senior Vice President & Publishing Director Christine A. Shaw

For subscription inquiries:

Tel: (847) 763-9540; Fax: (847) 763-9607 e-mail: cim@halldata.com; web:www.cim-subscribe.com

CABLING INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE © 2014 (ISSN 1073-3108), is published 12 times a year, monthly, by PennWell Corporation, 1421 South Sheridan Road, Tulsa, OK 74112; phone (918) 835-3161; fax (918) 831-9497; www.pennwell.com. Periodicals postage paid at Tulsa, OK 74112 and other additional offces. Subscription rate in the USA: 1 yr. $74, 2 yr. $110; Canada/Mexico: 1 yr. $86, 2 yr. $130; International via air: 1 yr. $108, 2 yr. $160; Digital: 1 yr. $36. If available, back issues can be purchased for $22 in the U.S. and $32 elsewhere. All rights reserved. No material may be reprinted.

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POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Cabling Installation & Maintenance, P.O. Box 3425, Northbrook, IL 60065-3425. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: P.O. Box 122, Niagara Falls, ON, Canada L2E 6S4.

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:: FEATURES

INSTALLATION

5 Standards-based labeling for an

effective network-identification plan

CRAIG ROBINSON, RCDD

DATA CENTER

11 Isolation is always key in

airflow-management efforts

PATRICK MCLAUGHLIN

SECURITY

19 How to get the most out

of a zoom IP camera

JACKY LIN

TECHNOLOGY

23 For industrial cabling systems

physical characteristics

are paramount

PATRICK MCLAUGHLIN

:: DEPARTMENTS

3 Editorial

For positioning only?

28 Product Focus: Cable-Locating Tools

29 Editor’s Picks

MARCH 2014 | VOLUME 22 NO. 3

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PATRICK McLAUGHLIN

Chief Editor

patrick@pennwell.com

www.cablinginstall.com Cabling Installation & Maintenance MARCH 2014 3

:: EDITORIAL ::

One of the nuances of magazine pub-

lishing took effect as we were put-

ting this issue together, and the more

I thought about it, the higher up on my

soapbox I climbed. Now I’m going to

share my thoughts, from

that soapbox, with you.

A couple of the photos

that appear in this issue

(they will remain anony-

mous) had an interest-

ing journey before ulti-

mately showing up in our

pages Wrong size, wrong

orientation, blah-blah-blah; that’s just

anecdotal publishing geek-speek. The

part that got me thinking was that for

several days, versions of these pho-

tos appeared on our preliminary pages

with the letters F-P-O digitally branded

on top of them. “FPO” means “for posi-

tioning only” and means the images

were placeholders. The actual photos

that would occupy those spaces were

in transit and would be put in place

when they arrived. The FPOs were not

the real deals.

That’s what got me dusting off

my soapbox. I began wondering how

much of what I hear on the radio and

TV, on one of my favorite topics, poli-

tics, are spoken FPO: for positioning

only. When I’m tuning in to a politi-

cal talk show on TV (which I admit I

do subject myself to every now and

then), the general format is that a seg-

ment consists of the host interview-

ing at least two people who take

opposing viewpoints on the issue at

hand. About 15 seconds into the inter-

view, the image of the host disappears.

The audience then gets the pleasure

of hearing the interviewees shout over

each other and seeing them roll their

eyes, smirk, guffaw or otherwise show

disapproval of the opposing side’s

argument. Sometimes the two combat-

ants are even sitting next to each other

in a studio, but still they are shown in

split screen so we get (have) to see the

expressions (not to mention blemishes,

thanks to HD) on their giant faces.

Although I have tuned in to CSPAN

on only a few occasions, I have been

told that sometimes members of the

United States Congress exhibit similar

physical characteristics while debating

on their respective chamber floors.

But then I’ve also heard that some

of these very same people, who appear

downright apoplectic on air, join each

other for cordial dinners and cock-

tails after the shouting is over. Which

makes me think, all those policy-based

debates might really just be FPO. As

strange as this sounds even to myself

as I write it, I hope that’s not the case.

I hope they really disagree with each

other. At least then I would believe

these policy-influencers and policy-

makers have some conviction behind

the words they speak, and votes they

cast, respectively. ::

For positioning only?

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www.cablinginstall.com Cabling Installation & Maintenance MARCH 2014 5

:: INSTALLATION ::

A well-executed network infrastruc-

ture labeling system and cable-man-

agement administration system are

essential to a properly installed struc-

tured cabling system. They help to

simplify troubleshooting, lower the

long-term cost of ownership, and

ensure quality assurance and audit

compliance with manufacturer and

installer warranty terms.

The ANSI/TIA-606-B standard for

identification and labeling passed

in 2012 provides clear specifica-

tions for labeling and administrative

best practices across all networked

systems classes. The updated stan-

dard covers more facility classes of

every size and type, from small office

buildings to large commercial enter-

prises, corporate campuses and data

centers, and adds more granular-

ity to identification locations within

each of these facilities. While not

mandatory, these guidelines help

professional contractors and install-

ers ensure quality assurance for the

long-term.

The trend has been to follow a log-

ical, standards-based network infra-

structure labeling scheme, which can

help to reduce human error and save

time and costs over

the network’s lifecycle.

An increasing num-

ber of facility owners,

managers and IT direc-

tors, as well as infor-

mation technology sys-

tem (ITS) designers,

integrators, contractors

and installers today are

calling for the inclu-

sion of standards-based

labeling and adminis-

tration in their project

specifications.

Overview of the 606-B

standard

On the labeling side,

the ANSI/TIA-606-B

standard calls for text

on the labels to be

machine-generated

and visible, and for cables and path-

ways to be labeled at both ends for

ease of tracing from either direction.

In addition, the labels should meet

the UL 969 specification for legibil-

ity, defacement and adhesion. This

means they should be rugged, tam-

per- and smear-resistant and able to

withstand environmental conditions

such as heat, moisture and ultraviolet

light. And they should have a design

life equal to or greater than that of

the labeled components.

Standards-based labeling for an effective

network-identification plan

Clear, durable labeling and dynamic cable

management are cornerstones of a professionally

installed network cabling infrastructure.

BY CRAIG ROBINSON, RCDD, BROTHER MOBILE SOLUTIONS

Brother says its P-touch EDGE PT-E500 industrial

handheld labeling tool is designed by professionals

for professionals, offering smart technology, reliable

performance and ease of use.

1403cim_5 5 2/25/14 2:43 PM

:: INSTALLATION ::

MARCH 2014 Cabling Installation & Maintenance www.cablinginstall.com6

It is clear from the guidelines

that a logical, end-to-end labeling

scheme throughout the information

infrastructure can help make

it faster and easier to troubleshoot

if a problem should occur in a

particular cabling run or connection.

It not only saves tracking and

tracing time, but also speeds up

remediation measures to minimize

costly downtime.

On the administration side, the

606-B standard states that the facility

owner or IT staff must ensure that the

cable and component identification

system be updated to reflect future

moves, adds and changes (MACs)

that will inevitably occur, and that

they maintain a permanent record

of the installation and subsequent

changes. A complete and dynamic

record of the physical infrastruc-

ture provides all parties with

an accurate blueprint to fol-

low should the configuration

need to be created, in whole

or in part, due to damage or

destruction from fire, flood,

earthquake or other mishap.

The mark of a professional

installation

“For structured cabling sys-

tem designers and contrac-

tors, following ANSI/TIA

standards for system identi-

fication and administration

is the hallmark of true pro-

fessionalism,” says Bill Lenz,

RCDD and senior communi-

cations engineer for Genesis

Cabling Services and a self-

proclaimed evangelist for

state-of-the-art industrial

labeling tools, like Brother’s P-Touch

EDGE series. The Norfolk, VA firm

designs, implements and supports

voice and data, including fiber-

optic, structured cabling solutions

for diverse clients including the

U.S. military, educational institutions,

healthcare facilities and commercial

enterprises.

A long-time BICSI-certified

Technician and former BICSI

instructor, Lenz is well-versed in

the role and value of established

industry standards. “Our clients

really appreciate that their projects,

whether large or small, are installed

in full compliance with all applica-

ble standards,” he notes. “We also

develop and leave behind floor-plan

drawings and appropriate databases

to ensure that accurate administra-

tion and record keeping can be per-

manently maintained.”

This step is essential to long-term

quality assurance. If you cannot

identify each of the infrastructure

components in its exact location,

you may be putting the enterprise at

A logical, end-to-end labeling scheme

can help make it faster and easier to

troubleshoot if a problem occurs.

Even a chaotic collection of patch cords can be brought into order with properly labeled

patch panels. Here, a technician uses multiple sets of labels to identify the patching field in

a telecommunications room.

1403cim_6 6 2/25/14 2:43 PM

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www.cablinginstall.com Cabling Installation & Maintenance MARCH 2014 7

:: INSTALLATION ::

operational risk. Complying

with standards for labeling and

administration helps organizations

future-ready their network infra-

structure installation by providing

a dynamic plan to maximize per-

formance, minimize downtime and

reduce rebuilding costs in the event

of a disaster.

Next-generation labeling tools

Compliance with labeling and marking

standards for all network classes may

sound complicated, but with today’s

technology-based solutions it doesn’t

have to be. In the marketplace right

now there are next-generation, indus-

trial-grade labeling tools that incor-

porate smart technology, intuitive

navigation, broad versatility and deep

functionality to help make identifica-

tion and labeling relatively quick and

easy to implement.

Best-in-class handheld label-

ing tools designed for on-site use by

contractors and installers are ergo-

nomically designed to be comfort-

able to operate. They are reliable and

ruggedly built to withstand heavy

day-to-day use by work crews in the

field. Today’s thermal printers are a

popular choice because they don’t

use messy inks and can format and

print a variety of conforming label

types up to 24-mm or 36-mm wide

using easy-to-load, snap-in tape car-

tridges. The tapes generate durable

UL-approved polyester laminated

labels, which encapsulate the print

between two protective layers to

ensure long-term integrity, legibility

and adhesion, in compliance

with the 606-B standard for label

design longevity.

1403cim_7 7 2/25/14 2:43 PM

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:: INSTALLATION ::

MARCH 2014 Cabling Installation & Maintenance www.cablinginstall.com8

Some smart labeling tools

also offer a selection of wireless

connectivity options and built-in

software that allows users to

download and store data from com-

mon databases. They also allow

for on-site download and printing

of previously saved custom or pre-

formatted label templates, as well

as previously programmed alpha/

numeric serialization of labels.

These capabilities can dramatically

increase labeling speed and produc-

tivity in the field.

Genesis Cabling’s Lenz has had

extensive experience with smart

labeling tools, both handheld and

desktop models, and his firm’s

work crews find they provide a

productivity boost in both large and

small installations.

Lenz explains: “From the

standpoint of functionality and

flexibility, you just can’t beat the

latest labelers on the market. In

large installations especially, serial-

ization capabilities and wireless

connectivity options are hugely

helpful, and so is the ability to

print labels quickly with clear text,

UPC codes, industry symbols and

graphics. Our installation teams

find the labelers extremely easy

to use without extensive training

or studying a manual. And the

handheld labelers are affordable,

making it easy to equip every

field technician with one so that

on-site MACs work can be com-

pleted quickly.”

In selecting handheld industrial

labelers, there are additional features

to look for that can add value. They

include the following.

• QWERTY-stylekeyboard,clearly

marked buttons and easy-to-fol-

low navigation menus allow faster

design and editing of different

labels for different components with

just a few keystrokes.

• LargebacklitLCDdisplaypro-

vides optimal visibility in all envi-

ronments for an at-a-glance view

of label designs, and enhances the

ability to preview and edit labels

prior to printing.

• Automaticsmartfont-sizingtech-

nology results in clear, readable

labels that conform to short and

long ANSI/TIA identifier formats, so

users can quickly make labels suit-

able for cables, fiber, wires, face-

plates, patch panels, punch blocks,

control panels and more.

• Fasterprintingspeedsincreaseeffi-

ciency and productivity so work

crews can accomplish more during

a shift.

• PCconnectivityandbuilt-insoft-

ware and memory allow users to

download and store data to create

custom-designed labels, in addi-

tion to using the preformatted label

templates provided with the smart

labeler.

• Amulti-lingualuserinterfacecan

help make the smart labeler more

user-friendly for today’s diverse

work crews.

Finally, the smart labeler should

offer the ability to accept a variety

of interchangeable tape cartridges

1403cim_8 8 2/25/14 2:43 PM

:: INSTALLATION ::

to create different types of labels.

Among the brands available

from Brother, the most common

choices are HGe and TZe tapes,

which come in a variety of sizes,

colors and adhesive backings.

Some installers also opt to use

HSe heat-shrink tubing, a thin

flexible tube that contracts when

it is heated with a heat gun.

When applied to an individual

cable or bundle of wires, fibers or

cables, the HSe tubing adhesive

forms a strong, secure sleeve,

which provides insulation, strength

and strain relief to prevent flexing

or crimping at the wire-to-termina-

tion point. Some newer labeling

tools make printing on heat-

shrink tubing fast, easy and

economical.

An investment worth making

While asset management and label-

ing are only one part of a success-

ful structured cabling or data cen-

ter installation, they clearly play an

important role in ensuring maximum

uptime and audit compliance, as well

as the long-term performance, secu-

rity and reliability of the facility and

its ITS components.

The relatively low cost and

customized high performance of

today’s handheld industrial-grade

labeling tools make them well worth

the investment. The days of using

tape and markers to label network

components are long gone, and so are

the days of “seat-of-the-pants” cable

management and administration.

Whether you are setting up a

new datacom system, upgrading a

LAN, installing a new server and back-

bone, or rewiring and cabling

an existing facility, following the guide-

lines set forth by the ANSI/TIA-606-B

standard is definitely the professional

way to go—and today’s advanced

cable management solutions and smart

labeling tools can help you get there. ::

Craig Robinson, RCDD manages

growth strategy, channel and busi-

ness development initiatives for the

Brother P-Touch EDGE brand of prod-

ucts (www.edgelabeling.com).

1403cim_9 9 2/25/14 2:43 PM

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www.cablinginstall.com Cabling Installation & Maintenance MARCH 2014 11

Hot and cool air are to a data center

administrator what client funds and

personal funds are to a real estate bro-

ker; commingling them leads to trou-

ble. In the case of real estate, the trou-

ble is of the legal variety. In the data

center, the story can be far more com-

plex. The commingling of hot and cool

air almost always is unintentional, the

trouble caused is not always readily

diagnosed, and the remedy does not

always have clear “sentencing guide-

lines,” to use the legal analogy one

final time.

The costs of inefficient airflow

management can be summed up in

two words, according to Peter Crook,

president and chief executive offi-

cer of Upsite Technologies (www.

upsite.com): “Energy and uptime.” In

an interview with Cabling Installation

& Maintenance, Crook was asked if,

when it comes to airflow management,

data center administrators fall into a

bell curve-style grouping in which a

small percentage are at the forefront

of efficiency, another small percentage

lag far behind, and a majority fall in

the middle. That description does not

fit, he explained. Rather, he said, “It

has to do with where you are in the

data center lifecycle. If you are start-

ing from scratch with a new data cen-

ter, you’ll plan, think through options,

and move forward.” Administrators

with this opportunity can conceive

of and implement an airflow-man-

agement strategy for

a computing system

and physical plant

that are known. But

that description does

not apply to everyone.

Crook continued, “On

the other end of the

spectrum are those

who have an existing

facility and are faced

with packing densi-

ties within it.” In most

or all of these cases, an

original airflow-man-

agement design that

well-accommodated

the original computing environment

simply cannot effectively handle this

altered, more-densely packed space.

Encountering the unexpected

How data center administrators deal

with these additional densities is pre-

cisely the challenge. And some admin-

istrators facing that challenge may not

have been planning, and may not be

equipped, to do so. Specifically—but

by no means exclusively—the mul-

titenant, colocation facility is a cur-

rent battleground. Increasing numbers

of enterprises are outsourcing com-

puting services and in doing so, are

shifting the challenges of data cen-

ter administration to these outsource

providers. This shift is happening in

Isolation is always key

in airflow-management efforts

Isolating hot air from cool sometimes means

containing an entire aisle; it always means

having a strategy that acknowledges change.

BY PATRICK McLAUGHLIN

The KoldLok 2-post rack grommet prevents bypass

airflow by sealing off the rectangular area in the 2-post

structure of the rack, while also preventing dust and

other debris from getting trapped in hard-to-reach areas.

:: DATA CENTER ::

1403cim_11 11 2/25/14 2:43 PM

:: DATA CENTER ::

MARCH 2014 Cabling Installation & Maintenance www.cablinginstall.com12

such significant numbers that many

colo facilities are facing the proverbial

“problem they like to have” by having

an abundance of business, and its cor-

responding administration challenges.

And though it’s the “problem they like

to have,” it is a problem nonetheless.

The lack of a cohesive, compre-

hensive airflow-management strat-

egy typically results in locally con-

centrated, high-energy-consumption

cooling efforts. Recently, Upsite

Technologies assigned some quan-

tifiable numbers to these types of

efforts, illustrating how inefficient

they can be. A white paper published

by Upsite and co-authored by its

founder, the late Kenneth Brill, as well

Upsite senior engineer Lars Strong,

P.E., is titled “Cooling Capacity

Factor (CCF) reveals stranded capac-

ity and data center cost savings.” In

that paper Upsite introduces the CCF

concept, which is a quantification of

the amount of cooling capacity in a

data center in relation to the facility’s

heat load. Upsite examined 45 facili-

ties when compiling information for

the document.

Addressing CCF

The white paper’s executive sum-

mary explains, “The average computer

room today has cooling capacity that

is nearly four times the IT heat load …

This white paper will show you how

you can calculate, benchmark, inter-

pret and benefit from a simple and

practical metric called the Cooling

Capacity Factor.

“Of the 45 sites that Upsite

reviewed, the average running cool-

ing capacity was an astonishing 3.9

times (390 percent) the IT heat load.

In one case, Upsite observed 30

times (3,000 percent) the load. It is

hard to believe that sites are this

inefficient.

“When running cooling capac-

ity is excessively over-implemented,

then potentially large operating cost

reductions are possible by turn-

ing off cooling units and/or reduc-

ing fan speeds for units with directly

variable fans or variable frequency

drives (VFD). Though a great deal of

focus is placed on improving com-

puter room cooling efficiency, the

average data center could reduce

their operating expense by $32,000

annually simply by improving airflow

management (AFM).

“AFM improvements increase

cooling efficiency, which could result

in immediate operating cost sav-

ings and greater IT system reliability.

As cooling represents approximately

half of infrastructure costs, PUE

[Power Usage Effectiveness] improves

as well. With a reduction in energy

usage, everyone benefits, as carbon

emissions are also reduced.

“The same AFM improvements

also release stranded cooling capac-

ity, which enables companies to

increase sever density without the

capital cost of additional cooling

equipment. Improved cooling utili-

zation may also extend the life of a

site, deferring capital expenditure

required to build a new data center.

“Numerous solutions are designed

to improve cooling efficiency, rang-

ing from something as simple and

important as blanking panels to

complete containment systems.

Hype abounds when it comes to the

potential benefits of each new ‘best

practice.’ How can you truly know

what potential there is to make a dif-

ference? Will you be able to deploy

more IT equipment? Will you elim-

inate hot spots and/or reduce the

PUE for your data center? How much

of a difference will improved AFM

make at your site? To make informed

decisions about investing in addi-

tional cooling capacity or AFM ini-

tiatives, you should first determine

how well you are utilizing your cur-

rent resources.

“Calculating the CCF is the quick-

est and easiest way to determine

Simplex Isolation Systems’ AirBlock Gap

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:: DATA CENTER ::

cooling infrastructure utilization and potential gains to be

realized by AFM improvements.”

The nine-page white paper provides a historical per-

spective on data center layouts, findings from the 45

sites Upsite analyzed, benefits of “right-sizing” cooling

resources, as well as how to calculate and interpret your

own facility’s CCF.

Products and services

As the paper’s executive summary stated, a number of

solutions are available for improving airflow management.

Upsite offers a number of such solutions. Most recently the

company introduced the KoldLok 2-Post Rack Grommet.

When making the introduction in December, Upsite noted,

“The easy-to-install KoldLok 2-Post Rack Grommet prevents

bypass airflow by sealing off the rectangular area in the

2-post cabinet, while promoting data center cleaning best

practices, preventing dust and other debris from getting

trapped in hard-to-reach areas.”

The company listed among the grommet’s features a

split design that allows for retrofit installation; a design

that works with variations in rack-material thickness; an

installation that requires no cutting, modifying or tools;

and RoHS compliance.

Prior to that introduction, and in conjunction with its

establishment of the CCF metric, Upsite introduced the

EnergyLok Cooling Capacity Assessment. “A vendor-

neutral service, the Cooling Capacity Assessment works

Chatsworth Products Inc.’s Build To Spec Hot Aisle

Containment Solution arrives on a pallet, as shown here, and

contains eight unique components to field-fabricate a duct

over a contained aisle.

1403cim_14 14 2/25/14 2:43 PM

www.cablinginstall.com Cabling Installation & Maintenance MARCH 2014 15

:: DATA CENTER ::

in three steps,” Upsite explained in

September 2013 when announcing

the service. “The first step is to cal-

culate the computer room CCF, which

indicates the level of over or under

cooling. The on-site review then

takes a comprehensive assessment of

the data center’s current AFM, with a

checkout meeting to explain the ini-

tial findings. Finally, a full customer

report is provided to identify specific

improvements for best utilizing the

cooling infrastructure, followed by a

teleconference to discuss the details

of the report.”

Upsite’s Strong said at the time

that the service will enable data

center managers “to save money,

maximize capacity, and improve IT

reliability. Our assessment applies

our knowledge of the CCF and

AFM best practices, and our check-

out meeting and conference call

ensure that a data center fully under-

stands the gathered information to

implement the best solutions to fit

their cooling needs and maximize

their capacity.”

Management tools

Another set of airflow-management

tools was introduced by Simplex

Isolation Systems (www.simplex-

stripdoors.com) in 2013. The AirBlock

Flexible Gap Seals (FGS) “increase

cooling efficiency in your data center

by closing off those hard-to-seal gaps

of a half-inch to six inches between

server racks,” the company explained.

“The result—drastically reduced

energy costs and added capacity in

your data center.”

The FGS seals attach to racks with

a flexible magnetic side trim, Simplex

explains, and they are designed to be

easily installable. “Squeeze the two

magnet edges together and slide into

the gap,”

the company instructed. “The mag-

nets seal to the sides of the racks,

completing the installation. Trim the

seal to fit the rack height with a knife

or scissors.”

They are available in two materi-

als: black PolySim polyurethane and

black FlexSim PVC. “Both materials

are available only from Simplex and

1403cim_15 15 2/25/14 2:43 PM

:: DATA CENTER ::

MARCH 2014 Cabling Installation & Maintenance www.cablinginstall.com16

are Class 1 fire-rated to meet NFPA

701 and NFPA 76 standards for data

center applications,” the company

added. “PolySim is a non-outgassing

material and has permanent static-

dissipative properties.”

Another recent introduction in

the airflow-management realm is

from Chatsworth Products Inc.

(CPI; www.chatsworth.com) and

is an innovation in the deployment

of aisle-containment systems.

CPI has an entire set of solutions

dedicated to aisle containment. In

February it debuted the Build to

Spec (BTS) Hot Aisle Containment

(HAC) Solution.

As CPI explained when announc-

ing the BTS HAC Solution, it “arrives

on a pallet and includes eight unique

components to field-fabricate a duct

over a contained aisle. The solution

can be used over a mix of cabinets of

varying sizes and can be ceiling- or

cabinet-supported, making it ideal for

retrofit applications.”

“The BTS Kit allows you to be

really flexible, whether you’re in a

new or retrofit installation,” explained

Sam Rodriguez, CPI’s product man-

ager of cabinet and thermal manage-

ment solutions. “The design allows

you to custom-fit the containment to

the cabinets in a data center environ-

ment and addresses a multitude of

variables that are site-specific, while

still maintaining a very effective seal

to maximize performance. The BTS

Kit allows you to deploy the contain-

ment regardless of the dimensions of

the installed cabinet and equipment.”

CPI listed the kit’s other features

as an elevated, single-piece duct that

allows cabinets to be removed, omit-

ted or replaced as required; translu-

cent duct and door panels that allow

light to enter the contained aisle;

and doors that close automatically

to maintain containment and reduce

recovery time.

Concepts that may seem abstract

on the surface—like a numerical

quantification of cooling-resource use

or the presence of different-height

cabinets in a data center—become

entirely practical when their effi-

ciency directly affects a facility’s

energy bill and its ability to stay up

and running. As we have stated in

these pages many times, cable-man-

agement practices like overhead-or-

underfloor routing and proper dress-

ing away from network-equipment

exhaust can and do affect airflow

management. Likewise, opportunities

exist at the rack, aisle and room levels

to maximize the efficiency of airflow

management. ::

Patrick McLaughlin is our chief editor.

Peter Crook returns to Upsite as top executive

Peter Crook returned to Upsite Technologies on January 20 as its president

and chief executive officer—a position he also held with Upsite from 2003

to 2009 alongside the organization’s founder and chief technology officer,

the late Kenneth Brill.

“Upsite Technologies is well recognized in the data center space

and has a strong base of global customers from which to continue to

grow the business,” Crook said when his return was announced. “I am

excited to take the leadership role once again as Upsite gears up to

release a number of new products and services for data center airflow

management.”

He brings more than 25 years of executive management experience to

Upsite, including significant experience as startup CEO, vice president,

product manager and sales and marketing manager in software, ser-

vices and manufacturing spaces. Most recently he was managing direc-

tor with EA2, an executive management consulting company focus-

ing on business, organizational and product development for small to

medium-sized high-technology companies. Prior to his previous tenure

with Upsite, Crook was vice president of development for LizardTech,

which was acquired by Celartem/Extensis; there he drove the commer-

cial development of MrSID, which is now a global geospatial standard for

image storage and retrieval.

Mark Germagian, chief technology officer of Geist Global and an

executive board member for Upsite, commented, “We are delighted to

have an industry veteran like Peter take the leadership role at Upsite

Technologies. Peter’s deep knowledge of the data center market and IT

product development will greatly benefit the company as it prepares to

launch a new suite of products.”

1403cim_16 16 2/25/14 2:44 PM

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www.cablinginstall.com Cabling Installation & Maintenance MARCH 2014 19

:: SECURITY ::

With video surveillance now an

essential part of critical business oper-

ations in most industries, it is sure to

come as good news that using Internet

Protocol (IP) technology to set up a

video-surveillance application has

never been easier. IP-based surveil-

lance systems have been under devel-

opment for at least 20 years, and now

that the technology is mature, IP cam-

eras are the camera of choice for most

industrial applications.

Surveillance cameras are

available in several different form

factors, including fisheye cameras,

positioning systems, all-in-one cam-

eras, zoom cameras and pan/tilt/

zoom (PTZ) cameras, with the best

choice dependent on both the type

of application and the environ-

ment. Herein is an explanation of the

differences between these cameras

to help give end-users and system

integrators a better understanding

of which type of camera to select

for their application.

What is a zoom camera?

A zoom camera is a camera that sup-

ports optical zoom and autofocus capa-

bilities. Unlike cameras with a fixed

varifocal lens, zoom cameras allow

users to zoom in and out remotely,

with the lens focusing automatically

instead of needing to be adjusted man-

ually. Traditionally, the control signal

used to perform the zoom operation of

a zoom camera was transmitted via an

RS-485 serial connection, but the newer

IP-based zoom cameras transmit the

control signals over Ethernet together

with the video signal.

Zoom cameras lack the “pan” and

“tilt” functions built into PTZ cameras,

and consequently are not appropri-

ate for applications that need a single

camera to scan through a wide view-

ing angle. Comparing camera bod-

ies, PTZ cameras are usually housed

inside a dome, whereas zoom cameras

can be either dome-type or box-type.

Zoom cameras are suitable for surveil-

lance applications like border fences,

which can be suitably monitored by

a camera pointing in a fixed direction

that has the capability of zooming in

on spots 2 or 3 kilometers in the dis-

tance. Because zoom cameras have

the ability to focus on both nearby

objects and distance objects, zoom

cameras can be used when your proj-

ect has the following requirements.

• Includeskeysurveillanceareasfor

both nearby and distant objects

How to get the most

out of a zoom IP camera

Zoom and PTZ cameras each have advantages

and drawbacks in surveillance networks.

BY JACKY LIN, MOXA INC.

A zoom camera, shown here, lacks the pan

and tilt functions of a PTZ speed dome camera.

However, their zoom capability makes them

suitable for surveillance applications like

border fences, highway traffic and railway

trackside monitoring. Installing additional

hardware can give zoom cameras PTZ ability.

A pan/tilt scanner can be used to turn

a non-zoom camera into a PT camera

or a zoom camera into a PTZ camera.

1403cim_19 19 2/25/14 2:44 PM

:: SECURITY ::

MARCH 2014 Cabling Installation & Maintenance www.cablinginstall.com20

• Requiressurveillanceovera

widearea

• Requirestheabilitytofocusclearly

onremoteobjects

Examplesofreal-worldapplications

withtheaboverequirementsinclude

perimeterfencemonitoring,border

monitoring,highwaytrafficmonitoring

andrailwaytracksidemonitoring.

PTZ options

Apan/tilt(PT)scannerisacamera

accessorythatisusedtoturnafixed,

non-zoomcameraintoaPTcamera,or

azoomcameraintoaPTZcamera.PT

scannersconsistofabasicframewith

motorsattachedtoproduce“pan”and

“tilt”scanningmotions.

BecausePTZspeeddomesare

fairlycommonplace,youmaywon-

derwhyyouneedaPTZpositioning

systeminsteadofaPTZspeeddome.

Thetablewithinthisarticleoutlines

thedifferencesbetweenthesetwo

typesofPTZsolutions.

Asthetableshows,thePTscan-

nertypehasgreaterflexibilityintilt

angleandcameramodule,buthasthe

downsideofslowerspeed-of-motion

andgreaterinstallationcomplex-

ity.However,themaindifferences

betweenscannertypeanddometype

aretheabilitytoworkwithawiper

andinfrared(IR)illuminator.

Using an IR illuminator and wiper

Withmoonlightandstarlightoftenthe

onlyavailablelightsourcesafterthe

sungoesdown,anIRilluminatorisa

criticalcomponentofsurveillancesys-

temsforwhichnighttimemonitoring

isjustasimportantasdaytimemoni-

toring.ForaPTZspeeddome,because

thecameramodulerotatesandtilts

insidethehousing,itisnotpracti-

caltomoveanexternalIRilluminator

togetherwiththecameramodule,and

consequentlyaPTZspeeddomeisnot

suitableforworkingwithanIRillumi-

nator.Itcanbearguedthatthisissue

canberesolvedbybuildinganinfrared

LEDaroundthecameramoduleinside

thedomecover,butdoingsowill

onlyprovideilluminationoverashort

distance,andwillalsoresultin

seriousoverheating.

PTscanner-typePTZs,ontheother

hand,areusuallydesignedwiththis

considerationinmindbybuildingthe

scannerbodytobeflexibleenoughto

workwithorwithoutanIRilluminatorby

attachinganextramountingadapteron

thescannerbody.Suchaconfiguration

allowstheentireunittopanandtiltat

thesametime,andalsoavoidsoverheat-

ingproblemsinsidethescannerunit.

Inadditiontoinfrared,wipersare

requiredformanyapplicationenvi-

ronmentstoensurethatthesurveil-

lancesystemfunctionsasintended.

Forexample,industyenvironments,a

glassoracryliccoverinfrontofthepro-

tectivehousingordomecoveriseasily

coveredbydust,therebyreducingthe

qualityoftheimagesdisplayedinyour

controlroom.Forthiskindofenviron-

ment,youshouldconsiderusingapro-

tectivehousingwithabuilt-inwiper.

BecausethecoverofaPTZspeed

domeisrounded,itisn’tpossibleto

attachawipertothedomecoverto

cleanitoffwhenitgetsdusty.On

theotherhand,itiseasytoattach

awipertotheprotectivehousingof

aPTscannerbecauseithasatradi-

tionalbox-typeformfactor.::

Jacky Lin is product manager with

Moxa Inc. (www.moxa.com).

PTZ functionality can be

implemented by either a

PTZ speed dome camera

or PT scanner-type PTZ

positioning system. Shown

here is a zoom camera with

the addition of a PT scanner

system and infrared (IR)

illumination also included.

The panel-type components

provide IR capability.

System Characteristic

Scanner type Dome type

Appearance Overt Covert

Tilt angle Greather than 180 degrees 0 to 180 degrees

Wiper Yes No

Bundled IR Yes No

Camera module Versatile Limited

Speed of motion Slower Faster

Installation Complicated Easy

1403cim_20 20 2/25/14 2:44 PM

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DIGITAL LIGHTING

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1403cim_22 22 2/25/14 2:44 PM

www.cablinginstall.com Cabling Installation & Maintenance MARCH 2014 23

:: TECHNOLOGY ::

In most environments in which

structured cabling systems reside,

a circuit’s ability to successfully

transmit data at the specified speed

to the required distance has a lot to do

with what happens on the inside

of the cable and connecting hardware.

As countless articles in this magazine

and elsewhere have detailed, the

construction of a cable—be it

twisted-pair, fiber-optic or other-

wise—has a significant effect on its

performance capability.

From more-tightly twisted pairs

to a higher grade of optical fiber (i.e.

OM3, OM4), what is inside a cable

largely determines its performance.

Along with cables, connecting hard-

ware also achieves a certain perfor-

mance level based primarily on the

inner details of its design and con-

struction. Of course, the installation of

these systems is a professional craft,

and the manner in which the cable is

terminated to connecting hardware

to create a cabling circuit is critically

important to performance as well.

Standard references

While those manufacturing and work-

manship factors generally hold true

in any location, in physical environ-

ments that are particularly harsh or

unfriendly, what is on the outside of

the cable and connectivity is also of

key importance to the entire cabling

system’s ability to carry information

a given distance at a designated

speed. An ANSI standard, originally

created and recently revised by

the Telecommunications Industry

Association (TIA; www.tiaonline.

org), specifically addresses the abil-

ity of cabling components and sys-

tems to perform under harsh con-

ditions—particularly those in an

industrial environment. In May

2012 the TIA published ANSI/

TIA-1005-A Telecommunications

Infrastructure Standard for

Industrial Premises. It is the first

(“A”) revision of the 1005 standard,

which was completed in 2008.

ANSI/TIA-1005-A includes

information organized into the

following topics: Industrial Areas,

Telecommunications Spaces,

Telecommunications Pathways,

Firestopping, Backbone Cabling,

Horizontal Cabling, Work Area,

Grounding and Bonding, and

Industrial Cabling Performance

Requirements. The standard’s

annexes include information on two-

pair 100-ohm twisted-pair cabling,

the use of more than four connectors

in a channel, and the extension of

fiber-optic channels.

One of the most recognizable

standards-centric elements associ-

ated with industrial cabling is the

MICE table. MICE is an acronym for

Mechanical, Ingress, Climatic and

For industrial cabling systems

physical characteristics are paramount

In order to carry information successfully,

the cable and connectivity components must

withstand their unfriendly surroundings.

BY PATRICK McLAUGHLIN

These recently introduced M12 jacks

from Metz Connect achieve Category 6A

performance and Class IP67 protection.

Jacks with flanges are suitable for

installation in equipment, machines or

plant, the company says, while jacks

without flanges are used for free-plug

“inline” connections.

1403cim_23 23 2/25/14 2:44 PM

:: TECHNOLOGY ::

MARCH 2014 Cabling Installation & Maintenance www.cablinginstall.com24

Electromagnetic. These four char-

acteristics in combination define

how harsh a particular environment

is. For each of the four characteris-

tics, the number 1, 2 or 3 is assigned

based on the environment’s sever-

ity. The higher the number, the more

severe the environment. By the same

measure, a component or complete

cabling system is assigned a letter-

number combination that defines

its ability to withstand the rigors of

such environments. The rather doc-

ile environment of most commer-

cial office buildings, for example,

rate M1I1C1E1. The most-extreme

environment would weigh in at

M3I3C3E3.

Although the MICE table is

most often associated with indus-

trial environments, it does not

reside in the ANSI/TIA-1005-A

standard; its most recent update can

be found in Addendum 2 to ANSI/

TIA-568-C.0. The rationale for the

table’s inclusion in 568-C.0 is that

these rugged conditions can exist

in any number of environments or

facilities, not necessarily strictly

in industrial plants. (ANSI/TIA-

1005-A, 568-C.0, its addenda and

other standards produced by the

TIA can be found at http://global.ihs.

com/?rid=TIA.)

What it takes

In addition to the formal standards

that address harsh-environment

cabling, other resources exist to

help guide planners, installers and

managers of cabling systems that

have to hold up in adverse conditions.

For example, a white paper

authored by cable manufacturer

C&M Corporation (www.cmcor-

poration.com) sizes up the ability

of cables to support 1000Base-T in

industrial environments. “Adapting

Gigabit Ethernet for the Industrial

Manufacturing Environment” dis-

cusses construction differences

between standard Gigabit Ethernet

and the performance specifications

required for similar

cables used in the

manufacturing

environment. The

paper also looks at

other applications

for cables with

ruggedized

designs.

Early in the

paper, which can be downloaded

from C&M’s website, are listed the

characteristics of cable and other

networking products that are neces-

sary for them to perform acceptably

in manufacturing environments, but

are not required in typical commer-

cial-office space. It points out the

following.

• Theabilitytoresistdust,solvents,

oils and fuels

• Abrasionresistance

• Functionalityinflexapplications,

such as C-tracks, rolling flex appli-

cations or robotics

• Theneedtobeflexibleforrouting

around equipment or other similar

obstacles

• Resistancetoenvironmental

noise such as electromagnetic

interference

Later, the paper explains that the

characteristics “flex life” and “flex-

ibility” are not synonymous. “Some

cable constructions may appear to

possess limited flexibility, but per-

form very well in continuous flex

applications, such as robotics,”

the paper explains. “Other cables

may seem to enjoy maximum flexi-

bility, yet possess a very limited

life when it comes to continuous

flexing applications.”

The paper also provides detail on

cable-construction characteristics

including conductor construction,

shielding, and jacketing materials.

Cable and connectivity advancements

Recentproductintroductionsbysev-

eral cabling manufacturers exem-

plify the different requirements made

of components that will be placed in

“harm’s way” and expected to per-

form. For example, the Hub-Link

cable line from Comtran (www.com-

trancorp.com) is a set of low-smoke

zero-halogen (LSZH) telecommuni-

cations and data-transmission cables

designed for mass-transit applications.

When announcing the cables’ avail-

ability in late 2012, Comtran explained

they “have been designed to provide

extremely low toxicity levels under fire

conditions while meeting UL CM-LS

and IEEE 1202/FT4-LS flame and

smoke requirements.”

The company also explained that

the product line is extremely stable

in mass-transit applications such as

OFS’s Graded Index HCS (GiHCS) Industrial Cabling Solution

includes SC crimp-and-cleave connectors and termination kits.

1403cim_24 24 2/25/14 2:44 PM

www.cablinginstall.com Cabling Installation & Maintenance MARCH 2014 25

:: TECHNOLOGY ::

fixed guideway or passenger rail-

way tunnels and stations, as well as

cable trays in airports or any mass-

transit hub location where reduced

toxins and reduced flame spread

are required. The cables are rated

90-degrees Celsius and are available

in 2- to 400-pair versions for Category

3, and in 4-pair Category 5e and

Category 6 versions.

In late 2013 Comtran announced

it had expanded the Hub-Link prod-

uct line to include a cable designed

specifically to support the New York

City Transit (NYCT) Authority. The

company said the cables are used in

telephone, data and control networks

throughout the entire NYCT infra-

structure, including underground

stations and subway tunnels. “The

cables are routed through the full

spectrum of pathways and spaces

and terminated with splice boxes,

closets and entrance facilities,” the

company said. “These cables are sub-

ject to rugged conditions, exposed to

extreme temperatures, moisture, salt

air, various fluids, rodent damage and

even sunlight.”

Metz Connect (www.metz-con-

nect.com) recently introduced an

M12-style jack that meets Category

6A performance requirements. The

M12 jack for field assembly was

“developed for futureproof and high-

performance 10-Gigabit Ethernet

cabling and for automation con-

trol units,” the company said when

announcing the new connector in

January. “The jack has two X-coded

variants: with or without flange.

The flange variant is suitable for

installation in equipment, machines

or plant, and the one without

flange is used for free plug ‘inline’

connections.”

The connector’s complete metal

shielding, using a zinc die-cast

housing, enables its Category 6A

performance, the company noted.

“The M12 jacks for field assembly

can be used for applications expe-

riencing difficult transmission con-

ditions,” Metz Connect explained.

“When mated, the M12 jacks offer

class IP67 protection, and while

unplugged, jacks should be pro-

tected with dust caps.”

In November 2013 OFS launched

its SC Crimp and Cleave connec-

tivity solution for industrial net-

works. When formally introducing its

GiHCS Industrial Cabling Solution,

OFS noted, “The rapid adoption of

Industrial Ethernet has led to sig-

nificant changes and new demands

in factory automation and indus-

trial networking applications requir-

ing the introduction of industrialized

communications systems. 100-Mbit/

sec Fast Ethernet and 1000-Mbit/sec

Gigabit Ethernet data rates demand

higher bandwidth and real-time,

low-latency communications. The

increasing use of intelligent elec-

tronic devices, utility-grade rugged IP

routers and Ethernet switches is driv-

ing IP-based communications on the

production floor.

“A high-bandwidth, rugged and

reliable cabling solution is indis-

pensable for industrial network-

ing as adoption of increased data

rates emerges,” the company con-

tinued. “To meet this need, OFS

offers Graded Index HCS (GiHCS)

optical fiber in a low-smoke zero-

halogen cable construction and

easy-to-use crimp-and-cleave SC

connectors.” The company added

that using its SC crimp-and-cleave

hand tools, technicians can learn

to install fiber connectors in indus-

trial spaces. “Taking just minutes

to learn, installers can rapidly repair

damaged optical fiber cables with-

out messy adhesives or tedious pol-

ishing procedures.”

OFS lists the following among the

advantageous characteristics of the

GiHCS Industrial Cabling Solution.

• Operatingtemperaturerangeof-20

to +105 degrees Celsius

• Resistancetoabrasion,vibration

and industrial chemicals

• Indoorandoutdooruse

• Hightensilestrength

• FastEthernetandGigabitEthernet

compatibility

• Compatibilitywithmostcommon

GBIC transceivers

• Norequirementforspecialistfiber-

optic installation skills

• Norequirementsforpower,epoxy,

gel or polishing to accomplish

termination

Whether the environment is a fac-

tory floor, an outdoor space, a non-

air-conditioned warehouse in a des-

ert or any other that is unkind to the

components within it, several places

where structured cabling systems

exist require extremely high perfor-

mance of the components’ “outsides”

as well as their “insides.” For those

environments, standards, best prac-

tices and technologies are available

to professionals responsible for the

specification, design, installation and

management of cabling systems. ::

Patrick McLaughlin is our chief editor.

1403cim_25 25 2/25/14 2:44 PM

JULY 14-16, 2014RENAISSANCE AUSTIN HOTELAUSTIN, TEXAS

During the exhibition and conference learn from and dialogue with experts from:

ADTRANADVA Optical NetworkingAlcatel-LucentAllied FiberAmphenol High Speed InterconnectAT&TAvago TechnologiesBTI SystemsCALIENT TechnologiesCalixCienaClearf eld Inc.CommScopeCoriantCorning Optical CommunicationsCyanEthernet AllianceEXFOFacebookFinisar Fujitsu Network CommunicationsInf neraInfonetics ResearchIPC Systems, IncJDSUJGRJuniper NetworksLightCountingLonestar Education and Research NetworkLuxteraMarlin Equity PartnersMRV CommunicationsOclaroOneChip PhotonicsOvum PlexxiPMC-SierraSumitomo Electric LightwaveTE ConnectivityTektronix, Inc.The Ethernet AllianceThe Fiber Optic AssociationThe Light BrigadeTIA Fiber Optic Tech ConsortiumTriQuint SemiconductorVerizonWalker and AssociatesXKL, LLCXO Communications

Join Us As We Foster the Conversation Between Carriers, Data Center Managers, Systems Developers, and Suppliers!The pace of innovation and opportunity in optical communications is accelerating. Now is the time for an in-depth exchange of views that will highlight the critical innovations necessary to meet the near-term challenges in optical networking.

The Lightwave Optical Innovation Summit Conference, brought to you by Lightwave magazine and LightwaveOnline.com, will focus on immediate challenges and provide innovative, practical solutions in optical communications in the Americas. This is a must attend event for carriers, data center and enterprise network managers, systems developers, and suppliers of components and subsystems.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:

CARRIER TRACK KEYNOTEDr. James King

Assistant Vice President - Optical Platforms (invited)

Dr. King has served in a variety of positions since he joined AT&T Labs in 1985. Major accomplishments include support for the initial deployment of TCP/IP networks into AT&T central off ces; core back-bone expansions to OC-48 (1999), OC-192 (2001), and OC-768 (2007);

engineering design and implementation of AT&T’s CNI network (2001); and design and business case development for deployment of AT&T’s

ultra-long-haul network (2005).

ENTERPRISE/DATA CENTER TRACK KEYNOTESteve Cheng

Principal Design Engineer and Architect, Telecommunications

and Data Cabling Infrastructure

Steve Cheng has more than 15 years of experience in data center and telecommunications design, construction, and operations. He has applied this experience – as well as cutting-edge technology,

custom and innovative design solutions, and a focus on eff ciency and modularity – to develop the next level of structured telecommunica-

tions cabling to meet Facebook’s growth and demand.

WWW.LIGHTWAVESUMMIT.COM

REGISTER EARLY AND SAVE — Register by May 19, 2014 and SAVE $100Register at: http://www.lightwavesummit.com/register.html

FOR DETAILS, VIEW

THE PRE-CONFERENCE

BROCHURE AT

http://bit.ly/1bmNxzs

1403cim_26 26 2/25/14 2:44 PM

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CARRIER INNOVATION TRACK ENTERPRISE/DATA CENTER INNOVATION TRACK

4:00 PM - 6:00 PMWORKSHOP: Understanding Emerging Technologies in Carrier Networks

WORKSHOP: Fiber Technology for Data Center and Enterprise Networks

JULY 15, 2014 TUESDAY

CARRIER INNOVATION TRACK ENTERPRISE/DATA CENTER INNOVATION TRACK

8:30 AM - 9:30 AM PANEL: Innovation in an Era of Industry ConsolidationPANEL: Intra-Rack and Rack-to-Rack Connectivity Innovation

9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Refreshment Break

10:00 AM - 11:00 AMPANEL: Adding Flexibility and Eff ciency to Optical Networks

PANEL: Is It Time to Consider Building Your Own Network?

11:00 AM – NOON Fujitsu Workshop Series: The xHaul Challenge

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Delegate Lunch (for paid conference attendees only)

1:00 PM - 2:15 PM

KEYNOTE PRESENTATIONS (for paid conference attendees only): • Dr. James King, Assistant Vice President – Optical Platforms, AT&T Labs (invited)• Steve Cheng, Principal Design Engineer and Architect, Telecommunications

and Data Cabling Infrastructure, Facebook

2:30 PM - 3:00 PMPANEL: Enabling Transport SDN

PAPER: Classifying the New Data Center Business Models

3:00 PM - 3:30 PM PAPER: 10/40/100GbE Migration: The Role of Cabling

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM Refreshment Break

4:00 PM – 4:45 PMPANEL: State of 100G OTN Switched Optical Networks in North America

PANEL: Network Security and Optical Communications

JULY 16, 2014 WEDNESDAY

CARRIER INNOVATION TRACK ENTERPRISE/DATA CENTER INNOVATION TRACK

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Fujitsu Workshop Series: Executive Roundtable: Building the Network of the Future

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM PANEL: The Road to 1 Tbps PANEL: Data Center Design Innovations

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Refreshment Break

10:30 AM - 11:00 AMPAPER: OSNR Analysis in Nonlinear Coherent Transmission Links

PAPER: How SDN Speeds Long Data Flows from Virtualization

11:00 AM – NOON Fujitsu Workshop Series: Does the Future Lie in 400G and Next Generation (NG) ROADM?

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Delegate Lunch (for paid conference attendees only)

1:15 PM - 2:15 PM PANEL: Access Network Innovations PANEL: Optics in the LAN

2:15 PM - 2:45 PM Refreshment Break

2:45 PM - 3:15 PM PAPER: The ROADM DilemmaPAPER: Driving Down Data Center Costs through New Designs in Fiber Management

3:15 PM – 4:00 PM PANEL: How Will IP/Optical Convergence Work, Really? PANEL: Innovation Pathways for Ethernet

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Fujitsu Workshop Series: Taking Advantage of the SDN Wave: Applications for Carriers

OWNED & PRODUCED BY: Industry Partners:PRESENTED BY:

FOR DETAILS, VIEW

THE PRE-CONFERENCE

BROCHURE AT

http://bit.ly/1bmNxzs

WWW.LIGHTWAVESUMMIT.COM

1403cim_27 27 2/25/14 2:44 PM

MARCH 2014 Cabling Installation & Maintenance www.cablinginstall.com28

CABLE-LOCATING TOOLS:: PRODUCT FOCUS ::

:: Traceable patch cordsThe Traceable Bonded-Pair Patch Cords from Belden fea-

ture an integrated LED light that the company says is

exceptionally bright and offers easy identification. “With

just the simple press of a button on the low-profile plug,

the LED flashes on both ends of the patch cord, providing

the ability to locate specific switch-to-server connections

within high-density patching environments,” Belden says.

It adds the cords also are ideal for locating connections

in congested office areas. They are offered in Category

6A and Category 6 performance levels. “The highly effi-

cient and bright LED features a replaceable battery with

a battery life of 7 years or 1,000 activations,” the company

explains. “When activated, the LED blinks for 20 sec-

onds and can be stopped at any time with a second press

of the button. Because the LED and its tracing wires are

integrated into the patch cord, there is no need for special

patch panels or a separate power source.” Each cord has a

unique serial number and bar code on each end, making

them DCIM-ready for full locating ability, Belden concludes.

Belden

www.belden.com

:: Intelligent port management systemLeviton describes its Intact Intelligent Port Management

System as “a solution for fiber and copper networks that

monitors port status and manages network changes. The

system sends alerts and real-time information to IT man-

agers, allowing them to diagnose problems and handle

changes quickly using Intact software.”

The Intact Patch Cord works through a programmable

microchip with a unique identifier applied to one or both

ends, Leviton described. The cords combine with Intact

Patch Panels to communicate the port status to the Intact

Device Manager through USB cable. LED lights on panels

indicate each port’s status and serve as visual guidance for

work-order execution, the company further explained. The

Intact Device Manager hosts the system’s software, which

is accessible on any standard web browser over a corporate

network; it is optimized for PCs, tablets and smartphones.

USB Intact Device Hubs are available to expand the

number of Intact Patch Panels that can connect to an

Intact Device Manager. Also, multiple Intact Device

Managers operate together seamlessly, Leviton said,

allowing the system to scale easily.

Leviton also said its existing QuickPort Copper Panels

(1RU, 24-port) and Opt-X Ultra Fiber Enclosures (1RU,

2RU) are “intelligent-ready” and can be upgraded with

Intact Panels on the rack to become Intact intelligent

devices.

Intact software allows users to assist technicians

with changes and troubleshooting by managing work

orders, logging events and creating network topologies,

Leviton noted.

Leviton

www.leviton.com

1403cim_28 28 2/25/14 2:44 PM

www.cablinginstall.com Cabling Installation & Maintenance MARCH 2014 29

:: EDITOR’S PICKS :: COMPILED BY MAT T VINCENT

Sumitomo debuts LGX-HD combo

patch panels for data centers

Sumitomo Electric Lightwave’s 4th Level DataCenter

Solutions division has introduced LGX and High Density

(HD) patch panels that the company claims are the

industry’s first to integrate LGX and HD connectivity

into one panel.

Aimed especially at MSO data centers, Sumitomo says

the primary differentiating factor of its new 4th Level 1, 2,

3, and 4RU patch panels is that they can be configured for

various module footprints, including LGX and HD, with

an option for both in the same panel. The company notes

that, prior to the new 4th Level patch panels, network

installers would have to purchase a separate panel for LGX

applications and another designed for their HD connectiv-

ity projects.

The 2RU model of the new panel can be configured

with up to 288 LC connectors. The company contends

that, by simply interchanging faceplates and standard

cassette products from different manufacturers, install-

ers and network technicians may realize increased

flexibility, versatility in network design, and hardware

cost savings.

Other features of the new patch panels include: a user

friendly design with shelf trays able to tilt and slide out for

easy cable management access; a tray stop design that

prevents unplanned tray egress from the patch panel; a

rugged construction of heavy gauge powder-coated alu-

minum for extended product life; and mounting brackets

that allow forward and backward adjustments within a

standard 19-inch relay rack.

The new 4th Level patch panels are intended for data

center, storage area network (SAN), and local area network

(LAN) applications, with customized configurations avail-

able. The new panels, along with other new 4th Level data

center products from Sumitomo, were unveiled at the 2014

BICSI Winter Conference and Exposition in February.

Thomas & Betts retools iPad mobile app

The recent 2.0 upgrade to the T&B Mobile iPad applica-

tion from Thomas &

Betts (T&B) features

a new tools button to

retrieve literature, view

videos and even scan

barcodes on T&B prod-

uct packaging.

T&B Mobile 2.0

is an upgrade to the

company’s original

mobile application,

which was launched

in April 2013. In addi-

tion to the new tools button for literature and video,

the application upgrade features an expanded favor-

ites folder that holds up to 30 documents, all of which

can be sent via e-mail or saved for future reference. The

upgraded application also features a new PDF reader for

more efficient navigation.

“The new T&B Mobile 2.0 application enables users

to retrieve catalogs, brochures, videos and other sup-

port tools quickly and easily,” comments Chad Smith,

vice president, product management and marketing, at

Thomas & Betts. “The tools are organized around our

served markets, solutions and product categories. We

also have added an innovative barcode scanning tool

that allows a user to scan a barcode and link directly to

our rich attributed data and web content.”

Platinum Tools updates drywall saw

Platinum Tools recently announced the launch of its

updated PRO Drywall Saw (Part No. 10711).

With an MSRP of $12.95 and now shipping, the PRO

drywall saw with included sheath is billed as an ideal

tool for cutting drywall, plywood, plasterboard, wall-

board, plastic paneling, and ceiling tile. “Designed with

the professional installer in mind, the PRO drywall saw’s

teeth are precision-ground for fast and effortless cutting

1403cim_29 29 2/25/14 2:44 PM

MARCH 2014 Cabling Installation & Maintenance www.cablinginstall.com30

:: EDITOR’S PICKS ::

in both directions, both push and pull,” explains John

Phillips, Platinum Tools’ product manager. “The blade is

an extra-thick 1.8 mm to prevent bending and breaking

during use, whether cutting, punching, or scoring.”

The company says the saw’s heavy-duty handle is

designed with a non-slip grip for comfort and safety, a hard-

ened blade tip designed to score or punch with ease, a

clog-free hardened steel blade, and a one-piece handle and

blade design. “Extremely rugged and durable, the PRO dry-

wall saw also has a rust resistant electrophoretic deposition

on the blade,” adds Platinum’s Phillips. “Ideal for numer-

ous applications, this saw is a must have for the discerning

installer and technician.”

Brother adds new industrial handheld

labeling tool

Brother Mobile

Solutions (BMS)

recently unveiled

its P-touch EDGE

PT-E500 industrial

handheld labeling

tool. According to

the company, the

PT-E500 is designed

for professional cabling contractors and installers with soft-

ware, connectivity and printing capabilities designed to

enable fast, easy creation of clear, durable laminated labels

for wire, cable and electrical installations of virtually every

type and size.

The handheld labeler uses easy-to-load, snap-in car-

tridges to generate labels for marking copper and fiber

wire and cables, faceplates, patch panels, punch blocks,

racks, cabinets and more, says the company. With just

a few keystrokes, on-site installers can quickly for-

mat and print a variety of label types up to 24mm wide,

including labels that conform to the ANSI/EIA/TIA-606B

identifier format.

“An effective cable management system is the hall-

mark of a professional installation and high quality, long-

lasting labeling is essential to achieving this goal,” says

Craig Robinson, manager of business development for

BMS. “With that in mind, we developed the P-touch EDGE

PT-E500 with a rich blend of features and functionality

designed to speed workflow efficiency and productivity,

even in large installations.”

The Brother P-touch EDGE PT-E500 labeling tool ships

with a suite of software, carrying case, Li-ion battery and

adapter, and Brother’s exclusive 2-year limited exchange

warranty. The new product was shown for the first time in

February at the 2014 BICSI Winter Conference and Exhibition.

Brother’s Robinson concludes, “More than just a stand-

alone label printer, the new EDGE product is a complete,

industrial-grade labeling toolkit offering users a wide range

of options, such as formatting labels from built-in templates

or custom designing labels stored in memory from a com-

puter database. Yet it is remarkably simple to pick up and use,

thanks to intuitive navigation, a QWERTY keyboard and a

large, backlit LCD display screen with application icons.”

You can read an article authored by Craig Robinson

beginning on page 5 of this issue.

Intelligent module monitors for

data center circuit overloads

Snake Tray, a manufacturer of cable management and

power/data distribution devices, recenetly announced the

availability of its new “IT-addressable” current monitor-

ing power reception module. The module provides data

1403cim_30 30 2/25/14 2:44 PM

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:: EDITOR’S PICKS ::

center managers with the ability to observe the current of

four independent power receptacles, either numerically dis-

played on the device or offsite using HTML protocol.

Via the module, data center managers can easily

set alarm criteria for circuit overloads, says the company.

The new equipment integrates with all Snake Tray cable

trays or can be mounted on cabinets and racks.

TE Connectivity adds new FlexWave

Prism DAS high-density modules

TE Connectivity has introduced additional high-density

modules for its FlexWave Prism distributed antenna system

(DAS), enabling the units to support up to 75 MHz per band

with two frequency bands per module. TE contends that

the new FlexWave Prism modules “are an excellent long-

term investment in DAS infrastructure because they sup-

port so many different frequencies with high power output.”

The company says that use of the new modules will allow

a 2-bay FlexWave Prism remote unit to support up to four

frequency bands, 40 watts, or up to 300 MHz of spectrum.

By using digital simulcast technology to deliver ser-

vices between the DAS headend and remote units, the

new FlexWave Prism module enables operators to eas-

ily shift capacity from one area to another as subscriber

needs dictate, explains TE. The digital DAS reaches up to

20 kilometers to serve urban and suburban areas as well

1403cim_31 31 2/25/14 2:44 PM

:: EDITOR’S PICKS ::

MARCH 2014 Cabling Installation & Maintenance www.cablinginstall.com32

as stadiums, office parks, and other facilities. By support-

ing multiple frequency bands with a single module, TE

says the new modules easily enable migration from 3G to

4G services as well as multi-operator applications where

two or more mobile operators share a power amplifier. The

module is also designed to ease delivery of 1800-MHz,

2100-MHz, or 2600-MHz MIMO and 800-MHz digital divi-

dend services in the EMEA and Asia-Pacific regions of

the world.

The company notes that the new high-density modules

deliver the same power and frequency band support of the

prior generation of FlexWave Prism modules, but are now

housed in a 40-percent smaller remote unit for up to 40

watt or four-band applications. The new product is physi-

cally smaller and more energy efficient because it consumes

less power. “The FlexWave Prism DAS supports multi-oper-

ator, multi-protocol services in a compact, cost-effective,

and power-efficient manner,” concludes Peter Wraight, vice

president, TE Wireless. “It is ideal for mobile operators who

want to deploy DAS with multiple frequencies and high

power levels without the complexity of multiple DAS equip-

ment overlays.”

Single-channel encoder converts analog

camera stream into ONVIF-compliant IP video

Network video management systems specialist Vicon

Industries has introduced its VN-901T single-channel video

encoder, which changes NTSC or PAL video from any ana-

log camera into an ONVIF-compliant video stream that

can be integrated into most IP video management systems,

including ViconNet VMS.

The device transmits H.264 high-profile, MPEG-4 and

M-JPEG video compression formats with dual streaming.

All camera features are supported through the encoder,

including PTZ. The device may be powered either by PoE

or 12 VDC/24 VAC. Two alarm inputs, one relay control

output, 1 PTZ port, and a line-level microphone input

are provided.

“In situations where customers are upgrading to an

IP solution, there is sometimes an isolated, high-end

analog camera that is performing well and would be

terribly expensive to replace with an IP-equivalent

model,” comments Margie Gurwin, Vicon’s director

of marketing. “The single-channel VN-901T encoder

is perfect for these instances.” The VN-901T is

available now.

Axis Communications holds inaugural

school security symposium

Network video surveillance specialist Axis

Communications recently hosted its first School

Security Solutions Symposium to discuss planning

and technology trends in school security. The event

was held at the Axis Experience Center in Chelmsford,

MA on November 8. Nearly 30 local school practitioners,

law enforcement professionals, industry consultants

and technology vendors participated in 10 sessions,

including a focus group discussion, technology expo

and two keynote presentations on implementing

school safety and emergency response plans and an

overview of Crime Prevention Through Environmental

Design (CPTED).

Nicholas Pasquarosa, Jr., a Yarmouth Police school

resource officer for the Dennis-Yarmouth Regional

School District, spoke to attendees about the impor-

tance of creating a plan and gaining support from fac-

ulty, IT, facilities and first responders. “Don’t wait until

an incident to bring your team together,” Pasquarosa

said. “We hope the unimaginable never happens, but

if it does, you need to be prepared. Every minute you

spend planning and training now could make the differ-

ence in an emergency situation.”

School safety plans are not one size fits all and must

be adapted to changing threats, Pasquarosa went on

to explain. “You can’t copy and paste a security plan

because every school is different. Create a plan specifi-

cally for your school, your faculty and your community,”

1403cim_32 32 2/25/14 2:44 PM

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he advised. Also at the event, James Smith, a security

consultant and CPTED practitioner, discussed how drug

activity, community crime rate, the presence of gangs

and outsiders and even traffic patterns for vehicles and

pedestrians can have significant impact on the ability

to establish and maintain a safe school.

“Schools can implement security procedures and

equipment upgrades identified through a CPTED audit on

an incremental basis to reduce costs,” Smith said. “Both

existing and new school facilities under development can

greatly benefit from new, more efficient lighting and other

security technologies.”

The forum agenda emphasized how planning and

technology can address key areas of school security,

including awareness, proactive, action, reaction and

recovery. Attendees learned about some of the latest

technologies for IP video surveillance from Axis, video

synopsis technology from BriefCam, smartphone alert

applications from ELERTS, Genetec video management

software and outdoor lighting based physical security

solutions from TOTUS Solutions.

“The unfortunate reality today is that schools are fac-

ing destruction of property, theft, bullying and even vio-

lence. It’s more important than ever for schools and local

law enforcement to be proactive and develop school secu-

rity plans,” comments Steve Surfaro, security industry liai-

son, Axis Communications, Inc. “As schools continue to

put measures in place, we felt it was important to provide a

platform for these discussions and the opportunity to share

best practices and learn from each other’s experiences.”

Axis plans to host similar educational symposiums in

major U.S. cities throughout 2014.

CommScope sells off copper-

clad aluminum, steel assets

Last December, CommScope Holding Company, Inc.

announced that it has agreed to sell certain assets

of its CommScope BiMetals business to Copperweld

1403cim_33 33 2/25/14 2:44 PM

:: EDITOR’S PICKS ::

MARCH 2014 Cabling Installation & Maintenance www.cablinginstall.com34

Bimetallics, LLC, a subsidiary of Fushi Copperweld with

facilities in the United States, Asia and Europe. The eco-

nomic terms of the deal were not disclosed. The transac-

tion involves the sale of equipment associated with the

manufacture of all copper-clad aluminum and copper-

clad steel products.

CommScope says it will retain the processing equip-

ment needed for the production of its GroundSmart

grounding solutions, and will continue to manufacture

and sell GroundSmart for use in grounding utility and

communications networks. In addition, the global sup-

plier of infrastructure for communications networks will

close its Statesville, NC site as a result of excess man-

ufacturing capacity created by these changes to its

BiMetals business.

CommScope plans to redeploy the manufacturing

of its GroundSmart, E2O (Electrical-to-Optical) line of

hybrid fiber, conduit and coaxial products, ConQuest

Toneable Conduit and ConQuest Cable-in-Conduit (CIC)

products to nearby North Carolina facilities. The com-

pany expects some of the Statesville employees will be

able to continue employment at either its Catawba or

Claremont facilities. The transition of operations was

expected to begin almost immediately and should take

between 6 and 12 months to complete.

The parties have also entered into a supply agreement

pursuant to which Copperweld will supply CommScope

with bimetallic wire as needed for the manufacture of

cables and other products.

Analyst: WLAN growth stalling

in 802.11ac transition

Infonetics Research recently released its 3rd quar-

ter (3Q13) “Wireless LAN Equipment and WiFi Phones”

report, which tracks access points, WLAN control-

lers, and WiFi phones for the enterprise. According to

the analyst, while worldwide enterprise wireless LAN

(WLAN) equipment revenue edged up 1 percent sequen-

tially in 3Q13, to $1.2 billion, the report reveals that in

North America and Asia Pacific, WLAN growth slowed

sharply in 3Q13. “After 15 quarters of double-digit year-

over-year growth, WLAN equipment growth fell below

the 10-percent mark in the third quarter of 2013, due to

the 802.11n transition nearing completion and 802.11ac

not yet having a significant effect on the market,” reveals

Matthias Machowinski, directing analyst for enterprise

networks and video at Infonetics Research.

The new market report notes that 3Q13 marks the

first full quarter in which 802.11ac products were widely

available, and 3 percent of access points sold were based

on this new standard. The analysis shows that inde-

pendent access point revenue is down 40 percent year-

over-year in 3Q13, reflecting the shift toward centrally

managed WLAN. “Still, we consider this a temporary

slowdown and expect growth to reaccelerate in the com-

ing years as buyers focus on their WLAN infrastructure

to support the growth of wireless devices and enable

BYOD and employee mobility,” Machowinski adds.

Meanwhile, despite the slowdown in North America,

the EMEA market for wireless equipment is seen doing

well, despite relatively weaker economic conditions.

Around the industry, number-one vendor Cisco’s WLAN

revenue share is up a half-point in 3Q13 from 2Q13, and

up over 4 points from 3Q12. Also, after a tough couple

of years, WiFi phone shipments are growing again on a

year-over-year basis, finds the report. Infonetics’ quar-

terly WLAN equipment and WiFi phones report pro-

vides worldwide and regional market size, vendor mar-

ket share, forecasts through 2017, analysis, and trends for

WLAN infrastructure, including access points by type

and technology, WLAN controllers, and enterprise single-

mode WiFi phones. Vendors tracked by the report includ

Alcatel-Lucent, Aruba, Brocade, Buffalo, Cisco, D-Link,

Enterasys, Extreme, Juniper, Meru, Motorola, Netgear,

HP, Ruckus, TP-Link, Ubiquiti and Xirrus.

Avigilon acquiring video-

analytics provider VideoIQ

Avigilon announced it acquired video-analytics company

VideoIQ for $32 million in cash.

When the acquisition was announced in late 2013,

Avigilon’s president and chief executive officer Alexander

Fernandes commented, “VideoIQ’s analytics solution

complements Avigilon’s innovative line of products.

This acquisition will give us sophisticated, commer-

cially proven analytics technology supported by one of

the leading analytics development teams in the indus-

try. VideoIQ is transforming the future of intelligent

1403cim_34 34 2/25/14 2:45 PM

:: EDITOR’S PICKS ::

www.cablinginstall.com Cabling Installation & Maintenance MARCH 2014 35

surveillance and I am pleased to welcome the team

to Avigilon.”

VideoIQ, founded in 2006, uses the acronym BRAIN

to describe its analytics capabilities. Its Bootstrap

Response Active Intelligence Node (or Network) “is a

technology that enables cameras to ‘see’ and alert you

when something is outside of ‘the norm,’” the company

explains on its website. “Most other

analysis systems are ‘hard-wired’

with specific objects and scenarios,”

VideoIQ continues. “They can’t learn

and adapt. That’s where VideoIQ is

different. Our technology learns from

experience and improves the system

with its feedback and intelligence.”

In its announcement of the acquisi-

tion, Avigilon said VideoIQ’s Billerica,

MA-based “highly skilled and experi-

enced workforce will extend Avigilon’s

growing team.” Avigilon added that

VideoIQ has approximately 30 employ-

ees. VideoIQ’s website lists Tenaya

Capital, Matrix Partners and Atlas

Ventures as investors in the company.

The company had approximately $11

million in revenue in 2013.

Avigilon’s CEO Fernandes con-

cluded, “Over time, as we inte-

grate VideoIQ’s technology into the

Avigilon system, we will expand our

end-to-end high-definition surveil-

lance solutions to include robust ana-

lytics capabilities, giving end users

the ability to prevent crime proac-

tively and more effectively analyze

large amounts of data.”

ITU says G.fast standard

to be finalized this year

The International Telecommunication

Union (ITU) says that the physical-

layer protocol aspects of G.fast—which

is expected to be the technology that

brings the ability to support 500 Mbits/

sec or more to copper-based broadband access net-

works—have reached the stability required to initiate the

standard’s approval procedure.

Recommendation ITU-T G.9701 “Fast Access to

Subscriber Terminals - Physical layer specification” has

reached first-stage approval, the ITU announced. This

will enable chip developers to work on G.fast chip design

1403cim_35 35 2/25/14 2:45 PM

:: EDITOR’S PICKS ::

MARCH 2014 Cabling Installation & Maintenance www.cablinginstall.com36

and testing efforts more aggressively, the organization

says. Communicating the results of these efforts to ITU-T

Study Group 15 should hasten finalizing G.9701 and lead

to finalizing G.fast as early as April 2014, the ITU adds.

That timeline would see G.9701 receive final approval

in conjunction with ITU-T G.9700, which will specify

methods to ensure that G.fast equipment will not inter-

fere with broadcast services such as FM radio.

The ITU standardization work also parallels the

Broadband Forum’s Fibre to the Distribution Point

(FTTdp) system architecture project, which will define

an architecture that would bring fiber close enough to

subscribers to let existing copper lines do the rest via

G.fast. The Broadband Forum has begun developing a

testing suite for G.fast systems, which will include test

plans for interoperability events, system performance,

and functional testing. The Broadband Forum also is

working on a framework whitepaper, and possibly also a

certification program, the ITU says.

The final specification is expected to address three

speed/reach scenarios: 500 Mbits/sec at 100 m; 200

Mbits/sec at 200 m; 150 Mbits/sec at 250 m. Meanwhile,

systems houses have already experimented with

increasing G.fast data rates to 1 Gbit/sec. For example,

Alcatel-Lucent has said it can support 1-Gbit/sec data

rates over 70 m.

Eaton unveils IP network-based

mass notification systems

Power management company Eaton announced that its

Cooper Notification business has introduced a new line

of Internet Protocol (IP) network-based mass notification

systems (MNS). The newest solution from the company’s

ALERiTY line of unified interoperable platform offers the

proprietary WAVES over IP (WoIP) technology for emer-

gency communications.

“Our advanced IP-based MNS furthers our commit-

ment of developing innovative solutions that provide reli-

ability, ease-of-use and interoperability,” comments Scott

Hearn, president of Eaton’s Cooper Notification business.

“For customers, this provides a one-click solution that can

launch critical messages across all three layers of MNS:

in-building, wide-area and distributed recipient. For our

partners, the system is easy to install and maintain with

the ability to remotely monitor and upgrade the system.”

According to the company, through advanced pro-

gramming interfaces, the ALERiTY platform offers full-

featured, bidirectional interoperability, integrating with

other systems, software and devices for enhanced situ-

ational awareness. Examples include fire alarm control

panels (FACP), chemical sensors, detection systems and

paging systems.

The WoIP mass notification network comprises a

collection of secure, robust Ethernet communication

devices, dubbed the IP Communicators (IPC) line.

This enterprise system solution allows organizations to

leverage their local area network (LAN) or utilize the IPC

private network to send audible, visual and data mes-

sages. Through Ethernet radios, a wireless solution is

also available.

The system also allows multiple sites and facili-

ties located anywhere in the world to be tied together

through a Web-client Graphical User Interface (GUI)

for managing global notification and system monitor-

ing. System redundancy features allows multiple users to

be simultaneously logged into the system for additional

points of command and control.

BICSI releases 13th edition of TDMM

BICSI recently announced the release of the 13th edition

of its Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual.

The TDMM is the basis of course and examination mate-

rial for BICSI’s Registered Communications Distribution

Designer (RCDD) credential and its Registered

Information Technology Professional (RITP) credential.

Beginning July 1, the RCDD course and exam will be

updated to reflect the new information found in the 13th

edition of the TDMM.

Among the updated information in the new edition

is the incorporation of “new information to address the

issues and solutions emerging for tomorrow’s networks,”

the association said. “These topics include distributed

antenna systems (DAS), passive optical networks (PONs)

for within buildings and IP infrastructure for AV systems.”

Additionally, the 13th edition TDMM updates existing

practices to current technology for data networks.

“Since 1984, the TDMM has been the definitive ref-

erence manual for ITS, telecommunications and

1403cim_36 36 2/25/14 2:45 PM

:: EDITOR’S PICKS ::

www.cablinginstall.com Cabling Installation & Maintenance MARCH 2014 37

information communications technology infrastructure

design,” BICSI added. “Written by industry experts serv-

ing within a vast array of industries, as well as the tele-

communications infrastructure supply chain, the TDMM,

13th edition, provides critical design information and

practice for today’s and tomorrow’s networks.”

BICSI past president Jerry Bowman, RCDD, NTS,

CISSP, CPP, CDCDP, commented, “As with its predeces-

sors, the 13th edition TDMM emphasizes recommenda-

tions for best practices drawn from experts around the

world. This updated edition once again provides deep

reference information on the standards and codes that

impact our readership. Whether the reader is a newcomer

or seasoned veteran to IT infrastructure design, the 13th

edition TDMM is an indispensable reference that com-

pletes any reference library.”

The manual is available in print and downloadable

version.

NASCAR’s Dover Speedway installs

DAS throughout venue

Dover International Speedway and American Tower, Inc.

announced a new partnership that will see a distributed

antenna system (DAS) installed at the racetrack prior to

the venue’s Spring race weekend in 2014. Encompassing

a series of hundreds of antennas, the DAS will be

installed strategically throughout the venue, includ-

ing the site’s grandstands, FanZone, Monster FunZone,

Hospitality Tent Village, Victory Plaza and within the

colocated Dover Downs Hotel & Casino.

The DAS will improve cellular telephone service and

increase capacity for all participating carriers on the

racetrack’s NASCAR event weekends, providing an

upgraded alternative to relying on the external networks

of the wireless carriers, which become overburdened

with the dense population concentration at the track dur-

ing races. “Essentially, the DAS will enhance mobile con-

nectivity for our fans, sponsors, media and race teams,”

comments Mike Tatoian, executive vice president and

COO of Dover Motorsports, Inc. “With the evolution of

smartphone technology, and the ability for our fans to get

so much more out of their experience through channels

like the NASCAR mobile app, connectivity is key while

attending race weekends.”

Amendment to 802.11ac spec

unveils MU MIMO technology

At the 2014 International CES in Las Vegas, the IEEE

announced approval of the IEEE 802.11ac-2013 speci-

fication, intended to foster higher multi-user through-

put in wireless local area networks (WLANs). The

new amendment to the original 802.11ac WiFi spec

is intended to improve WLAN user experience by

providing data rates up to 7 Gbits/sec in the 5-GHz

band—more than 10x the speed that was previously

standardized.

According to IEEE, the new IEEE 802.11ac specifica-

tion adds channel bandwidths of 80 MHz and 160 MHz

with both contiguous and non-contiguous 160-MHz

channels for flexible channel assignment. It adds higher-

order modulation in the form of 256 quadrature amplitude

modulation (QAM), providing an additional 33-percent

improvement in data rate. A further doubling of the data

rate is achieved by increasing the maximum number of

spatial streams to eight.

Significantly, the IEEE 802.11ac amendment

also introduces a revolutionary new technology to

support multiple concurrent downlink transmissions,

referred to as “multi-user multiple-input, multiple-

output” (MU MIMO). By using smart antenna technol-

ogy, MU MIMO enables more efficient spectrum

use, higher system capacity and reduced latency by

supporting up to four simultaneous user transmissions.

This is particularly useful for client devices with a

limited number of antennas, such as smartphones

and tablets.

Finally, the IEEE 802.11ac amendment streamlines

the existing transmit beamforming mechanisms and is

increasing the adoption of the technology across devices.

Transmit beamforming is a valuable technology that

significantly improves coverage, reliability and data

rate performance.

“As wireless networks become more widely deployed,

users are able to transition applications from fixed links

to the convenience, freedom and versatility of wireless

links,” comments Bruce Kraemer, chair of the IEEE 802.11

working group. “These transitions create an evolutionary

demand to enhance the capacity of wireless networks in

1403cim_37 37 2/25/14 2:45 PM

:: EDITOR’S PICKS ::

MARCH 2014 Cabling Installation & Maintenance www.cablinginstall.com38

order to support the increasing number of users, as well

as new classes of applications with higher bandwidth

requirements. Moreover, as WLAN usage of shared spec-

trum grows, the wireless access mechanisms need to be

improved to achieve higher multiuser throughput. IEEE

802.11ac is intended to meet these evolving needs for

higher data rates and to help enable new generations of

data-intensive wireless applications.”

Ripley Tools acquired in private-equity transaction

Capewell Components Company—parent of toolmaker

Ripley—has been acquired by CapitalWorks LLC. Sperry,

Mitchell and Company, which initiated the transaction,

assisted in negotiations and served as financial advi-

sor to Capewell in the deal, announced the acquisition on

February 3.

Ripley is one of three divisions of Capewell

Components Company. The others are the Capewell divi-

sion, which designs and manufactures systems for the

aerospace and defense industry, and the M.H. Rhodes

Cramer division, which designs and manufactures elec-

trical and mechanical timers and motors for commercial

and industrial applications.

Combined, the three divisions of Capewell Components

offer more than 2,800 branded products.

CapitalWorks LLC is a private-equity firm “focused on

investing in well-run profitable lower middle-market com-

panies,” the announcement said. “The firm provides man-

agement teams with the capital and support needed to

grow their businesses.”

When asked if the acquisition might bring changes to

the sales channel or operations of the Ripley division, Tom

Pogacnik, a director with Sperry, Mitchell and Company,

stated, “CapitalWorks plans on keeping the Ripley business

as is. Obviously, they look to grow Ripley and make it even

better.

“CapitalWorks is excited about the future of Ripley,” he

added. “They believe there is room to grow Ripley through

expanding its geographic territories, as well as introducing

new products.”

Capewell had been a portfolio company of Meriwether

Capital LLC, “a private equity investment firm based

in New York City backed by members of the Rockefeller

family,” the announcement said. “Capewell Components

Company had been owned by Meriwether since 1981.”

Capewell acquired Ripley in 1990.

Legrand acquiring Lastar and

its Quiktron, C2G brands

Legrand announced in early February it has signed a defini-

tive agreement to acquire Lastar Inc., including the com-

pany’s Quiktron and C2G divisions. Legrand said the trans-

action is subject to the completion of conditions for closing,

which it expects to take place within a 30- to 60-day time-

frame. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Lastar had global revenues exceeding $135 million in 2013 and

employs slightly less than 1,000 employees, the company said.

“Quiktron, based in Albia, IA, is a leading manufac-

turer of copper and fiber-optic cable assemblies for the

data communications distribution channel,” Legrand

said in its announcement of the acquisition agreement.

“C2G, based in Moraine, OH, is a recognized leader of

cabling and connectivity products for the A/V and IT

industries … Legrand’s acquisition of Lastar and its

Quiktron and C2G brands would strengthen Legrand’s

position and capabilities in the data communications

and A/V channels while simultaneously providing

Legrand access to new customer segments.”

“We are focused on providing a more integrated infra-

structure solution including cable assemblies, connec-

tivity, cabinets, racks, cable tray and cable manage-

ment solutions that will help address our customers’

requirements for next-generation data communications

demands,” said John Selldorff, president and chief execu-

tive officer of Legrand North America. “The acquisition

of these leading organizations underscores Legrand’s

commitment to strategic growth in the data communica-

tions and A/V channels.”

Legrand further explained, “New breeds of digital

applications and an increasing demand for streaming

content at home and at work have driven rapid growth

in the data center and the continued buildout of higher-

bandwidth communication infrastructures. Given the

industry trend toward preterminated cable assemblies,

Legrand would now offer its customers a broader array

of custom and preterminated copper and fiber cable

assemblies that are designed for flexibility and

efficient installation.

1403cim_38 38 2/25/14 2:45 PM

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“In joining Legrand, C2G would gain access to

Legrand’s global resources and capabilities in the

acceleration of innovation, expansion of services, and

the addition of select data communications and A/V

products, over time, that are currently not available in

their product catalog.”

Lastar’s president and chief executive officer Bill

Diederich said, “Lastar’s customers would undoubt-

edly benefit from the increased access to a diverse

range of products and the complete turnkey suite of

solutions that Legrand would offer. Upon formal com-

pletion, the acquisition would create new growth

potential for all parties involved as the data communi-

cations, A/V and IT landscapes continue to evolve.”

Mike Shane, co-founder and chairman of Lastar,

added, “Lastar values providing customers an effort-

less experience, innovation in products and services,

and caring for and communicating openly with its

associates. We are happy to find new owners 30 years

after founding the company, who share those values

1403cim_39 39 2/25/14 2:45 PM

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MARCH 2014 Cabling Installation & Maintenance www.cablinginstall.com40

Group Publisher Susan Smith (603) 891-9447 susans@pennwell.com

Associate Publisher/National Sales Manager Ed Murphy (603) 891-9260; fax: (603) 891-9245 edm@pennwell.com

Reprints Ed Murphy (603) 891-9260; fax: (603) 891-9245 edm@pennwell.com

Director, List Rental Kelli Berry (918) 831-9782; kellib@pennwell.com

AFCOM ............................................................................................21

AFL .............................................................................................. CV4

Bel Stewart Connector ......................................................................7

Brother Mobile Solutions Inc. ......................................................... 13

Byte Brothers ................................................................................. 35

Comtran Cable ............................................................................... 15

Corning Cable Systems ................................................................CV2

Diamond Ground Products Inc. ....................................................... 39

Fiberdyne Labs Inc. ........................................................................ 39

Graybar ............................................................................................ 2

ICC Premise Wiring .........................................................................17

Lightwave Summit 2014 ...........................................................26-27

Lowell Manufacturing Co. .............................................................. 39

nCompass Systems ........................................................................ 33

Optical Cable Corp. .......................................................................... 4

Senko Advanced Components Inc. ................................................. 18

Sensor Switch ................................................................................ 22

Siemon Company ........................................................................... 10

Simplex Isolation Systems ................................................................ 8

Softing Inc. ..................................................................................... 14

T3 Innovation LLC ............................................................................. 9

Upsite Technologies Inc. ..................................................................31

The index of advertisers is published as a service, and the publisher

does not assume any liability for errors or omissions.

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

ADVERTISING SALES OFFICES

MAIN OFFICE 98 Spit Brook Road LL-1, Nashua, NH 03062-5737 (603) 891-0123, fax: (603) 891-9245

INTERNATIONAL

Austria, Europe, Germany, Northern Switzerland Holger Gerisch +49 8801-302430 fax: +49 8801 913220 holgerg@pennwell.com

Israel Dan Aronovic +972 9 899 5813 aronovic@actcom.co.il

Asia Adonis Mak +852 2 838 6298 fax: +852 2 838 2766 adonism@actintl.com.hk

Japan Masaki Mori +81-3-3219-3561 mori-masaki@ics-inc.co.jp

Taiwan Monica Liu +886 2 2396-5128 #246 fax: +886 2 8751 8861 Monica@arco.com.tw

and who will give our team the opportunity to take

Lastar’s achievements to the next level.”

Wireless connectors with

reliable PIM performance

Rosenberger recently announced availability of its

4.3-10 connector series for mobile-communications

applications. “These 4.3-10 connectors were devel-

oped in cooperation by the renowned RF manufac-

turers Huber and Suhner, Rosenberger, Spinner and

Telegartner,” Rosenberger said, “and are designed to

meet the rising performance needs of mobile network

equipment and the demand for ongoing space reduc-

tions simultaneously.

“The IEC standardization of the 4.3-10 connectors is

in progress,” Rosenberger further explained. “The above

manufacturers guarantee full intermateability of the con-

nector series.”

The connectors are available with screw-on, hand-

screw and quick-lock coupling mechanisms. All types

can be mated independently of torque, Rosenberger

noted, “resulting in excellent, reliable and constant

passive intermodulation (PIM) and also limiting instal-

lation failures.” The company says other features of

the connectors include very low PIM, excellent voltage

standing wave radio (VSWR) values, and a high-density

design that can save 40 percent of space compared to

7-16 connectors. ::

1403cim_40 40 2/25/14 2:45 PM

MAGAZINE

WEBSITEE-NEWSLETTERS

www.cablinginstall.com

DECEMBER 2013

SOLUTIONS FOR PREMISES AND CAMPUS COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS WORLDWIDE

TECHNOLOGY PAGE 15

Encircled f uxgets realDESIGN PAGE 11

Extending the demarc

BUMPY ROAD TO GROWTH PAGE 4

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