A guide to networks

and cabling

S Y S T I M A X® S C S

Connectivity Solutions EMEA

E-mail: systimax@avaya.com
Web: www.avaya.com

For additional information, please contact your

Avaya Representative

This document is for planning purposes only and

is not intended to modify or supplement any specifications or
warranties relating to Avaya’s products and services

SYSTIMAX and GigaSPEED are registered

trademarks of Avaya

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All names and brands are property of their respective owners

Copyright © 2000 Avaya

All rights reserved
Printed in the United Kingdom

EMEA-ms-sm-0030 10/00
Issue 4
avaya.com

Page
1 The need for networks
2 Network strategy
3 Alternative network configurations
4 Cabling alternatives
5 Planning for growth and flexibility
6 Avoiding interference
7 Standards, categories and regulations
8 Network architecture, design
and installation
9 Selecting a supplier
10 Cost of network ownership
11 High-speed networking
12 Cabling for the Gigabit Era
Cabling for today and tomorrow
T
his Guide is for people who need to know about communications cabling as
part of their work, but who are not necessarily specialists in this subject.
Facilities and property managers, architects, design consultants and
departmental heads are among those who now have to consider cabling
issues, and will benefit from the information in these pages.
Cabling for data networks differs significantly from the more familiar power
and telephone networks. An understanding of networks that can carry data
and video, as well as voice transmissions, will help you ensure that cabling
installed today can meet the demands of tomorrow.
2
The Guide focuses on key strategic and practical factors in planning and
4
implementing cabling networks in the private or local network. Communications
6
are rapidly becoming the most important business resource as rapid advances
11 in computing and telecommunications are altering the way people work, effecting
15 overall productivity. As this happens, it is vital for organisations to have a
17 network infrastructure that can turn these developments to their advantage.
19
The various sections of this Guide give an appreciation of the principles of
cabling and the issues involved. Cross references (in bold) to the Glossary
23
section enable the reader to deal with the specialist cabling terminology that
29
is so often a barrier to understanding the subject.
31
33 The priority in this publication is to provide information in a form that is easy
35 to assimilate. It is not an exhaustive study of cabling.

1
The need
for networks
Electronic equipment for tasks ranging from computing
and building security to environmental control, can
produce greater benefits as part of integrated systems.
The advantages of individual devices working together
grow as their numbers multiply. At the same time, the
challenges of providing the necessary links also increase.
Typical network
Hub
PC
Printer
Network basics
Networks are coherent systems of interconnections
between separate devices that allow sharing of information
and resources such as servers, workstations and peripherals.
A properly designed and implemented network will give
the speed and reliability of communication essential to
an efficient system.
Networks should also conform to accepted national and
international standards, and be able to evolve with a
business’ changing needs.
Growing need for networks
Dramatic growth in the use of computers has focused
attention on networks and cabling. Where once
telephones were the only concern, managers now have to
deal with the complex and rapidly changing requirements
of computing and information systems.
In the past, it was common for desktop PCs to operate
in isolation. Today, the vast majority of business PCs are
part of Local Area Networks (LANS), enabling them to
work productively together.
LANs can connect PCs to servers and peripherals, or
provide links between transducers, cameras, monitors
and almost any other electronic device. When such links
are made on an ad hoc basis, work areas can soon
become festooned with unidentified cabling, making
fault finding and maintenance near impossible.
Network trends
For organisations that already have sophisticated
computer systems, things are also changing. The
move from traditional mainframe and minicomputers to
client/server systems means that proprietary networks
must be replaced by open systems.
Use of networks is also extending to new areas. Many
managers are faced, for the first time, with the need
to develop cabling strategies for networking security
and building management systems, video conferencing,
multimedia information systems, and new eBusiness
applications. With the role of networks having
expanded in this way, knowledge of networks has
become essential at all levels of management.
3
Communication without boundaries
2
Specifying a network
Underspecifying networks and cabling is a common
error. Since the expense and disruption of a premature
replacement is so great, trying too hard to save money
at the installation stage may be unwise.
Network Some key factors to consider in specifying a network
may be summarised as follows:
strategy
• Usage patterns, including combined size and
duration of peak loads for all applications

• Expected increase in bandwidth demands

Load estimating and planning
• The number of users and anticipated changes in
The choice of network and cable types (see sections 4
this figure
and 5) depends on the types of devices to be connected,
their location and the way they are used. At the planning
• Location of users and maximum distances between
stage, it is important to consider future as well as present
them
requirements.
• The likely rate of change in users’ locations (churn)
Load estimating has become increasingly difficult due to
the bursty and unpredictable nature of bandwidth
• Connectivity with current and future devices and
requirements associated with current technologies such
software
as internet access, email (and email attachments),
video and real time streaming media, and file transfers.
• Space available for cable runs
Ta r g e t l i f e s p a n
• Total cost of ownership
The target life cycle of an average cabling installation
is up to 20 years. Over this time, several generations
• Regulations and safety requirements
of networking hardware and software will be installed,
and network throughput requirements will certainly
• Importance of protection against loss of service and
increase, as may the importance of reliability and security.
data theft

5
Communication without boundaries
 Ring network

3 Alternative network
configurations

Network types
Hub

There are three main data network topologies in Hub

common use. These are the ring, bus and star types.
Bus network
Ring networks - Ring networks, as the name suggests,
have a continuous loop that passes every device. This
ensures that signals from one device are seen by all
other devices on the ring. In a simple ring, a break in
any part of the network, caused by a fault or system
maintenance activity, will disable the whole system.
More advanced implementations have largely overcome
this problem. The Token Ring LAN is an example of a
ring network.

Bus networks - The bus network connects devices along

the length of a cable, which is, essentially, a high speed
communications link. Devices can be removed from
the bus without disabling the rest of the system. The
Ethernet LAN is an example of a bus network. Star network

Star networks - Star networks incorporate many point

to point links radiating from central equipment. In voice
networks this could be the PABX and in data networks Hub
this could be the mainframe computer or hub. Devices
connected in a star network can be added or removed
easily without disturbing the rest of the network.

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Communication without boundaries
 To p o l o g i e s : l o g i c a l a n d p h y s i c a l
The above descriptions refer to the logical topologies of
networks. In practice, however, the physical topology of
all these networks is usually adapted to a star layout
which provides a much more flexible method for moving
users of the network. This is a major advantage when
systems are growing, or there is a significant degree
of churn.
Hub
Physical topology
An example of this can be seen in the diagram above.
The system shown has the appearance of a star, but its
logical topology remains a true ring, with the loop
completed within the central hub. Networks based on
star, bus and ring type logical topologies all have their
advocates, and the final choice largely depends on the
application. The star physical topology, however, is
now almost universally accepted within commerce
and industry.
Ethernet LANs
The original Ethernet networks worked over coaxial
cable. The development of 10BASE-T, designed to
operate over balanced UTP cable at data transmission
rates of 10 Mb/s, contributed to the widespread
adoption of Ethernet as the preferred LAN in most
office and industrial applications.
10BASE-T and subsequent (faster) versions of Ethernet
have a star physical topology, with short buses located
in central hubs. As with all LAN systems, PCs and
other active devices connected to 10BASE-T must be
equipped with network interface cards (NICs).
A s y n c h r o n o u s Tr a n s f e r M o d e ( AT M )
ATM uses fast packet switching techniques to transmit
delay sensitive data, over star networks, at up to 155
Mb/s for twisted pair cabling and up to 2.5 Gb/s over
optical cabling.
FDDI
The Fibre Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) is a high
speed version of the Token Ring, operating over
optical fibres at 100 Mb/s. FDDI systems can have
two complete fibre loops, providing a degree of
redundancy that is useful in critical applications.
Proprietary networks
Proprietary systems are a third common form of
networking. Introduced before standards-based networks
were established, proprietary systems are exclusive to a
particular manufacturer. Among the most numerous are
systems from IBM and Wang, based on star configurations.
These originally used expensive shielded cable of
twin-axial or coaxial types. Now, in many cases, they
can operate over balanced UTP cable with adapters for
balancing, commonly referred to as baluns.
Serial communication
Another type of cabling that may be encountered is serial
communications. This is often used to link terminals
and PCs directly to minis, mainframes and peripherals
at relatively low speed. This type of link is not true
networking. However, serial connections can be
interfaced with structured cabling systems and routed
via hubs and backbones. To do this, a passive adaptor
or active interface device is required.
There are two principal forms of serial communications
(asynchronous and synchronous). Both types interconnect
devices via their serial ports.
Backbones and network links
Multiple segments of a network, joined by a backbone
cable, can create networks serving large areas, without
excessive cabling. The backbone is a high speed link
that enables separate hubs to work together as a unit. If
a backbone fails, the individual subnets will continue
to operate autonomously.
9
Communication without boundaries
 Patch panel
Mainframe
Equipment room

Backbone cables can be thick coax, thin coax, balanced

4 Cabling
alternatives

Importance of cabling
Cabling is a key component of any networked system,
UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) or optical fibre cable.
so decision makers should be prepared to commit up to
Generic cabling standards, however, recommend the
15% of the total cost in this area. Failures in badly
use of multimode fibre or balanced twisted pair
designed and implemented cabling are both common and
cables in the backbone.
expensive, so investment in high quality cabling and
network design is easily justified.
To form large networks, individual LANs of any type
can be linked together via backbone cables, bridges or
Cable choice
routers. With Ethernet, hubs are often grouped in a
The equipment connected to a network, and the
single room for security and convenience. In this case,
communications load it imposes, are key factors in cable
the backbones are short, and the system is referred to
choice. There are, however, other considerations:
as a collapsed backbone network.
• Maximum distance between network hubs and nodes
Refurbish or replace? • Space available in ducting and floor/ceiling cavities
In many installations, there will be the option to install a
• The levels of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)
completely new network or refurbish one already in
present
place. The latter alternative usually offers major
savings, but its viability depends on the existing • Likely changes in equipment served by the system
cabling and the approach chosen for the new network. and the way it is used
However, ad hoc networks, which use mixed cabling • Level of resilience required
for historic or cost reasons, have inherent drawbacks. • The required life span of the network
• Restrictions on cable routing that dictate cable bend
Today’s structured cabling systems are available with radius
ranges of adaptors for interconnection with all major
• Existing cable installations with potential for reuse
hardware types. These will allow established systems,
as well as newer ones, to benefit from the latest cabling
techniques.

11
Communication without boundaries

Shielded (STP)
Unshielded twisted pair (UTP)
Foil screened (FTP)
Optical fibre
It is important to note that these maximums apply to
all media. They do not take into account the
performance differences between cable types and
transmission protocols used by the network. In
practice, maximum cable lengths will depend on the
application, the type of network used (eg. 10BASE-T)
and the cable’s quality. Good cable suppliers and
installers will advise on a cabling system’s capabilities
in a particular network.

Size restrictions
Cable alternatives
It is important to check the space available for cable runs
Taking the points on the previous page into account, the
before making decisions on cable type. The size, weight
first cabling decision is the choice between shielded,
and flexibility of shielded and screened cables
screened, unshielded and optical fibre types, or a
depends on whether foil or braided sleeving is used, and
combination of these.
how many conductors they have. These factors,
together with the shielding/screening material, will
Cables other than optical fibre invariably have copper
also determine the cable’s resistance to EMI. It is,
conductors insulated and protected by one or more
therefore, very important to consider the method of
plastic sleeves. These are often formed into cables
shielding/screening before choosing such cables.
containing anything from two to 1800 pairs. The higher
pair count cables are usually used in the backbone and
Shielded cables
especially for voice and low speed data applications.
Shielded cables, referred to as STP, use an expensive and
bulky construction consisting of individually shielded
The maximum lengths over which these cables can run
twisted pairs with an additional overall shield. This is
in backbone and horizontal (hub-to-desk) applications
a robust cable which occupies significantly more space
are specified in the International Standard ISO/IEC
than unshielded types.
IS11801. These are summarised in the diagram below:

Foil screened cables, usually referred to as FTP, are

constructed of four twisted pairs with an overall foil
sleeve. FTP cables can be more compact, but generally
have much lower resistance to EMI than STP types.
Building 2
Building to building backbone Both shielded and screened cables have metal sleeves
90m horizontal that must be grounded well to cancel the effect of EMI
on the signal carried by the conductors, requiring
Building 1 special grounding and termination considerations.
500m building
backbone

1500m campus
backbone

13
Communication without boundaries
 5
UTP Cable
Over recent years, advances in UTP cables have
enabled them to carry data at speeds of up to 1 Gb/s.
This allows the use of less expensive and bulky cable in
applications that were previously considered the reserve
of other media types (i.e. coaxial cable, optical fibre).
Planning for
UTP cables minimise EMI by closely matching each
conductor of a cable pair such that any interference is growth and flexibility
cancelled out. This is known as a balanced circuit.

Balance of circuits
In a perfectly balanced circuit, the sum of noise voltages
induced in the conductors is zero, so there is no
Major cable manufacturers specify their products and
interference with the signal being transmitted. UTP cable
warranties assuming a 15 or 20-year life. Over this time,
is designed to support cost-effective balanced transmission.
change is both inevitable and impossible to predict
accurately. The only solution is to specify a network that
Shielded cable can be less balanced due to the
is inherently able to accommodate change and growth.
presence of the shield, thus shield integrity and
grounding are vital. High quality UTP cables achieve a
Future proofing
well-balanced circuit without a need for earthing or
In normal circumstances, a new network should not
shielding the entire circuit.
become the factor that restricts system upgrades within
the 20-year building refurbishment cycle. Well designed
Optical alternative
cabling systems will have the potential to handle data
For high speed applications in backbone cabling and
10-15 times faster than most commonly installed LANs.
over extended distances, optical fibre is the most
This allows new networking technology to be introduced
commonly used alternative. Optical fibre occupies
without replacing the cabling.
little space and is very robust but remains more
expensive to buy than other cable types.
The applications it serves define a network’s minimum
specification. However, in some situations where
Most optical fibre cable used in LANs is of the multimode
Category 5 cable is considered adequate it may still
type. Compared to the higher performance singlemode
make sense to install better cabling i.e Category 6 to
fibre, multimode allows for the use of less expensive
provide for future needs.
electronic equipment and is easier (less expensive) to
install and connectorise.
With the shift from proprietary to open computer systems
has come a move from proprietary to generic cabling.
In most networks, optical fibre is used for backbones,
The latter can serve many different types of devices,
while balanced UTP provides the link to the desktop.
ranging from PCs and printers to video cameras and
However, as communications speeds increase and
thermostats.
equipment prices drop, networks that take optical
fibre direct to the desktop are going to increase.

Since optical fibre transmits signals via light waves, it is

inherently resistant to all forms of electronic interference.

15
Communication without boundaries
 6
Generic cabling
Generic cabling is a major advance, offering users freedom
to connect equipment from a variety of suppliers. It also
gives users the potential to employ the same network to
serve several separate systems, for example, telephones,
computers and environmental controls.
Avoiding
Flood wiring
The flexibility offered by generic cabling is enhanced interference
with the use of flood wiring. This is the installation of
sufficient cabling and outlets in a work area to maximise
flexibility of the location for devices connected to the
network. Staff then have similar freedom in how they
arrange their work areas.
Every active electrical and electronic device has potential
to produce electromagnetic flux that can disrupt network
Structure of cabling
communications. This problem has increased alongside
Generic cabling and flood wiring are central elements
the growth in the use of electronic equipment.
in structured cabling, an approach pioneered by the
SYSTIMAX SCS solution from Avaya (the former
Both cable selection and cable routing are vital in
Enterprise Networks Group of Lucent Technologies).
safeguarding communications against interference.
This uses an open system approach, supporting all
major proprietary and non-proprietary standards and
In addition to the potential for interference from external
protocols. SYSTIMAX SCS uses balanced UTP and
sources, the active pairs in a multi-pair cable can interfere
optical fibre cables deployed in a star topology and
with each other. This is known as crosstalk.
terminated with standard outlets.
There are two methods of measuring crosstalk
Use of simple cable, forming a modular network, makes
performance, pair-to-pair and PowerSum. The pair-to-
it easy to extend or change a system without disrupting
pair method only measures the maximum interference
its users. In high growth companies, structured cabling
caused by any other single active pair in the cable. When
allows smooth, controlled expansion, with addition of
many pairs in a multi-pair cable are active, the loss of
new equipment and cable runs at incremental cost.
performance will be greater than that indicated by the
pair-to-pair method.
Network components
Patch panels, located in each zone of a building or campus,
PowerSum is a more realistic way of measuring crosstalk.
allow PCs, peripherals, network hubs and other devices
It is based on the measurements taken when all pairs in
to be connected and disconnected quickly. In companies
a multi-pair cable are active. For cables containing more
with high rates of churn, this gives considerable savings.
than four pairs, PowerSum is the only appropriate method
When new cable is laid and outlets added, UTP
for testing crosstalk performance.
structured cabling simplifies the task through its use
of standard components throughout. Flexible small
diameter cabling is also easier to route and takes up
less space than shielded or coaxial types.

17
Communication without boundaries
 7
External noise sources
All network components, including connectors and patch
panels must be designed to perform adequately in the
presence of external noise. Particular care is needed
when cabling components are produced by different
manufacturers.
Standards, categories
Routing of cable should conform to cable manufacturers'
recommendations and should always avoid potential and regulations
sources of interference. Potential sources of EMI are
lift motors, automatic doors and air-conditioning units.
The older this equipment, the more likely it is to produce
EMI. Closed metal conduits and ducting will give
cabling extra protection against sources of EMI that
Cabling standards not only encompass communications
cannot be remedied or avoided.
performance, they also cover areas ranging from routing
and fire resistance to EMC.
Where shielded cable is used, correct termination and
grounding of the shield at connectors is vital. The
The greatest value of generic standards is in defining
potential benefits of the shield must be weighed against
terminology and general approaches. They are not
complications related to grounding and safety. Any
intended to provide a detailed specification for building
lack of shield integrity can render the potential benefits
a network.
totally ineffective, and currents may flow in the shield
due to improper grounding .
ISO and EIA/TIA
Both the International Standards Organisation (ISO)
For most indoor cabling environments, balanced
and EIA/TIA have defined generic cabling systems
transmission over UTP offers excellent protection against
suitable for medium and large offices. Details of these
external noise. In particularly electromagnetically
can be found in the ISO/IEC IS 11801 standard for
hostile or sensitive environments, use of optical fibre
Customer Premises Cabling and EIA/TIA 568B.
may be the only alternative.
ISO/IEC IS11801, EIA/TIA 568B and the European version,
EMC regulations
EN 50173, are all key standards for network installation.
Both the installer and system user are responsible for
These cover similar areas, but use different approaches
ensuring their networked systems have Electromagnetic
to conformity. ISO/IEC IS11801 is a global standard that
Compatibility (EMC) with other electronic devices.
has evolved to meet the needs of all geographic areas.
European EMC Directives have been mandatory in all
As a result, some of it’s requirements are very broad.
European Union countries from 1 January 1996, and
penalties against network owners are specified for
non-compliance.

Reputable installers will ensure that cable specifications,

routing and ducting are designed to eliminate interference
problems. Some manufacturers also provide warranties
on the EMC performance of certified installations using
their cabling.

19
Communication without boundaries
Cable categories Transmission characteristics of UTP
EIA/TIA 568B and ISO/IEC IS11801 specify several
cable categories. The first two categories are suited
only to voice and data communications up to 4 Mb/s
and are seldom used in data networking applications. Category 6
The characteristics specified for cables in categories 3, 4,
Category 5
5 as well as the proposed Category 6 (currently in final
stages of standards development) are summarised in the
Category 4
diagram opposite.

Category 3 cable is generally regarded as suitable only Category 3

for networks operating up to 10 Mb/s but can support
networks at 16 Mb/s using active equipment. Its
Low 100K 1M 16M 20M 100M 250M
primary use today is for backbone cabling to support
Frequency (Hz)
voice and low speed data applications.
Network standards
Category 4 cable was developed to support
Two major LAN types, Ethernet and Token Ring, are
communications at l6 Mb/s over runs up to 100 metres,
also defined by standards. The IEEE, the Institute of
but is now considered obsolete.
Electrical and Electronic Engineers, sets standards for
the implementation of Ethernet defined through its
Category 5 cabling was designed to support applications
802.3 committee. Token Ring standards are developed
up to 100 Mb/s. Support for 1 Gb/s requires additional
by the 802.5 committee.
performance specifications, and existing installations
may not comply.
The work of the IEEE committees aims to ensure a high
degree of consistency and interoperability between
Category 5e (Enhanced Category 5) is an upgrade to
systems implemented by different suppliers. Conformance
Category 5 specifications that is targeted at support of
with their standards is important to network buyers,
Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T). The maximum
since non-standard elements can lead to disruption and
frequency specified for categories 5 and 5e is 100 MHz.
extra cost when networks are modified or extended.
Category 6 cabling was designed with a significant
The evolution and widespread acceptance of Ethernet
improvement in bandwidth to support next generation
has ensured that the 802.3 committee continues to be
applications such as low cost Gigabit implementations
active, having developed Ethernet specifications up to
(i.e. 1000BASE-TX), and offer maximum future proofing.
1 Gb/s, and currently working on a 10 Gb/s specification
The maximum frequency specified is 250 MHz.
for LAN and WAN.
Category 7 is also in the process of standardisation.
Fire prevention
It is specified to 600 MHz and makes use of bulky
Standards that are of particular practical interest to
and expensive individually pair shielded cables. The
network users are those relating to fire. These differ from
Category 7 connector is currently not finalised, with
country to country, but invariably cover both flame
a complex switched version of an RJ45 and a non-RJ45
spread and smoke emission.
version being considered.

21
Communication without boundaries
 8
Conforming with a minimum local standard will ensure
that fire officers do not order removal of a network.
However, when new cabling is installed there is a strong
case for using cable that conforms to the highest
international standards.

In relation to this impact of a widespread fire, any extra

Network architecture,
cost in buying cable to the highest standard is minimal.
Specifying cable with high fire resistance can also reap design and installation
immediate benefits in the form of reduced insurance
premiums.

A common approach to minimising the impact of fire

in cabling is to use Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH)
Once network configuration and cabling types are
cabling. When this material burns, emission of fumes is
decided, there remains the practical tasks of designing
minimised and less smoke will be produced to hinder
and installing the system. The first step, deciding
evacuation of the building. However, the use of LSZH
network architecture, is usually a straightforward task.
materials does not ensure that the cables will have low
Examples of network architecture for typical buildings
flammability. Cables compliant with the IEC 60332
and sites are shown in the diagram over the page.
Part 3 specifications offer better fire performance than
the less expensive IEC 60332 Part 1 compliant cables.
Collapsed backbones
An alternative is to use plenum, which is a low smoke
Variations on the typical architectures are possible. For
and highly fire retardant cable.
instance the backbones may be collapsed so that servers,
hubs and patch panels can be contained within a compact,
secure area. This can save space and improve the system’s
physical security.

Redundancy
Where systems are mission critical, duplicate backbones
and risers may be needed to implement a mesh designed
network which will give the required level of system
redundancy. In these situations, duplicate pathways
should be as far from each other as possible.

Physical limitations
Decisions on the type of cable needed for risers, backbones,
horizontal runs and flood wiring will have been made
at an early stage of planning. At installation, design
and planning stages, it is important to work within
physical limitations of the chosen cable type.

23
Communication without boundaries
Network architecture
Patch panel Patch panel
Mainframe
Cable routing
Cable manufacturers will specify minimum bend radii
and maximum pull-through forces. They will also give
advice on proximity to sources of heat, vibration and EMI.
Routing diagram
A comprehensive cable routing diagram must be produced
before installation begins. This will be a guide to installers
and a reference point for future maintenance, expansion
and fault tracing.
Cable labeling
The diagram should be cross referenced to physical labels
on each cable run. Producing plans and labeling can be
undertaken by the installer or handled by an in-house
systems department. A number of software packages
are available to assist in these tasks.
Installation and access
Networks should be designed for easy installation and
access, and give cables adequate support and protection.
Manufacturers guidelines are designed to ensure that
all these criteria are met. They also take into account
national and international standards applying to cable
pathways. It is, however, the installer’s responsibility
to ensure that the requirements of building codes and
standards are met in full.
Alternative methods of cable support and protection
include:
• Underfloor ducts
• Access (raised) floors
• Conduit
• Trays and wireways
• Ceiling distribution
• Perimeter raceways
Conduits and conduit ceiling distribution
Conduit and ceiling distribution are usually
implemented according to generic standards. EIA/TIA
569, for instance, specifies that conduit sections should
be a maximum of 30m long and have no more than
two 90 degree bends between pull points. Inside bend
radii must be six times conduit diameter, or at least ten
times for conduits over 50mm.
Wireways
Using suitable equipment and procedures when
installing cable will minimise tension and avoid damage.
Wireway and raceway manufacturers guidelines and code
requirements must also be followed in determining
cable fill for these types of pathway.
Cable Support
Ceiling distribution, conduits, trays and other pathway
hardware can be used above suspended ceilings.
Alternatively, the cable can be hung loosely using J-hooks,
rings or other means of suspension, at spacings of no
more than 1.5 metres. Unless they are designed for the
purpose, ceiling tiles, rails and supports should not
carry cables. Communication cables should not be
cable tied to power cables for support.
Bundles of over 200 cables may require special attention to
prevent overstressing cables at the bottom of the bundle.
25
Communication without boundaries
 Cable to the desk
The final leg of a network connection may include
cabling that is built into office furniture or partitioning,
or laid under carpets. The consolidation points where
the final cable run joins the permanent building
network are potential weak spots.
Staff and office managers should take special care to
ensure consolidation points are well protected from
impact, crushing and tension loading. The total length
of the building network’s horizontal cable and the final
leg to the active device must also be kept within
manufacturers specified limits.
Network outlets
At the end of every network cable is an outlet into
which the cords connected to the devices are plugged.
Outlet locations, quantity and mounting hardware are
important aspects of network design.
Terminal, patch panel and hub
Terminal
Patch panel Hub
Outlet
CENELEC prEN50174 and EIA/TIA 569 cover many
aspects of outlet location for mounting in walls, floors
and furniture. In addition to standards criteria,
accessibility must be considered.
Administration of cabling in general is covered by
EIA/TIA 606 and ISO/IEC 14763-1.
High quality and good design are of special importance
in outlets and connectors. Over the course of a networks
life, these may be connected and disconnected many
thousands of times, and any weakness will result in a
poor connection. Bad connections and poor connector
performance are, by far, the greatest cause of cable
network faults.
In shielded cable, connections are particularly
important, since any loss of shielding integrity will
have an effect on the cable’s resistance to EMI. The
quality and location of ground connections require
special attention with shielded cable.
Moving patch cords
Location A
Location A
Location B
Patch panel
Location B
Between the outlets at the periphery of a network and the
hubs at its centre there will invariably be patch panels.
These allow cable runs to be connected and disconnected
very quickly, simply by moving patch cords.
27
Communication without boundaries
 9
Patch panels
In a totally reliable network that never changed, patch
panels would not be necessary. In practice, every
network is subject to change - movement of people or
provision of new services, and it is the patch panel that
allows this to take place quickly with minimum effort
and disruption. Patch panels also make it easier to
Selecting a
detect and bypass network faults.
supplier
Patch panels are generally located near network hubs
in a position that minimises the total cabling distance
to outlets.

In practice, the most important network decision for most

users is the selection of a supplier. Besides implementing
the network, good suppliers can offer valuable advice
and information.

Since networking is a specialist subject, many

organisations call on suppliers and independent
consultants to help with networking specifications and
strategy. In this situation, it is vital to select a supplier or
consultant with skills and experience that can be trusted.

System Integrators and VARs

Most suppliers describe themselves either as System
Integrators or Value Added Resellers (VARs). The
distinction between these groups, in terms of the services
they supply, is narrowing, although differences in
emphasis remain.

Traditionally, VARs offer hardware, maintenance and

other services in addition to structured cabling to
provide complete networked solutions. They may add
value to the solution through their own hardware
offerings or that of other vendors. Leading VARs
include major computer manufacturers and PTTs.

The System Integrators’ main area of expertise usually

lies within networking and structured cabling although
they too may offer other services. A wide selection of
System Integrators, from smaller companies offering
bespoke solutions to larger companies offering
additional products and services, is usually available.

29
Communication without boundaries

Selection criteria
Some of the questions that should be asked of a cabling
supplier are given in the list below.
Size - does the supplier have the resources to handle
the job?
Skill set - does the supplier have all the necessary skills
and have installers received adequate training from the
cabling manufacturer?
Quality - does the supplier have quality processes in place
to cover all aspects of design, materials, installation and
testing, e.g. to ISO 9000 or the TIA’s Quality Installation
Company Scheme?
Warranty - does the supplier provide a comprehensive
warranty backed by the cabling system manufacturer?
Does the warranty cover the application that will run
on the network as well as the cabling components, and
include compliance with EMC regulations? Is the warranty
based on fully documented testing by a qualified
organisation?
Materials - will cabling and components be to the highest
standards and produced by a single manufacturer. Are
all the cables and components quality tested and verified
by independent test laboratories with follow-up
verification programmes?
Authorisation - is the supplier fully trained and
authorised by the cabling manufacturer?
Suppliers
Suppliers authorised by leading cabling manufacturers
are required to meet comprehensive technical and
business standards. They are also provided with full
training in network planning and installation.
Systems installed by authorised suppliers, and
subsequently certified, are usually backed by
manufacturers warranties, ranging from five to 20 years.
It is important to note that not all suppliers using cabling
from a particular manufacturer are authorised. Even a
network exclusively using one manufacturer’s product
will not be guaranteed by the manufacturer unless it is
installed by an authorised supplier.
10
Cost of network
ownership
Total cost of ownership is a key factor when assessing
bids to supply and install a network. Since a network
can be expected to have a 20 year life, running costs
and the cost of upgrades can equal or exceed the original
capital investment.
Network evolution
Adding, removing and changing devices connected to
the network is usually the greatest cost after initial
installation. Structured cabling systems were developed
to reduce this cost, allowing new sections to be added
to a network with minimum effort.
The ad hoc alternative
The alternative to integrated structured cabling is
ad hoc cabling. This can take various forms, some of
which fall within the definition of structured cabling,
but none can be described as integrated. Different types
of cabling components can be linked in ad hoc cabling
to create a system that functions, but may result in high
operating costs and frequent communications problems.
Ad hoc cabling systems usually have a lower initial
cost than fully integrated structured cabling systems
but do not offer the benefits of a guarantee backed by
a single manufacturer. This includes the guarantee of
the cabling systems’ EMC performance. It is unlikely
that ad hoc cabling systems will be fully tested to
prove EMC performance and there is then some debate
as to who is responsible for the EMC conformance.
31
Communication without boundaries
 11
Compatibility
Maintenance costs in ad-hoc cabling systems can be
higher, since new components must be obtained from
multiple sources, creating extra overheads. There are
also greater risks of incompatibility as the components
may not have been tested together as a system.
High-speed
Incompatibility problems may only manifest themselves
when changes are made to the system or higher speed networking
networks are implemented.

Network faults
Operational faults are potentially an even bigger problem,
and one that is difficult to predict. Fault finding can be
Preparing for the future
particularly expensive in badly designed and
Demand for networking capacity is growing relentlessly.
implemented networks. Full documentation of paths
New communications-dependent systems are being
and easy access to cables and connectors is essential to
installed and these are used more intensely than their
minimise the cost of preventative and corrective work.
predecessors. Even greater communication demands
are created by a new generation of multimedia
Warranties
applications. These require simultaneous video, voice
The quality of a network’s warranty is the best
and data transmission that can exceed 100 Mb/s for
assurance that system faults will not result in
each workstation. Network technologies and data rates
unexpected costs. Ideally, the warranty should cover
considered unwarranted only a few years ago must
the full 20-year life expectancy of a cabling system and
now be considered a distinct possibility for the future
include all its components.
of any network.
To avoid disputes in the event of a claim, the warranty
Various LAN and WAN technologies and approaches
should cover the cabling components and the LAN
have been developed in response to increased demand
application. Only cabling suppliers that have fully
for communications and the Ethernet family (which will
tested and documented the LAN application on their
soon include specifications spanning from 10 Mb/s to
systems can offer such a warranty with confidence.
10 Gb/s) has been the most successful technology in the
A network designed and implemented by a company
LAN. The shift to Gigabit networking is already apparent
authorised by the manufacturer of all its components
in backbone implementations, and in the increased
will have fewer areas of doubt in its warranty. In these
deployment of Storage Area Networks (SANs).
situations, there can be no argument as to which
particular supplier is responsible for a fault.
Fast Ethernet
LANs are rapidly migrating to Fast Ethernet, due to
increased bandwidth demands and reduced prices for
100 Mb/s network equipment and interface cards. The
worldwide acceptance of Category 5 UTP cabling has
facilitated the migration to the 100BASE-TX version
designed for high-performance cabling. Other Fast
Ethernet versions that were targeted to the installed
base at the time (Category 3 cabling) failed to gain

33
Communication without boundaries
 12
market acceptance as users worldwide realised the
benefits of installing better cabling and the percentage
of Category 3 cabling installations decreased rapidly.

Switched LANs
A dramatic increase in network performance can be
achieved by implementing switched LANs, and a
Cabling for
rapid migration to switched LANs has also taken
place. Switching can improve performance between the Gigabit Era
workstations and servers, but places additional
demand on building backbones.

Gigabit Ethernet
The development of Gigabit Ethernet standards for
With no end in sight to the bandwidth explosion, and
UTP and fibre media have further established the
given the current growth rates, it can be predicted that
dominance of Ethernet in the LAN. Gigabit Ethernet
Gigabit LANs will be required by many organisations
implementations are already increasing the capacity
within the next 5 years. Gigabit desktop connections and
of network backbones that aggregate traffic from
10 Gigabit backbones are expected to be a requirement
multiple 100 Mb/s nodes.
for many organisations by the year 2005. Although the
exact timing of the migration to higher speeds for a
10 Gigabit Ethernet
given organisation is not easily predicted, the selection of
The next logical step for network backbones is the
a suitable infrastructure today can determine the ability
migration to 10 Gigabit Ethernet. The type of optical
to react in a speedy and cost-effective manner whenever
fibre selected for the backbone will determine the
the need arises.
type, complexity and cost of the networking equipment
that may be deployed.
In anticipation of future needs, the SYSTIMAX SCS R&D
group of Avaya Labs, building on the heritage of Bell
Storage Area Networks
Labs, has developed leading edge connectivity solutions
The data explosion experienced in the LAN has also
to enable the smooth and cost-effective migration to
resulted in increased requirements for server-to-server
the high-speed applications of the Gigabit Era.
and server-to-storage networks. Data rates beyond 1
Gigabit are common in these networks which may
Horizontal cabling
extend to the building backbone. Commonly deployed
In the horizontal subsystem, cabling that meets
for storage area networks, Fibre Channel technology
Category 6 specifications offers inexpensive insurance
operates at various data rates up to 4 Gb/s, and the
against demands up to 1 Gb/s and the ability to
InfiniBand™ architecture currently in development is
support the more cost-effective and/or higher speed
being designed for wire speeds of 2.5 Gb/s and beyond.
applications being developed for Category 6 cabling.
The SYSTIMAX GigaSPEED Solution has driven the
standards developments towards Category 6.

35
Communication without boundaries
 Fibre to the desk
If fibre to the desk is needed, then multimode fibre
offers support for todays applications and future 10
Gigabit requirements. The SYSTIMAX LazrSPEED™
Solution has driven the standards developments towards
an enhanced multimode fibre that can support lower
cost 10 Gigabit applications.
Glossary of
Building backbone terms
In the riser backbone, a combination of multimode
and singlemode fibre cables may be required. The
LazrSPEED Solution offers next generation support for
10 gigabit technology, virtually eliminating the need for
singlemode fibre in buildings.
The following glossary offers explanations for a number of terms used in this guide. It
additionally provides explanations for a number of other terms frequently used within the
Campus backbone networking and cabling industries.
Since the campus backbone often provides the most
10BASE-T 10 Mb/s Ethemet using 2 pairs of Category 3 cable.
difficult installation conditions, network planners need
to consider the highest capacity cable plant available. 100BASE-T4 100 Mb/s Fast Ethernet using 4-pair Category 3 cable.
Singlemode fibre is the recommended media. The
100BASE-TX 100 Mb/s Fast Ethernet using 2-pair Category 5 cable.
SYSTIMAX OptiSPEED™ singlemode solutions
provide a wide range of options for outdoor 100VG-AnyLAN 100 Mb/s LAN using Demand Priority Protocol originally
environments. developed by Hewlett Packard and AT&T for Category 3 cable.

1000BASE-T 1000 Mb/s (1 Gb/s) Ethernet using 4 pairs of Category 5 cable.

Media recommendations
SYSTIMAX SCS media recommendations based on these 1000BASE-TX A low cost alternative to 1000BASE-T being developed by TIA for
Category 6 cabling.
developments are summarised in the diagram below.
1000BASE-SX 1000 Mb/s (1 Gb/s) Ethernet operating on multimode fibre with
Horizontal short wave lasers (850 nm).
Category 6 for 1+ Gb/s
GigaSPEED 1000BASE-LX 1000 Mb/s (1 Gb/s) Ethernet operating on multimode fibre with
Multimode for 10 Gb/s long wave lasers (1300 nm).
LazrSPEED
10 Gigabit The IEEE has initiated work on the specification of 10 Gigabit Ethernet
Ethernet over optical fibre cabling. The standard is planned for completion in 2001
or early 2002, with specifications for multimode and singlemode fibre.

Ad hoc cabling Cabling scheme where different types of cabling components from different
vendors are linked together to form a cabling system.

Analogue A method of signal transmission in which the shape of the signal

Riser backbone
transmission is a continuously variable and directly measurable physical quantity such
Multimode for as voltage.
10 Gb/s
LazrSPEED Application A system, with its associated transmission method which is supported by
telecommunications cabling.

Campus backbone Application The uppermost layer (layer 7) of the open systems interconnection (OSI) model.
Singlemode for layer This layer is concerned with support to the user application and is
100+ Gb/s responsible for managing the communication between applications,
e.g. Email, File transfer, etc.
OptiSPEED
G1
Communication without boundaries
ASCII The American Standard Code for Information Interchange. A widely-used 7 Building A facility that provides all necessary mechanical facility and electrical
or 8-bit binary code used to represent alphabetic and numeric characters entrance facility services, that complies with all relevant regulations, for the entry of
in computer understandable form. telecommunications cables into a building.

Asynchronous Two or more signals sourced from independent clocks, therefore having BUS Consists of a common transmission path with a number of nodes attached
different frequency and phase relations. to it. Sometimes referred to as linear network topology.

Asynchronous A method of data transfer in which each alphabetic or numeric character
data transfer (represented by 7 or 8 bits) is preceded by ‘start’ and ‘stop’ bits to
delineate the 7/8 bit pattern from the ideal pattern which otherwise
occupies the (digital) transmission medium.
Asynchronous A high-speed cell-based switching and multiplexing technology based
transfer mode on segmentation of voice, data and video into fixed packets (cells). These
(ATM) cells are transferred along switched paths and are not received on a
regular basis (hence the term asynchronous).
Attenuation The effect of signal dwindling, experienced with accumulating line length
or distance of radio transmission.
Backbone(s) The part of a premises distribution system that includes a main cable route
and facilities for supporting the cable from the equipment room to the upper
floors, or along the same floor to the wiring closets.
Balanced circuit A circuit where equal and opposite signals are generated and sent on to
two conductors. The better the balance of a circuit, the lesser is its
emissions and the greater is its noise immunity (hence the better is its
EMC performance).
Balanced A cable consisting of one or more metallic symmetrical cable elements
twisted (twisted pairs or quads).
pair cable
Balun An adapter used to convert balanced to unbalanced signals in order to
connect legacy equipment or video devices to structured cabling.
Bandwidth The range of frequencies that can be used for transmitting information on a
channel. It indicates the transmission-carrying capacity of a channel. Thus,
the larger the bandwidth, the greater the amount of information that can
pass through the circuit. Measured in Hertz or bits per second or MHz.km
(for fibre).
Basic rate The simplest form of network access available on (BRI) the ISDN (integrated
interface (BRI) services digital network). The BRI comprises 2B + D channels for carriage
of signalling and user information.
Bit error rate A measure of quality of a digital transmission line, either quoted as a
(BER) percentage, or more usually as a ratio, typically 1 error in 10E8 or 10E9
bits carried. The lower the number of errors, the better the quality of the line.
Cable fill The ratio of cable installed into a conduit/trunking against the theoretical
maximum capacity of the conduit/trunking.
Cable routing A detailed drawing showing the layout of the cable routes.
diagram
Cabling A system of telecommunications cables, cords and connecting hardware
that can support the connection of information technology equipment.
Campus A premises containing more than one building adjacent or near to one another.
Campus A cable that connects the campus distributor to the building backbone
backbone distributor(s). Campus backbone cables may also connect building cabling
cabling distributors directly.
Carrier sense Network access method in which nodes contend for the right to send data.
multiple access/ If two or more nodes attempt to transmit at the same time, they abort
collision detect their transmission until a random time period of microseconds
(CSMA/CD) has transpired and then attempt to resend.
Category 3 Industry standard for cable and connecting hardware products with
transmission characteristics specified to 16 MHz, designed to support digital
transmission of 10 Mb/s.
Category 5 Industry standard for cable and connecting hardware products with
transmission characteristics specified to 100 MHz, designed to support
digital transmission of 100 Mb/s.
Category 5e Enhanced Category 5 specifications for cable and connecting hardware
products with transmission characteristics specified to 100 MHz, intended
to support digital transmission of 1000 Mb/s.
Category 6 Industry standard for cable and connecting hardware products with
transmission characteristics specified to 250 MHz, designed to support a
lower cost implementation of 1000 Mb/s.
Category 7 Industry standard for cable and connecting hardware products with
transmission characteristics specified to 600 MHz, and requiring individually
shielded pair cables. May require a non-RJ45 connector.
Ceiling Distribution system that uses the space between the false or suspended
distribution ceiling and the structural ceiling for housing horizontal cable routes.

Bridge(s) A device used to link two subnetworks using the same communications Cell relay A fast packet switching technique which uses fixed-length cells.
method and sometimes the same kind of transmission medium. Generic name for ATM, SMDS and BISDN.

Building A cable that connects the building distributor to a floor distributor. CENELEC European committee for electrotechnical standardisation.
backbone cable Building backbone cables may also connect floor distributors in the same
building. CENELEC EN 50173 The European standard for generic cabling for customer premises.

Building A distributor in which the building backbone cable(s) terminate(s) CENELEC A proposed European cabling systems planning & installation standard
distributor and at which connections to the campus backbone cable(s) may be made. prEN 50174 being developed by CENELEC.

G3
Communication without boundaries
Channel The end-to-end transmission path connecting any two pieces of application- Distributor The term used for the functions of a collection of components (for example,
specific equipment. Equipment cables and work area cables are included patch panels, patch cords) used to connect cables.
in the channel.
EIA/TIA North American Standards organisation.
Churn The relocation of an individual or a group of individuals within a building
such that the workspace or services to the workspace require change. EIA/TIA 568B North American commercial building telecommunications wiring standard.

Client/server A technique by which processing can be distributed between nodes EIA/TIA 569A North American commercial building standard for telecommunications
requesting information (clients) and those maintaining data (servers). pathways and spaces. Its purpose is to standardise specific design and
construction practices within and between buildings which are in support
Coaxial Cable A cable with a centre conductor surrounded by a thick insulation, of telecommunications media and equipment.
(COAX) surrounded by an outer conductor made of metal braid. An outer jacket
insulation is optional. EIA/TIA 606 North American administration standard for the telecommunications
infrastructure of commercial buildings. Its purpose is to provide guidelines
Collapsed This architecture is a backbone topology where wiring concentrators located for a uniform administration scheme for the cabling infrastructure.
backbone at floor levels are attached in a star configuration to a central high
performance switching concentrator. Electromagnetic The ability of a system, equipment or device to operate satisfactorily in
compatibility its environment without introducing unacceptable electromagnetic disturbance,
Consolidation An interconnection point in horizontal cabling, typically used to support the (EMC) or being affected by that environment.
point re-arrangement of furniture cloisters.
Electromagnetic Electric and magnetic fields (commonly referred to as emissions) generated
Cords A short length of copper wire or fibre optic cable with connectors on each flux by equipment or system.
end. Used to connect equipment to cabling, or to connect cabling segments
(cross-connection). Electromagnetic The interference in signal transmission or reception caused by the
interference (EMI) radiation of electric and magnetic fields.
Cross-connect A facility enabling the termination of cable elements and their connection,
primarily by means of patch cords or jumpers. Equipment cable A cable connecting equipment to a distributor.

Crosstalk An electromagnetic coupling between two physically isolated circuits in a Equipment room A room dedicated for housing distributors and application-specific
system. This coupling causes a signal on one circuit to induce a noise equipment.
voltage on adjacent circuits, thereby causing signal interference.
Ethernet A LAN originally developed by DEC, Xerox and Intel. It uses the CSMA/CD
CSMA/CD See Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Detect. protocol.

Customer Customer owned equipment used to terminate or process information Fast Ethernet A 100 Mb/s LAN based on CSMA/CD protocol. See 100BASE-T.
premises from the public network e.g. Multiplexer or PABX.
equipment (CPE) Fibre See Optical Fibre.

Data circuit The equipment terminating and controlling the transmission line, and often Fibre channel This is an ANSI standard describing point to point and switched point to
terminating marking the end point of the public data network. Data terminal point physical interface, transmission protocol, signalling protocol, services
equipment equipment’s (DTEs) such as computers are connected directly to DCE. and command set mapping of a high performance serial link for uses
(DCE) between mainframe computers and computer peripherals.

Data The term used to describe any type of computer or other equipment, when Fibre distributed An American National Standards Institute standard for fibre-based
terminating connected to a data communications network. data interface token passing access protocol that operates at a 100 Mb/s data
equipment (DTE) (FDDI) transfer rate.

Datalink layer Layer 2 of the OSI model. This layer is responsible for error free transmission Flood wiring The concept of wiring for future growth, by providing full coverage of
of bits on a physical interface. Also known as the link layer. The best known information outlets.
layer 2 protocol is HDLC (High Level Data Link Control).
Flood distributor The distributor used to connect between the horizontal cable and other
Decibel (dB) A unit used to measure relative increase or decrease in power, voltage or cabling subsystems or equipment (see telecommunications closet).
current, using a logarithmic scale.
Foil screened A cable that uses a metallic foil to surround the conductors in a
Digital A technique in which all information is converted into binary digits for twisted pair Twisted Pair cable.
transmission transmission. cable (FTP)

G5
Communication without boundaries
Full duplex Simultaneous two-way communication on the same link or cabling channel. ISO/IEC IS 11801 The international standard for generic cabling for customer premises.

Full duplex Full duplex Ethernet allows nodes to transmit and receive data at the same ISO/IEC 14763-1 The international standard for basic administration of generic cabling.
Ethernet time, doubling throughput between workstation and switch.
Jumper A cable unit or cable element without connectors used to make a connection
Generic cabling A structured telecommunications cabling system, capable of supporting a on a cross-connect.
wide range of applications. Generic cabling can be installed without prior
knowledge of the required applications. Application-specific hardware is Keying A mechanical feature of a connector system which guarantees correct
not a part of generic cabling. orientation of a connection or prevents the connection to a jack or optical
fibre adapter of the same type intended for another purpose.
Half duplex Two-way transmission on a single link or cabling channel, one direction at
a time. Permanent link The transmission path between two mated interfaces of generic cabling,
excluding equipment cables, work area cables and cross-connections.
Horizontal cable A cable connecting the floor distributor to the telecommunications outlet(s).
Local area A LAN allows users to share information and computer resources.
Horizontal runs See horizontal subsystem. network(s) (LANs) Typically, a local area network is limited to a single building.

Horizontal The part of the premises distribution system installed on one floor that Multimedia A means of conveying information with components in different media such
subsystem includes the cabling and distribution components connecting the riser as voice, music, text, graphics, image and video.
backbone or equipment wiring to the information outlet.
Multimode fibre Optical fibres that have a large core and that permit nonaxial rays or modes
Hub A concentrator or repeater in a star topology at which node connections meet. to propagate through the core.

Hybrid cable An assembly of two or more different types of cable units, cables or Network Network topology and design.
categories covered by an overall sheath. It may be covered by an overall architecture
shield.
Network The piece of equipment that is installed into the expansion port of a personal
IEC 60332 The international standard covering fire performance of cables. interface cards computer and allows communication between the PC and the network.
(NICs)
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers in the USA. This organisation
is also involved in producing Local Area Network standards such as Network layer The network layer is layer 3 of the OSI model. This layer sets up an end-to-end
Ethernet. connection across a network determining which permutation of individual
links to be used. Thus the network layer performs overall routing functions.
Individual pair Where each twisted pair in one overall cable has its own screen.
screened Node(s) A piece of communications equipment on the network.

InfiniBand™ A high bandwidth switched network topology currently being developed for Noise The term used for spurious signals produced in a conductor by sources
architecture Storage Area Networks (SANS). other than the transmitter to which it is connected. Noise can affect a
legitimate signal to the extent that it is inaccurate or indecipherable when
Integrated Integrated voice and data network based on digital communications it reaches the receiver. The higher the speed of data transmission, the worse
services digital technology and standards interfaces. the effects of noise become.
network (ISDN)
Open system A conceptual model specified by CCITT recommendations in the X200 series.
Intelligent Buildings that maximise the efficiency of its occupants and allow interconnection The model describes the 7-layer process of communication between
buildings effective management of resources with minimum life-time costs (OSI) ‘co-operating’ computers. The model provides a standard for the development
(Source: European Intelligent Building Group). of communication protocols allowing for computers of different manufacturers
to be interconnected.
Interconnect A location at which equipment cables are terminated and interconnected to
the cabling subsystems without using a patch cord or jumper. Optical fibre A transmission medium consisting of a core of glass or plastic surrounded by
a protective cladding. Signals are transmitted as light pulses, introduced
Interface cards See Network Interface Cards. into the fibre by a light transmitter i.e. Laser or an LED.

Interference A signal impairment caused by the interaction of another unwanted signal. Outlets A term used to describe the sockets provided in the work location of a
structured cabling system. These are usually 8 pin modular sockets which
ISO International Standards Organisation. can support a variety of services e.g. voice, video and data.

ISO seven layer A 7 layer hierarchical reference structure model developed by the ISO PABX Private Automatic Branch Exchange. A private switching system that
model for defining, specifying and relating communications protocol. switches calls both internally within a building or premises and outside
to the telephone network.

G7
Communication without boundaries
Packet A type of exchange or network which conveys a string of information Ring A closed loop network topology.
switching from origin to destination by cutting it up into a number of packets and
carrying each independently. A packet-switched effect could be achieved by Riser(s) The term used to describe a space utilised by backbone cabling to house
sending individual pages of a book through the post separately. The communications cabling and other building services. This space should
receiving device reassembles the message. Thus a direct connection preferably be specified, or allowed for, at the time of the building design.
between origin and destination does not exist at any point.
Router(s) An intermediate system between two or more networks capable of
Patch cord(s) Flexible cable unit or element with connector(s), used to establish connections forwarding data packets at the network layer (layer 3).
on a patch panel.
Scaleable The ability to adapt to different bit rates.
Patch panel(s) Termination and administration hardware designed to accommodate the
use of patch cords. It facilitates administration for moves and changes. Screened cable See Foil Screened Twisted Pair Cable.

Pathway(s) Designated cable routes and/or support structures in a false floor or ceiling.
Peripheral(s) Additions to a system, a resource e.g. printer, scanner, etc.
Physical layer Layer 1 of the open systems interconnection (OSI) model. The physical layer
protocol is the hardware and software in the line terminating device which
converts the databits needed by the datalink layer into the electrical
pulses, modem tones, optical signals or other means which will transmit
the data.
Serial See Serial Data Transmission.
communications
Serial data Data transmission between computer devices using only a single circuit
transmission path. Whole bytes of information (8 bits) are sent in sequential pattern.
Compares with parallel transmission. Parallel transmission is often used
internally within computing devices because of the higher processing
speeds which are possible, but for long-distance telecommunication, serial
transmission is more economic in terms of line plant.

Physical Physical cabling layout i.e. ring, bus, star wired etc. Serial port(s)/ Normally a DB 9 pin connector located on the mother board of a PC.
topology transmission A technique in which each Bit of information is sent sequentially on a
single channel.
Ports A computer interface capable of transmitting and or receiving information.
Server(s) Host Computer(s).
PowerSum A method of testing and measuring crosstalk in multi-pair cables that
accounts for the sum of crosstalk affecting a pair when all other pairs are Session layer Layer 5 of the OSI model. Responsible for establishment and control of
active. This is the only method of specifying crosstalk performance that is dialogues between users on different machines. Synchronisation for reliable
suited to cables with more than four pairs. data transfer and token management to control use of the connection are
services provided by this layer.
Presentation Layer 6 of the OSI model. Responsible for identifying the syntax of
layer the data being transmitted. Shielded twisted An electrically conducting cable comprising one or more elements each of
pair cable (STP) which is individually shielded. There may be an overall shield in which case
Primary rate The North American 1.544 Mb/s T1 (23B+D) or European 2.048 the cable is referred to as a shielded twisted pair cable with an overall
interface (PRI) Mb/s E1 (30B+D) ISDN interface typically used to connect ISDN PBXs to shield.
the public ISDN.
Signal to noise The ratio of the signal magnitude to the noise magnitude and is usually
Proprietary Networks that are not designed or installed to standard based guidelines ratio (SNR) expressed in dB. The higher the SNR of a system, the better is its
networks and do not relate specifically to any relevant standard. performance.

Proprietary Systems that are not Standards specific and therefore are not Simplex A transmission means allowing only one direction of transmission.
systems interoperable with standards based equipment. (For example public broadcast radio.)

Protocol(s) A rule of procedure by which computer devices intercommunicate. Thus a Singlemode Optical fibre with a small core diameter in which only singlemode is
protocol is the equivalent of a human language, with punctuation and capable of propagation. 8.3 micron is the common standard core size.
grammatical rules.
Splice A joining of conductors or fibres, generally from separate cables.
Public network A point of demarcation between public and private network. In many cases
interface the public network interface is the point of connection between the network Star A physical point to point network topology.
provider’s facilities and the customer premises cabling.
Star physical See Star.
Raceway Any distribution method designed for holding cables, e.g. conduit, metal or topology
plastic trunking, cable trays, etc.
Star quad A cable element which comprises four insulated conductors twisted
Redundancy A fail-safe method of splitting and routing riser/backbone cables via two together. Two diametrically facing conductors from a transmission pair.
risers or more riser cores. Also known as diverse routing.

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Star topology See Star. Transport layer Layer 4 of the OSI model. The transport layer provides for end-to-end
data relaying service across any type of data network and is responsible
Storage Area A high speed network or subnetwork of shared storage devices. for end-to-end reliability.
Network (SAN)
Twinaxial cable Twinaxial cable is similar to coax except that the centre of the cable
STP See Shielded twisted pair cable. (TWINAX) contains a twisted pair rather than a single conductor.

Structured Flexible cabling scheme which allows rapid reconfiguration for office moves Twisted pair(s) A cable element which consists of two insulated conductors twisted
cabling through patching. together in a determined fashion to form a balanced transmission line.

Switching A function carried out by a switching hub, alleviating traffic by making Unshielded An electrically conducting cable comprising one or more pairs none of
virtual connections between transmitting and receiving nodes. twisted pair which is shielded.
cable
Synchronisation The method by which the bit patterns appearing on digital line systems
may be properly `clocked’ and interpreted - allowing the beginning of UTP See Unshielded twisted pair cable.
particular patterns and frame formats to be correctly identified.
Video Real time communications via video between two or more users at
Synchronous Signals that are sourced from the same timing reference and hence are conferencing separate locations.
identical in frequency.
Wide area Networks that are linked across a large geographical area
Synchronous Data transfer employing synchronised transmit and receive clocks, networks (WANS) generally using leased lines from a public operator.
data transfer rather than using start and stop bits to distinguish character patterns from
idle line operation. Wireless LAN Local area network that communicates using radio technology.

SYSTIMAX SCS Brand name of Avaya’s structured cabling system. Work area A building space where the occupants interact with telecommunications
terminal equipment. A user’s work area which is typically 9 sq. metre or
Telecommun- A branch of technology concerned with the transmission, emission 100 sq. ft.
ications and reception of signs, signals, writing, images and sounds; that is,
information of any nature by cable, radio, optical or other electromagnetic Work area cable A cable connecting the telecommunications outlet to the terminal equipment.
systems.

Telecommun- An enclosed space for housing telecommunications equipment, cable

ications closet terminations, and cross-connect cabling. The telecommunications closet is
a recognised cross-connect point between the backbone and horizontal
cabling subsystems.

Telecommun- A socket where the horizontal cable terminates. The telecommunications

ications outlet outlet provides the interface to the work area cabling.

Thick coax The transmission medium used for Ethernet or IEEE 802.3 10BASE-2 LANs.
It is a 50 ohm thick coax cable (commonly referred to as the thick yellow
cable).

Token Ring The transmission medium used for IEEE 802.3 10BASE-2 LANs (sometimes
referred to as CheaperNet). It is a 50 ohm thin coax cable.

Token Ring LAN A 4 or 16 Mb/s LAN standard based on token passing access protocol
originally developed by IBM. Sometimes referred to as IEEE 802.5 or ISO
8802-5 standard.

Topology The physical or logical configuration of a telecommunications system.

TP-PMD Twisted Pair Physical Medium Dependant. A twisted pair version of the FDDI
standard that allows 100 Mb/s transmission over Category 5 copper cable.

Transducer A sensing device that converts a signal from one form to another
e.g. mechanical to electrical.

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