Study Guide v2206001

Hofmeyr de Vos | “your expert instructor” |June 2022
IT network cabling:
The complete fiber
optics course
Study Guide towards certification
Demystifying fiber optics, the fastest growing ICT network infrastructure sector one lesson at a time!
Hofmeyr de Vos
IT network cabling:
The complete fiber
optics course
Study guide: ANSI/TIA 568 and ISO 11801
“ If knowledge and practice are critical to

success, you’ve come to the right place! “
Copyright 2022 by Hofmeyr de Vos

“your expert instructor”
www.apparatus.co.za
https://www.udemy.com/user/hofmeyr-de-vos/
hofmeyr@apparatus.co.za
2 Study guide: Fiber Optics

Hofmeyr de Vos
This Study Guide is a companion to the

highly acclaimed online course
IT network cabling: The complete fiber
optics course
that can be found at the link provided
together with bestseller courses by the
same author.
https://www.udemy.com/user/hofmeyr-de-vos/
Hofmeyr de Vos
Have you enrolled for certification yet?

No? Why not ??
Click here to get the ball rolling:
Click here!
INDEX
Main Topics we cover in this book
PROLOGUE Page 7
Why this section? Page 8
Why Standards? Page 15
What Standards? Page 25
Who writes the standards? Page 35
an Illustrative relationship between relevant TIA standards Page 47
Elements that comprise a generic cabling system: ANSI/TIA 568 Page 52
Elements that comprise a generic cabling system : ISO11801 Page 65
Performance specifications for the optical fiber cables Page 88
3 Fibre Optic Certification Path

INDEX
Main Topics we cover in this book
Performance specifications for connecting hardware Page 101
Fiber cabling installation requirements ANSI/TIA-568: Bend Radius Page 110
Fiber cabling installation requirements ANSI/TIA-568: Cord Cable Page 114
Fiber cabling installation requirements ANSI/TIA-568: Polarity Page 123
Fiber cabling transmission performance and test requirements Page 129
Telecommunications pathways and spaces Page 147
Click here to access your certification pack:

PROLOGUE
WHYYYYYY?
So youve done the course, slogged through all the hours of information, but what is
next? What is the next logical step in your cabling career?
“ Poling shows Our students that

went on the certification pathway
are concistintly more employable,
and earn more than those that did
not “
--Hofmeyr de Vos
Well…. If that does not convince you , nothing will !

And best of all...we've made certification a simple and above all an affordable option.
In other words...all the barriers that have stopped you until now from getting a
meaningfull certificate have been removed!

Why this section?
Standards and
Certification
Why this section?
There are two reasons to explore
International Standards:
1) It will transform you from a good
tech to an exemplary one
2) Certification!
Getting certified, as apposed to

receiving a certificate of completion
has distinct advantages
If you do not plan to go the certification route,

as offered by this course, you still need to
take cognisance of the various standards and
what they mean for your installs
Advantages of a technical certification (apart from looking good on your resume!)
By joining an exclusive group of contractors that are dedicated to reliable network design and
proper installation to ensure uptime and high performance, certified cable installers offer
benefits that others can’t.
Faster installation with fewer Up-to-date installation

errors Certified installers stay on top of industry
Certified installers know what trends, and they’re among the first to know of
they’re doing, and this saves you any new methods of installing and connecting
time and reduces the number of cabling systems. A certified installer will
mistakes. Certified installers know understand how changes in terminations or
how to correctly pair connectors upgrades in cabling capabilities may affect or
with cables, the differences improve your network cabling setup.
between cat5e, cat6 and fiber-
optic cables, and which of these
network cable options is best for Ok fine...
your system. It looks good on your resume or CV to have a
certificate in line with international standards
on your name
https://www.cables.com/cablesblog/reasons-to-hire-a-certified-cable-installer.html
Why this section?
If you are interested in

earning a certificate in
line with international
standards..
The BONUS section of the course will
tell you exactly how to get to
certification level!
Hint: There is an option of taking an
online exam, for which you will need
the information included in this
section on standards
Why this section?
The cool aspect of this

specific course you are
enrolled in is, even if you
do not decide on
certification you still get
the training as part of the
course!
Why this section?
How this section is divided, is

we are first going to look at a
few general topics, then If there is a standard that you
standards around the fibre cable would like to know more about,
itself, and then installation PLEASE do not hesitate to ask!
requirements, testing, Pathways
and spaces, and then various
containment structures for your
cabling infrastructure within a
structured cabling environment
Why Standards?
Standards and
Certification
Why Standards?
Local area networks (LANs), a standardised way of interconnecting
computers from different manufacturers, could not have evolved
without a common set of cables and cabling to transport that data
in a reliable and predictable way. Today, all data applications run on
the structured cabling system as do most, but not all, PBX telephone
systems. All video applications can run on the structured cabling
system if it is of a high enough ‘Category’ and bandwidth.
The building control systems, generally grouped under the heading

IBS or intelligent building systems, have recently started to utilise the
benefits of structured cabling but at a rate slower than most anticipated.
Some fire detection, alarm and emergency lighting circuits are
and will be required to use separate fire survival cable such as mineral
insulated cable
Designing a Structured Cabling System to Iso 11801,2nd Edition

https://www.fiberoptics4sale.com/blogs/archive-posts/95044422-structured-cabling-specifications-and-standards
Worldwide cabling
standards
In the past, companies often
had several cabling infrastructures
because no single cabling system
would support all of a company’s
applications. Nowadays, a
standardized cabling system is
important not only for consumers
but also for vendors and cabling
installers. Vendors must clearly
understand how to design and build
products that will operate on a
universal cabling system. Cable
installers need to understand what
products can be used, proper
installation techniques and practices,
and how to test installed systems..
What These Standards Govern
Standards for electric and telecommunication products have been
in place for decades. In fact, the IEC first began standardizing
things like electric plugs and sockets because there were too many
on the market! Each appliance manufacturer might have had its
own kind of plug and socket. Not only was that inconvenient, but
it also led to safety risks. The standards for structured cabling
exist for the same reason. Having these strict standards and
specifications in place for any kind of electrical equipment will help
guarantee your cabling system works as it should and helps
minimize risk.
https://datalinetechnologies.com/blog/main-structured-cabling-
standards/#:~:text=The%20ANSI%2FTIA%2D568&text=The%20TIA%2D568%20standards%20specifically,kinds%20of%20wiring%20and%20cabling.&t
ext=Installation%2C%20testing%20and%20even%20the,under%20the%20TIA%20568%20standards.
Cabling Standards During Installation
When a data-cabling company installs a structured cabling system,
the specialist should be following the ANSI/TIA and ISO/IEC
standards for the layout and physical installation of the cables. It’s
important that the specialist carefully lays out the cable and
necessary equipment for your new system with future use in mind.
If you ever add new technology or new cabling, you need to make
sure it all works. This is one reason why the TIA standards in
particular mandate that cables be backward-compatible. That
means any newer cables have to be able to support and work with
an older system. Everything within the specifications of these
standards ensures performance and reliability.
https://datalinetechnologies.com/blog/main-structured-cabling-
standards/#:~:text=The%20ANSI%2FTIA%2D568&text=The%20TIA%2D568%20standards%20specifically,kinds%20of%20wiring%20and%20cabling.&t
ext=Installation%2C%20testing%20and%20even%20the,under%20the%20TIA%20568%20standards.
Why Standards?
For the rest of this section were going
to go over a few standards, and what
we think you should know that is
contained within this standards.
You will also notice that these lessons

are more or less the same across al
our network infrastructure courses
because. You know...its standard
Why this section?

standards..
What Standards?
Standards and
Certification
What Standards?
Step 1 in designing or procuring a structured cabling system is to
decide which standards philosophy you want to adhere to. The choices are:
• None at all, just specify a grade of cabling and let the installer sort
it all out.
• Pick a famous brand and hope that the ministrations of a large
corporation will ensure that something relevant, useful and reliable
is installed.
• Pick and mix from different standards.
• Use local/national standards.
• Use international standards.

What Standards?
Leaving the choice of components and the resulting performance
totally in the hands of an installer is a risky business and should only
be contemplated by those looking for a very undemanding network
at the absolute lowest price. However, do not forget the on-going cost
of ownership when things start to go wrong. Many surveys point out
that more than half of all network faults are cable related.
Many of the larger users now tend to ‘prequalify’ a

group of major manufacturers’ products, after specifying them
according to the standards, and then prequalify a group of competent
installers, telling them they can bid any product from the
pre-approved list. This is only possible because of Standards!

What Standards?
Remember nowadays that

the cabling installation
does not just require an
overall design standard but
needs information
relating to EMC/EMI, fire
performance, cable
containment, earthing
and bonding and a host of
other related subjects.

What Standards?
There are few local

standards relating to
cabling, apart from some
fire regulations, but there
are national standards for
the USA, for
Canada, for Australia and
New Zealand and also for
the EU.

What Standards?
Systems located in the USA should design cable standards to

the ANSI/TIA/EIA range of standards with their supporting
National Electrical Codes.
The principal design standard in the USA is TIA/EIA 568B.
The equivalent standard for Canada is CAN/CSA T529 and in
Australia and New Zealand it is AS/NZS 3080.
In the EU the relevant standards are written by CENELEC and the
standard for structured cabling is EN 50173.
(All CENELEC standards start with EN for European Norm.)

What Standards?
World standards are written by ISO and IEC. Both are based in
Geneva, Switzerland, but they are truly international bodies with
representatives from all continents forming their committee
membership.
Their standards are written for a worldwide audience and can
be invoked in the EU and the USA with full impunity. In the EU it is
expected that CENELEC standards will be utilised where they
exist, when users are spending public money. The EU
Procurement Directive looks towards European standards to
ensure fair and open competition across all the member states.

What Standards?
Many multinational organisations, regardless of location, choose to
use ISO/IEC standards to ensure a worldwide compatibility within
their installed cabling.

What Standards?
ISO writes system The IEC concentrates
standards, like ISO on components and
9000, the quality methodologies
Standard
and of course ISO For example, ISO
11801, the cabling 11801 invokes IEC 61156 for the cable
system Standard. detail and IEC 61935 for the
test method detail. Both CENELEC and
ANSI/TIA/EIA standards
also refer to IEC standards, such as IEC
60603, the 8-pin connector
standard
What Standards?
When designing a cabling system

you need a a wider view than for
instance just ISO 11801 as this
standard is not a complete recipe
for a cabling system. We must
also address testing issues, fire
performance, earthing, screening
and bonding, cable containment
methods, cable plant
administration and several other
vital areas

Why this section?

standards..
Who writes the
standards?
(principal standards
writing bodies)
Standards and
Certification
Who writes the standards?
Keep in mind that, every European country still

maintains its own national standards body, such as the
British Standards Institute in the UK, but CENELEC
standards are adopted as national standards where they
exist, for example the installation standard EN 50174 is
published in the UK by the British Standards Institute as
BS EN 50174.

principal standards writing bodies
The ISO/IEC is the international standard for information technology
systems. As the name suggests, it standardizes and regulates cabling
systems within an IT network. The ISO standards are reviewed every five
years, with the last major review and revision taking place in 2017.
Section 11801 deals with the general standards for cabling in a commercial
building. The section covers data, voice and video services for cabling, along
with specifications for both copper cabling and fibre-optic cabling

ANSI the American National Standards Institute, publishes many
Standards including many related to test methods and LANs. The TIA
and EIA publish their standards under the auspices of ANSI so that
they are ANSI/TIA/EIA standards. ANSI describes itself as the administrator
and coordinator of the United States private sector voluntary
standardisation system since 1918. ANSI does not in itself develop
American National Standards (ANS) but rather facilitates development
by establishing consensus among qualified groups. ANSI accredits
more than 175 entities actually to develop the Standards, for example
bodies such as the TIA

TIA the (American) Telecommunications Industry Association is a trade association active
since 1924. The TIA attempts to represent the American telecommunications industry in
conjunction with the Electronic Industries Alliance, the EIA. The TIA has five product oriented
divisions,
User Premises Equipment,
Network Equipment,
Wireless Communications,
Fiber Optics and
Satellite Communications.
Each division prepares standards dealing with performance testing and compatibility. The TIA
maintains standards formulating groups. The most important one for structured cabling is TR
42, User Premises Telecommunications Cabling Infrastructure

ASTM the American Society for Testing and Materials,
generates many basic electrical tests that are referenced in other
more specific tests for structured cabling

BiCSi is a not-for-profit trade organisation dedicated to promoting
professional qualifications within the cabling industry. BiCSi now
operates in 70 countries with over 15000 members and offers the
professional RCDD, Registered Cable Distribution Designer, qualification.
BiCSi publishes many documents relating to the design,
installation and testing of structured cabling systems

IEE the (British) Institute of Electrical Engineers writes
the British Wiring regulations (also known as BS 7671),
which contains safety issues concerning power cable
installation

IEEE the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, is a professional body whose
main claim to fame in this arena is writing most of the LAN standards in use today. For
example the ubiquitous Ethernet standard comes from the IEEE 802.3 committee. The IEEE is
concerned with cable system performance, as it is the physical layer of the stack of network
protocols. The IEEE, with its 330000 members in 150 countries, produces more than 30% of
the world’s
published literature in electrical engineering, computers and control technology. The IEEE also
publishes the National Electrical Safety Code, NESC, which covers basic provisions for the
safeguarding of persons from the hazards arising from the installation, operation or
maintenance of outside plant

FCC the (American) Federal Communications Commission lays down many rules regarding
the use of telecommunications equipment within the United States.
Two sets of rules particularly apply to the use of structured cabling systems; FCC Part 15,
Electromagnetic Radiation Issues and FCC Part 68, Connection of Premises Equipment and
Wiring to the Telecommunications Network

NFPA the (American) National Fire Protection Association, the NFPA, has spent the last
one hundred years developing codes and standards concerning all areas of fire safety. It now
has 65000 members in 70 countries. There are currently more than 300 NFPA fire codes
in use, such as:
• NFPA 1, Fire Prevention Code.

• NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code.
• NFPA 70, National Electrical Code.
• NFPA 101, Life Safety Code.
NFPA 70, with its National Electrical Code and various articles is the most prevalent code
within the American structured cabling industry

an Illustrative
relationship
between relevant
TIA standards
Standards and
Certification
Specification of criteria
Two categories of criteria are specified in TIA documentation; mandatory
and advisory. The mandatory requirements are designated by the word
"shall“ ; advisory requirements are designated by the words "should”,
"may", or "desirable" which are used interchangeably in this Standard.
Mandatory criteria generally apply to protection, performance, administration

and compatibility; they specify minimally acceptable requirements. Advisory
criteria are presented when their attainment may enhance the general
performance of the cabling system in all its contemplated applications.
Standard Notice , TIA stds documents

From the horses mouth
TIA Engineering Standards The purpose of this Standard
and Publications are designed is to enable the planning and
to serve the public interest installation of a structured
through eliminating cabling system for
misunderstandings between all types of customer premises.
manufacturers and purchasers, This Standard specifies a
facilitating interchangeability system that will support generic
and improvement of products, telecommunications cabling in
and assisting the purchaser in a multi-product, multi-vendor
selecting and obtaining with environment
minimum delay the proper
product for their particular
need.
Standard Notice , TIA stds documents

elements that
comprise a
generic cabling
system
Standards and
Certification
Functional elements that comprise a generic cabling system
Figure 2 illustrates a representative
model of functional elements that
comprise a generic cabling
system. It depicts the relationship
between the elements and how they
may be configured to create a
total system. The functional elements
are
• “equipment outlets”,
• "Distributors" and
• "Cabling Subsystems",
which together comprise a generic

telecommunications cabling
system
ANSI/TIA-568-C.0 p 22
Generic cabling shall be installed in a

hierarchal star topology.
There shall be no more than two

Distributors between Distributor C and
an EO.
Centralized optical fiber cabling is a

hierarchal star topology that extends
from Distributor B or Distributor C,
through Distributor A (if present) to an
EO
ANSI/TIA-568-C.0
Star Topology
Star topology is a network topology in which each
network component is physically connected to a
central node such as a router, hub or switch.
Star topology is used to ease the probabilities of

network failure by connecting all of the systems to
a central node. This central hub rebroadcasts all
transmissions received from any peripheral node to
all peripheral nodes on the network, sometimes
including the originating node
In data communication, a node is any active,

physical, electronic device attached to a network.
These devices are capable of either sending,
receiving, or forwarding information; sometimes a
combination of the three. Examples of nodes include
bridges, switches, hubs, and modems to other
computers, printers, and servers
Figure 2 illustrates a representative
model of functional elements that
comprise a generic cabling
system. It depicts the relationship
between the elements and how they
may be configured to create a
total system. The functional elements
are
• “equipment outlets”,
• "Distributors" and
• "Cabling Subsystems",
which together comprise a generic

telecommunications cabling
system
DEFINITION OF TERMS, ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS, AND UNITS OF MEASURE
Cabling Subsystem 1: Cabling from the equipment

outlet to Distributor A, Distributor B, or Distributor C.
Cabling Subsystem 2: Cabling between Distributor
A and either Distributor B or Distributor C (if
Distributor B is not implemented).
Cabling Subsystem 3: Cabling between Distributor
B and Distributor C.
The function of Cabling Subsystem 1 is to provide a

signal path between Distributor A, Distributor B
or Distributor C and an EO (see figure 2). Cabling
Subsystem 1 shall contain no more than one
transition point or consolidation point. Splices shall
not be installed as part of balanced twisted-pair
Cabling Subsystem 1. Splitters shall not be installed
as part of optical fiber Cabling Subsystem 1
Cabling Subsystem 2 and Cabling Subsystem 3

provide signal paths between Distributors
equipment outlet: Outermost connection facility in a

hierarchical star topology. EOs provide the outermost
location to terminate the cable in a hierarchal star
topology. It is also a location for administration,
reconfigurations, connection of equipment and for
testing.
consolidation point: A connection facility within
Cabling Subsystem 1 for interconnection of cables
extending from building pathways to the equipment
outlet.
Distributors provide a
location for administration,
reconfiguration, connection of
equipment, and for
testing. Distributors can be
configured as
interconnections or cross-
connections (see figure 3).
Distributor A: Optional connection facility in a

hierarchical star topology that is cabled between the
equipment outlet and Distributor B or Distributor C.
Distributor B: Optional intermediate connection
facility in a hierarchical star topology that is cabled to
Distributor C.
Distributor C: Central connection facility in a
hierarchical star topology.
elements that
comprise a
generic cabling
system
Standards and
Certification
ISO/IEC 11801 -2:2017
This Standard specifies generic cabling within and between the buildings.
This part of ISO/IEC 11801 specifies generic cabling for use within office premises, which can comprise single or multiple
buildings on a campus. It covers balanced cabling and optical fibre cabling.
This Standard is optimized for premises in which the maximum distance over which telecommunications services can be
distributed is 2 000 m.
The principles of this Standard can be applied to larger installations.
Cabling specified by this Standard supports a wide range of services including voice, data, and video that can also
incorporate the supply of power.
ISO 11801
The cabling models developed for ISO

11801 are almost identical to
EN 50173 and TIA/EIA-568
ISO 11801 structured cabling conforms to

the three-layered hierarchical
model. This is composed of the horizontal
cabling, the building
backbone cabling and the campus
backbone cabling. We can infer from this
that there cannot be more than three layers
of patching, that is, between the horizontal
and building backbone cabling,
between the building and campus backbone
cables and where all the campus cabling
finally meets. If there are more layers of
patching than this then it is no longer
ISO 11801 structured cabling. Figure
3.5 details the basic three-layer hierarchy.
ANSI/TIA-568
ISO/IEC 11801
We can now start using the
terminology of structured cabling.
We have cable, which can appear
as the horizontal, the building
backbone or the campus backbone
cabling. Patch panels are known as
distributors. The link between the
horizontal cabling and building
backbone is the floor distributor. The
link between the building and
campus backbone is the building
distributor and where all the campus
cabling comes together we have the
campus distributor. We
can have as many floor and building
distributors as we like but we can
only have one campus distributor in
any one discrete structured cabling
entity.
ISO/IEC 11801
In American (US) terminology the

distributors are known as
crossconnects:
hence we have the horizontal cross-
connect, the intermediate
cross-connect and the main cross-
connect.
The wall or floor outlet becomes the
telecommunications outlet
(TO). Flexible cables, cords or
patchcords from the TO linking into
the active equipment are the work
area cables
Standardised structured cabling
The vast majority of

installed structured cabling
is made up of the
horizontal cabling. This is
the cable from the wall or
floor outlet to the
patch panel. It does not
matter which direction the
cable goes, it is
always defined as the
horizontal cabling
ISO 11801
In a smaller installation there

might be no more than
horizontal cabling; there is no
requirement to use all three
levels of patching available.
Single building sites will
probably only have the
horizontal cabling and the
building backbone cabling.
Multibuilding sites, or
campuses, will require all
three levels.
ISO 11801
The three layers can be

effected in either copper or
optical cables and cable
selection is addressed earlier
in this course. There is an
alternative arrangement
known as Centralised Optical
Cabling (COA), which has
also been referred to
as fibre-to-the-desk (FTTD),
optical home-run and
collapsed backbone
Centralised Optical Cabling (COA)
These are all obviously optical fibre

solutions and the benefits
of optical fibre versus copper was
discussed earlier. The point is that
whereas high speed LANs are
limited to 100-m transmission
distance over copper cables, they
can go much further over optical
fibre. If using optical fibre,
therefore, there is no real need to
go through the various layers of
patching seen at the
horizontal/building backbone
transition or even the
building/campus transition. The
optical fibre should be able to run
all the way from the user’s
workstation directly back to the
main equipment room.
Centralised Optical Cabling (COA)
COA should be able to offer

substantial savings by eliminating
the horizontal/backbone cross-
connects and their associated
cabinets, active equipment, power
supplies, floor space etc. Figure 3.6
shows the principal three-layer
model with the possible bypass of
the intervening patching elements
by use of centralised optical fibre.
other architectural rules
We have looked at the basic topology of the three-layer hierarchy with possible COA bypass.
There are three other architectural rules we need to understand as well:
• Direct links between distributors.

• Consolidation points and multiuser TOs.
• Interconnect and cross-connect model.
Direct links between distributors
For reasons of security

and redundancy the
distributors may be
directly connected to each
other. Figure 3.7 illustrates
this.
Depending upon distance,
the type of cable used for
interdistributor links would
normally be the same as
the adjoining backbone
cables
Consolidation points and multiuser TOs
A consolidation point, CP, is another

point of administration located
at some point within the horizontal
cabling and allows some
flexibility between the main fixed
cabling and the final links to the
TOs. It may prove useful in an open
office environment or where
there is a large floor area served by
cabling laid under false floors.
TIA/EIA-568-B offers a useful
definition of the CP as being a
‘location for interconnection between
horizontal cables extending from
building pathways and horizontal
cables extending into furniture
pathways’.
The CP is not to be confused with the transition point, TP, which appeared in earlier standards.
The original concept of the TP was to act as a joint between mechanically dissimilar cables such
as flat and round cables. These options no longer exist and the TP, which was defined as not
being a ‘point of administration’, no longer appears in any of the standards apart from a brief
mention in TIA/EIA-568-B.
The CP may be composed of IDC (insulation

displacement connector) punchdown blocks,
8-pin plug and sockets or patch panels.
Some of the basic rules for using CPs are:

• The CP shall only contain passive
components and shall not be used in a cross-
connect format.
• A CP shall be considered as part of the
administration system.
• A CP shall be placed in an accessible
location.
• A CP shall serve a maximum of twelve work
areas.
• When using a CP, it should be located at
least 15m away from
the floor distributor, when using twisted pair
cable (this is to reduce the chance of return
loss problems).
A similar component is the MUTO (multiuser TO)

assembly.
A single-user TO will have two connections, the
first should be a 4-pair balanced copper cable and
the second should be another 4-pair cable or a
pair of optical fibres.
A MUTO can serve up to 12 work areas and thus
looks more like a wall mounted patch panel. Work
area cabling, that is the patch cords, can now be
made much longer, up to 20m, with a
corresponding reduction in the length of the fixed
horizontal cabling to account for the extra
attenuation caused by longer patch cords.
A MUTO may be appropriate for open plan or
open office use or for temporary project offices,
temporary repair/restitution or large retail
spaces where connections have to be made
between points-of-sale and structured cabling
outlets placed in overhead gantries
Interconnect and cross-connect model
An ‘interconnect’ method of connection means connecting the TO to a patch panel via the horizontal
cable and then connecting the front of that panel to the active equipment by way of a patch cord.
This is shown in Fig. 3.9. The interconnect method is the simplest and cheapest method of
effecting a horizontal structured cabling system but at the loss of some network flexibility
Cross-connect means having two patch panels at the end of the horizontal cabling. One is connected to
the horizontal cabling and the other is connected to the active equipment. The appropriate connection is
then made by patching between the two patch panels. This is shown in Fig. 3.10
Cross-connect gives the greatest

flexibility by having one set of patching
dedicated to the cabling and one set
dedicated to the equipment. The
downside is that there will be twice the
number of patch panels required,
consuming twice the space and doubling
the amount of crosstalk and possibly
return loss within the system
For very large installations it may be impossible to get the active equipment and the patching equipment
close enough together to get away with just interconnect. For the more sophisticated intelligent patching
systems that monitor what they are connected to it is essential to have cross-connect, or double
representation as it is sometimes called. Intelligent patching systems usually work by using special patch
cords that contain extra connections that are used to identify what is connected to what. This is only
possible with cross-connect.
We can see from the above that four

combinations are possible:
• Interconnect-TO.
• Cross-connect-TO.
• Interconnect-CP-TO.
• Cross-connect-CP-TO.
All four possibilities are shown in Fig. 3.11.

Figure 3.12 gives a three-

dimensional view of a
campus cabling project
showing virtually all
possible combinations.
Most installations today have active

equipment in the floor distributor
(FD); a typical installation might consist of
Cat5e copper cable to the desk running
10BASE-T with an Ethernet switch in the FD.
The switch would be most likely to connect to
an optical fibre backbone using a protocol
such as 100BASE-FX. It is possible, however,
to patch the horizontal cabling directly through
to the backbone cabling, either on copper or
optical cable. Once again care would have to
taken that the communications protocols
planned will be able to cope with the resultant
attenuation and delay problems this will bring.
PERFORMANCE
SPECIFICATIONS
FOR THE
OPTICAL FIBER
CABLES
Standards and
Certification
PERFORMANCE
SPECIFICATIONS FOR
THE OPTICAL FIBER
CABLES
ANSITIA-568
This clause contains the

performance specifications
for the optical fiber cables
recognized in
premises cabling
standards. Each cabled
fiber shall meet the
performance specifications
of table 1.
ANSI/TIA-568-C.3 p18
PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE OPTICAL FIBER CABLES
ANSITIA-568
Physical requirements
Optical fiber cables shall contain one or
multiple fiber types chosen from table 1.
Individual fibers and groups of fibers
shall be identifiable in accordance with
ANSI/TIA-598 (Optical Fiber Cable
Color Coding)
Printable table
When coloured jackets are used
to identify the type of fiber in
cable containing
only one fiber type, the colors
shall be as indicated in Table 3.
Other colors may be
used providing that the print on
the outer jacket identifies fiber
classifications. Such colors
should be as agreed upon
between manufacturer
and user.
ANSITIA-568
Simplex and duplex cable designs

In cables or units which contain only a
single fiber (simplex), that fiber may
remain uncoloured or “Natural” in color.
In cables or units which contain two
fibers (duplex), the fibers must be
discernible from each other. Acceptable
color coding schemes include Blue and
Orange, Blue and Natural, or Natural
and Natural with tracer
ANSI/TIA-568-C.3
ANSITIA-568
Inside plant cable

Inside plant optical fiber cables shall comply with the testing and test methods requirements for its
cable design.
Cables with four or fewer fibers intended for Cabling Subsystem 1 shall support a bend radius of
25 mm (1 in) when not subject to tensile load. Cables with four or fewer fibers intended to be pulled
through pathways during installation shall support a bend radius of 50 mm (2 in) under a pull load of
220 N (50 lbf).
All other inside plant cables shall support a bend radius of 10 times the cable outside
diameter when not subject to tensile load, and 20 times the cable outside diameter when subject to
tensile loading up to the cable’s rated limit.
ANSI/TIA-568-C.3
ANSITIA-568
Indoor-outdoor cable
Indoor-outdoor optical fiber cables shall comply with the testing and test methods for its cable design.
Indoor-outdoor cable shall have a minimum pull strength of 2670 N (600 lbf) for cables with more
than 12 fibers, and a minimum pull strength of 1335 N (300 lbf) for cables with less than or equal to
12 fibers.
Indoor-outdoor optical fiber cables shall support a bend radius of 10 times the cable outside diameter
when not subject to tensile load, and 20 times the cable outside diameter when subject to tensile
loading up to the cable’s rated limit.
ANSI/TIA-568-C.3
ANSITIA-568
Outside plant cable

Outside plant optical fiber cables shall comply with the testing and test methods requirements for its
cable design.
Outdoor cable shall have a minimum pull strength of 2670 N (600 lbf).
Outdoor optical fiber cables shall support a bend radius of 10 times the cable outside diameter when
not subject to tensile load, and 20 times the cable outside diameter when subject to tensile loading
up to the cable’s rated limit.
ANSITIA-568
Drop cable
Optical fiber drop cables shall comply with the testing and test methods requirements for its cable
design
Drop cable shall have a minimum pull strength of 1335 N (300 lbf) for cables installed by pulling, and
440 N (100 lbf) for cables that are direct-buried, placed by trenching, or blown into ducts.
Drop cable shall support a bend radius of 10 times the cable outside diameter when not subject to
tensile load, and 20 times the cable outside diameter when subject to tensile loading up to the cables
rated limit. Non-circular cable bend diameter requirements are to be determined using the minor axis
as the cable diameter and bending in the direction of the preferential bend.
Drop cables, are located on the subscriber end to connect

the terminal of a distribution cable to a subscriber's
premises. They are typicality small diameter, low fiber
count cables with limited unsupported span lengths, which
can be installed aerially, underground or buried.
ANSI/TIA-568-C.3
PERFORMANCE
SPECIFICATIONS
FOR
CONNECTING
HARDWARE
Standards and
Certification
PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS FOR CONNECTING HARDWARE
ANSITIA-568
This clause contains the performance specifications for optical fiber connectors, connecting
hardware and splices. These requirements apply to connecting hardware used for cable
terminations in Distributors
ANSI/TIA-568
ANSITIA-568
Connectors and adapters
Keying and fiber positions

The two fiber positions in a
duplex connector and the
corresponding adapter shall be
referred to as Position A and
Position B
ANSI/TIA-568
568SC Connector
Figure 2 shows the locations of
Position A and Position B in the
568SC connector and adapter with
respect to the keys and keyways. As
the figure illustrates, the 568SC
adapter shall perform a
pair-wise crossover between
connectors. Additionally, the plane
(frontal) view inset in Figure 2
shows Position A and Position B in
the two possible horizontal and two
possible vertical orientations. The
shading used in Figure 2 is for
clarification only and is not a
specified identification scheme. The
two positions of the 568SC adapter
shall be identified as Position A and
Position B by using the letter
designators A and B respectively.
Labeling may be either field or
factory installed.
ANSI/TIA-568
Multimode and single-mode connector and adapter
identification
Unless color coding is used for some other purpose, the
connector strain relief and adapter housing
should be identifiable by the following colors:
a) 850 nm laser-optimized 50/125 μm fiber – aqua

b) 50/125 μm fiber – black
c) 62.5/125 μm fiber – beige
d) Single-mode fiber – blue
e) Angled contact ferrule single-mode connectors –
green
In addition, unless color coding is used for some other

purpose, the connector plug body should be
generically identified by the following colors, where
possible:
a) Multimode – beige, black or aqua

b) Single-mode – blue
c) Angled contact ferrule single-mode connectors –
green
ANSI/TIA-568
ANSITIA-568
Optical fiber splice
Optical fiber splices, fusion or

mechanical, shall not exceed a
maximum optical insertion loss
of 0.3 dB.
Optical fiber splices, fusion or

mechanical, shall have a
minimum return loss of 20 dB
for multimode, 26 dB for
single-mode and 55 dB for
single-mode broadband analog
video (CATV)
ANSI/TIA-568
ANSITIA-568
Housings for cable terminations used to join optical fiber cabling shall provide a means to:
a) join the fibers using either re-mateable connectors or splices;
Housings for cable terminations
1) re-mateable connectors shall meet the requirements for Connectors and adapters.
2) splices (fusion or mechanical) shall meet the requirements for Optical fiber splicing
b) join fibers singly, in pairs, or arrays;
c) identify each joining position uniquely;
d) allow removal of existing connections, and the addition of new connections;
e) store and identify non-connected fibers;
f) accommodate the addition of cables;
g) allow access to optical fiber cabling for testing;
h) protect connections against accidental contact with foreign objects that may disturb optical
continuity;
i) handle optical fiber cables and patch cords, and promote their orderly management;
j) mount on walls, in racks, or on other types of distribution frames and standard mounting
hardware; and,
k) maintain a bend radius not less than the manufacturer’s recommendations.
An equipment outlet shall provide the capacity and means to maintain fiber bend radius of not less
than 25 mm (1 in) and to house a minimum of two terminated optical fibers.
The manufacturer shall provide installation instructions and may provide design recommendations to
accomplish the above requirements.
ANSI/TIA-568
FIBER CABLING
INSTALLATION
REQUIREMENTS
ANSI/TIA-568:
Bend Radius
Standards and
Certification
FIBER CABLING INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS ANSITIA-568
Minimum bend
radius and
maximum pulling
tension
Non-circular cable
bend diameter
requirements are to
be determined
using the minor axis
as the
cable diameter and
bending in the
direction of the
preferential bend.
See table 2 for
maximum tensile
load and minimum
bend radius.
FIBER CABLING
INSTALLATION
REQUIREMENTS
ANSITIA-
568:CORD CABLE
Standards and
Certification
Cord cable
Optical fiber cord cable shall have the same
fiber type as the optical fiber cabling and meet
the requirements of ANSI/TIA-568-C.3.
ANSI/TIA-568-C.0
ANSI/TIA-568-C.3 : Cord cable(Highlights)
Cord cable
Patch cords connect optical fiber links at cross connects, interconnects, and telecommunications
equipment. Optical fiber transitions connect cabling from an array connector to simplex or duplex
connectors.
The patch cord shall contain the same number of fibers as the connector used (e.g., duplex
connectors using duplex patch cord cable), be of an indoor construction, and meet the
requirements of clauses 4.2 and 4.3.1.
ANSI/TIA-568-C.0
ANSI/TIA-568-C.3 : clause 4.2
ANSI/TIA-568-C.0
ANSI/TIA-568-C.3 : clause 4.2
ANSI/TIA-568-C.0
A-to-A duplex patch cord

A-to-A duplex patch cords shall be built as specified ,Position A shall be connected to Position A
and Position B connected to Position B (figure 6).
A-to-A patch cords do not reverse the fiber positions. The A-to-A duplex patch cords shall be of
an orientation such that Position A goes to Position A on one fiber, and Position B goes to
Position B on the other fiber (figure 6). The A-to-A duplex patch cords shall be clearly identified
(by color or prominent labeling) to distinguish them from A-to-B patch cords.
ANSI/TIA-568-C.0
A-to-B duplex patch cord

A-to-B duplex patch cords shall be of an orientation such that Position A connects to Position B
on one fiber, and Position B connects Position A (figure 5). Each end of the patch cord shall
indicate Position A and Position B if the connector can be separated into its simplex components
ANSI/TIA-568-C.0
FIBER CABLING
INSTALLATION
REQUIREMENTS
ANSITIA-568:
POLARITY
Standards and
Certification
Polarity
To support bi-directional communication systems that
use separate optical fibers in each direction,
the cabling system shall provide means to maintain
correct signal polarity so that the transmitter on one end
of the channel will connect to the receiver on the other
end of the channel. Maintaining the correct transmit-to-
receive polarity throughout the cabling system is crucial
for system operation.
(annex B describes methods for maintaining polarity)
Optical fiber cable shall be color-coded or marked as

specified in ANSI/TIA-598-C. For illustrative
purposes, the figures throughout this document
depict the 568SC duplex connector and the 12-
position MPO array connector. Other connector types
are permitted, provided the fiber ordering
arrangement is maintained relative to the plug’s
keying features, as shown in the figures
ANSI/TIA-568-C.0
568SC duplex connector
ANSI/TIA-568-C.0
ANNEX B (NORMATIVE) MAINTAINING OPTICAL FIBER POLARITY
Polarity
The two positions of the 568SC connector and adapter shall be identified as Position A
and Position B as specified in ANSI/TIA-568-C.3. Alternative connector designs shall
employ similar labelling and identification schemes to that of the 568SC. For alternative
connector designs utilizing latches, the latch defines the positioning in the same manner
as the key and keyways of the 568SC connector. Labelling may be either field or factory
installed. Duplex systems shall use A-to-B patch cords illustrated in figure 7.
ANSI/TIA-568-C.0
FIBER CABLING
TRANSMISSION
PERFORMANCE
AND TEST
REQUIREMENTS
Standards and
Certification
FIBER CABLING TRANSMISSION PERFORMANCE AND TEST REQUIREMENTS
ANSITIA-568
Its complicated
That’s why we
spent so much
time on this!
ANSITIA-568 : Field-test instruments
Multimode
Field-test instruments for multimode fiber cabling shall meet
the requirements of TIA-526-14 (Optical Power Loss
Measurement of Installed Multimode Fiber Cable Plant). The
light source shall meet the launch requirements of ANSI/TIA-
455-78B(Measurement Methods and Test Procedures-
Attenuation). This launch condition can be
achieved either within the field-test instrument or by use of
an external mandrel wrap with a Category 1 light source.
When using a mandrel wrap, the source reference jumper
should be wrapped in five non-overlapping
turns around a smooth round mandrel (rod) during the
reference calibration of the source to the
detector and for all loss measurements. The mandrel
diameter size is dependent upon the fiber core
size and shall be chosen as specified in table 3.
Multimode
The light source shall meet the launch requirements of ANSI/TIA-455-78B(Measurement Methods and Test Procedures- Attenuation).
5.2 Light source

5.2.1 Stability
The light source is defined at the output of the launch cord. This is achieved by transmitting the output of a suitable radiation source, such
as laser or light emitting diode into the launching cord. The source shall be stable in position, wavelength and power over the
duration of the entire measurement procedure.
5.2.2 Spectral characteristics
The spectral width of the light source shall meet the requirements of Table 3 when measured in accordance with IEC 61280-1-3.
Single-mode
Field test instruments for single-mode fiber cabling shall
meet the requirements of TIA-526-7.
Link segment performance measurements

Link attenuation is measured using the reference methods
specified by TIA-526-14-A for multimode and TIA-526-7 for
single-mode. The one cord reference method is preferred for
both multimode and single-mode. Other methods as detailed
in the above standards may be applied. Test documentation
should include the test method applied.
Link attenuation does not include any active devices or
passive devices other than cable, connectors,
and splices (i.e., link attenuation does not include such
devices as optical bypass switches, couplers,
repeaters or optical amplifiers).
Cabling Subsystem 1 link segment

Cabling Subsystem 1 link segments need to be tested in one
direction at one wavelength, either 850 nm or 1300 nm for
multimode, and either 1310 nm or 1550 nm for single-mode.
Cabling Subsystem 2 and Cabling Subsystem 3 link

segment
Cabling Subsystem 2 and Cabling Subsystem 3 link
segments shall be tested in at least one direction at both
operating wavelengths to account for attenuation differences
associated with wavelength.
Cabling Subsystem 2 and Cabling Subsystem 3 multimode
link segments shall be tested at 850 nm and 1300 nm.
Cabling Subsystem 2 and Cabling Subsystem 3 single-mode
link segments shall be tested at 1310 nm and 1550 nm.
Cabling Subsystems explained(TIA wording and explain our interpretation in CAPS)
connection points:
Distributor C: Initial or central connection point in a hierarchical star topology. EQUIPMENT ROOM OR MAIN
CROSS CONNECT
Distributor B: Intermediate connection point between Distributor A and Distributor C in a hierarchical star
topology. AN OPTIONAL SECOND PATCH IN EQUIPMENT OR TELECOM ROOM OR MEDIA
CONVERTER AND/OR REPEATER
Distributor A: Intermediate connection point between Distributor C and Equipment Outlet in a hierarchical star
topology. HORIZONTAL CROSS CONNECT, e.g. TELECOM ROOM or ZONE MUTOA
Equipment Outlet: Final connection point in a hierarchical star topology. WORK AREA OUTLET
In a typical commercial building, Distributor C would be the main cross-connect, Distributor A would be the
horizontal cross-connect, and Equipment Outlet would be the telecommunications outlet (TO. ) Distributor B is
optional and not often used.
https://www.thefoa.org/tech/ref/premises/TIA568C.html
Cabling Subsystems explained
Connecting these points are "cabling subsystems" defined as
Cabling Subsystem 2 or 3: Cabling between either Distributor A and Distributor C or Distributor B and Distributor C.
BACKBONE
Cabling Subsystem 2: Cabling between Distributor A and Distributor B. CROSS CONNECT
Cabling Subsystem 1: Cabling between Distributor A and Equipment Outlet. HORIZONTAL
Cabling Subsystems explained
Within Connection Point C, there are two methods of

connection from active equipment to Cabling
Subsystem 3, the interconnect and cross-connect
configurations:
Link attenuation allowance calculation

The link attenuation allowance is calculated as:
Link Attenuation Allowance (dB) = Cable Attenuation Allowance (dB) + Connector Insertion Loss
Allowance (dB) + Splice Insertion Loss Allowance (dB)
where:
Cable Attenuation Allowance (dB) = Maximum Cable Attenuation Coefficient (dB/km) × Length (km)
Connector Insertion Loss Allowance (dB) = Number of Connector Pairs × Connector Loss Allowance
(dB)
Splice Insertion Loss Allowance (dB) = Number of Splices × Splice Loss Allowance (dB)
NOTE – Component loss allowances are provided in ANSI/TIA-568-C.3.
Guidelines On What Loss To Expect When Testing Fiber Optic Cables
To be able to judge whether a fiber optic cable plant is good, one does a insertion loss test with a light
source and power meter and compares that to an estimate of what is a reasonable loss for that cable
plant. The estimate, called a "loss budget" is calculated using typical component losses for each part of
the cable plant - the fiber, splices and/or connectors. If the measured loss exceed the calculated loss
by a significant amount (remembering the inherent uncertainty in all measurements), the system should be
tested segment-by-segment to determine the cause of high loss.
https://www.thefoa.org/tech/loss-est.htm
Calculating Loss Budgets

Calculating a loss budget for a cable plant involves estimating all the component losses - fiber, splices and connectors -
and summing them up.
Connector Loss For each connector, we usually figure 0.3 dB loss for most adhesive/polish or fusion splice-on
connectors. The loss spec for prepolished/mechanical splice connectors or multifiber connectors like MPOs will be
higher (0.75 max per EIA/TIA 568)When testing cable plants per OFSTP-14 (double ended), include connnectors on
both ends of the cable when using the 1-cable reference When testing per FOTP-171 (single ended), include only one
connector - the one attached to the launch cable.
Splice Loss
For each splice, figure 0.3 dB for multimode mechanical splices (0.3 max per EIA/TIA 568) and 0.15dB for singlemode
fusion splices.
Fiber Loss
For multimode fiber, the loss is about 3 dB per km for 850 nm sources, 1 dB per km for 1300 nm. (3.5 and 1.5 dB/km
max per EIA/TIA 568) This roughly translates into a loss of 0.1 dB per 100 feet (30 m) for 850 nm, 0.1 dB per 300
feet(100 m) for 1300 nm.
For singlemode fiber, the loss is about 0.5 dB per km for 1310 nm sources, 0.4 dB per km for 1550 nm. (1.0 dB/km for
premises/0.5 dB/km at either wavelength for outside plant max per EIA/TIA 568)This roughly translates into a loss of
0.1 dB per 600 (200m) feet for 1310 nm, 0.1 dB per 750 feet (250m) for 1300 nm.
Optical Power Loss Measurements of Installed Multimode Fiber Cable Plant ANSITIA-526
5.2.3 Launch cord

The optical fibre within the launch cord at the connection to the cabling under test shall be of
the same type, in terms of core diameter and numerical aperture, but not necessarily
bandwidth, as the optical fibre within the cabling under test. Except for the OTDR method, the
launch cord shall be 1 m to 5 m in length. See Annex D for the length of the OTDR launch
cord.
The requirements on the near field profile coming from the launch cord that are found in
Annex E shall be met. The required launch conditions can be achieved by including
appropriate equipment inside the light source, or by applying mode controlling or conditioning
devices on or in series with the launch cord.
The connector or adapter terminating the launch cord shall be compatible with the cabling and
should be of reference grade to minimize the uncertainty of measurement results.
Optical Power Loss Measurements of Installed Multimode Fiber Cable Plant ANSITIA-526
5.7 Connector end-face cleaning and inspection equipment

Cleaning equipment (including apparatus, materials, and substances) and the methods to be
used shall be suitable for the connectors to be cleaned. Connector suppliers’ instructions
shall be consulted where doubt exists as to the suitability of particular equipment and
cleaning methods.
A microscope compatible with IEC 61300-3-35, low resolution method, is required to verify
that the fibre and connector end faces of the test cords are clean and free of damage.
Microscopes with adaptors that are compatible with the connectors used are required.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
PATHWAYS AND
SPACES
Standards and
Certification
Telecommunications Pathways and
Spaces ANSI/TIA-569
This is an extensive standard

covering a broad range of
subjects. The idea behind this
lecture is to give you an idea of
what this specific standard entail
and how to apply it at your site.
The purpose of this Standard is to standardize

specific pathway and space design and
construction practices in support of
telecommunications media and equipment
within buildings
ANSI/TIA-569 p19
Spaces ANSI/TIA-569
Figure 2 illustrates the relationships between

the major telecommunications pathway and
space elements within a building. The list of
these elements that follow the figure
describes the characteristics of each element;
numbers are keyed to respective sections
within this Standard.
Spaces ANSI/TIA-569
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPATIBILITY
Pathways and spaces should be designed to
be compatible with the worst case
environment to which they will be exposed.
Compatibility with the environment can be
achieved with enhanced components or by
means of separation or isolation. Separation
and isolation methods can be used to convert
the environment to be compatible with the
pathways and spaces. In some cases,
a combination of component
enhancements, isolation and separation
may be used.
Spaces ANSI/TIA-569
Lets cherry-pick a few

examples so you can
have a better idea of
what the standard entails
Spaces ANSI/TIA-569
BUILDING PATHWAYS
• When determining the size of the pathway, the quantity,
size, and bend radius requirements of the cable, with an
allowance for growth, shall be provided. Where a large
number of cables are expected, additional sleeves,
conduits, trays, or slots shall be provided.
• Pathways shall not be located in elevator shafts.
• Pathway specifications shall accommodate the applicable
seismic zone requirements.
• Building pathways shall be installed in “dry” locations that
protect cables from moisture levels that are beyond the
intended operating range of “inside” premises cable
Spaces ANSI/TIA-569
BUILDING PATHWAYS
• The integrity of all firestop assemblies shall be maintained
when penetrated by cable, wires, and pathways
• Building pathways shall terminate in the distributor rooms
or distributor enclosures located on the same floor as the
area being served. Distributor rooms shall be connected to
the building pathway for cabling to the entrance room or
space, and the telecommunications rooms.
• The size of pathways, between the entrance point and the
entrance room or space, shall be the same as the entrance
pathways unless the route is through open accessible
areas. In such cases, the pathway placed may be only for
those cables initially installed with supporting structure
adequate to accommodate future pathway requirements.
Spaces ANSI/TIA-569
BUILDING PATHWAYS
• The integrity of all firestop assemblies shall be maintained
when penetrated by cable, wires, and pathways
• Building pathways shall terminate in the distributor rooms
or distributor enclosures located on the same floor as the
area being served. Distributor rooms shall be connected to
the building pathway for cabling to the entrance room or
space, and the telecommunications rooms.
• The size of pathways, between the entrance point and the
entrance room or space, shall be the same as the entrance
pathways unless the route is through open accessible
areas. In such cases, the pathway placed may be only for
those cables initially installed with supporting structure
adequate to accommodate future pathway requirements.
Spaces ANSI/TIA-569
Types of building pathways

Areas above ceilings may be used as pathways for
telecommunications cables as well as spaces for connecting
hardware.
Access floor systems consist of modular floor panels

supported by pedestals, an assembly of
pedestals and stringers, or an integral pedestal and floor
panel. Access floor systems are typically used in distributor
rooms.
Spaces ANSI/TIA-569
Types of building pathways

Cable support systems discussed here may be located below
or above the ceiling or within an access floor system in either
plenum or non-plenum applications.
Cable trays and cable runways are structures with pre-
fabricated components for supporting and routing cables or
conductors that are pulled or laid in place after the pathway
has been installed as a complete system.
Underfloor duct systems are pathways for containing cables
for services such as telecommunications and electrical power.
The system, consisting of distribution and feeder ducts, is a
network of raceways embedded in concrete.
Spaces ANSI/TIA-569
Separation between telecommunications and power

cables
Co-installation of telecommunications cable and power cable
is governed by applicable electrical code for safety.
Zero pathway separation distance is permitted when the

electrically conductive telecommunications cables, the power
cables or both are enclosed in metallic pathways that meet
the following conditions:
a) the metallic pathway(s) completely enclose the cables and

are continuous;
b) the metallic pathway(s) are properly bonded and grounded
per ANSI/TIA-607-B; and
c) the walls of the pathway(s) have a minimum thickness 1
mm (0.04 in) nominal if made of steel or 1.5 mm (0.06 in)
nominal if made of aluminium.
Spaces ANSI/TIA-569
Areas above ceilings

Inaccessible ceiling areas, such as lock-in type ceiling tiles,
drywall or plaster, shall not be used as distribution pathways.
Ceiling tiles shall be of the removable or lay-in type. Adequate
and suitable space shall be available in the ceiling area for
the contemplated layout.
Planning
The design shall provide a suitable means and method for
supporting cables. Cable shall not be laid directly on the
ceiling tile or rails.
Clearance
A minimum of 75 mm (3 in) clear vertical space shall be
available above the ceiling tiles for the cabling and pathway.
Spaces ANSI/TIA-569
Access floor systems

Some access floor systems may also be used for air handling.
Low profile access floor systems are not recommended for air
handling.
There are two types of access floor systems:
1) standard height floors and 2) low profile floors.
Each of these types can have any one or a combination of

support structures including:
a) stringered systems;
b) free standing systems;
c) cornerlock systems; and
d) integral systems.
Spaces ANSI/TIA-569

Some access floor systems may also be used for air handling.
Low profile access floor systems are not recommended for air
handling.
There are two types of access floor systems:
1) standard height floors and 2) low profile floors.
Each of these types can have any one or a combination of

support structures including:
a) stringered systems;
b) free standing systems;
c) cornerlock systems; and
d) integral systems.
Spaces ANSI/TIA-569

Minimum clearance
Minimum clearance in cable pathways under an
access floor shall be 20 mm (0.75 in) (see figure
12). A minimum of 650 mm2 (1 in2) cross sectional
area shall be provided per service area.
When used in a distributor room, the minimum
finished floor height should be 300 mm (12 in)
above the slab and shall not be less than 150 mm (6
in) above the slab.
NOTE – Where cable tray or other facilities are used

under other areas, a minimum of 200 mm (8 in)
above the slab should be considered.
Spaces ANSI/TIA-569

Cable management
Providing physical management for cabling placed
within the access floor system lessens the
chance of damage or reduced performance over the
cable’s life cycle. A method of physical
management for major runs of cabling shall be
provided. Management systems such as raceways,
cable tray, and non-continuous cable supports may
be used
Layout
The access floor system layout shall be determined
prior to the installation of any equipment or
telecommunications cabling.
Spaces ANSI/TIA-569
Cable tray and cable runway

Cable trays
Cable trays shall be planned for an initial
maximum calculated fill ratio of 25% (see
example 1).
The maximum fill ratio of any cable tray
shall be 50%. The maximum fill depth of
any cable tray shall be 150 mm (6 in).
Cable runway
Cables installed on cable runway shall be
stacked no higher than 150 mm (6 in).
Retaining posts may be installed on
runway to contain cables.
Spaces ANSI/TIA-569
Conduit
Use of conduit
Cable trays shall be planned for an
initial maximum calculated fill ratio of
25% (see example 1).
The maximum fill ratio of any cable
tray shall be 50%. The maximum fill
depth of any cable tray shall be 150
mm (6 in).
Cable runway
Cables installed on cable runway
shall be stacked no higher than 150
mm (6 in). Retaining posts may be
installed on runway to contain cables.

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Study Guide v2206001

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Hofmeyr de Vos | “your expert instructor” |June 2022

“ If knowledge and practice are critical to

Copyright 2022 by Hofmeyr de Vos

2 Study guide: Fiber Optics

This Study Guide is a companion to the

Have you enrolled for certification yet?

Click here to get the ball rolling:

Why this section? Page 8

Why Standards? Page 15

What Standards? Page 25

Who writes the standards? Page 35

an Illustrative relationship between relevant TIA standards Page 47

Elements that comprise a generic cabling system: ANSI/TIA 568 Page 52

Elements that comprise a generic cabling system : ISO11801 Page 65

Performance specifications for the optical fiber cables Page 88

3 Fibre Optic Certification Path

Performance specifications for connecting hardware Page 101

Fiber cabling installation requirements ANSI/TIA-568: Bend Radius Page 110

Fiber cabling installation requirements ANSI/TIA-568: Cord Cable Page 114

Fiber cabling installation requirements ANSI/TIA-568: Polarity Page 123

Fiber cabling transmission performance and test requirements Page 129

Telecommunications pathways and spaces Page 147

Click here to access your certification pack:

3 Fibre Optic Certification Path

“ Poling shows Our students that

Well…. If that does not convince you , nothing will !

4 Fibre Optic Certification Path

Getting certified, as apposed to

If you do not plan to go the certification route,

Faster installation with fewer Up-to-date installation

If you are interested in

The cool aspect of this

How this section is divided, is

The building control systems, generally grouped under the heading

Designing a Structured Cabling System to Iso 11801,2nd Edition

You will also notice that these lessons

If you are interested in

Designing a Structured Cabling System to Iso 11801,2nd Edition

Many of the larger users now tend to ‘prequalify’ a

Designing a Structured Cabling System to Iso 11801,2nd Edition

Remember nowadays that

Designing a Structured Cabling System to Iso 11801,2nd Edition

There are few local

Designing a Structured Cabling System to Iso 11801,2nd Edition

Systems located in the USA should design cable standards to

Designing a Structured Cabling System to Iso 11801,2nd Edition

Designing a Structured Cabling System to Iso 11801,2nd Edition

Designing a Structured Cabling System to Iso 11801,2nd Edition

When designing a cabling system

Designing a Structured Cabling System to Iso 11801,2nd Edition

If you are interested in

Keep in mind that, every European country still

Designing a Structured Cabling System to Iso 11801,2nd Edition

Designing a Structured Cabling System to Iso 11801,2nd Edition

Designing a Structured Cabling System to Iso 11801,2nd Edition

Designing a Structured Cabling System to Iso 11801,2nd Edition

Designing a Structured Cabling System to Iso 11801,2nd Edition

Designing a Structured Cabling System to Iso 11801,2nd Edition

Designing a Structured Cabling System to Iso 11801,2nd Edition

Designing a Structured Cabling System to Iso 11801,2nd Edition

Designing a Structured Cabling System to Iso 11801,2nd Edition

• NFPA 1, Fire Prevention Code.

Designing a Structured Cabling System to Iso 11801,2nd Edition