OOBAXS

An Introduction to Network Cabling 101

An Introduction to Network Cabling 101 – Using Copper UTP for Gigabit Ethernet By Alan M Frank, Senior Systems Engineer, Out-Of-Band access and technology strategist, OOBAXS I grew up in the computer industry with the onset of the MAC and PC in the mid-80s. Initially trained by manufacturers and learning in the field through trial-and-error was where a lot of R&D occurred. I suppose that over time, like with any profession, we get accustomed to our ways based on our education and the proven trial-by-fire tactics that got us through… at that time! So, we start to get set in our ways based on our experiences and routines; suddenly we learn that things have evolved...but, not necessarily with our knowledge. The other day, while in a nearly completed broadcast machine room, several comments were made on the sterility of the cabling; how pristine things were laid out in neatly wrapped bundles of various colored cables. I found myself immediately scanning for improper bends in the cables and the use of zip-ties or hook and loop fasteners that might be so tight that the cabling was crimped or kinked. I am always concerned about this common issue, as I know through trouble-shooting networks that even minor cabling faux pas can cause problems that can be extremely hard to trace. Kinked or mashed cables that were re-straightened, bare wires, open sheathing or “shiners”, and untwisted cables at the termination point can all cause issues that are difficult to track down and often go uncorrected. Such installation and maintenance errors are probably just my personal pet-peeves, yet they are common and can cause tolerable, yet problematic, conditions. While the resulting errors may only affect performance minimally, they may result in a considerable waste of time when troubleshooting. There are two common installation mistakes: o Solid-Core copper wiring connected to 8P8C connectors meant for stranded copper o Solid-Core wire used for patch-cords READ MORE

System signal loss

What’s left now is the concern about the number of connections because that results in signal loss and meeting the facility’s general specifications. As a rule of thumb, each connection point reduces signal strength by 2dB. With each connection, more signal is lost and eventually the system becomes more susceptible to interference. In addition to the total number of connections, overall patch length also must be considered, especially when multiple connections are required. A typical CATx cable run averages four connections; host-to-patch-cable, patch-cable to horizontal cabling termination point, distribution point to patch-cable, and patch-cable to switch or network appliance. The signal is regenerated at the Ethernet switch and the distance limitation is restarted. Each time the signal is restarted is called a hop. The above standards are rudimentary for the network-savvy tech. However, attention to the small details will ensure that the network in question can transition easily from today’s 100Mb/s to the 1000Mb/s speeds just around the corner. The key to a successful transition is to build upon the physical infrastructure in order to sustain the highest bandwidth utilization networks for use in a broadcast and video environment. Of course, it is imperative to make this type of network transition in order to sustain the demands of today’s high speed networks that transport video and broadcast traffic. Alan M Frank is the senior systems engineer, Out-Of-Band access and technology strategist at OOBAXS (pronounced Out-Of-Band Access)

ARTICLE - An Introduction to Network Cabling 101

ARTICLE - Why Higher-Rated Ethernet Cabling (CAT7) is Not Beneficial for Analog KVM Extension

Solid-core vs stranded cable

These issues are compounded if the solid-core home run cabling is terminated in a stranded-wire 8P8C connector. Solid and stranded cable require different 8P8C connectors. Stranded copper connectors are usually limited to field-prepared patch cords. In my professional opinion, solid-core wiring should be limited to horizontal runs only and then terminated on a 110-type, or better - CATx certified termination points. From there the signal should be distributed to the appliance, switch, or cross-connect using certified pre- connectorized patch cables from a known and approved manufacturer. Face it – the factory manufacturing process is much more consistent than a technician sitting in an unfinished room on a spool with probably minimal light and no A/C. Interestingly, the person who taught me token ring cabling was color-blind!

System degradation

Initial certification of cabling can ensure a level of performance, but it is only valid at the time of the scan. Scans are typically done during the original cable installation as part of approval and acceptance of the contractor’s work. Over time, additional equipment will be added to any equipment room. The environment changes, probably getting hotter. At 95 degrees, the integrity of a typical UTP cable begins to deteriorate. Equipment and cables get bumped or moved and integrity of a cable installation will change, and so too may the system’s performance. In a data network, these sometimes minute changes reveal themselves as an intermittent CRC, or dropped packets. Because the digital data network is self-healing it continues to transmit and recovers quickly enough that the user doesn’t notice. I grew intolerable to this problem early on in the diagnostics and support of analog-based KVM networks, which are not self-healing. Intermittent data loss in an analog KVM solution causes display flickers and a loss of continuity resulting in a lousy user experience. Data loss also may be exhibited as sluggish mouse or keyboard commands. Video monitors may lose a single color. If too much data gets lost, the system may reboot. Not a good thing to happen going into the 6PM news.

Connect with OOBAXS

An Introduction to Network Cabling

101

An Introduction to Network Cabling 101 – Using Copper UTP for Gigabit Ethernet By Alan M Frank, Senior Systems Engineer, Out-Of-Band access and technology strategist, OOBAXS I grew up in the computer industry with the onset of the MAC and PC in the mid-80s. Initially trained by manufacturers and learning in the field through trial-and- error was where a lot of R&D occurred. I suppose that over time, like with any profession, we get accustomed to our ways based on our education and the proven trial- by-fire tactics that got us through… at that time! So, we start to get set in our ways based on our experiences and routines; suddenly we learn that things have evolved...but, not necessarily with our knowledge. The other day, while in a nearly completed broadcast machine room, several comments were made on the sterility of the cabling; how pristine things were laid out in neatly wrapped bundles of various colored cables. I found myself immediately scanning for improper bends in the cables and the use of zip-ties or hook and loop fasteners that might be so tight that the cabling was crimped or kinked. I am always concerned about this common issue, as I know through trouble-shooting networks that even minor cabling faux pas can cause problems that can be extremely hard to trace. Kinked or mashed cables that were re-straightened, bare wires, open sheathing or “shiners”, and untwisted cables at the termination point can all cause issues that are difficult to track down and often go uncorrected. Such installation and maintenance errors are probably just my personal pet-peeves, yet they are common and can cause tolerable, yet problematic, conditions. While the resulting errors may only affect performance minimally, they may result in a considerable waste of time when troubleshooting. There are two common installation mistakes: o Solid-Core copper wiring connected to 8P8C connectors meant for stranded copper o Solid-Core wire used for patch-cords READ MORE

System

signal

loss

What’s left now is the concern about the number of connections because that results in signal loss and meeting the facility’s general specifications . As a rule of thumb, each connection point reduces signal strength by 2dB. With each connection, more signal is lost and eventually the system becomes more susceptible to interference. In addition to the total number of connections, overall patch length also must be considered, especially when multiple connections are required. A typical CATx cable run averages four connections; host-to-patch- cable, patch- cable to horizontal cabling termination point, distribution point to patch-cable, and patch- cable to switch or network appliance. The signal is regenerated at the Ethernet switch and the distance limitation is restarted. Each time the signal is restarted is called a hop. The above standards are rudimentary for the network- savvy tech. However, attention to the small details will ensure that the network in question can transition easily from today’s 100Mb/s to the 1000Mb/s speeds just around the corner. The key to a successful transition is to build upon the physical infrastructure in order to sustain the highest bandwidth utilization networks for use in a broadcast and video environment. Of course, it is imperative to make this type of network transition in order to sustain the demands of today’s high speed networks that transport video and broadcast traffic. Alan M Frank is the senior systems engineer, Out- Of-Band access and technology strategist at OOBAXS (pronounced Out-Of-Band Access)

ARTICLE - An Introduction to Network Cabling 101