Cabling Installation & Maintenance MAY 18

FOR PROFESSIONALS MANAGING THE CABLE AND WIRELESS
MAY 2018 SYSTEMS THAT ENABLE CRITICAL COMMUNICATIONS
A NEW ANGLE ON
MPTLs PAGE 26
TECHNOLOGY PAGE 4
Planning intelligent
lighting in a new build
DATA CENTER PAGE 8
How to secure data

in remote facilities
DESIGN PAGE 16
Extending AV over
long distances
w w w.c a b li n g i n s t a ll .c o m
1805CIM_C1 1 4/24/18 7:54 AM

Network
Water | Infrastructure | Power | HVAC
Network Infrastructure
Now the Fourth Utility
Connecting the Future

From amenity to utility, today connectivity is as necessary surveillance, building automation, and more. It also enables
to our daily lives as running water, electricity, or HVAC. remote powering PoE and SDN Gigabit Ethernet capabilities.
If your customers can’t connect all the time, securely, and
Fiber offers additional benefits for early adopters, including
at full speed on any device from anywhere, they can easily
lower power consumption and reductions in equipment,
take their expectations, and their business, elsewhere.
installation, and maintenance costs when compared with
That’s why forward-thinking network managers are legacy copper networks. Even better, buildings that already
embracing highly flexible and future-ready fiber solutions have fiber optic infrastructures in place are realizing both
for their enterprise environments. With virtually unlimited CapEx and OpEx reductions.
bandwidth, fiber to the horizontal supports multiple
It’s time to rethink the enterprise network and invest in
applications over an all-optical infrastructure including
the fourth utility. Ready to learn more?
cellular, LAN, Wi-Fi, bring your own device (BYOD), video
www.corning.com/4th-utility/CIM
© 2018 Corning Optical Communications. LAN-2303-AEN / April 2018
1805CIM_C2 2 4/24/18 7:54 AM

CONTENTS M AY 2 018
vol. 26, no. 5
ABOUT THE COVER

A 45-degree-angled field-
terminable plug allows for
improved cable routing in tight
spaces, like some security
camera applications.
SEE STORY ON PAGE 26.
Group Publisher Alan Bergstein

(603)-891-9447; alanb@pennwell.com
Chief Editor Patrick McLaughlin
(603) 891-9222; patrick@pennwell.com
Senior Editor Matt Vincent
(603) 891-9262; mattv@pennwell.com
Art Director Cindy Chamberlin
Production Director Mari Rodriguez
Senior Illustrator Dan Rodd
Marketing Manager Joni Montemagno
Audience Development Manager Debbie Bouley
Ad Traffic Manager Glenda Van Duyne
www.pennwell.com
FEATURES EDITORIAL OFFICES

Cabling Installation & Maintenance
61 Spit Brook Road, Suite 401, Nashua, NH 03060
Tel: (603) 891-0123, www.cablinginstall.com
4 TECHNOLOGY 11 INSTALLATION CORPORATE OFFICERS
Introducing intelligent lighting Fusion splicing tools Chairman Robert F. Biolchini, 1939-2017
Vice Chairman Frank T. Lauinger
into new construction and techniques President and Chief Executive Officer
Mark C. Wilmoth
CRAIG GETCHELL PATRICK MCLAUGHLIN Executive Vice President, Corporate Development
and Strategy Jayne A. Gilsinger
Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial
8 DATA CENTER 16 DESIGN Officer Brian Conway
TECHNOLOGY GROUP
Understanding data security Expanding AV signals Senior Vice President, Publishing Director & CMO
June Griffin
concerns in remote data centers over long distances
FOR SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES:
RAISSA CAREY PATRICK MCLAUGHLIN Tel: (800) 869-6882; Fax: (866) 658-6156
International Callers: +1 512-982-4277
www.cim-subscribe.com; e-mail: CIM@kmpsgroup.com
DEPARTMENTS
3 EDITORIAL 21 EDITOR’S PICKS Cabling Installation & Maintenance ® (ISSN 1073-3108), Volume 26, No. 5.
Cabling Installation & Maintenance is published 12 times a year, monthly by
PennWell® Corporation, 1421 S. Sheridan, Tulsa, OK 74112. Periodicals postage
Dynamic paid at Tulsa, OK 74112 and at additional mailing offices. SUBSCRIPTION
28
PRICES: USA $84 1yr., $140 2 yr.; Canada/Mexico $96 1 yr., $160 2 yr.;
International $108 1 yr., $180 2 yr.; Digital $60. POSTMASTER: Send
INFRASTRUCTURE INSIGHTS address corrections to Cabling Installation & Maintenance, P.O. Box 47570,
19 PRODUCT FOCUS PoE driving cable sales

Plymouth, MN 55447. Cabling Installation & Maintenance is a registered
trademark. © PennWell Corporation 2018. All rights reserved. Reproduction
in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. We make portions of our
subscriber list available to carefully screened companies that offer products and
Cable labeling tools services that may be important for your work. If you do not want to receive those
offers and/or information via direct mail, please let us know by contacting us at
List Services Cabling Installation & Maintenance, 61 Spit Brook Rd, Suite 401,
Nashua, NH 03060. Printed in the USA. GST No. 126813153. Publications Mail
Agreement no. 1421727.
1805CIM_1 1 4/24/18 7:53 AM

paying
too
much?
Cover & connectivity module included Cabinet supports 150 lb TIA® component-rated
ICC Elite Installers save 20 ~ 40%* on ICC Premise Cable, jacks and patch panels. Our fiber enclosures are
50% less than comparable brands, our racks are 60% less, and our residential enclosures are 40% less. So if
you think you are paying too much for structured cabling products, talk to us! If you are already an ICC Elite
Installer, call us for a Project Discount.
icc.com/distributor csr@icc.com 888-ASK-4ICC

Premise Cables Workstation Outlets Patch Panels RCM Fiber Optics . Residential Enclosures
. . . .
© 2018, ICC. *Compared to big brands.
1805CIM_2 2 4/24/18 7:53 AM

EDITORIAL
W H AT 'S N E W AT
www.cablinginstall.com
Dynamic
The word that stands alone as the title of this col-
TESTING umn, "dynamic," is one of my favorites. I could
Adapters certify modular launch into the line, "Webster's defines dynamic
plug terminated links as ..." but to be honest, I really don't care how
Webster's defines it. I know how I use the word, I
believe it is relevant to the trade in which we work,
and if you'll indulge me for the rest of this page, I'd
like to share with you a couple thoughts on it.
PATRICK McLAUGHLIN First, my working definitions of the word. Way
patrick@pennwell.com back in a literature class I once took, the teacher
forced us to answer whether certain characters in
stories were static or dynamic. I wanted to stab myself in the eyeballs because
ACCOLADES the exercise was so boring, but, probably not coincidentally, it forever branded
Awards program gearing up into my memory that "static" means unchanged and "dynamic" means changed.
for fourth year A dynamic character changed at some point in the story. Dynamic corre-
sponds to change.
STANDARDS I also use the word in plural form, "dyamics," to refer to the interrelationships
Guest post: among a group. A sports team, a workplace, a legislative body, a community ...
Improving the they all have dynamics that can shape how they function, positively or nega-
PoE experience tively. I commonly use the word when speaking about the cabling industry, in-
cluding the techno-political forces at work within it.
Recently I had the opportunity to give a proverbial 30,000-foot view of the ca-
DESIGN AND INSTALLATION bling industry to a group that is not familiar with it. Doing so forced me to ex-
Multi-pocket cable manager amine it from that high level, as opposed to the ground level from which I fre-
quently observe and form opinions. Making the metaphorical climb to that
altitude reminded me that we do indeed work in a dynamic, not a static, mar-
ketplace. While it might be an exaggeration to say that our industry is chang-
ing at breakneck speed, the change is real nonetheless. Much of what you'll find
in this issue reflects the technological advancements that are making our in-
dustry a dynamic one, from PoE lighting to IP-based AV systems, data-security
concerns in data centers, modular-plug terminated links and more. When asked
AV where the industry's going and what's driving it there, I had a jam-packed an-
Tester approved for 4K UHD swer because there's so much going on.
cabling installs When we add "dynamics" to the mix, we have a view of our industry that I
describe in a way that I hope isn't too clever-clever: 3D. That 3D view of the ca-
bling industry incorporates its 1) Direction (where it's going), 2) Drivers (what's
pushing it there), and 3) Dynamics (the impact of players' interrelationships).
Regardless of the angle from which you look at it, the industry we call our
own is indeed dynamic. And because the systems you design, build and use are
enabling technologies, our industry's progression forward makes work and life
better for those who rely on these systems. That's reason to be proud.
www.cablinginstall.com Cabling Installation & Maintenance MAY 2018 3
1805CIM_3 3 4/24/18 7:54 AM

technology
How to introduce intelligent

lighting into construction projects
with IP/Power over Ethernet
The right plan, the right people, and the right technology can come
together to produce an intelligent lighting system.
BY CRAIG GETCHELL, MOLEX
Due to ongoing disruptive technologies driven by Internet of

Things (IoT) innovations, commercial property owners and
property management companies have more opportunities to
differentiate their buildings, office complexes, campuses, and
technology centers. Owners and managers can create flexi-
ble and extensible environments that increase worker produc-
tivity. At the same time, these improvements can lower cost,
strengthen security and improve speed of sale or lease.
The key to achieving the above is to understand that you
need to divert from the product-selection methodology that
works for assembling steel, concrete, glass, wood, and wire but
makes technology adoption difficult, inefficient and expensive.
Regardless of whether you’re building new, doing a deep
renovation or migrating an existing facility to an IoT archi-
tecture, step one is to move from current organic processes
that impede technology adoption in a new build or “replace-in-
kind” refresh. Only then will you be able to recognize the op-
portunities within your specific project.
IP/PoE lighting is key

The key catalyst (disruptive technology) enabling this move
to a lower-cost, more-functional IoT architecture is Internet
As the industry moves forward with IP/PoE installations, it is

learning that the cost of installing an IP/PoE fixture can be
reduced by $30 or more. These savings will increase as the
efficacy of power distribution and LED fixtures improves.
4 MAY 2018 Cabling Installation & Maintenance www.cablinginstall.com
1805CIM_4 4 4/24/18 7:54 AM

Protocol/Power over Ethernet (IP/PoE) of power distribution and LED fix- switches, enterprise security, structured
lighting. Today, several providers have tures improves. cabling, power support) can be paid for
open architecture solutions that allow The impact of the initial cost savings while lowering the overall project cost.
you to install versatile fixtures from is twofold. First, all standalone control The immediate impact of this is the more
hundreds of manufacturers. Most IP/ systems, wired and wireless, become ob- base-building systems put on the lighting
PoE lighting providers work with any solete, as they simply do not create the IoT base-building network, the more cost
LED fixture that operates within the granularity of data or offer the perfor- is driven out of the project. This approach
current 60W PoE standards. This means mance, and they are always a cost-plus is much more cost-effective than building
that approximately 95 percent of all effort. Second, core components (core a disparate collection of base-building
available LED lights can be used, includ-
ing new higher-wattage and larger inte-
rior and exterior LED fixtures.
As the industry moves forward with
IP/PoE installations, it’s learning that
cost of installing an IP/PoE fixture can
be reduced by 10, 20, 30 dollars or even
more, with each light being controlled,
versus an uncontrolled high-voltage
(HV) LED system install. This savings
is only going to increase as the efficacy
s at
V isit u r lando
O
O Live!, 8
CIS C
- 14 , 201
10
June h 1933
B o o t
Manage with LISA

The Leading Interconnect System Approach LiSA provides
highest density cabling infrastructure for Data Centers.
HUBER+SUHNER
8530 Steele Creek Place Drive Suite H
Charlotte, NC 28273 hubersuhner.com
1805CIM_5 5 4/24/18 7:54 AM

How to introduce intelligent lighting into construction projects with IP/Power over Ethernet continued
systems, which is what happens organ- documents, try creating content to be Industry experts have learned that
ically today. absorbed into existing documents, re- taking the time to invest in designing
sulting in enhanced specifications and for a consolidated IoT platform will re-
How do you get there? drawings. By understanding the design, turn 3, 4, 5, or even 10 times in first cost
A different plan bid and build process, you can insert versus the current inefficient method of
First, you need to adopt a different your efforts at the appropriate times, al- adopting technology.
plan—a technology adoption plan— lowing architects, mechanical, electri-
that changes how you leverage and ex- cal and plumbing (MEP) engineers and Right people, right skills,
ploit technology to gain that competi- lighting and specialty consultants to right motivation
tive advantage. And just as importantly, continue to do what they do best. The ability to adopt a better technology
this plan must not impact how If you are working with lighting with the right approach requires the right
steel, concrete, glass, wood and wire consultants, explain that you are sim- skillsets and motivation to discover the
are procured. ply changing how lights are powered possibilities. Understanding that skillsets
A proven approach that limits over- and controlled. Limit your sugges- for technology adoption need to be in-
all project disruption is to work within tions on fixtures to efficacy and per- serted in design, bidding, building, com-
the current construction processes. missioning, and planning for ongo-
Architects, engineers and property man- ing operations is key.
agement teams lean heavily on outside Finding the right people with
consultants and vendors who are finan- the right skills and the right moti-
cially motivated to keep the status quo. vation may be the biggest bottle-
The result is that they continue to ac- neck to this process today. They
cidentally “bid and build” or “replace are out there, and they are gain-
in kind” a disparate collection of smart ing more and more experience ev-
systems that are easy to acquire but ex- ery day. They are well worth seek-
pensive to build and operate. ing out. Having the right skillsets
You shouldn’t place any additional Working within current construction in all phases of a project—from de-
burden on the traditional team. Rather, processes is a proven approach that limits sign to commissioning—is vital.
the goal is to create a methodology to overall project disruption. You need to remove process,
help the team execute the exact same content, and culture barriers in
way as always, but to “accidentally” ac- formance. The lighting consultants order to succeed. You must recognize
quire a consolidated IoT architecture in- should continue to do their job, deter- where the current processes have inap-
stead. To do so, you should pull all the mining things like fixture type, aes- propriate content or lack of structure for
technology-focused areas out, modify thetic considerations, and light levels. needed content. You need to have a plan
the content and put it all back. In this They should develop the reflected ceil- for dealing with these obstacles.
way, you can procure everything through ing plan, but instead of handing it to Typically, you can alleviate most of the
the normal bid process and get it built the electrical engineer to place high active and passive resistance from elec-
through the normal build processes, voltage behind it, you should work with trical contractors and unions during the
while using as much traditional labor them to build an IoT platform to sup- bid/build process by simply committing
as possible. Focus on identifying oppor- port it. By adopting a solution that is to the design. For example, working with
tunities and modifying specifications not fixture-specific, you can enable electrical engineers during design, you
and drawings. By fitting into the current lighting consultants to design as they can lower energy density by removing the
build/migration process, you can elimi- always have, but to use IP/PoE lighting. light load from high-voltage build. If done
nate uncertainty with designers. Never battle over fixture selection. In traditionally, the entire electrical spend
You need critical content like opti- that way, you remove the main obsta- may be $10 million, with a $500,000
mal architecture diagrams, technol- cle to technology adoption that keeps low-voltage spend for enterprise com-
ogy series drawings and integration, a better solution out of the design. This munications. Instead, you can lower the
architecture and security guidelines. type of opportunity exists within any overall electrical spend to $9 million and
Instead of trying to create new biddable base-building system. raise the low-voltage spend to $1 million,
1805CIM_6 6 4/24/18 7:54 AM

How to introduce intelligent lighting into construction projects with IP/Power over Ethernet continued
for a total savings of $500,000. One indus- and administration for larger profits on single integrated architecture is cost-ef-
try expert did just that. the project. fective and provides enterprise security,
All too often, the traditional specifica- A desire for a better result, invest- whereas a disparate collection of smart
tion and drawings go out to bid with the ing in the right people and methodology, systems leaves holes because no one in-
IP/PoE lighting as the “alternate,” i.e., by knowing what to put in and take out, vests in enterprise security for all of them.
not committing to the design. This can re- developing a project-specific plan and IP/PoE for all building systems such as:
sult in electrical contractors bidding the committing to the plan from design to lighting, automated window shades, tem-
traditional option and either excluding or operation is what you need to succeed. perature, security access, A/V equipment,
skewing the alternate. This happens be- So how could you fail? There is only one and bathroom conveniences is where the
cause the traditional players are unwill- way—by doing nothing, by allowing the real return-on-investment can be realized.
ing or unable to change. It also can create organic process to keep you building a dis- It will be the property management
the scenario that the electrician who is separate collection of smart systems and by teams and their respective owners with
lected to install the alternate knows he integrating them after the fact, which will a vision and inner passion for the realiza-
lost out on $500,000 of project share. always be a complicated cost-plus effort. tion of the future-state of their commer-
cial properties who will lead the path to
The elements of success Destroying the myths the next generation of buildings by em-
The most successful projects com- Don’t believe the myths that smart build- bracing disruptive technologies. u
mit to a consolidated architecture and ings are too costly, connected buildings
use enhanced specifications and draw- are unsecured and that IoT technology is
Craig Getchell is director of business consulting
ings that clearly define materials, roles too new. The reality is that a consolidated for Molex (www.molex.com). He has 15 years of
and responsibilities. They also lever- IoT platform is simpler and the architec- experience in the design and construction of intel-
age combined project-management ture requires less material and labor. A ligent IP-consolidated real estate assets.
Stocking Fusion Splicers and

Test Equipment
The search
starts and ends
with FIS
Authorized Distributor
Call Today for
Same Day Shipping
fiberinstrumentsales.com 1.800.5000.FIS(347)
1805CIM_7 7 4/24/18 7:54 AM
data center
Understanding data
security concerns in
remote data centers
With security breaches on the rise, compliance with to enterprises to decide which specific
method or technology to use.
regulations keeps a tight leash on enterprises. Here are a few regulations worth
knowing for proper compliance.
BY RAISSA CAREY, Chatsworth Products Inc. FISMA—Federal Information
Security Modernization Act.
Based on the 2013 Executive Order
“Improving Critical Infrastructure
In 2017, recorded U.S. data breaches hit measures, including closely controlled Cybersecurity,” the National Institute
a new all-time high of 1,579, up almost access to cabinets where servers and of Standards and Technology (NIST)
50 percent over the previous year, ac- switches reside. published a cybersecurity framework
cording to the Identity Theft Resource to guide companies’ cybersecurity risk
Center. This should come as no surprise, Regulations and physical management processes. Access con-
considering that also last year, data has security compliance trol is an element of the framework’s
taken the place of oil as the world’s most Certain segments of the industry—par- core function.
valuable resource. ticularly healthcare and financials— • Access to assets and associated fa-
For data centers, privacy and phys- look at cabinet access control more cilities is limited to authorized us-
ical security of servers and switches strictly, requiring a detailed report of ers, processes, or devices, and to au-
have always been a critical priority, but who, when and why the cabinet was ac- thorized activities and transactions,
increased migration toward remote cessed. Generally though, all regula- under which:
edge compute sites and multitenant tions simply require physical access con- ɏ Identities and credentials are managed
data centers (MTDC) has made re- trol measures to be in place, but it is up for authorized devices and users.
mote management and access control
of the data center cabinet more complex Payment card industry security standards
and challenging. Protection of cardholder payment data
Furthermore, growing data pri-

Merchants and
vacy regulations such as the Software service providers
Manufacturers developers
Health Insurance Portability and PCI security
PCI PTS PCI PA-DSS PCI DSS and
Accountability Act (HIPAA), Payment PIN entry compliance
devices Payment Secure
Card Industry Data Security Standard applications environments
(PCI-DSS), Federal Information Security
Management Act (FISMA), and the P2PE
upcoming General Data Protection
Regulation (GDPR) are driving the Standards in the payment card industry incorporate an ecosystem of payment
need for more-stringent cybersecurity devices, applications, infrastructure and users.
1805CIM_8 8 4/24/18 7:54 AM

ɏ Physical access to assets is managed Additionally, companies under data environment.
and protected. HIPAA are required to document access • Develop procedures to easily distin-
ɏ Remote access and access permissions attempts, including dates and reason for guish between onsite personnel and
are managed. access. These notes can vary from a sim- visitors, such as assigning ID badges.
ɏ Network integrity is protected, incor- ple logbook to a more-comprehensive • Use a visitor log to maintain a phys-
porating network segregation electronic database. ical audit trail of visitor information
where appropriate. PCI DSS—Payment Card Industry and activity, including visitor name,
HIPAA—Health Insurance Data Security Standard. The PCI company, and the onsite personnel
Portability and Accountability Act. Security Standard Council (PCI SSC) cre- authorizing physical access.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid ated the PCI DSS to protect cardholder • Retain the log for at least three
Services (CMS) has the rule titled data in the digital age. Vulnerabilities months unless otherwise re-
“Security Standards for the Protection appear everywhere in the card-process- stricted by law.
of Electronic Protected Health ing sphere, including point-of-sale de- Saas SOC-2—System of
Information,” which requires covered vices, wireless hotspots, e-commerce, Organization Control (SOC) re-
entities to “implement policies and pro- transmission of cardholder data to ser- porting for service organizations.
cedures to limit physical access to its vice provider, etc. Developed by the American Institute of
electronic information systems and the One of the requirements of PCI is to Certified Public Accountants (AICPA),
facility or facilities in which they are restrict physical access to cardholder SOC 2 is a framework that helps service
housed, while ensuring that properly au- data, such as the following. organizations put cybersecurity pro-
thorized access is allowed. Access to • Use appropriate facility entry con- cesses and controls in place. The crite-
hardware and software must be limited trols to limit and monitor physical ria include several considerations to en-
to properly authorized individuals.” access to systems in the cardholder sure the prevention of intentional or
1805CIM_9 9 4/24/18 7:54 AM

Understanding data security concerns in remote data centers continued
unintentional security events, including sensitive data? data and when they accessed it?
the following. ɏ The access control solution should be ɏ At the very least, the access control
• Protection of data whether at-rest, easy to manage remotely. solution should keep logs of access at-
during processing, or in-transit ɏ Consider multiple layers of security, tempts, but ideally, it should be paired
• User identification, authentica- including dual-factor, biometric au- with data center infrastructure man-
tion, authorization and creden- thentication, as employee cards or keys agement (DCIM) software for
tials management can be stolen and used by unau- more-granular reporting and trend-
• Physical and logical access provision- thorized users. ing information.
ing and deprovisioning, includ-
ing remote access Simplified approach
• Operating location and data for immediate security
center physical security and en- in remote spaces
vironmental safeguards With concerns of data breaches on
GDPR—General Data the rise, cabinet-level electronic ac-
Protection Regulation. GDPR is cess control with audit capabilities
part of the European Union’s data have taken a new direction—partic-
protection reform and is a strict set ularly within colocation and remote
of regulations that gives data pro- sites. Emerging trends indicate secu-
tection and security policies a new rity integration within the space of
level of priority. While EU countries intelligent power distribution, pro-
must comply, any organization col- viding a simple and effective solution
lecting or processing data for infor physical access control, power
dividuals within the EU should usage and environmental monitor-
also be developing their compli- ing. Deploying one system also nul-
ance strategy. lifies the need for a separate source
Data centers in particular will of power or network to the cabinet’s
need to be able to demonstrate ex- electronic swinghandle locks.
amples of “preventing unautho- This integrated approach pro-
rized access to electronic commu- vides a single view and the ability
nications networks and malicious to manage power at each outlet and
code distribution and stopping ‘de- This is the eConnect Electronic Access Control cabinet, monitor status of environ-
nial of service’ attacks and damage Swinghandle Upgrade Kit from Chatsworth mental conditions and control each
to computer and electronic com- Products Inc. The kit includes smart card cabinet access attempt with an au-
munication systems.” authentication, as well as front and rear dit trail report that is easily explor-
GDPR is slated to take effect swinghandles. able via a user-friendly web inter-
in May 2018. face—a documentation requirement
• Is IT able to monitor who is access- by the key privacy regulations as de-
Actionable considerations ing sensitive data both physically scribed here. Further integration into
Cabinet-level security is the first line and remotely? DCIM software provides real insight and
of defense for data centers’ data pro- ɏ The access control solution should mon- more-granular reporting of power and
tection and security policies, but what itor swing handle and door conditions. cabinet access. u
has worked in the past is no longer ad- ɏ The access control solution should log
equate to meet the challenges of the fu- and report every access attempt. Raissa Carey is a technical writer with
Chatsworth Products Inc. (www.chatsworth.
ture. When reassessing cybersecurity ɏ The access control solution should
com). The topics addressed in this article can
processes and controls, IT teams should alert in real time when a door is be viewed in a presentation titled “Managing
consider these questions. tampered open. Remote Sites: What to Manage and How?”
• Does IT have safeguards in place • Does IT need to have an audit trail which is available on Chatsworth Products Inc.’s
to control physical access to showing who has accessed sensitive website.
1805CIM_10 10 4/24/18 7:54 AM

installation
Fusion splicing:
Tools and techniques
Fusion splicers are being used in increasing rate of installation by any method is
numbers of applications, indoors and out. 15 per man-hour, but the time spent in
travel to site, setup and cleanup con-
BY PATRICK MCLAUGHLIN sumes 25 percent of total time, the ac-
tual rate per man-hour is 15x0.75, or
11.25 per man-hour.
“The second step in the decision
The fusion splicer is a long-used tool SOCs the best choice [versus other ter- to use SOCs is the determination of
in outside plant (OSP) fiber-optic in- mination methods including field-ter- the number of connectors that the in-
stallation, and in recent years has minating fiber connectors by hand]? staller needs to recover the cost of the
been more commonly used in indoor splicer. If that number is very high—
environments as well. In addition to The TIC of SOCs 20,000 connectors—and the installer
being used on pigtails, fusion splicers “The answer is my favorite: It depends expects to install 2,000 connectors per
are now commonly used to join optical on the total installed cost [TIC],” year, SOCs may not be the best choice.
fibers to splice-on connectors (SOCs). Pearson continued. “To be a logi- “The third step in the decision is
Jim Hayes, president of The Fiber cal business decision, the TIC of us- determination of how many fusion
Optic Association, observed, “Our ex- ing SOCs should be lower than the splicers will the installer need. A sin-
perience recently, including teaching
a couple of courses, is fusion splicing You can get a fusion splicer for practically the same price as a
is getting more economical and eas-
ier, and the SOCs are super. You can
top-end prepolished/splice-connector kit. The results with SOCs
get a fusion splicer for practically the are much faster terminations, and better ones too.
same price as a top-end prepolished/
splice-connector kit, and the connec- cost of alternative connector instal- gle installer requires a splicer. If the
tors are much cheaper. The results lation methods. If the TIC of the SOCs completion time for jobs is short, mul-
of terminations with SOCs are much method is lower than that of alter- tiple splicers may be required. In such
faster terminations, and much bet- native methods, the savings pay for a situation, the total number of con-
ter ones too.” the splicer. nectors that must be installed to re-
Another fiber-optic expert, Eric R. “This analysis is more complicated cover the cost of multiple fusion splic-
Pearson of Pearson Technologies Inc., than it may appear, as it requires sev- ers increases.
recently commented about the use of eral steps. The first step is consider- “At this time, there are splicer and
SOCs, including from a dollars-and- ation of connector cost, process yield, SOC combinations that have TICs that
cents perspective. “While the price of labor cost, and labor utilization. Labor are both higher and lower than alter-
splicers has dropped considerably in utilization is the ratio of the time native methods,” Pearson emphasized.
the past 10 years, for many installers, spent in the activity of connector in- He also noted, “There are situations
the price is significant,” he pointed stallation to the total time required in which other factors predominate
out. “Is the use of a fusion splicer and for the connector installation. If the the decision to use SOCs,” and spelled
1805CIM_11 11 4/24/18 7:54 AM

Fusion splicing: Tools and techniques continued
out the following examples. [than multimode] that are best done in machines can do one fiber at a time,
• The job is to replace connectors a factory environment. Consequently, but mass fusion splicers can do all 12
in an enclosure that does not have most singlemode fiber is field-termi- fibers in a ribbon at once.”
space for splice trays that must be nated by splicing on a factory-termi- Later in the guide, the FOA de-
used in pigtail splicing. SOCs are nated pigtail or using prepolished/ scribes some of the processes of using
the best choice here. splice connectors. the splicing machine: “First, choose
• An activity requires connector re- “Prepolished/splice and splice-on the proper program for the fiber types
placement in an enclosure with connectors eliminate the need for being spliced. The splicer will show
hundreds of pigtailed connec- field adhesives and polishing by ter- the fibers being spliced on a video
tors. Replacing the pigtails would minating connectors to a stub fiber in screen. Fiber ends will be inspected
require removing and replac- a factory and attaching it to the fiber for proper cleaves, and bad ones will
ing old with new. This may take with a mechanical splice or a fusion be rejected. That fiber must be cleaved
more time than replacing connec- splice. Terminating the fiber becomes again. The fibers will be moved into
tions with SOCs. a splicing process instead of a compli- position, prefused to remove any dirt
• The installation organization will cated polishing process. The terminat- on the fiber ends and preheat the fiber
perform midspan splicing, and ing process involves cleaving the fi- for splicing. The fibers will be aligned
therefore will have a splicer. Here, ber and attaching the connector with using the core alignment method
several activities justify purchasing a built-in mechanical splice or using a used on that splicer. Then the fibers
a splicer capable of installing SOCs. fusion splicing machine. will be fused by an automatic arc cy-
• Low link loss is essential for link “Splicing is more common in OSP cle that heats them in an electric arc
operation, such as in data centers applications than premises cabling,” and feeds the fibers together at a con-
where links are established but are the FOA Reference Guide states. trolled rate. When fusion is completed,
not necessarily permanent. Low “Splicing is needed if the cable runs the splicing machine will inspect the
loss provides maximum flexibility are too long for one straight pull, or splice and estimate the optical loss of
for future rearrangement of links you need to mix a number of different the splice. It will tell the operator if a
without inducing excessive loss. types of cables—like bringing a 48-fi- splice needs to be remade. The opera-
Pearson further emphasized that pig- ber cable in and splicing it to six, 8-fi- tor removes the fibers from the guides
tail splicing can be an alternative to ber cables. And of course, we often use and attaches a permanent splice pro-
SOCs for initial fiber installations. He splices for OSP restoration, after the tector by heat-shrinking or clamping
said cost per termination and yield of- number-one problem of OSP cables, a clamshell protectors.
ten favor pigtail splicing over SOCs. “I dig-up and cut of a buried cable. “Ribbon cables are fusion-spliced
like SOCs and recommend them to cli- “Fusion splices are made by ‘weld- one ribbon at a time, rather than
ents in certain situations,” he summed ing’ the two fibers together, usually by one fiber at a time. Thus, each rib-
up. “But cost considerations do not alan electric arc,” the guide continues. bon is stripped, cleaved and spliced
ways favor their choice.” “To be safe, you should not do that in as a unit. Special tools are needed to
an enclosed space like a manhole or an strip the fiber ribbon, usually heat-
Getting educated explosive atmosphere, and the equip- ing it first, then cleave all fibers at
These two experts’ respective organi- ment is too bulky for most aerial ap- once. Many tools place the ribbon in
zations, The Fiber Optic Association plications, so fusion splicing is usually a carrier that supports and aligns it
and Pearson Technologies, provide done above ground in a truck or trailer through stripping, cleaving and splic-
technical training and information for the purpose. Today’s singlemode ing. Consult both cable and splicer
about fusion splicing along with many fusion splicers are automated and you manufacturers to ensure you have the
other fiber-optic-related technologies have a hard time making a bad splice, proper directions.”
and methods. as long as you clean the fiber prop- Eric Pearson also educates
In “The FOA Reference Guide to erly. Fusion splices are so good today on fusion splicing in his text-
Fiber Optics,” the association explains, that splice points may not be detect- book “Professional Fiber Optic
“Singlemode fiber requires different able in OTDR [optical time-domain Installation—The Essentials for
connectors and polishing techniques reflectometer] traces. Some splicing Success, Version 10,” which was
1805CIM_12 12 4/24/18 7:54 AM

More goes into our splicers
than electrodes and lenses.
Naturally, the best splicers in the world should come with

the best service and support in the world
Fujikura has been making the most reliable and hardest working splicers in the industry since the beginning
of splicing. Even with the most dependable and safest splicers in the market, we realize they still need to be
serviced. Your splicer isn’t much help if it goes down in the field. AFL has the fastest turnaround time of any
other manufacturer and you’ll be back in the field before the other guys even look at your splicer. Our team’s
passion and experience is the difference.
www.AFLglobal.com/More
864.433.0333
1805CIM_13 13 4/24/18 7:54 AM

published in 2017. He states, “the fu- fiber diameters, and 2) core-cladding conditions of imperfect fiber. In other
sion splicer alignment is one of two concentricity are precise enough to words, active alignment compen-
types—passive alignment, or active achieve low power loss. These assump- sates for differences in core diameters,
alignment. The splicer provides pas- tions are valid for both the fiber made MFDs [mode field diameters], clad-
sive alignment through the use of in North America and for much, but ding diameters, core offsets, non-cir-
a precision ‘V’ groove. With such a not all, of the fiber made overseas. cular claddings. The splicing machine
groove, the splicer design operates “Active alignment enables the splice provides active alignment with one of
with two implicit assumptions: 1) to have the lowest loss, in spite of two mechanisms: profile alignment, or
local injection and detection.”
After using either the profile align-
ment mechanism or the local injection
FAT.ACCURAT.RLIABL.™ and detection mechanism, the active
alignment splicing machine “creates
an RF electrical arc across the fibers,”
Pearson explains. “The machine con-
trols the arc current, arc time and
overrun. These parameters deter-
mine the power loss and strength of
the splice. As these parameters are
different for different fibers, the in-
staller must set them. This setting is
by choosing the type of fiber from a
menu; the menu defines these param-
eters. Current-generation splicing ma-
TEST WITH CONFIDENCE chines include automatic identifica-

tion of the fiber type and selection of
Th--W-®d, the splicing parameters.”
vddubh Advantages and disadvantages

yuccu. He further says that fusion splicing
has four primary advantages over me-
chanical splicing: 1) low power loss, 2)
low to no reflectance, 3) high strength,
 and 4) low cost. Of the fourth, he de-
tails, “The only unique consumable re-
 quired for fusion splice is the splice
 cover. Low cost per splice results
from the low cost of the splice cover
 ($0.40 to $1.00).
Fusion splicing has four disadvan-
tages, he notes: 1) high cost of the fu-
sion splicer, 2) potential for disrup-
tion of the profile of a multimode fiber,
3) no splicing in a manhole environ-
ment [safety risk], 4) potential multi-
mode disadvantage.
So cost is an advantage and a dis-
advantage. Pearson says, “At the time
DFR getairscout.com
WF®AzA 800-642-2155 www.cablinginstall.com
1805CIM_14 14 4/24/18 7:54 AM

of this wring [2017], fusion splicer cost certification meets the following re-
ranges from $2,100 to $9,000, with quirements: classroom sessions in all
FUSION SPLICERS
many below $5,000. Ribbon splicers types of splicing, including fusion and
are approximately $19,000. The cost of mechanical splicing; hands-on train-
used fusion splicers can be as low as ing in appropriate splicing types in-
$2,000. The more expensive the fusion cluding placement of the splice into
splicer, the faster it operates. In ad- a splice tray and closure; interpre-
dition, the ribbon fusion splicer has a tation of splice loss on OTDR traces;
cost higher than that of a single-fiber instructor verification of achieve-
splicer. For a small number of splices, ment of advanced skills in splicing;
purchase of a fusion splicer may be course includes approximately 50 per-
cost-prohibitive.” cent lab time.” SAVE
Pearson qualifies the poten- The FOA also requires field expe- TIME &
tial disadvantages related to multi- rience. Specifically, a candidate must MONEY!
mode, explaining it may affect OM1 make a total of at least hundreds of
or OM2 grade multimode at some dis- splices, including placement of the
Removable
tances when midspan splicing is done. splice into a splice tray and closure;
While the fusion splicing of optical fibers is becoming V-Groove

more widespread and being employed in growing numbers for EASY,
of applications, it is not a job for a beginner. on-site Cleaning!
“However, testing by fiber manufac- experience with both fusion and me-
turers indicates no significant band- chanical splicing, which may include
width reduction on fusion-spliced, la- termination of cables using prepol-
ser-optimized fibers,” he adds. “In ished/spliced connectors; experience
addition, there have been no reports with OTDR splice-loss measurements,
of bandwidth reduction due to fu- including bidirectional measure- S179 and NINJA
sion splicing of multimode fibers. ments. Additionally, a manufacturer’s
Apparently, such disruption, if pres- training on splicing will be considered
ent, is insignificant.” as partial experience to qualify for
The Fiber Optic Association of- the certification.
fers the CFOS/S—Certified Fiber Optic
Specialist/Splicing—specialist cer-
While the fusion splicing of optical
fibers is becoming more widespread
FREE Demo
tification. To be eligible, an individ- and being employed in growing num- at Fiber Connect 2018
ual must already have obtained the bers of applications, it is not a job for a Booth #801
FOA’s Certified Fiber Optic Technician beginner. Sufficiently preparing fibers June 4 - 6
(CFOT) certification. The association for splicing, and properly using the www.ofsoptics.com
characterizes the CFOS/S as “a spe- splicing machine are essential for suc-
cialist certification covering fiber-op- cessful results. Splicer manufacturers,
tic splicing procedures intended for educational associations and private
technicians involved in the installa- training providers are available to im-
tion of OSP fiber networks.” The cer- part the necessary skills and knowl-
tification covers fusion and mechani- edge to industry professionals seeking Authorized Distributor
cal splicing. expertise in this area. u of FITEL Products
The association explains, “FOA- in the Americas
approved training for CFOS/S Patrick McLaughlin is our chief editor.
1805CIM_15 15 4/24/18 7:54 AM

design
Technologies and infrastructure

for expanding AV signals
over longer distances
While underlying technologies HDBase-T and SDVoE optical fiber, coaxial cable and single
shielded or unshielded twisted pair.”
compete for market share, opportunities abound for HDBase-T-IP, Anixter further explains,
applying structured cabling principles to AV systems. “adds the ability to transmit these sig-
nals over 10G Ethernet/IP using HDBase-T
BY PATRICK MCLAUGHLIN switches and bridges to extend to cam-
puswide distances. It provides a standard-
ized solution over Ethernet PHY, promot-
ing 5Play interoperability among different
In growing numbers of enterprise net- In a TechBrief document published vendors while connecting the traditional
works, audio-visual (AV) and informa- in March, Anixter spells out the differ- pro AV and IP worlds and leveraging exist-
tion technology (IT) are converging. ences between HDBase-T, HDBase-T-IP, ing installations.”
This convergence is changing the dy- and SDVoE. “HDBase-T is the global SDVoE—Software-defined Video
namics of AV system design, installation standard for the transmission of ul- over Ethernet—is “the leading system
and use and, as Leviton points out, “has tra-high-definition audio and video, for low-latency transmission of AV over
positioned low-voltage contractors as Ethernet, controls, USB and up to 100W IP,” Anixter notes. “SDVoE builds on the
the next generation of AV integrators.” of power over a single cable, for up to 802.11 standards and offers solutions
Several companies that provide prod- 100 meters/328 feet,” Anixter explains. for the full 7-layer OSI stack … SDVoE
ucts and systems for IT physical-layer “HDBase-T is the IEEE P1911.3 and pop- is the standardized interface between
infrastructure also provide products ular industry standard for transmission endpoints and software [with] the abil-
and systems intended to support AV ap- of 5Play signals … Originally introduced ity to go beyond the signal transport
plications. This article reviews some ex- in 2010 for AV transmission, it has since and perform scaling and switching.
amples of companies’ product and infor- been extended to special applications, Eventually, SDVoE will largely obviate
mation offerings. such as industrial and automotive using the need for separate matrix switches,
KVM switches, multiviewers and vide-
owall processors. SDVoE promises to be
very disruptive to the AV industry, and
will offer challenges and opportunities
for legacy and new vendors.
“HDBase-T and SDVoE both al-
low transmission of AV signals over
HDMI 2.0 products are prevalent in AV applications. In November, Extron greater distances than the native ca-
introduced this set of HDMI switchers, the two-input SW2 HD 4K Plus and the ble will support. In addition, they al-
four-input SW4 HD 4K Plus. Users can integrate the switchers with a control low for other signals and capabilities
system via Ethernet or RS-232. beyond extension,” Anixter concludes.
1805CIM_16 16 4/24/18 7:54 AM

Physical layer products excited to be able to further support those well as in auditoriums and digital-sig-
Earlier this year Panduit introduced new customers who are using HDBase-T in nage applications.
AV products, and simultaneously prom- their buildings, and our partners who in- A recent blog post by Belden sales
ised further expansion of the portfolio. In stall AV as part of the cabling system.” engineer John Purvey addressed High
March the company introduced HDBase-T The HDMI cords are certified HDMI Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)
extender boxes and HDMI patch cords. 2.0-compliant, Panduit added. specifications, particularly HDMI 2.1. As
Panduit said the HDBase-T extender boxes “In addition to these two new products, Purvey explained, “The HDMI Forum con-
“are the smallest on the market, save in-wall and in-table outlet boxes, ADA- tinues to update HDMI specifications.
space, and maintain aesthetics by easily compliant above-floor raceway, USB patch First announced in late 2017, the new-
mounting under tables and behind moni- cords, an HDBase-T wallplate transmitter, est HDMI standard for video cables and
tors with included mounting ears. Unlike an HDBase-T receiver with audio de-em- connections—HDMI 2.1—is faster than
other extender boxes on the market, only bedding, and new passthrough faceplate its predecessors and ready to support
one side—transmitter or receiver—re- inserts will be available beginning mid- high-dynamic-range video. And HDMI 2.1
quires a power supply, which transmits year,” the company said. connections can handle 4K video at up to
power to the other device for simpli- Amy Hacker, AV product manager for 120 frames per second, which helps create
fied installation.” Panduit, added, “AV is no longer just pro- a more realistic-looking image.”
Mike McGrath, director of prod- jectors and screens in classrooms. It en- HDMI 2.0 was released in 2013, Purvey
uct management and engineering for compasses a wide variety of applications added, noting that its 18-Gbit/sec trans-
Panduit’s enterprise business, commented, used in all types of organizations.” Panduit mission speed is nearly tripled by HDMI
“HDBase-T is becoming the standard noted that its newest AV products can 2.1’s 48-Gbit/sec speed. “Based on band-
for transmitting high-definition audio be used in conference, huddle and train- width capabilities, HDMI 2.1 can tech-
and video over Category cabling. We are ing rooms in addition to classrooms, as nically carry up to 10K resolution from a
SIEMON
™
Cabinet Solutions
Shed Light on Your Network with

SiemonÕs New White Cabinet Solutions
Siemon’s VersaPOD®, V800™, V600™ and Wall-Mount

cabinets and accessories are now available in white to
™ help improve your look and your working conditions.
• Improved Visibility – Reflects up to 75% more light,

making it easy to see connections and equipment in dim
lighting conditions.
• Better Aesthetics – Lighter colored cabinets have a
sleek modern look, blend better into the surrounding
décor and are less prone to visible scratches.
• Potential Cost Savings – Because lighter cabinets
improve visibility, lighting energy may potentially be
reduced for operational cost savings.
WWW.SIEMON.COM
1805CIM_17 17 4/24/18 7:54 AM

Technologies and infrastructure for expanding AV signals over longer distances continued
source to a screen, but 10K hasn’t yet been options to deliver a more-transparent sales pitches to corporate meetings and
defined beyond approximately 10,000 hor- experience for the end user.” national conferences—strong, memora-
izontal pixels, and isn’t a standard format Black Box’s recently introduced ble, and effective.”
yet,” he pointed out. KVM extender transmits 4K60 sig- A few of the tips relate to technolo-
“Unlike previous HDMI standards, nals, the company said. When announc- gies like HDBase-T and HDMI. For ex-
HDMI 2.1 will require new HDMI ca- ing the 4K60 HDMI KVM Extender in ample, Leviton advises: “Take advantage
bles—Ultra High Speed HDMI Cables— February, the company said it “enables of UHD and 4K,” then details, “HD, UHD,
to take advantage of the higher reso- users to transmit uncompressed Ultra and 4K displays are making their way
lutions and frame rates,” Purvey said. High-Definition 4Kx2K@60Hz and into boardrooms, classrooms, and con-
“Connectors will stay the same. The ca- 1080p@60Hz HDMI signals up to 100 ference halls … By relying on HDBase-T
bles will be backward-compatible, and meters over Category 5e, Category 6 and devices, end users gain greater flexibility
able to function with HDMI gear that op- Category 6A cable. Because the signals and the full benefit of these high-perfor-
erates according to previous standards. are transmitted over existing network mance video technologies.”
But it will take time for HDMI 2.1 to be- cabling, there is no need to upgrade Another tip from Leviton says pre-
come mainstream; it was created for for- structured cabling infrastructure.” senters should “know your distance.”
mats and resolutions that won’t be wide- Black Box further explained that the That tip is accompanied by this thor-
spread for years. extender’s HDBase-T 2.0 capability “car- ough explanation: “Depending on your
“Although you don’t need to rush out ries video, analog stereo, power, RS-232 venue, the presentation source and the
and invest in new HDMI cables just yet, and USB 2.0 signals over one cable. The display might be side-by-side at a con-
it’s important to track what’s chang- extender transmits signals for USB key- ference table, on opposite sides of the
ing in the world of HDMI standards so boards, mice and other human interface room, in different rooms altogether, or
you know what to expect in the future,” devices. Two extra USB interfaces enable even patched to a telecommunications
he concluded. the connection of USB peripherals, such room from another floor of the building.
as cameras. The USB 2.0 passthrough An HDMI signal can only be trusted to
HDMI 2.0 function makes the extender a practi- travel about 15 feet on a standard pas-
As an example of Purvey’s point about cal solution when a user needs to con- sive HDMI cable. With HDBase-T, you
HDMI 2.0’s popularity and wide deploy- trol or monitor a server located in a have the option to extend USB, VGA, and
ment, in late 2017 Extron introduced remote or harsh environment and for us- HDMI signals up to 230 or 330 feet over
two HDMI switchers supporting up to ers who need to control inaccessible PCs existing category cabling. HDBase-T of-
18-Gbit/sec data rates and signals up and workstations.” fers a standard for reliable signal exten-
to 4K. The company’s HD 4K Plus prod- sion so you won’t have to worry about
uct line includes a two- and a four-in- Leveraging the technology the distance between your source and
put model. “The switchers provide auto- In an informative document that can be display, whether it’s 10 feet or 300 feet.”
matic input cable equalization up to 25 found on its website, Leviton offers “6 As Anixter pointed out in its
feet on Extron HDMI Pro Series cable,” Tips for Presenting with Technology.” In TechBrief, multiple technologies exist for
the company said when announcing the the document, the company says, “How extending AV signals over distances typi-
products in November. “The switchers we present information has evolved sig- cally associated with enterprise network-
are easy to operate using the front panel nificantly in recent years. As smart- ing. Both HDBase-T-IP and SDVoE rely
controls or auto-switching. Ethernet, phones, tablets, and laptops have be- on physical-layer infrastructure based
RS-232, and contact closure ports pro- come common in conference rooms and on ANSI/TIA-568 standard design, dis-
vide ample options for integration with classrooms, understanding how emerg- tances, and layouts. Professionals includ-
any control system.” ing audiovisual technologies support ing consultants, system designers and in-
Casey Hall, Extron’s vice president of these devices and engage your audience stallers, and enterprise end-users have
sales and marketing, stated, “The SW2 can be just as important as knowing opportunities to turn their familiarity
HD 4K Plus and SW4 HD 4K Plus feature your subject matter. While the basics with 568-based infrastructure into the
Ethernet control and monitoring for re- for giving a good presentation haven’t foundation for AV transmission. u
mote operation and management, and changed, today’s technology offers new
support a variety of HDMI 2.0 signal ways to make your presentations—from Patrick McLaughlin is our chief editor.
1805CIM_18 18 4/24/18 7:54 AM

PR
S
CU
OD
FO
UC
T
CABLE LABELING TOOLS
Portable, wireless industrial labeling

and wire-marking printer
The Epson LABELWORKS PX LW-PX400 is a portable, wireless industrial
labeling and wire-marking printer with a lifetime warranty and low
operating costs, states the company. The LW-PX400
can work wirelessly in the field via Bluetooth using either
Quickly generate
an iOS or Android mobile device, or from a PC via the labels needed
Label Editor Professional software. Identify equipment for regulatory
or create patch panel and faceplate labels with durable
compliance
continuous adhesive supplies up to 1 inch wide, and
The Easy-Mark Plus Labeling
mark wires/cables with self-laminating cable wraps and
Software from Panduit is a
heat shrink tubing. The Epson Datacom app (available on Google Play
single-source labeling platform
and the App Store) streamlines data center identification with an easy-
that allows the user to quickly
to-use interface, pre-formatted patch panel and cable ID templates, and
generate labels needed for
the ability to sync to Fluke Networks’ LinkWare Live cloud-based cable
regulatory compliance, safety
management platform. “There is no label printer more affordable, more
awareness, and other applications,
powerful or more portable than the LW-PX400,” concludes the company.
while reducing labeling time up
Epson, epson.com
to 75 percent. Easy-Mark Plus
incorporates proven features such
as a WYSIWYG (What You See
Identification tasks finished flawlessly Is What You Get) user interface,
For high-performance identification of wires, cables and components, the data import, symbol import, and
BMP61 label printer from Brady “is your trusted identification companion preloaded label formats from
all day, every day,” contends the manufacturer. With high-performance the previous generation of Easy-
materials that can withstand the toughest industrial environments, this Mark Software. The new platform
printer is billed as a “reliable partner in the field adds advanced features such
and dependable workhorse in the shop.” The unit’s as “drag and drop” functionality
specially designed materials easily lock into place. and wizard tools to help create
An embedded IP-enabled chip stores information customized labels to suit specific
about the label material and sends it to the printer application needs. Available in
to automatically format objects on the label. While multiple media options such as CD,
printing, the unit’s intuitive user-interface and USB flash drive, web download, or
touchscreen allow users to quickly and efficiently networkable versions, Easy-Mark
complete labeling tasks. This printer also features Plus now allows the flexibility to
a variety of ways to connect, manage and save data. For more intricate install the software version that
labeling jobs, users can connect the printer with a PC and use the Brady best suits the end user’s needs.
Workstation software to easily create and print labels. “With the BMP61 90-day trial versions of the new
label printer, you’re ready to tackle all your identification tasks, and finish software are currently available at
them flawlessly,” concludes the manufacturer. Panduit’s website.
Brady, bradycorp.com Panduit, panduit.com
1805CIM_19 19 4/24/18 7:54 AM

PR
S
CU
OD
FO
UC
T
Free cable labeling app from
HellermannTyton
TagPrint Xpress Data is a free app that is available on the Apple
App Store or on Google Play for Android and iOS smartphones and
tablets. For use exclusively with the HellermannTyton TT130SMC
and TT230 series thermal transfer printers and labels, the app prints
wirelessly to the printers using a standard router.
Simply enter the IP address of the printer into the
application and you are ready to print. The app has
predefined printing solutions for patch panels, racks,
equipment, cables, wallplates and almost anything
related to labeling an installation. It also contains
information on TIA-606, serving as a guide to implementing this
infrastructure management system. However, any labeling system
can be incorporated into the app. The app is available free of charge,
allowing multiple people to access the same printer, eliminating the
need to keep track of individual portable printers and centralizing the
printing process, while reducing waste and speeding production.
HellermannTyton, hellermanntyton.us
Industrial handheld labeling tool

The PT-E110 from Brother Mobile Solutions is an industrial
handheld labeling tool that includes functional enhancements
over other labelers to help contractors increase speed and
productivity on the jobsite. Among those enhancements are a
large LCD display and QWERTY keyboard, small font
sizing and formatting technology, and a wrist strap
to protect against accidental drops. The PT-E110 is
packaged as a complete kit, which Brother Mobile
Solutions says contains everything required to create
and print clear, laminated ID labels for virtually every
component on the jobsite. “Accurate ID labeling is an
important element of documenting any installation,”
said senior product manager Duane Yamashita. “For contractors,
it has become an industry best practice and the hallmark of a
professional installation. Brother created the PT-E110 Tool Kit to
give professional contractors a competitive edge, by becoming
more productive in labeling their jobs faster and more efficiently.”
Brother Mobile Solutions, brothermobilesolutions.com
1805CIM_Rev_20 20 4/27/18 1:28 PM

EDITOR’S PICKS COMPILED BY
Matt Vincent
ci m @ pen n well . com
News, products and trends for the communications systems industry
 FIBER OPTICS
AFL unveils FOCIS Duel fiber inspection microscope

AFL says its new FOCIS Duel fiber inspection microscope standards-compliant analysis, record archiving, and network
delivers advanced LC connector analysis performance to min- management. The tool’s Bluetooth transceiver interworks
imize fiber handling operating costs. Launched at the BICSI with AFL’s FOCIS app for Android and iOS smart phones
Winter Conference & Exhibition 2018, the “field-ready, and tablets. Offering connectivity to AFL’s aeRos cloud-based
straightforward FOCIS Duel is the world’s first fiber inspec- workflow management platform, the FOCIS app offers pinch-
tion probe with two optical ports,” AFL asserts. With one to-zoom capability on endface images, clear tabular presenta-
port enhanced for fast subjective patch-cord endface inspection of inspection results, image and report sharing by email
tion, the second port supports all the features of AFL’s FOCIS and text, and other features.
Flex inspection system, which the company launched in 2014. According to AFL, fiber-optic network owners and main-
The FOCIS Duel features female “plug-in” fiber-optic con- tenance contractors can reduce operating expenses via the
nector adapters for rapid endface inspection operation, and LC FOCIS Duel’s 2.4-inch TFT LCD display, six soft buttons,
adapters to mechanically accommodate the duplex LC connec- straightforward GUI, instant on button, and lightweight form
tors typically used in data centers. With no moving parts and factor, all of which enable significant productivity. UPC and
no operator adjustments needed to provide automatic image APC adapters, auto-focus, auto-capture, auto-analysis to IEC
analysis to industry standards and custom criteria, FOCIS Duel and IPC rules, image saving, image/tabular data/pass/fail results
supports time-sensitive, rugged environments, says AFL. transfer over Bluetooth, and PDF report generation round
The FOCIS Duel can be used for field testing, out the unit’s operating features. u
INTERNE T OF THINGS
Comcast extends Internet-of-Things service, machineQ, based

on LPWAN, LoRaWAN technologies
Comcast recently announced new business customers, rang- customers with a strong communications backbone to deploy
ing from Fortune 1000 enterprises to emerging startups, for asset tracking in expansive areas like cities, as well as the flexi-
its enterprise Internet of Things (IoT) service, machineQ, bility to manage small, more contained tracking applications in
billed as a scalable IoT network service and platform that
uses Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) technology
to build enterprise-grade solutions for businesses and munic-
ipal organizations. The service is deployed using the globally
adopted LoRaWAN protocol.
According to a press release, using Comcast’s machineQ
as their LoRaWAN-based wireless connectivity platform, the
IoT solution providers listed below are now enabling their end
users to make better-informed, data-based decisions.
Adveez – This IoT hardware and software solutions pro-
vider monitors businesses’ critical assets at airports, seaports
and in cities with the goal of providing actionable data to
locate and manage assets dynamically, reducing costs. Using
machineQ’s LoRaWAN-based service, Adveez provides
1805CIM_21 21 4/24/18 7:54 AM

EDITOR’S PICKS
commercial storage yards. network, Neptune is equipped with a spring-based Victor Mouse Trap. Using
CareBand – This wearables manufac- connectivity solution to help water utili- LoRaWAN-based sensor technol-
turer is dedicated to reducing injuries to ties boost efficiencies and accelerate sus- ogy operating on the machineQ net-
seniors due to dementia-related wander- tainability efforts at the best possible work, the company is now enabling a
ing by providing real-time, precise loca- total cost of ownership. new generation of capabilities and cost-
tion tracking. CareBand provides location Pansofik – This developer of cost- effective pest control solutions that can
tracking both indoors and outdoors, and effective, digital solutions helps SMBs be deployed across enterprises and
automated analysis of activity patterns and building owners integrate IoT and within cities.
to help caregivers identify early changes data analytics within their organiza- “IoT solution providers are seek-
in condition. With machineQ’s network, tions. Leveraging the machineQ plat- ing secure, reliable and highly scalable
the company is now capable of delivering form and LoRaWAN networking tech- network connectivity, device manage-
this vital information across wide geogra- nology, the company has created a suite ment capabilities, and new IoT microser-
phies and in dense urban environments. of environmental and energy monitoring vices, like geolocation, to speed their
Neptune – A software and hardware sensor solutions that deliver enterprise- time-to-market. Our new customers
provider to the water industry, serving level security, service, and availability at a have chosen machineQ because it can
more than 4,000 utilities across North price point previously unattainable using be deployed across a wide range of dif-
America, Neptune’s new, LoRa-enabled existing systems. ferent enterprise use cases,” says Alex
L900 series of water endpoints pro- Victor – A world leader in rodent Khorram, general manager of machineQ.
vides a wide range of capabilities for control and a trusted brand name “We want IoT solution providers to know
water meter reading and sensor appli- since 1898, Victor, a Woodstream that we can handle their network needs,
cations that demand low-power con- Corporation brand, revolutionized so they can focus on bringing their inno-
sumption and long-range connectivity. By the rodent control market over 100 vative solutions to market to the benefit
leveraging machineQ’s LoRaWAN-based years ago with the invention of the of their end users.” u
WIRELE SS
CommScope launches ‘Era,’ all-digital C-RAN antenna system

streamlining 5G in-building wireless deployments
CommScope Era, the company’s newly existing centralized radio access network transport by up to 90 percent.”
launched next-generation in-build- (C-RAN) hubs. Era’s innovative wide- “We have invested heavily to create
ing wireless platform, is an all-digi- area integration node (WIN) resides an all-digital platform architecture that
tal C-RAN antenna system designed in the C-RAN hub and routes base- upends the economics of in-building
to leverage wireless operators’ initia- band capacity to a distribution point wireless and ushers in a new era and
tives to centralize and virtualize base- within the served building or campus. standard for distributed antenna sys-
band radio assets. Intended as a foun- Era allocates baseband capacity where tems,” contends Matt Melester, senior
dational design concept for 5G net- it is needed while reducing the amount vice president, distributed coverage
works, CommScope says the Era system of onsite headend equipment and and capacity solutions, CommScope.
“enables operators to deploy a central- the amount of fiber needed for signal “CommScope Era will be a key enabler
ized headend that serves multiple for network densification in LTE
buildings, or even to tap capac- Advanced, Gigabit LTE and 5G.”
ity from the operator’s existing CommScope holds 164
C-RAN hubs.” patent families for the technolog-
Per a company press release, ical innovations incorporated in
“Era enables operators to deploy Era. Melester adds, “Era’s all-dig-
a centralized headend that serves ital architecture enables capa-
multiple buildings, or even to bilities that analog DAS simply
tap capacity from the operator’s cannot. Capacity reallocation,
1805CIM_22 22 4/24/18 7:54 AM

EDITOR’S PICKS
soft resectorization, system setup and interleaved MIMO (multiple input/mul- Experts. “Driving down costs and bar-
diagnostics are all software functions tiple output) using patented technology riers to in-building wireless implemen-
in Era, capable of being changed with that can offer up to 80 percent of collo- tation will be critical for supporting
a few clicks of a mouse. Era also trans- cated MIMO speeds over a SISO (single the emerging demand for connected
ports Gigabit Ethernet backhaul to each input/single output) infrastructure. Era smart buildings.”
remote node, which can be used for sep- uses IT-standard copper and fiber-optic CommScope Era is built on the all-
arate WiFi networks, IP security systems infrastructure and allows for the sharing digital architecture that originated in the
or to support a small cell overlay needed of existing fiber networks, significantly company’s ION-E distributed antenna
for future network expansion.” reducing fiber costs. system. Existing ION-E systems can be
The Era product line features a new “New systems like CommScope Era software-upgraded to be interoperable
family of access points that are avail- respond to operators’ needs for options with Era, notes the company.
able in a range of power levels, with that will make in-building wireless more CommScope showcased the Era
copper and fiber connectivity and out- affordable for building owners and com- C-RAN antenna system at Mobile World
door and plenum ratings, to serve a mercial real estate companies,” asserts Congress 2018 in Barcelona, Spain. u
wide variety of venue types. It supports Kyung Mun, principal analyst at Mobile
CABLING INSTALL ATION
Slitters from Jonard Tools open

fiber jackets, loose buffer tubes
The MS-6 and MS-26 Midspan Slitters design allows technicians to open
from Jonard Tools are both patent a jacket or buffer tube without
pending and designed to open fiber damaging the fiber, and accom-
jackets and loose buffer tubes to pro- modates a replaceable car-
vide easy fiber access. tridge blade set.
The MS-6 is designed to work with The MS-6 blade replacement
loose buffer tubes in sizes from 1.2mm part # is MSB-1533, which includes
to 3.3 mm in diameter. The MS-26 6 precision grooves that are identified on # is MSB-2968, which includes 5 preci-
works on sizes 2.9 mm to 6.8 mm in the top of the tool. sion grooves, also identified on the top
diameter. The tools’ sleek ergonomic The MS-26 blade replacement part of the tool. u
 AUDIO-VIDEO INFR A STRUC TURE
AV-over-IP fiber extender delivers uncompressed 4K/60 video globally

MuxLab says its AV over IP 4K/60 easy, scalable way to implement vir tual (400m) in distance so equipment can
Uncompressed Extender, Fiber (model matrix switch and splitter configura- be stored far from the installation and
500761) “offers a new twist to an exist- tions. “Massive video walls can be cre- accessed remotely.
ing favorite [product].” Like MuxLab’s ated at nearly any user-defined scale, Resolutions up to 4K/60 are sup-
other IP-based extenders, this device provided the network bandwidth is por ted when using both HDMI and
delivers 4K/60 video from one or many available,” according to a press release. DisplayPor t. When uncompressed,
sources, among one or many displays. The unit suppor ts both HDMI and zero latency video is delivered at
This new model also delivers DisplayPor t inputs for greater compat- 4K/60 (4:2:0). With light compres-
improved features that make it excel ibility. The systems’ transmitters and sion and visually lossless latency (less
in the field, says MuxLab. The unit receivers can connect to the switch than one frame), video is delivered at
connects sources to displays through using OM4 multimode fiber cable, 4K/60 (4:4:4).
a 10Gig Ethernet Switch, enabling an effectively transmitting up to 1300ft The unit also suppor ts analog audio
1805CIM_23 23 4/24/18 7:54 AM

EDITOR’S PICKS
alternatives, with the ability to inser t When paired with MuxLab’s “Building on MuxLab’s family of AV
two-channel audio on the transmit- ProDigital Network Controller (model over IP Extenders for 4K/60, this new
ting side and extract it at the receiver. 500811), remote configuration and con- extender takes a solid concept and fine
Both transmitter and receiver come trol of the entire AV over IP system is tunes it for greater industry applicabil-
equipped with a 1G Ethernet Switch vastly simplified. Access from any smart- ity,” explains MuxLab’s director of prod-
por t to connect network devices. phone or tablet is improved via the new uct management, Joe Teixeira. “MuxLab
RS232 and IR provide remote con- MuxControl app. The system is also will continue to advance its established
trol options. A wall-mount bracket kit compatible with traditional third-party IP expertise and expand its offerings to
is included. control apps. better serve integrators.” u
NE T WORK CABLE
UL-listed hybrid cables from OCC power GPON networks

Optical Cable Corporation (OCC) data-hungry applications are Per an OCC statement, “For enter-
recently released a new UL-listed continually being added to prise networks, the advantages of
cabling solution for GPON networks. the network. GPON are undeniable. These all-
OCC’s Slimline Hybrid cables combine In its simplest descrip- fiber networks cost less to implement
GPON [gigabit-capable passive optical tion, GPON utilizes a than copper, provide unlimited band-
network] fiber-optic cables with two single fiber-optic strand on width potential, and as a passive net-
copper conductors enclosed within which high speed, high-band- work, require much less power. In addi-
the same jacket, allowing external width data is transmitted in both tion, singlemode passive optical LAN
power to essentially be “pushed” directions (2.48 G of downstream infrastructure will support 10G-PON
from a central location. and 1.24 G upstream). OCC’s Slimline networks and beyond. With the addi-
According to OCC, by including Hybrid cables can contain either one tion of power in the new hybrid fiber/
copper in the same cable as GPON or two strands of singlemode fiber copper Slimline cabling, the benefits
fiber, high bandwidth data and power and are UL plenum rated for use inside of GPON networks have never been
can be supplied to numerous users buildings, including above suspended greater. It further simplifies installation
with a single, lower-cost option. The ceilings. In addition, the cables have and reduces costs by eliminating the
company says its Slimline cabling is a very small bend radius and tensile need to run dedicated electric wiring.
especially intended for commercial strength almost three times that of tra- It can also be a significant benefit for
applications involving multiple, sepa- ditional Category 6 copper cable, as aging buildings that experience frequent
rated nodes or buildings or where new, noted by the company. power outages.” u
 DATA CENTER POWER
Intelligent PDUs provide density, reliability, and

monitoring of data center infrastructure
Panduit recently launched its newest by continuously scanning for electrical Monitored switched series; 4. Monitored
generation of SmartZone G5 Intelligent circuit overloads and physical environ- per outlet series; 5. Monitored and
Power Distribution Units (PDUs). The mental conditions that place critical IT switched per outlet series.
company says the product family “pro- equipment at risk.” “The SmartZone G5 iPDU provides
vides best-in-class outlet density, opti- According to the company, the comprehensive, accurate, energy-mea-
mal form factor, and superior reliability Intelligent PDUs are available in five fam- surement data to allow data center oper-
to monitor the data center power, envi- ilies, with the following capabilities: 1. ators to efficiently use power resources,
ronment, and security at a cabinet level, Basic PDU; 2. Monitored input series; 3. make informed capacity-planning decisions,
1805CIM_24 24 4/24/18 7:54 AM

EDITOR’S PICKS
improve uptime, help measure PUE [power usage effectiveness], business, commented, “In this IoT connected world, today’s IT
drive green data center initiatives to save energy and costs, and pro- managers must provide higher data speeds while controlling
vide physical security to prevent unauthorized cabinet access,” Panduit costs by maximizing return on assets. Making the right choice in
said. “SmartZone 5G iPDUs interface with the Panduit SmartZone IT equipment is essential for safe, efficient data center operation.
Intelligent Software and Hardware Solutions, and fit into all Panduit Our full range of G5 iPDUs, environmental sensors, access secu-
cabinets and all industry standard cabinets,” the company added. rity accessories, and dual locking power cords are the key to ful-
Marc Naese, senior vice president of Panduit’s data center filling mission-critical data center needs.” u
 DATA CENTERS
RagingWire opens new VA3 data center, Ashburn data center

campus in the heart of famed “Data Center Alley”
On March 20, RagingWire Data Centers, Inc., a data center pro- Center and massive scalability in our new Ashburn Data Center
vider in North America and its parent company, Japan’s NTT Campus, RagingWire has become the destination of choice for
Communications (NTT Com), announced the opening of the com- hyperscale, high-growth customers in the top data center market
pany’s new Ashburn VA3 Data Center, a state-of-the-art facility with in the world,” said RagingWire president and CEO Doug Adams.
245,000 square feet of space and 16 megawatts of critical power, “Plus, our global reach enables our customers to extend their
located on RagingWire’s new Ashburn Data Center Campus. computing systems in Ashburn to data centers around the world
The VA3 Data Center is RagingWire’s third data center for greater access and availability than ever before.” u
in Ashburn, VA, and the first building on RagingWire’s new
Ashburn Data Center Campus, a 78-acre parcel of land that is
planned to contain seven data centers with a total of 108 mega-
watts of critical load and more than 1 million square feet of
SHOWCASE
space on a highly secured location. Construction of the new
Ashburn VA4 Data Center is underway on the Ashburn Data
Center Campus and is expected to be completed in 2019.
Preleasing of VA4 is available now for 16 megawatts of critical
power and approximately 200,000 square feet of data center
space, including approximately 15,000 square feet of office
space, conference rooms, and lounges.
RagingWire’s Ashburn VA3 Data Center is designed for flexi- HD C 00
bility and scale, with options for dedicated electrical and mechan-
ical infrastructure in each of its six private vaults, which can also
be subdivided. The computer room white space features a col-
umn-free layout and high ceilings and doorways for optimal
space management. For telecommunications, VA3 connects to
50%
RagingWire’s other two Ashburn data centers via a private fiber- 1
optic ring, and has three entry points for more than 25 carriers
LC / MPO
M
and cloud providers.
For security, VA3 features a building-within-a-building design,
iris scanners, intelligent high-definition video cameras that ana-
lyze suspicious behavior, anti-tailgate mantraps, an anti-climb • 2
perimeter fence, and a security gate that can stop a 15,000- • $993
pound truck traveling at 30 mph. Customer amenities include
• 10000 00 0 00
office space, conference rooms and lounges, a game room, exer-
cise room, conference center, and secured outdoor patio.
© 2018888888888888118811181818118811881811818218218118811181881188183183888888
v18118c88888881c118f1188h11111181181c81 P 00 P l
“With 16 megawatts available today at the new VA3 Data
1805CIM_25 25 4/24/18 7:54 AM

EDITOR’S PICKS
WIRELE SS
Vertiv joins Ericsson Energy Alliance in push for 5G access

networks deployment
Vertiv announced that it has been Alliance also allows Ericsson and Vertiv partnership. We have a long history with
selected to join the Ericsson Energy to engage closely in strategic product Vertiv and we know that we can count
Alliance, a competitive ecosystem and portfolio planning and development, on their deep expertise, strong port-
management interface that aims to with expected synergies in research and folio and global footprint. The alliance
increase market share and top-line design, and time-to-market. members are combining the best of their
growth while evolving access radio site technology, skills, and
networks towards 5G. abilities to bring a broadened,
According to a press state- more flexible, and competitive
ment, the long-term agree- portfolio to the table to help
ment builds on the strength of service providers in their 5G
Vertiv’s global reach, unique evolution through the Ericsson
product competence and ser- Radio System. We continue
vice delivery, along with the to onboard suppliers for addi-
speed and flexibility provided tional product categories with
by the company’s first-class sharp focus on sustainable
research, design and engineer- energy. Service providers want
ing teams. The Alliance is part and demand seamless evolu-
of the Ericsson Radio Site System, which Through the Ericsson Energy Alliance, tion. The Ericsson Energy Alliance helps
comprises all of the site infrastructure Vertiv is providing a broad range of cus- to provide that.”
components required to provide net- tom-made OEM power systems and “This Alliance reflects our relentless
work performance and operational effi- enclosures, including solar hybrid solu- focus on research and development as
ciency to the mobile operator. tions for off-grid or bad-grid sites. In a key to addressing the numerous chal-
The new partnership allows Ericsson addition, this is complemented by the lenges of this fast-paced digital world,”
to compete more forcefully, the com- Vertiv global product, solution and ser- adds Giordano Albertazzi, president for
pany says, broadening its portfolio with vice offerings to meet any regional Vertiv in Europe, Middle East and Africa.
increased access to new technologies, requirements. “The partnership with Ericsson allows
while strengthening the regional sales Nishant Batra, head of Product Area our companies to join forces and achieve
support, and establishing a consistent Network Infrastructure, Ericsson, com- long-term, profitable growth by becom-
ecosystem to support telecom access ments: “Network evolution begins at ing even more incisive and competitive in
networks and 5G deployments. The the site. This is a true complementary the market.” u
CONNEC TIVIT Y
Panduit’s TX6A field-term RJ45 plug available in 45-degree angled version

Panduit recently introduced a version field termination of 4-pair unshielded
of its TX6A Category 6A UTP Field twisted-pair cable.” The plug termi-
Term RJ45 Plug that terminates at a nates 4-pair, 22- to 26-AWG, 100-
45-degree angle. The 45-degree up/ ohm UTP cable and uses TG-style for-
down plug has the same performance ward motion termination technol-
characteristics as the TX6A Field Term ogy. It can be reterminated as many
Plug Panduit introduced in August as 20 times.
2017. As the company noted at that Panduit says the field-termina-
time, it is “a simple-to-attach plug for ble plug “is ideal for connecting the
1805CIM_26 26 4/24/18 7:54 AM

EDITOR’S PICKS
increasing number of net- field-term plug. However,
work-powered devices with the smaller form factor
requiring a plug connection of the 45-degree-angled up/
to the network and where down field-term plug, I am
field attachment of the plug able to access that por t with-
to UTP cable is desired.” It out issue—no obstruction
points out that applications to the plug, no obstruction
include wireless access points, to the cable.”
PoE LED lighting, IP cameras The plug—in straight and
and motion sensors, access angled versions—suppor ts
control points, and network- IEEE 802.3af and 802.3at, as
attached AV equipment. well as proposed IEEE 802.3bt
The par ticular benefits of Type 3 and Type 4 speci-
the 45-degree angled ver- fications. It also suppor ts
sion are described and dem- Power over HDBase-T up
onstrated in a video in which to 100 watts.
Panduit applications engineer Panduit also introduced
George Einterz says, “This new design field-term plug in one wireless access the EGPT termination tool, which
will allow accessibility to end devices point, Einer tz shows and explains that terminates the straight and angled
that a straight field-term plug may in some access points, the RJ45 por t is field-term plugs. The existing EGJT-1
not have been able to access.” After embedded deeper into the device. “It tool terminates the straight field-
demonstrating the use of a straight would not be accessible to a straight term plug. u
INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
Advanced Test Equipment Rentals ............. C3
AFL...............................................................13 ADVERTISING SALES OFFICES

MAIN OFFICE INTERNATIONAL
Brother Mobile Solutions Inc. .................... C4 61 Spit Brook Road AUSTRIA, EUROPE, GERMANY,
Suite 401, Nashua, NH 03060 NORTHERN SWITZERLAND
(603) 891-0123 Holger Gerisch
Cablesys ......................................................25
fax: (603) 891-9245 +49-(0)8847-6986656
Fax: +49-(0)8801-9153792
GROUP PUBLISHER
Corning Optical Communications LLC....... C2 holgerg@pennwell.com
Alan Bergstein
(603)-891-9447 ISRAEL
Fiber Instrument Sales .................................7 alanb@pennwell.com Dan Aronovic
NATIONAL SALES MANAGER
+972 9 899 5813
Susan Smith aronovic@actcom.co.il
Greenlee Communications..........................14
(603) 891-9260 ASIA
fax: (603) 891-9245 Adonis Mak
Hitachi Cable Manchester Inc. .................. 20 susans@pennwell.com +852 2 838 6298; Fax: +852 2 838 2766
REPRINTS
adonism@actintl.com.hk
Huber+Suhner ..............................................5 Susan Smith JAPAN
(603) 891-9260 Masaki Mori
ICC Premise Wiring ......................................2 fax: (603) 891-9245 +81 3 3219 3561
susans@pennwell.com mori-masaki@ics-inc.co.jp
DIRECTOR, LIST RENTAL TAIWAN
Ilsintech Co. Ltd. ...........................................9 Kelli Berry Ms. Rebecca Tsao
(918) 831-9782 +886 2 23965128 ext.203
OFS..............................................................15 kellib@pennwell.com Fax: 886 2 23967816
rebecca@arco.com.tw
Siemon Company.........................................17
SHOULD YOU NEED ASSISTANCE CREATING YOUR AD, PLEASE CONTACT MARKETING SOLUTIONS
VICE PRESIDENT Paul Andrews
The index of advertisers is published as a service, and the 240.595.2352; pandrews@pennwell.com
publisher does not assume any liability for errors or omissions.
1805CIM_27 27 4/24/18 7:54 AM

Global Industrial Communication Cables Market
INFRASTRUCTURE 2018–2022
INSIGHTS
Increasing penetration
of PoE a major Geography
The Americas
Market Driver
Increasing
Market Trend
Evolution of
Forecast
The market is
driver of industrial dominated the
global industrial
penetration
of Power over
highly flexible
industrial
projected to
grow at a
communication Ethernet. communication CAGR of over
communication cables cables market
with 44% share
cables in the
wake of wireless
12% through
2022,
in 2017. communication.
market: Analyst
communication as one of the key emerging trends driving the global
Technavio’s latest market research report on industrial communication cables market.
the global industrial communication cables “Several end-user industries have started using multiple networking sys-
market provides an analysis of the most tems,” notes the report’s executive summary. “These end-user industries
important emerging trends expected to impact can choose from a number of options due to the introduction of wireless
the market’s outlook from 2018-2022. The firm communication protocols. One system can be used for internal commu-
defines an “emerging trend” as a factor that has nications in an industry, whereas the other can be used for external com-
the potential to significantly impact the market munications (i.e., the communication of an industrial facility with its con-
and contribute to its growth or decline. ference rooms).
According to Technavio’s analysts, the “Industrial communication cable manufacturers are facing issues related
global industrial communication cables market to the cable design for different environments,” adds the company. “Indus-
will grow at a compound annual growth rate trial communication cables are designed for a specific range of tempera-
(CAGR) of more than 12 percent during the ture, pressure, and other parameters. However, this does not assure that
forecast period. The increasing penetration of these cables will run smoothly in rough environments. Industrial communi-
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is cited as a major cation cables are also prone to external interference in the environment.”
factor driving the market’s growth. The researcher segments the global industrial communication cables
Per the report, “Power over Ethernet market into end-users for process industries and discrete industries, and
enables a single 8-wire cable to transmit data key regions including the Americas, APAC, and EMEA.
and direct current. PoE is used as an essen- Technavio says the process-industries segment held the largest mar-
tial power feature of a network switch, or via ket share in 2017, accounting for nearly 65 percent of the market. The
peripheral devices, installed between the high adoption of industrial communication protocols can be attributed
switch and the physical devices in the network. to the early adoption of advanced technologies in process industries,
The adoption of PoE in industrial facilities has adds the analyst. The market share for process industries end-users
proven to be economical for the end-user while is expected to decrease by 2022. According to the analyst, the fastest
increasing the connectivity strength. PoE also growing end-user is discrete industries, which will account for about 35
allows physical devices to be easily configured percent of the total market share by 2022.
within a network.” The Americas is identified as the leading region for the global indus-
In the new report, Technavio highlights trial communication cables market in 2017, accounting for a market
the evolution of highly flexible industrial com- share of approximately 44 percent. The high adoption of the IIoT [Indus-
munication cables in the wake of wireless trial Internet of Things] among the end-user industries is seen as driv-
ing the demand for industrial communication protocols in this region. In
Matt Vincent, Senior Editor
APAC, increasing industrial investments are expected to drive the mar-
m at t v @ pe n n w el l . co m
ket during the forecast period. u
1805CIM_28 28 4/24/18 7:54 AM

RENT NETWORK
TEST EQUIPMENT
Select from an extensive inventory:

• Cat 6 Cable Certifiers
• Fiber Optic Cable Certifiers
• Fusion Splicers
• OTDRs
• Active Network Testers Advanced
Equipment
Test
®
Rental s
• Wireless Testers
• And More...
®
Advanced Test
Equipment Rentals
The Knowledge. The Equipment. The Solution.
Test your network today!

888-485-ATEC (2832)
rentals@atecorp.com
www.atecorp.com
1805CIM_C3 3 4/24/18 7:54 AM

LabelLink App now available for
ANDROID AND iOS!
A Breakthrough in
Advanced Network Cable Labeling
The Brother LabelLink™ App—pairing the power of Fluke Networks’ LinkWare™ Live
with the reliability of the Brother PT-E550W wireless industrial labeler.
Get accuracy, speed, efficiency, and productivity with the first jobsite workflow solution
for wireless label printing that uses real-time indicators and testing data.
Learn more at
www.BrotherLabelLink.com
Download LabelLink FREE at:
1805CIM_C4 4 4/24/18 7:54 AM

Cabling Installation &amp; Maintenance MAY 18

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Cabling Installation &amp; Maintenance MAY 18

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

FOR PROFESSIONALS MANAGING THE CABLE AND WIRELESS

MAY 2018 SYSTEMS THAT ENABLE CRITICAL COMMUNICATIONS

How to secure data

1805CIM_C1 1 4/24/18 7:54 AM

Connecting the Future

© 2018 Corning Optical Communications. LAN-2303-AEN / April 2018

1805CIM_C2 2 4/24/18 7:54 AM

ABOUT THE COVER

Group Publisher Alan Bergstein

FEATURES EDITORIAL OFFICES

19 PRODUCT FOCUS PoE driving cable sales

1805CIM_1 1 4/24/18 7:53 AM

icc.com/distributor csr@icc.com 888-ASK-4ICC

1805CIM_2 2 4/24/18 7:53 AM

www.cablinginstall.com Cabling Installation & Maintenance MAY 2018 3

1805CIM_3 3 4/24/18 7:54 AM

How to introduce intelligent

BY CRAIG GETCHELL, MOLEX

Due to ongoing disruptive technologies driven by Internet of

IP/PoE lighting is key

As the industry moves forward with IP/PoE installations, it is

4 MAY 2018 Cabling Installation & Maintenance www.cablinginstall.com

1805CIM_4 4 4/24/18 7:54 AM

Manage with LISA

www.cablinginstall.com Cabling Installation & Maintenance MAY 2018 5

1805CIM_5 5 4/24/18 7:54 AM

6 MAY 2018 Cabling Installation & Maintenance www.cablinginstall.com

1805CIM_6 6 4/24/18 7:54 AM

Stocking Fusion Splicers and

Furthermore, growing data pri-

8 MAY 2018 Cabling Installation & Maintenance www.cablinginstall.com

1805CIM_8 8 4/24/18 7:54 AM

www.cablinginstall.com Cabling Installation & Maintenance MAY 2018 9

1805CIM_9 9 4/24/18 7:54 AM

10 MAY 2018 Cabling Installation & Maintenance www.cablinginstall.com

1805CIM_10 10 4/24/18 7:54 AM

www.cablinginstall.com Cabling Installation & Maintenance MAY 2018 11

1805CIM_11 11 4/24/18 7:54 AM

12 MAY 2018 Cabling Installation & Maintenance www.cablinginstall.com

1805CIM_12 12 4/24/18 7:54 AM

Naturally, the best splicers in the world should come with

1805CIM_13 13 4/24/18 7:54 AM

TEST WITH CONFIDENCE chines include automatic identifica-

vddubh Advantages and disadvantages

1805CIM_14 14 4/24/18 7:54 AM

While the fusion splicing of optical fibers is becoming V-Groove

www.cablinginstall.com Cabling Installation & Maintenance MAY 2018 15

1805CIM_15 15 4/24/18 7:54 AM

Technologies and infrastructure

16 MAY 2018 Cabling Installation & Maintenance www.cablinginstall.com

1805CIM_16 16 4/24/18 7:54 AM

Shed Light on Your Network with

Siemon’s VersaPOD®, V800™, V600™ and Wall-Mount

• Improved Visibility – Reflects up to 75% more light,

1805CIM_17 17 4/24/18 7:54 AM

18 MAY 2018 Cabling Installation & Maintenance www.cablinginstall.com

1805CIM_18 18 4/24/18 7:54 AM

Portable, wireless industrial labeling

www.cablinginstall.com Cabling Installation & Maintenance MAY 2018 19

1805CIM_19 19 4/24/18 7:54 AM

Industrial handheld labeling tool

20 MAY 2018 Cabling Installation & Maintenance www.cablinginstall.com

1805CIM_Rev_20 20 4/27/18 1:28 PM

News, products and trends for the communications systems industry

Cabling Installation & Maintenance MAY 18

Cabling Installation & Maintenance MAY 18