California State University

4
4. Media Systems Design

This section of the Standards outlines specific media (i.e., copper,

fiber optic, and coaxial cable) configurations and systems required
to support the distribution technology requirements of CSU
facilities.

4.1 General Considerations

4.1.1 Introduction
The types and configurations of telecommunications cable vary among CSU
campuses based on local conditions, installed technology or vendor-specific
products, and personal experience. This section of TIP identifies a standard
- Focus – design approach centered on evolving industry standards for voice, data, and
Engineers, video communications transport media. Section 4 is not intended as a tool to
System preclude a campus from developing its own unique solutions to support
Designers, & IT
specific requirements, but does establish baseline standards for the selection,
Technical Staff
design, and deployment of services universal to all CSU sites..

The components discussed in this section are divided into four major groups:
- Outputs –
Detailed Plans, 1. Twisted copper cable, both indoor and outdoor
Specifications,
2. Optical fiber cable, both indoor and outdoor
& Implementation
Standards 3. Coaxial cable, indoor with only limited references to outdoor cable

4. Cable distribution, support, and deployment components

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Any use of manufacturer brand names in this document does not suggest that
these are the only providers of a particular component or that they are
specifically recommended by the CSU. To the contrary, the TIPS intent is to
convey the CSU’s strong expectation that designers will specify sound
products meeting published standards rather than on solutions designed
around a particular vendor product, technology, or proprietary standard.1

Figure 4 – 1
Cable System Components

1
Some component names and designations carry over from the time when (then) AT&T defined many of
the standards for the industry. As such, other manufacturers continue to use former Bell System
nomenclature to reference specific products and in some cases, to relate manufacturer components to
“Bellcore” standards. Despite the use of these terms, the intent is to refer to products available from a
variety of sources within the telecommunications industry.

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4.1.2 Cable Components

The EIA/TIA standards place cables into two distinct categories: backbone,
and horizontal. “Backbone cable,” regardless of media type, is defined as the
cable that connects telecommunications rooms, entrance facilities, and/or
equipment rooms within or between buildings. This definition includes cable
formally known as riser and tie cable and outside plant cable.

“Horizontal cable” is the cable between the actual user outlet (known as the
work area outlet) and the cross-connect termination. As a practical matter,
the term “horizontal cable” includes the outlet, connector, and cross-connect.
The term “cross-connect” refers to the component(s) enabling cable to be
terminated and interconnected or cross-connected to other cables.

In addition to backbone and horizontal cable, this section of the TIP Standards
provides information on cross-connect components, distribution systems,
outlet and modular jack hardware, and cable management and support
systems.

4.2 Copper Cable Systems

Copper cable systems, specifically twisted copper cables, have been in use on
all CSU campuses for a variety of purposes for many years. Recent changes in
the industry, however, have given new life to this medium as a means to meet
high-performance telecommunications transmission requirements. The
majority of these performance improvements, including both the development
of new products and the adoption of higher performance standards, focus on
the horizontal cable, also known as “station cable,” connecting user
equipment and network transmission equipment.

This subsection defines the minimum acceptable configurations for copper

cable on CSU campuses. It specifically identifies the acceptable intra- and
interbuilding backbone cables and provides criteria for selecting the
appropriate horizontal copper cable.

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4.2.1 Interbuilding Backbone Copper Cable

Interbuilding backbone copper cable (also known as outside plant [OSP]) must
support a variety of voice-grade applications, as well as a range of signal and
other low-speed data services. In addition to stand-alone voice systems, CSU
campuses use this cable to support point-to-point circuits for signal and
control systems, radio and alarm connections, dedicated communication links
such as ISDN and T-1 circuits, and emergency telephone and reporting
systems.

4.2.1.1 General Design Requirements

With the implementation of Voice over IP (VoIP) systems which combine
multiple applications into a single high-bandwidth network and the increased
use of optical fiber for monitoring and security systems, very large copper
cable plants are no longer considered a base requirement. Systems which use
fiber as a backbone network media may need fewer pairs than the large
centralized systems common in the past. Campus planners and design
consultants must carefully analyze both existing and projected applications
and technology to develop an adequate mix of interbuilding copper and
optical fiber cables.

While many applications can now be supported over optical fiber cable,
numerous existing systems specifically designed around twisted copper cable
are expected to remain in place for the foreseeable future, making it
necessary to continue to support this medium for a wide range of
applications. These copper cables also carry circuits for services such as coin
telephones, non-campus telephone services, and other telephone utility lines
that may not be directly managed or supported by the campus
telecommunications services and therefore may not be included in local
documentation.

Because copper cable is used in such a wide range of applications, planners

and designers must always strategically analyze interbuilding backbone
changes resulting from a move to an alternative medium. For example, a
change from a centralized voice switching system to a distributed node
architecture may require the placement of new copper cables from new

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switching node locations to nearby buildings. However, a specific plan must

be developed which not only incorporates requirements for special circuits
(non-switched) but also includes provisions for transitioning from the old to
new systems.

Even though many new distributed systems use optical fiber to interconnect
nodes, interbuilding copper cable is still a primary method of providing
services from the node to the buildings and on to individual users. This cable
is generally available in a variety of configurations from several sources. The
CSU TIP standards for interbuilding backbone copper cable are as follows:

1. 24 AWG should be used for cable runs up to 2,500 feet, and 22 AWG for
longer distances.2
2. Plastic-Insulated Conductor (PIC) cable with color-coded 25-pair binder
groups protected by a shield and heavy outer cover should be used in all
outdoor locations.
3. Cables of 900 pair and larger must have the sheath bonded to the wrap to
reduce the potential for kinking and damage to the cable during
placement.
4. All cables placed in an outdoor environment must be constructed with
water-exclusion gel, even if only a portion of the cable may be exposed to
moisture.
5. The use of aerial cable is neither recommended nor supported under
these Standards.

The selection of cable construction and sheath type is driven by the

environment in which the cable will be installed. Generally, outdoor backbone
cable used on a CSU campus is not to be placed in a hazardous environment;
it is to be contained within conduit or a combination of tunnel and conduit.

The greatest threats to the long-term life of outdoor cables are damage
caused during cable placement, accidental physical damage during building
construction or during the placement of other utilities, and exposure to
moisture. CSU designs should employ water-exclusion gel-filled cable, which
will significantly reduce problems with moisture over the life of the cable.
Designers are expected to select the appropriate cable sheath and specify

2
Cables of different wire gauges should not be spliced into multiple sections of a single run. If at all
possible, a single gauge cable should be maintained from MDF to building entrance.

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construction techniques limiting the possibility of damage during placement

or ongoing use. Pathway design strategies should also address potential
future physical damage concerns.

Figure 4-2 outlines the major cable types acceptable to the CSU, following the
nomenclature generally accepted within the industry. In addition, the Rural
Utility Service (RUS), formally the Rural Electrification Authority (REA), is
referenced as a standard, and an acceptable product is identified.

BACKBONE COPPER CABLE CONSTRUCTION

Sheath Type Major Components Primary Uses &
Comments
Filled ASP Aluminum, steel, & Direct buried & conduit
polyethylene Offers greater
mechanical protection
Filled Alpeth Aluminum & Conduit & tunnel
polyethylene Good general use cable
design
Steampeth Aluminum, steel, Utility tunnels
polyethylene, & For use in high
polybutylene temperature areas
RUS PE 39 Aluminum & Conduit & tunnel
polyethylene Good general use cable
(coated Alpeth sheath) design

Figure 4 - 2
Copper Cable Sheaths

Other specialty copper cable types are used on CSU campuses, but these are
should be phased out of service. One example is screened cable, which was
often specified for T-1 circuits. This cable utilizes a metallic shield (screen)
as a physical barrier within the cable to separate 25 pair groups of cables.
The screen reduced intra-cable interference by allowing transmission and
return paths of individual circuits to utilize separate pair groups with an
electronic barrier between them.

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Other special purpose cables include ductpic or RUS PE-89 type cable. These
cables have a smaller outer diameter than standard cable, but contain the
same number of cable pairs. This type of cable can be useful in situations
with limited duct space or in difficult pulls where the size of the cable is
limited by the condition of the pathways. The tradeoff, however, is that these
foam- and/or gas-filled insulation cables frequently have different
performance characteristics (slightly higher attenuation) than similar PVC
insulated cables. CSU designs should employ them only when other solutions
are not available.

Backbone copper cables are available in a variety of configurations in sizes

from 12 to 4,200 pairs. The largest size cable generally utilized in a four-
inch conduit (within the CSU) is 1,200 pair (assuming a standard bonded
sheath, 24 gauge, ASP cable). There are cables on the market that allow
1,800 or more pairs to be installed in a four-inch conduit, but CSU
telecommunications planners and designers should assume a maximum of
1,200 pairs per four-inch conduit. Large cables are generally available only in
relatively short lengths (500 to 750 feet). These short lengths must be taken
into consideration when planning new infrastructure facilities, to ensure that
pathway distances do not exceed the available products.

4.2.1.2 Cable Sizing

Determining the number of pairs required to serve a new building is a
straightforward process which must be based on a solid understanding of the
current and future load (number of users) in the facility. Assuming the
greatest use of copper cable into a building will be to support voice telephone
service, it is reasonable to use one-and-one-half to two pairs per work area
outlet (or telephone) as the maximum number of pairs required to support
the majority of telephone systems on the market today. The designer is
responsible for determining the projected number of users (and potential user
areas) and the number of miscellaneous pairs needed for “special” circuits to
determine a starting point for the sizing process.

If the number of current and potential users is not known, cables should be
sized to provide 1.5 to 2 pair for every 125 assignable square feet in a
building as a starting point. From there, the designer should add pairs for

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known applications, such as monitoring and

Backbone Copper Cable Sizing Example
control equipment, security systems, and
50,000 ASF building
electronic key access. Once a total number
50,000 ÷ 125 = 400 work areas – ASF divided by work area size
of pairs has been determined, the designer
400 × 1.5 = 600 pairs – Work areas times average pair usage
should assume no more than 85% of the
100 pairs for miscellaneous services – Known or assumed figure
pairs will be usable over the life of the cable
600 + 100 = 700 pairs – Subtotal of actual pairs required
and round up to be nearest generally
700 ÷ .85 = 823 pairs – Cable life allowance for problem pairs
available cable size; 100, 200, 300, 400,
Increase that to the next highest cable pair size –
600, 900, 1,200, 1,500, or 1,800 pairs.
Install a 900 pair cable
The designer must focus on developing a
Figure 4 - 3 reasonable forecast for each building and
Copper Cable Sizing each floor of each building. Obviously, the
best manner in which to develop a cable
design is to fully understand the needs of the users and the potential
applications to be supported. While installing sufficient cable to meet only an
initially defined application will result in too few pairs for the long-term use
of most facilities, installing the maximum pair count into every building is
expensive and unnecessary; neither strategy is acceptable to the CSU. The
designer must factor in the range of applications and needs that are likely to
require support over the useful life of the installed cable, not the building.
Installation of new cable, perhaps even a new medium, can reasonably be
expected over the building’s useful life span.

If the designer focuses only on an assignable square foot algorithm, specialty

facilities, such as libraries, sports complexes, and performance centers, would
end up with backbone copper cables of enormous size with very little actual
requirement. Conversely, a small building may house a help desk application
or a call center that requires a significantly higher work area density than the
assumed 125 square feet. The CSU’s expectation is that the designer will
obtain or develop information that will result in the most accurate forecast
reasonably possible for each facility being considered.

4.2.1.3 Cable Protection

Cable protectors are used in conjunction with proper bonding and grounding
to provide electrical hazard protection to University staff and to sensitive

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electronic equipment. Decisions regarding where and how to use protectors

are not clear-cut and must be viewed as an integral part of an overall cable
SD
188ENA1-100GPROTECTOR
Lucent
1 10
11
21
20
30
design process. Generally, it is expected that copper cables serving on-
campus switching systems will be protected at least at the switch end.
31 40
GND
41 50
®

Decisions to protect the station end (other buildings) should be based on the
LISTED
SIGNAL CIRCUIT
PROTECTION
564G

51 60 120H96
61
71
70
80 designer’s professional judgment, in consideration of factors such as
individual campus layout, potential for lightning strikes or power faults, and
81 90
91 100

historical electrical fault problems.

OPEN
POSITION

SPACE
CHAMBER 1 5 10 15 20 25
LATCH
26 30 35 40 45 50

CLOSED
POSITION

In general, a campus featuring closely-grouped buildings may consider

GND
51 55 60 65 70 75

smaller buildings grouped around a larger one protected from lightning

76 80 85 90 95 100

strikes by the umbrella effect of the configuration. In such a case, only

selected buildings may need protectors. However, if there is a history of
Figure 4 - 4
Integrated Protector & electrical problems, all buildings should certainly be protected. Obviously, at
Cross Connect a campus that has buildings widely spaced and a history of lightning-related
problems all buildings must be protected.

CSU minimum requirements for protecting copper cables entering a building

include:

1. If a building is located on the other side of a roadway and/or is remote

from the main part of campus, it must be protected.

2. If any part of the serving copper cable is above ground (on poles),
it must be protected.

3. If any part of the serving cable is exposed (placed near) high

voltage power cables, it must be protected.

4. If there is a history of power fault problems and/or lightning

strikes, the cable must be protected.

There are two primary types of protector panels. The first consists of
the protector field and an integrated cross-connect terminal. This
product, such as the 188 unit, is most often used on smaller pair
Figure 4 - 5 count cables, such as in installations of less than 900 pair. This type
of product allows cross connect wires to be interconnected with riser
Typical Frame-Mounted
Protector Panel

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or station cable without other components.

The Main Distribution Frame (MDF) cable terminations and any building with
900 or more pair should be served by wall- or rack-mounted protectors that
are separate from the cross connect terminals. These large pair count
configurations provide connection points for multi-pair testing, and the
separate cross-connect fields can be incorporated into high density double-
sided systems serving up to 7,200 pairs per group.

Any facility that requires termination of more than 3,600 pairs must be
specifically designed using methods applicable to main distribution frames
and central offices. Many of the equipment manufacturers have expertise
available in-house to assist in developing a detailed and long-term plan for
meeting the needs of large copper cable protection and termination
installations.

Both types of protector panels use the same type of protectors. The TIP
recommendation is to use fast-acting, 3 element (5 pin) gas-tube units with
BACKBONE STYLE sneak current (low voltages) protection. All copper
SPLICE CASE
ENTRANCE (OSP) cable pairs placed into a facility must be equipped
SPLICE CASE
with protectors, not simply the ones expected to be
activated in the near term.

4.2.1.4 Splice Cases

PAIRS

All splices must be contained within a splice case.

SPLICE CASES MUST BE:
SEALED AROUND EACH CABLE
CLEARLY IDENTIFIED
SUPPORTED AT MULTIPLE SPOTS
RATED FOR THE INTENDED USE
Figure 4 – 6
Typical Splice Cases
All outdoor (vault and tunnel) splice cases should be
encapsulated, re-enterable units fully dressed and
enclosed to fit the number and type of cables
terminated. All end plates must be designed for the
number and size of cables served by the splice case
and designed to seal around each cable individually.
The designer must select and specify an appropriate
splice case when installing copper cable systems.
Individual splice cases are designed for specific
environments, including use in vaults, underground
burial, use within a building, or mounted on a pole.

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Inferior products, inadequate installation techniques, or incorrect use of a

particular product can lead to moisture leaks and ultimately cable troubles
and are unacceptable.

All filled cable must be connected to air core cable within a sealed splice case
prior to termination of the entry pairs. In no case shall a filled cable be
directly terminated on a backboard. All entrance cables must utilize a splice
case rated (by the NEC) for use in those situations.

Outdoor vault and tunnel splice cases should be stainless steel or heavy
neoprene. Indoor cases used to terminate interbuilding cable filled with
water-exclusion gel must also be capable of completely sealing around all
cables at each end of the case and must be rated to contain a filled entrance
splice. Splices of 25 pair or more must utilize Lucent Technologies 710 or 3M
splice modules for connecting cable pairs. Cable shields must be bonded
through all splices and must be grounded as soon as possible upon entering a
building or on any floor in which pairs leave the sheath on riser cables.

4.2.2 Intrabuilding Backbone Copper Cable

4.2.2.1 General Design Requirements

The intrabuilding backbone copper cable connecting a building’s service
entrance or equipment room to individual telecommunications rooms on
various floors must be shielded copper sized to meet known or anticipated
requirements and installed following BICSI installation guidelines.

The general configuration of these cables should be as follows:

1. CMR (riser) rated.

2. Bonded, shielded, and air-core style, also known as ARMM type.
3. 24 American Wire Gauge (AWG) with staggered twists and a mutual
capacitance of not more than 19 nF per 1000 feet.
4. The maximum length of the cable is defined by the application and
technology to be supported (not subject to the 90 meter limitation).

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Each telecommunications room will generally be

connected to a building's equipment/entrance room
with backbone cables sized to provide two twisted
pair to each potential station outlet location, or
three pair for every 125 assignable square feet if
the number of outlets cannot be reasonably
projected. These cables are extended from the
entrance room directly to the telecommunications
room on each floor either by placing dedicated
cables or, in the case of larger multi-story
buildings, placing large pair count cables to an
upper floor, then splicing one or more smaller
cables to serve floors above and/or below the splice
point.

It is essential to use a properly grounded and

shielded cable in the intrabuilding backbone to
lessen the impact of electrical and electronic
interference. These backbone cables often carry both voice and special data
Figure 4 - 7
circuits and require good installation techniques to reduce the potential for
Backbone (Riser)
Options performance problems. Using a shielded cable that is improperly grounded or
not grounded at all, actually increases the potential for interference in the
cable. Backbone cables should be grounded at the point of origination and at
any floor in which pairs leave the cable sheath.

4.2.3 Intrabuilding Horizontal Copper

Cable
In an industry effort to keep up with the transmission performance
requirements of high-speed data and image applications, Intrabuilding
horizontal copper cable (also known as station cable) its associated
components continue to undergo significant changes. The CSU expects
design consultants to be conversant with the underlying issues leading to
such change and to employ their professional skills to minimize deleterious
future impacts on the viability of University facilities.

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4.2.3.1 General Design Requirements

Currently, the CSU network standard is 100 megabits per second (Mbs)
Ethernet Local Area Networks (LANs), and most campuses are moving to the
implementation of 1gigabit per second (Gbs) backbone network connections.
To assure the University’s ability to support such transmission speeds, the TII
Stage 1 retrofit projects initially employed Category 5e cabling; and that
standard was raised to Category 6 for the last phase of campus projects.
While both categories of cabling are nominally capable of supporting gigabit
speeds, poor installation techniques, deficient interoperability characteristics
between components, and difficulties in the distribution environment all may
conspire to restrict the ability of the media to perform as intended. To assure
proper performance, system design and installation according to recognized
industry standards are critical.

The prevailing CSU standard for horizontal copper cable systems is as follows:

1. Each user outlet will be served by three (3) high speed, four-pair, 100
ohm, twisted copper cables – currently Category 6 for new facilities.
2. Typically, one of the terminated station cables will be used for telephone
service and the two (2) remaining terminated station cables will be used
for data services, although there may be other campus options. All
station cables are terminated to modular patch panels (bays) designed for
the type of cable installed (e.g., Cat 6).
3. All horizontal cable is to be plenum rated (CMP).
4. All cable systems are to be installed following BICSI, EIA/TIA, and
manufacturer guidelines with a special emphasis on bend radius,
termination methods, and support and bending limitations.
5. All horizontal copper cable is limited to lengths of not more than 90
meters (290 feet).
6. All terminating components must meet or exceed industry standards for
the type of cable installed, as appropriate.
7. Jacks are to be RJ-45s wired using the EIA/TIA-568B configuration unless
the campus standard stipulates otherwise.

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4.2.3.2 Work Area Outlets

Work area outlets vary dramatically campus-to-campus in terms of size,
configuration, placement, and layout. Other than making an effort to ensure
these outlets are designed as integral parts of the overall high-speed link and
provide the necessary transmission parameters, there is little reason to
4 x 4 outlet replace working equipment simply in an attempt at standardization
throughout the system. There are, however, some minimum standards that
SD

must be used.
SD

1. Standard work area outlets should include a multi-position jack faceplate

SD

and three four-pair copper cables.

2. Special use outlets should be equipped with copper, fiber optic, and/or
Figure 4 - 8
coaxial cable as defined by planning guidelines.
Typical Outlet
3. Outlet boxes should be 4 11/16 inches square by 2 1/8 inches deep, with a
1-¼ inch knockout.

4. The faceplate must provide a surface suitable for placing an identifying

mark next to each jack or connector, not simply a single identifier for the
faceplate.

5. Connectors for fiber and/or coaxial cable should be recessed or angled in

the faceplate to reduce the potential for physical damage.

The CSU standard is for the termination of the four-pair station cables in
separate 8-position modular jacks (RJ45). Station cable should not be split,
i.e., terminated on two separate jacks, to routinely meet multiple service
needs. Any design that requires the horizontal cable to be terminated more
than once will lead to performance difficulties over time, and different
configurations of this type are very difficult to maintain over the life of the
system. If two (2) telephone jacks are required and it is not possible to install
another station cable, a splitter consisting of a single male jack and two
female units should be installed.

A significant issue with work area outlets and horizontal cable within CSU
buildings is the use of modular furniture. Much of the modular furniture
available today is either designed to support, or has optional raceways to
support, high-speed telecommunication cable. Unfortunately, many
installations do not take into consideration the need to link the modular

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furniture to the distribution system

or to support ongoing moves and
changes.

Work Area
A major breakthrough in this issue
Outlet
is the development of the concept of
Consolidation a consolidation point. A
Point
consolidation point is defined as the
interconnection point in horizontal
cable between the work area outlet
and the cross-connect facility
Data
Termination
designed to support multiple
Voice changes in terminations while still
Termination
maintaining compliance with
TIA/EIA-568-B.1 performance
standards.

In practical terms, a consolidation point is used to link cables from high-

Figure 4 - 9
density areas, such as modular furniture, into horizontal cable extending back
Typical Consolidation to the telecommunications room. In this way, it is not necessary to pull new
Point cable every time a modular furniture group is moved within an office space. It
is possible for multiple modular furniture groups to be connected to a
common consolidation point serving a specific portion of a building. As long
as the consolidation point is designed with interconnection
components meeting applicable standards (Cat 5e or Cat 6
as appropriate) and designed for multiple changes (EIA/TIA
568), the system should support high-speed
communications without long-term concerns.

Modular furniture must be designed with a specific

telecommunications interconnection in mind rather than
simply assuming that a connection method similar to the
electrical service will be used. For example, a single floor
outlet box will often be sufficient to serve only two user
locations due to the size of the feeding conduit and the
number and type of cables to be installed. Without proper
planning, this situation may be overlooked, and
Figure 4 - 10 modular furniture designed to seat four or even eight
IDC Terminals people will be linked to the horizontal distribution
system by only a single poke-through floor appliance
66 Block

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or a single ¾ inch flexible whip to a wall box. Horizontal pathway and cabling
must be specifically designed from the telecommunications room to the
consolidation point (if used), through the furniture interconnection point and
raceway system, to the user’s work area outlet.

4.2.3.3 Cross-Connect Equipment

The cross-connect equipment is the point at which horizontal cables link to
backbone cables or network equipment. Typically in a telecommunications
room, voice circuits will be interconnected to backbone cables extending to a
voice switching node or central switch site. Data circuits typically
interconnect with network equipment within the telecommunications room.

The TIP recommendation for cross-connect

components and layouts for voice station cable is
as follows:

1. Cables designated to support only voice-grade

services can be terminated on insulation
displacement connector (IDC) terminals such as
66-style blocks, 110 units, BIX blocks, or Krone
blocks, based upon the existing campus
standard. (Note: 66-style blocks should only
be used where campus telephone cable is
Category 5 or less.)

2. Cable slack must be provided above the work

area outlet and above the telecommunications
room termination to allow rearrangement of
cable within a five foot radius.

3. Generally, multiple patch panels of 24 or 48

ports should be provided. Each patch panel
should be placed with a patch cord wire
manager directly above and below the panel as
outlined in the manufacturer’s installation
instructions.
Figure 4 - 11
Station Cable Patch Panels

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4. Where possible, voice-grade patch panels should be mounted in open,

two-post telco racks or in standard equipment racks designed to support
interconnection to voice-grade services. Racks should include vertical
wire management systems on each side of the rack unit.

5. Wall-mounted IDC terminations may be acceptable, but are not preferred;

if used, they must be equipped with wire raceways specifically designed to
support the placement and maintenance of cross-connect wire. Wall-
mounted terminals should generally be placed from left-to-right on a
wall, with station cable above the cross-connect wire holder and riser
cable below.

4. The patch cords employed for voice services should be of a different color
from those used for data services. The RJ-45 patch cord typically
employed for voice services is placed between the telephone patch panel
and the station patch panel.

5. In configurations above 3,200 pair (such as in the MDF or in an equipment

room with a switching node), a detailed plan for patch cord placement
must be developed, and consideration should be given to using frame-
mounted double-sided racks.

The recommendations for terminating horizontal data cable are as follows:

1. All station cables should be terminated in modular patch panels

consistent with the grade of cable being installed.

2. Where possible, patch panels should be mounted in frames designed to

support interconnection with active equipment.

3. Generally, multiple patch panels of 48 ports or less should be specified

rather than single large units to provide greater options for placing and
managing patch cords.

4. Each patch panel must be placed with a patch cord wire manager directly
above and/or below it as outlined in the manufacturer’s installation
instructions.

5. Each group of patch panels must have additional wireways mounted

vertically and horizontally to support the use of multiple patch cords.

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Patch Cables

Patch cables are generally defined as a specific length of cable terminated at

each end with a plug or socket. For CSU purposes, they are typically
employed at the extremities of fixed horizontal distribution cabling to
connect either to end-user desktop equipment or to network devices in
telecommunications spaces. Patch cables or "patch cords" are normally short,
but may come in lengths up to 100 feet or more.

Since patch cables are considered part of the horizontal “link” in structured
cabling and inadequate interoperability with other link components can
adversely affect overall system performance, they must be specified to meet
industry standards in all respects.

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4.3 Fiber Optic Cable Systems

Fiber optic cable is used to support voice, data, and video systems in a wide
range of installation configurations throughout the CSU. Costs for fiber optic
based systems continue to decrease, while the growing number of supported
applications and the increase in available cable types make fiber an ever more
reasonable media of choice for numerous campus applications.

One major obstacle with fiber remains the inability to transport electrical
power. Most systems must have power at each end of a fiber circuit in order
to complete a communications channel. This is a concern when fiber is used
to support critical communication systems without backup power facilities at
both ends of the channel.

4.3.1 General Design Considerations

Optical fiber cable is classified into two major categories, singlemode and
multimode. These designations refer to the number of electromagnetic light
waves each type of fiber will pass, where the number of modes is determined
by several factors, including the physical size of the fiber. While many of the
fibers have a 125 µm overall size, the inner core within which the light travels
varies in size. The major fiber core sizes are identified below:

1. 7 to 10 µm core diameter singlemode fiber is used for high speed and

long distance systems. Singlemode fibers use laser light sources, and the
cable has a wide bandwidth that supports high-quality connections at
high data rates.

2. 50 µm core diameter multimode fiber has been used in telephone

company systems and cable television systems for many years. It has
recently gained greater acceptance with end-users because of its high
bandwidth with light emitting diode (LED) transmitters and its use in
Gigabit Ethernet transmission systems.

3. 62.5 µm multimode fiber is the most popular size fiber and is currently
the market leader for a wide variety of applications. While it has a lower
bandwidth than 50 µm fiber, it has a better light coupling ability and

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supports longer transmission distances with many of the existing multi-

megabit transmission systems.

4. 100 µm fiber is larger all the way around with a 140 µm overall cladding.
It is easier to use and terminate than the other fiber sizes but has a
smaller usable bandwidth. Very little of this fiber is used within the CSU.

The three cables most often used on CSU campuses are singlemode and both
the 50 µm and 62.5 µm multimode cables.

4.3.1.1 Multimode Fiber Cable Selection

Figure 4-12 is a table comparing selected performance characteristics of
multimode fiber cable types. There is currently a debate on which size
multimode cable to use for new installations. While the 50/125 µm cable
provides better bandwidth for Gigabit Ethernet, there are a significant number
of 62.5/125 µm systems in place on campuses, some of which may develop
performance problems when the smaller 50 µm cable is connected with the
existing 62.5 µm cable.

50/125 µm cable is used to support 1000BASE-SX (Gigabit Ethernet using the

less expensive LED transmitter) for distances up to 550 meters. 62.5/125 µm
cable can only support 1000BASE-SX for 220 meters. What seems
straightforward at first glance is less so when the length of the average
transmission link on CSU campuses is factored into the equation. Most CSU
buildings have cable lengths within a building of less than 220 meters, even
assuming each cable is home run from the work area outlet to a central
equipment room. In these cases, either fiber size would work equally well.
However, the cable distance between many buildings on some campuses falls
within the 550 meter distance, making the 50/125 µm cable a good choice for
supporting Gigabit Ethernet in those cases.

If all systems were migrating directly to Gigabit Ethernet, it would be simple

enough to install only the 50 µm cable on all future projects. However,
because of distance limitations of the 50 µm cable, the one-time loss when
interconnecting optical fiber with different core sizes, and the significant
differences in campus layouts, each project must be analyzed separately and

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a design solution prepared based upon supporting existing applications as

well as new ones.

Recognizing all the caveats listed above, designers should plan to install
50/125 µm multimode fiber within buildings on all new CSU projects;
however, that standard may be modified by local campus option to meet
existing conditions. Further, 50/125 µm multimode fiber should be installed
between buildings on a selective basis in addition to existing 62.5/125 µm
cable. There is no reason to replace existing 62.5/125 cable with the 50 µm
product.

Maximum Distance Allowable

Wave (Meters) Attenuation
Application Length 62.5/125 50/125 62.5/125 50/125
nm
µm µm µm µm
10BASE-FL 850 2000 2000 12.5 dB 7.8 dB
100BASE-FX 1300 2000 2000 11 dB 6.3 dB
FDDI 1300 2000 2000 11 dB 6.3 dB
ATM 52 MB 1300 3000 3000 10 dB 5.3 dB
155 MB 1300 2000 2000 10 dB 5.3 dB
622 MB 1300 500 500 6 dB 1.3 dB
1000BASE-SX 850 220 550 3.2 dB 3.9 dB
LED based
1000BASE-LX 1300 550 550 4 dB 3.5 dB
Laser based

Figure 4 - 12
Multimode Fiber Cable Performance Comparison 3

3
Material taken from TIA/EIA-568-B.1 Annex E - Table E-1

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4.3.1.2 Connectors and Couplers

There are two general groups of fiber optic connectors on the market today:
traditional-sized connectors, and those with the small form factor (SFF). The
traditional connector group includes devices such as the
SC, ST, FC, Biconic, FDDI, and SMA. Of these, SC and ST
connectors are most commonly found on CSU campuses.
There are few reasons to change an existing connector
that is functioning correctly. Jumper cables can be
fabricated with different connectors on each end to allow
linking dissimilar components.

Small form factor connectors offer a greatly reduced

footprint, similar in size to the RJ45 copper cable jack.
The main products currently are the MT-RJ, LC, VF45,
Figure 4 - 13
and the Opti-jack. Each is supported by one or more
Typical Fiber Connectors
manufacturers. Although the revised TIA/EIA
specification included support of SFF connectors, it
stopped short of endorsing one type of connector over the others. The
standard provides several performance characteristics that a connector must
meet, allowing campus options in choosing an individual product.

The prime benefits of the SFF connector are that it allows the installation of
twice the number of connections within the same space as traditional
connectors, and it can be terminated for less cost. The downsides are
questions regarding reliability, performance, and durability. These issues are
in addition to the basic question of whether the fiber terminal panels should
be twice as densely populated as they are currently, causing even more
congestion for the patch cords.

The CSU TIP standard is to use SFF connectors only on horizontal cable at the
station end. The use of SFF connectors and very high density patch bays in
telecommunications rooms is not supported. If too many optical cables
terminate in a single patch bay, it may be impossible to adequately implement
and manage a workable patch-bay field in such a restricted space.

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All fiber optic connectors for use on backbone cables must satisfy the
performance requirements specified in TIA/EIA-568-B-3. ST and SC duplex
connectors are typically used in backbone fiber installations across the CSU.
It is important that both singlemode and multimode backbone cables be
fusion-spliced to factory-made pigtails with the appropriate campus-
specified connector to reduce signal reflectance. Singlemode fibers must be
terminated with either angled physical contact (APC) or ultra-polished
connectors (UPC). Each campus establishes its
local backbone fiber connector standard.

In general, the largest problems with wideband

optical fiber (especially video) systems on
campuses are not loss, but too much signal and
too much reflected signal. Normal connectors
provide a measurement of return loss or
reflectance in the area of -26 dB for singlemode
fiber. The target for broadband video and some
proposed multi-gigabit data systems is -55 dB
(the higher the number the better). Experience
with a variety of CATV system on various
campuses indicates that poor return loss is the
central problem with most newly installed
systems. Fiber that does not meet the return loss
measurements generally degrades the video
signal or in some cases makes it completely
unusable. To maximize the probability of
Figure 4 - 14
meeting both present and future transmission
Typical Large Fiber Patch Frame
requirements, the TIPS standard in this realm is
to install factory-made APC or UPC connectors on
all singlemode backbone cable, and specifically to use “FC” style pigtail
assemblies for AM video systems.

4.3.1.3 Fiber Optic Patch Panels

With the growth expected in the use of optical fiber cable, good planning is
essential to ensure a workable distribution and interconnection layout in all
telecommuni-cations spaces. The recommended approach is to use frame-

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mounted patch panels capable of terminating 72 optical cables. By stand-

ardizing on a single size unit, it becomes easier to manage and maintain all
aspects of the terminals and cross-connect hardware.

Small wall-mounted 12- to 24-optic panels should not be used except to

terminate a very limited number of optics in locations where further growth is
unlikely. Whenever possible, existing small wall-mount units should be
removed and the fibers consolidated into the larger 72 optic panels. If a
room does not offer sufficient space for a floor-mounted rack, wall-mounted
racks can be installed. In problem locations, the standard panel can be wall-
mounted using an adapter kit.

Multimode and singlemode optical fibers must be installed in bulkhead

connectors. Backbone cables and horizontal cables must be housed in
separate panels or as specified in the campus standard.

Jumper cable management becomes a critical component on large fiber

installations. All patch panel designs must include both vertical and
horizontal wire managers designed specifically to route cables from panels,
through the frames, to equipment or other panels. The design must also
make allowances for storage of cable slack in such a manner as to protect the
cable without restricting access to it for ongoing maintenance.

4.3.2 Fiber Cable Design Requirements

4.3.2.1 Interbuilding Backbone Fiber Cable

Each building on campus should be connected to the main campus
distribution point with both multimode and singlemode optical fibers. There
are two overall design concepts for a master fiber plan:

1. A central hub approach in which all fiber radiates from one central space,
such as the MDF, to each building on campus.

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2. A distributed node approach in which fibers extend from individual

buildings to a concentration point or node location. Each node is then
connected to a central point, such as the MDF.

In both cases, the facilities must be designed to support both point-to-point

systems and point-to-multipoint, or loop, systems. This is generally
accomplished by installing sufficient cable and by providing adequate support
hardware such as splice trays and patch panels. The node approach also
allows specific systems to be installed in a “ring” manner, providing a fault-
tolerant design and allowing a properly configured system to continue to
function in the event of a break in the fiber ring.

The run size figures shown in Figure 4-15 are minimum requirements, to be
used whenever actual campus needs are not known or cannot be reasonably
defined. Common sense must play a role in sizing these cables, and there
will be cases in which other configurations should be used. For example,
individual animal sheds without power probably don’t need fiber optic cable.
Conversely, animal sheds used to monitor livestock may very well need fiber
optic cable to link automated systems. At the other end of the spectrum, a
central computing resource and a video headend retransmission facility will
each require additional fiber to serve known and projected applications.

Building Type Multimode Singlemode

Small: less than 12 12

10,000 sq. ft.
Medium: 10,000 to 24 - 48 24 - 48
50,000 sq. ft.
Large: greater than 48 or more 48 or more
50,000 sq. ft.

Figure 4 - 15
Minimum Fiber Cable Run

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Each building should contain an additional 40-foot section of optical fiber

cable, neatly coiled in a maintenance loop (figure eight) and secured before
reaching the final termination point, which can be utilized as splicing slack in
the event of a cable break. When placed in a conduit or a tunnel, fiber optic
cable should be installed within an orange, one-inch innerduct. Within a
building, the use of innerduct is required only if there is a concern the cable is
susceptible to damage or may be mistaken for another medium.

There are different types of backbone cable construction suitable for use on
campus. Generally, outdoor cables should be:

1. Water exclusion gel-filled, dielectric, loose tube construction with a

tensile strength of 600 lbs. (long term).

2. Hybrid singlemode and multimode cables of a common size to reduce

costs and improve duct utilization.

Specialized indoor-outdoor cables are available that are constructed of

materials suitable for use both outdoors and are NEC rated for use as a
backbone (riser) cable within a building. The use of these cables can
eliminate a splice point in the cable and reduce the cost of installation.
However, the designer must make sure when specifying these cables that the
outdoor environment is such that the use of water-exclusion gel-filled cables
will not provide overriding benefits. An important point to remember when
planning an interbuilding fiber optic backbone system is to limit the number
PE Sheath of splices, especially outdoor splices. Splice locations
Dielectric Strength
should be kept within buildings, where they can be
SD

Member
Interstitial Filling

protected yet accessed by authorized staff; in this manner,

Dual-Layer
96-Fiber Buffer Tube

the fiber design will provide a great deal of flexibility

Fibers
(12 fibers per tube)

without the high cost of dedicated cable runs to every

Dielectric or Steel
Central Member

building.

Figure 4 - 16
4.3.2.2 Intrabuilding Backbone Fiber Cable
Typical Outdoor Fiber
Cable Both multimode and singlemode fiber optic cable should be installed in all
building telecommunications (riser) rooms. A typical minimum backbone
optical fiber cable installation might normally consist of eighteen (18)
singlemode and six (6) multimode fibers to each telecommunications room

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from a master panel in the building's equipment or entrance room; however,

the singlemode/multimode proportion should be adjusted to meet local
needs. These cables should be "home-run" (a direct run with no splices)
from the equipment room into the individual telecommunications rooms on
each floor. All fiber cables should be contained within innerduct if any
potential for physical damage exists, and all cable should be clearly marked
as optical cables for additional physical protection.

Fiber Cable Type Wavelength Max attenuation

(nm) (dB/km)

50/125 µm 850 3.5

multimode 1300 1.5
62.5/125 µm 850 3.5
multimode 1300 1.5
9/125 µm 1310 1.0
singlemode 1550 1.0

Figure 4 - 17
Optical Fiber Performance Parameters

All fiber backbone cables must be OFNR rated, tight buffered, fan-out cables
with a dielectric central member and must carry a crush resistance rating of at
least 1100 lbs. per inch. Cables must have a 900 µm buffer and meet the
performance characteristics in Figure 4-17, as defined in ANSI/ICEA S-83-
596.

4.3.2.3 Intrabuilding Horizontal Fiber Cable

Horizontal optical fiber cable is regularly used in telecommunications outlets
as a standard component in today’s designs. It offers significant advantages
over copper in terms of information-carrying capacity and is becoming easier
to install with every new change in the industry.

Dual optic multimode (50 or 62.5 µm) fiber cable should be used for “station”
or horizontal applications; it is strong, easily terminated, and very flexible. It
is actually more robust and easier to install in many cases than high-

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performance twisted copper cable. It also has a smaller bend radius and a
higher crush resistance rating than does twisted copper cable.

The cost of the fiber optic media and connectors has lowered significantly,
almost to the same level as copper cable systems. Currently, the primary
Coated Fiber drawback to the ubiquitous use of optical fiber cable
Thermoplastic is the higher cost of electronics (hubs, switches,
SD

Buffer
media converters) compared to similar equipment for
copper.
Aramid Yarn
Strength Member

Fluoride Co-Polymer
Jacket

For horizontal applications, the TIP standard is to use

Figure 4 - 18 50 µm (or optionally 62.5 µm) multimode optical fiber
Typical Horizontal Fiber Cable cable optionally terminated in a small form factor
connector, such as the MT-RJ or LC, at the work area
outlet end only. The telecommunications room end should be terminated in
frame-mounted panels with no more than 72 dual optical cables per panel,
using the campus-defined duplex connectors installed with a common
polarity.4 All installed cables must have a meter or more of slack loop at each
end to facilitate testing and long-term maintenance.

4.4 Coaxial Cable Systems

Although not currently utilized as much as it was just a few years ago, coaxial
cable still plays an important role in the distribution of multi-channel video
programming within buildings on many CSU campuses. It should be noted
that 75 ohm coaxial cable is no longer an “active” cable in the TIA/EIA-568-
B.1 standards. General information regarding coaxial cable is included in this
document; however it is for information only, and is not a required part of the
CSU TIP Standard. With many campuses shifting to the use of digital imaging
and alternative methods of transmitting video and audio signals, the decision
to implement coaxial cable is now a matter for planning personnel at
individual campuses.

4
72 dual cables is double the quantity recommended for standard optical fiber terminations but is
acceptable due to the projected use of multiple outlets concurrently.

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This document assumes that the most frequent use of coaxial cable is the
distribution of multi-channel video signals (using cable television
technologies) within campus buildings. Coaxial cables are still used for a
variety of services, such as radiation antennas for wireless systems, direct
links to satellite antennas, and radio transmissions. Each of these systems
requires unique cabling engineered to meet the demands of a specific system,
site, and application; and an analysis of that subject is beyond the scope of
this Standard.

4.4.1 General Design Considerations

Although TIP recognizes there are a variety of technical alternatives for
distributing multichannel broadband television signals, the design concept
assumed for discussion herein is as follows:

1. Signal outputs from local service providers, campus programming,

satellite feeds, and other sources are balanced and combined into a
common feed for a fiber optic-based analog cable television transmission
system consisting of one or more laser transmitters.

2. The output of the transmitters is fed into optical splitters either at a single
headend location or in a multiple node arrangement.

3. Each optical splitter, such as an eight-port unit, is constructed to provide

a specific level of signal loss and is connected to a backbone singlemode
fiber cable feeding an individual building.

4. Each building is equipped with a fiber receiver that accepts the incoming
fiber-based signal and converts it to a broadband radio frequency (RF)
signal.

5. The RF signal is fed into a standard coaxial cable based RF distribution

system consisting of amplifiers, splitters, couplers, and multiport taps.

6. The RF system is distributed in most buildings by using a trunked

distribution system with 75 ohm half-inch (.500) coaxial backbone cable
and quad-shielded RG6, plenum rated if required, horizontal station
cable.

The actual design of the television distribution system is beyond the scope of
this document and should be undertaken only by a qualified video design

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engineer. However, the campus CATV distribution system, including all active
and passive devices, is considered a basic component of the campus
telecommunications infrastructure and must be integrated into any
infrastructure design. This includes all components from the work area outlet
(not television sets) back to the headend transmission system.

The primary components of the system are:

1. Headend signal processing equipment necessary to bring all signals to a

common level.

2. Combiners, splitters, and couplers necessary to present the signal to the

distribution system.

3. 80 channel (minimum) analog DBF laser transmission system.

4. Optical splitters.

5. Optical receivers.

6. Angled physical contact (APC) optical fiber connectors on all serving,

distribution, and jumper cables.

7. 1 GHz active RF components such as amplifiers and equalizers.

8. 1 GHz passive RF components such as splitters, directional couplers, and

multiport taps.

9. Backbone .500 coaxial cable extended floor-to-floor and down each

hallway (the multiport taps should be fed from the backbone cable).

10. Plenum-rated or non-plenum rated (depending upon requirements) quad-

shielded RG6 (drop) horizontal cable.

11. Work area faceplates and connectors.

The distributing system must be designed to average 3 dB or more to every

station location. The multiport taps should be designed with no more than
half of the taps used in the initial design. Additional taps must be provided
throughout each floor of each building to allow for growth without
redesigning the distribution system.

Video that originates in a classroom or other facility can be economically

transmitted back to the campus headend for storage or retransmission by
using low cost multimode fiber optic transmitters. There are several units on
the market that include one or more quality audio channels and a “broadcast
quality” video signal over the same fiber.

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KEY
POINTS
For Engineers, System Designers, & IT Staff
Backbone copper cable connecting each telecommunications room to a
building’s equipment/entrance room, is sized to provide a minimum of two
twisted pair to each station outlet or every 125 assignable square feet if the
number of outlets is not know.

Category 6 unshielded twisted copper cable is the primary recommended

standard for horizontal copper cable systems within new construction or
major capital renovation projects.

Work area outlets should be designed as part of the overall high-speed link
and must provide the necessary transmission parameters. The CSU standard
outlet configuration is for the termination of a minimum of three four-pair
stations cables in separate 8-position modular jacks.

All newly installed cables for data services must terminate in a Cat 6-rated
patch panel in the telecommunications room.

The installation of 50/125 µm multimode fiber within buildings is

recommended on all new construction projects. These Standards also
recommend the use of SFF connectors only for the termination of horizontal
(station) cable and at the work area only.

The interbuilding backbone fiber system must be designed to support both

point-to-point systems and point-to-multi-point (or loop) systems. The
interbuilding copper media must support both switched (PBX) circuits and
dedicated or non-switched services such as coin phone, alarms, and special
circuits.

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