1

NETWORK CABLING STANDARDS

OVERVIEW
NETWORK CABLE SOLUTIONS
MODULE 1-A

2
NETWORK CABLING STANDARDS
Why?

• Provide personal safety

• Protect equipment from failure
• Recognize regulatory considerations
• Meet performance requirements

3
 NETWORK CABLING STANDARDS
• Presentation Topics
– Historical perspective of LAN cabling
– Current standards for structured systems cabling
– The TIA Standards
– The ISO Standards
– The CENELEC Standards
– Standards Comparison

4
 NETWORK CABLING STANDARDS
• Historical Overview
– Throughout 1980’s, various network cabling and
connector techniques were used. For example:
• IEEE 802.3 Trunk and AUI transceiver cables (bus
topology)
• IEEE 802.5 Token Ring (ring topology)
• Proprietary broadband and baseband over twisted
pair and coax

5
 NETWORK CABLING STANDARDS
• 1990’s marked the introduction of structured
cabling system standards for data
communications.
– 1990 release of EIA/TIA-568 (North American)
– 1991 - 2007 various addenda (TSBs)
– 1994 ISO/IEC 11801 (International)
– 1995 revision of 568 to TIA/EIA-568-A
– 1995 EN 50173 (CENELEC)
– 2002 ISO/IEC 11801 (International) Edition 2.
– 2005 revision of 568 to TIA/EIA-568-B inclusions of
various addenda (TSBs)

6
 NETWORK CABLING STANDARDS

• To date, several addenda had been released

due to the bandwidth requirement. Cat7a is
even in the process.

7
 NETWORK CABLING STANDARDS
These are some of the standards organizations
that dominate the world market for design and
implementation of structured cabling systems.
• Standard Organizations
– TIA (Telecommunications Industry Association)
– ISO (International Standard Organizations)
– CENELEC (European Community for Electrotechnical
Standardization)
– NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers
Association)
– ICEA (Insulated Cable Engineering Association)

8
 NETWORK CABLING STANDARDS
• Reasons why Structured Cabling Standards were
developed
– To create generic cable and connector designs
– Establish standard cabling architecture
– Establish minimum performance guidelines for cables,
connectors and system links
– Develop cabling performance specifications that can be
used by systems designers and active component
manufacturers
– Create a transparent physical media that will support all
current and future network protocols and applications
– Reduce physical layer costs for LAN cabling components

9
 NETWORK CABLING STANDARDS
• North American Standards
– TIA/EIA-568-A (Cabling components and Architecture)
– EIA/TIA-569 (Cabling pathways and spaces)
– TIA/EIA-606 (Cabling system administration)
– TIA/EIA-607 (Grounding and bonding of cabling system)
– Technical Systems Bulletin (TSB)
• TSB-67 (Horizontal link performance for UTP cabling)
• TSB-72 (Optical fiber cabling guidelines for commercial building)
• TSB-75 (Open office cabling guidelines, e.g., zone distribution)
• Referenced Standards (ICEA, ASTM, NEC, UL)

10
 ADDENDA TO 568-A AND FUTURE
WORK
• TIA/EIA-568-A-1 - Propagation Delay and Delay Skew
• TIA/EIA-568-A-2 - Corrections and Additions to TIA/EIA-568-A
(centralized optical fiber cabling, transposition, polarization,
etc..)
• TIA/EIA-568-A-3 - Bundled cables, must be 3dB better than
the specified p-p NEXT loss for each cable type
• TIA/EIA-568-A-4 - Production of Modular Cord NEXT Loss Test
Method and Requirements for UTP Cabling
• TIA/EIA-568-A-5 - Add’l Transmission Performance Spec for 4-
Pair 100 Enhanced Cat 5e Cabling

11
 ADDENDA TO 568-A AND FUTURE
WORK
• TIA/EIA TSB 95 - Additional Transmission Performance
Guidelines for 4-Pair 100 Category 5e Cabling-ELFEXT
• PN-3139 - Technical Specification for 100 STP Cabling
• PROPOSED ‘568-B.1 - Commercial Building
Telecommunications Cabling Std: Part 1, Gen. Reqmt
• PROPOSED ‘568-B.2 - Commercial Building
Telecommunications Cabling Std: Part 2, Twisted-Pair Media
• PROPOSED ‘568-B.3 - Commercial Building
Telecommunications Cabling Std: Part 1, Optical Fiber Media

12
 FUTURE SPECIFICATIONS
• Category 7
– describe a new performance range for fully STP cabling
– will be specified in the frequency range of 1-600 MHz
– backward compatibility

• Category 7a
– describe a new performance range for fully STP cabling
– will be specified in the frequency range of 1000-1200 MHz
– backward compatibility

13
 ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-A
“Commercial Building Telecommunications
Cabling Standards”

• This document was created and is regularly

updated to provide the communications
industry with a “standards-based” structured
network cabling platform that will support a
wide range of communications applications.
• Originally adopted in 1991 as EIA/TIA-568
• 568-A approved in October 1995, replaces
568, TSB-36, TSB-40A
14
 ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-A
• Contents
– Structured Cabling Topologies
– Cable Distances, Installation & Grounding Guidelines
– Cable Media
– Work Area defined
– Telecommunication Equipment Room and Entrance
Facility location, function and design.
– 100 ohm UTP Cabling System
– Optical Fiber Cabling System
– Hybrid and Undercarpet Cables
15
 ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-A
• Scope
– Supports wide range of different sites
• Geographical separation 3000 meters (9840’)
• 1,000,000 square meters (10,000,000 sq.ft.)
• Up 50,000 users
– Useful life span in excess 10 years
– Applies to the communications wiring of buildings
that are office oriented.

16
 ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-A
• Recognized Cables-Horizontal & Backbone
– 4 pair 100-ohm UTP
– higher than 4 pair for backbone, e.g., 25-pair
– 62.5/125 duplex optical fiber cable
– Single-mode optical fiber in backbones
– UTP cables with > 4 pairs for use in backbones
– Hybrids acceptable. (TIA/EIA-568-A-3, Addendum)

17
 ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-A
• Topology-Horizontal
– Star topology
• Work area outlets connected to telecommunications closets
– Maximum cabling length 100 meters (328 ft.)
• Horizontal distance 90 metes
• Work station jumper 3 meters
• Cross connect jumpers & patch cords 7 meters
– Outlets must be Category compliant with horizontal
cabling
– Patch cords must be Category compliant with
horizontal cabling
18
 ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-A
• Recommended Horizontal Cabling
– Minimum of two telecomm outlets shall be
provided for each work stations
– Work stations shall be supported by at least one 4
pair 100-ohm UTP
– The other/second outlet at work station shall be
supported by one or more of the following:
• 4-pair 100-ohm UTP
• 62.5/125 duplex optical fiber cable

19
 ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-A
• Physical star topology for structured cabling
per TIA/EIA-568-A can support the logical
connection methodologies of most
networking architectures.

20
 ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-A
• Topology
– Conventional hierarchical star topology.
– Non-star configurations can be accommodated
with interconnections, electronics, or adapters.
– If bus and ring configurations are anticipated,
direct connections between telco closets are
allowed.
• Direct connections are in addition to star topology

21
 ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-A
Structured cabling physical star topology

• No more than 3 X-
connects between each
horizontal cross-
connects.
• Maximum of two
hierarchical levels of X-
connects
• Cabling can be UTP, FTP,
STP & Fiber
22
 ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-A
• Installation
– Splices are not allowed as part of the horizontal
cabling.
– Each four pair cables shall be terminated on a
eight position jack.
– Pin assignments shall be as per T568A or T568B.
– Category 5e, pair untwisting not more than 0.5”.

23
PIN ASSIGNMENTS

24
 ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-A
• Grounding
– Ensure that grounding conforms to TIA/EIA 607,
NEC and local requirements.
– Ensure that each telco closet, equipment room,
and entrance facility has grounding access.
– Ensure grounding is available for cross-connects,
patch panel racks, telco and data equipment.

25
 TIA/EIA-TSB-67
“Transmission Performance Specifications for Field
Testing of Unshielded Twisted Pair Cabling Systems”

• This document was developed to give the

engineer and installer a means to evaluate
UTP horizontal cabling performance for
Category 3, 4 and 5e links (later applied to
higher Category).
• This document is used as an addendum to
TIA/EIA-568-A

26
 TIA/EIA TSB-67
• Contents
– Channel and basic links defined for horizontal cabling
– Test Parameters: NEXT, Attenuation, Wire Mapping,
Physical vs. Electrical Length
– Defines data reporting and accuracy
– Field measurement procedures
– Annex A defines field test instruments
• Accuracy
• Test Set-up
• Reference Test Methods
• Electrical Length Measurement Methods

27
 TIA/EIA TSB 67
Schematic Presentation of a Basic Link Test Configuration

28
 TIA/EIA TSB 67
Schematic Presentation of a Channel Link Test Configuration

29
 TIA/EIA TSB-72
“Centralized Optical Fiber Cabling”

• Use of optical fiber for centralized cabling within a building.

• This cabling option is in addition to the TIA/EIA-568-A
topology and distance guidelines for structured cabling using
optical fiber.
• Allows for workstation cable runs originating in the
equipment room.
• Allows for non-distributed, centralized network electronics.

30
 TIA/EIA TSB-72
• Allows for future cabling modifications including addition of
telecommunication closets without need for re-cabling.
• Follows TIA/EIA-568-A fiber cabling specifications
• Maximum cabling distance - Backbone & horizontal is 300
meters (90 meters maximum for horizontal portion)

31
 TSB-75
Additional Horizontal Cabling Practices for Open Offices

Application of Multi-user Telecommunications Outlet Assembly

32
 ANSI/EIA/TIA-569
“Commercial Building Standard for
Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces”

• Created as a guideline for architects, engineers and construction

industry to provide a building and campus cabling infrastructure
that will remain useful and exhibit no or few problems for many
years.
• Developed by participants from - America Institute of Architects
and Construction Specification Institute
• Follows good building design guidelines set forth by
– BICSI (Building Industry Consulting Services
International)
– BOMA (Building Owners and Managers Association)
– IBI (Intelligent Building Institute)
– IFMA (International Facility Management Association)

33
 ANSI/EIA/TIA-569
• Contents
– Horizontal Pathways (Under-floor, Access Floor,
Conduit, Trays, Ceiling, Perimeter, etc.)
– Backbone Pathways (Inter and Intra-building)
– Workstation Pathways and Telecom Outlets
– Telecommunications Closet Design
– Equipment Room Design
– Entrance Facilities
– Fire Stopping and Grounding
– Pathway Separation from EM Energy Sources

34
 ANSI/EIA/TIA-569
• Conduit Types
Recognized:
– Electrical metallic tubing
– Rigid metal conduit
– Rigid PVC

• Conduit Type Not

Recommended:
– Metal flex conduit
• Cable suffers from abrasion 35
 ANSI/EIA/TIA-569
• Installation Guidelines
– Maximum run lengths without pull point = 30 meters
(100 feet).
– Maximum of two 90 degrees bends between pull
boxes or pull points.
– Fish tape or pull cord shall be placed in installed
conduit.
– Inside Radius of a bend:
• Less than 50mm (2 in.) - 6 times the internal diameter
• Greater than 50mm (2 in.) - 10 times the internal diameter
• Conduit to be used for fiber optic cable - 10 times the
internal diameter.

36
 ANSI/EIA/TIA-569
• Installation Guidelines
– Single conduit run extending from a
telecommunications closet shall not serve more
than three outlets
– Conduit shall be reamed to prevent cable jacket
abrasion.
– Conduit shall be terminated with an insulated
bushing.
– Minimum conduit size based on percent fill

37
ANSI/EIA/TIA-569 : Conduit Size Recommendation

38
 ANSI/EIA/TIA-569
• Recommended maximum percent Conduit Fill
for Backbone Cable
– One cable 53% fill
– Two cables 31% fill
– Three cables 40% fill

39
 ANSI/EIA/TIA-569
• Pathway Separation
– Closed metal pathways provide adequate
protection from capacitively coupled (rapid
changes in high voltage) in commercial buildings.
– Closed metal pathways of ferrous induction
suppression material shall be used in areas of high
inductively coupled noise (rapid changes in high
current)
– Open or non-pathways shall be placed with
sufficient separation.

40
 ANSI/EIA/TIA-569-1990

Separation of Telco Path From </= 480V Power

Condition Minimum Separation Distance
< 2 kva 2-5 kva > 5kva

Unshielded power
lines near open or
non metal pathways 5 in. 12 in. 24 in.

Unshielded power
lines near grounded
metal path. 2.5 in. 6 in. 12 in.

Power lines in
grounded metal
conduit near
grounded metal
conduit path. -- 3 in. 6 in.

41
 ANSI/EIA/TIA-606
“Administration Standard for the
Telecommunications Infrastructure of Commercial
Buildings”

• Developed as to establish standardized cabling

administration procedures for labeling and
documentation
• Designed for use with TIA/EIA-568-A and
EIA/TIA-569

42
 ANSI/EIA/TIA-606
• Contents:
– Administration Concepts
• Identifies, Records, Linkages
– Pathways and Space Administration
• Identifiers, Labeling, Records, Reports
– Wiring System, Administration
• Identifiers, Label, Records, Reports, Drawings
– Grounding and Bonding Administration
– Labeling and Color Coding:
• Labels and Termination Fields
43
 ANSI/EIA/TIA-606
• Scope
– To provide a uniform administration scheme that
is dependent of applications which may change
several times throughout the life of the building.
– Ties into TIA/EIA 568-A and EIA/TIA-569

44
 ANSI/EIA/TIA-606
• Areas of infrastructure to be administered
– Termination for the cable located in work areas,
telecommunication closets, equipment rooms and
entrance facilities
– Cable between the terminations
– Pathways between terminations that contain the
media
– Spaces where terminations are located
– Bonding/grounding as it applies to
telecommunications
45
 ANSI/EIA/TIA-606
• Cable Record
– Cable identification number
• Fiber optic backbone…FB01
• Copper backbone…CB01
• Copper 4 pair, plenum…C5P0001
– Description of cable
• 4 pr., Cat. 5e
• 6 fiber, 62.5, OFNR
– Unterminated/ Damaged / Available
• References to specific conductors and their availability

Note: Identifier formats are listed in detail within the TIA/EIA-606 standard.

46
 ANSI/EIA/TIA-606
• Cable Record
– Required linkages
• Alpha numeric identification specific to each
termination
– End 1…TC3A-B17-A1
– Telco closet 3A, termination hardware B17, termination on
position A1
– Pathway records
• Cable tray…CT01
• Conduit…CD02
• Backbone conduit…BCD08

47
 ANSI/TIA/EIA-606

Cable Record

Required Information Data Comments

Cable ID FB01 6 fiber, 62.5, OFNR 422006

Unterm 0
Damaged 0
Available 2 #5 Slate, #5 White

48
 ANSI/TIA/EIA-606
Cable Record

Required Linkages End 1 End 2 Comments

Term Pos. Record

#1 Blue TC3A-B17-A1 ER101-01-A1
#2 Orange TC3A-B17-A2 ER101-01A2
#3 Green TC3A-B17-A3 ER101-01A3
#4 Brown TC3A-B17-A4 ER101-01A4
#5 Slate TC3A-B17-A5 ER101-01A5 Available
#6 White TC3A-B17-A6 ER101-01A6 Available

Splice Records M1H01-S010 1500 ft from TC3A

Pathway Records CD015-CD016 Path 2 conduits at MH-101
Grounding Records N/A

49
 ANSI/TIA/EIA-607
“Commercial Building Grounding and Bonding
Requirements for Telecommunications”
• Created to provide standard methodologies for
grounding of building and communication
infrastructures for the safe and reliable operation of
electrical and electronics systems.
• This document is to be used in conjunction with
– ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-A-1995
– ANSI/TIA/EIA-569-1990
– ANSI/TIA/EIA-606-1993
– TIA/EIA TSB-60 (Backbone for Residential and Light
Commercial Buildings)
– ANSI/TIA/EIA-570-1991 (residential communications
wiring)

50
 ANSI/TIA/EIA-626
“Multi-mode Fiber-Optic Link Transmission Design”

• This standard has been created to provide a

common procedure for design a multi-mode
digital fiber optic link
• Cable types and other passive and active
equipment are defined in detail.

51
 ANSI/TIA/EIA-626
• Contents
– Related TIA documents
– Cable Optical Fiber
– Passive Optical Devices: Connectors, Splices, etc.
– Fiber Optic Transmitter/Source Choices
– Fiber Optic Receiver/Detector Choices
– Link Definition
– Bandwidth Budget
– Loss Budget

52
 NEMA
Standards Publications No. WC 63-1994
“Performance Standard for Premise Telecommunications Cables”
• Specifically for cables (no structured cabling
architecture or topology guidelines)
• Original specification for high performance UTP
cabling
• Significant role in defining cable performance
specifications for electronic and electric
applications

53
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS FOR
STRUCTURED CABLING

54
 ISO/IEC 11801
“Information Technology - Generics Cabling
for Customer Premises”

• This document was created and is regularly

updated to provide the communications
industry with a “standards-based” structured
network cabling platform that will support a
wide range of communications applications.
• Closely parallels the TIA/EIA-568-A Document
• Minor performance differences for cables and
links.

55
 ISO/IEC 11801
• Variation of recommendations Vs. TIA/EIA-
568-A
– Return Loss is reported as real impedance
– Link performance is defined as “Class”.
• ISO Class D link is equivalent to TIA/EIA Cat 5e link
• Minimum performance for class D links are slightly less
than Category 5e links.
– Multimode fiber (62.5/125):
11801 TIA/EIA-568-A
200 MHz-Km @ 850nm 160 MHz-Km @ 850nm

56
 EC Standards for Structured
Cabling - CENELEC
• European Standard EN 50173
– “Information Technology - Generic Cabling
Systems”
• European Standard EN 50167
– “Sectional Specification for Horizontal Floor wiring
cables with common overall screen for use in digital
communication”

57
 EC Standards for Structured
Cabling - CENELEC
• European Standard EN 50168
– “Sectional Specification for Work Area Wiring Cables with
common overall screen for use in digital communications”
• European Standard EN 50167
– “Sectional Specification for Backbone Cables, riser and
campus, with common overall screen for use in digital
communication”
• These documents have been drafted directly from the
ISO/IEC 11801 standard
• They are intended to address various nuances within
the European Community.

58
STANDARDS CROSS REFERENCE

59
STANDARDS CROSS REFERENCE

60
 FUTURE
• TIA-568-B.3  ISO/IEC 11801:2002
– 62.5/125µm Multimode  OM1 (62.5/125 µm)
• OFL: 160 MHz•km @ 850nm
 OFL: 200 MHz•km @ 850nm
• OFL: 500 MHz•km @ 1300nm
 OFL: 500 MHz•km @ 1300nm
– 50/125 µm MMF  OM2 (50/125 µm)
• OFL: 500 MHz•km @ 850nm
 OFL: 500 MHz•km @ 850nm
• OFL: 500 MHz•km @ 1300nm
 OFL: 500 MHz•km @ 1300nm

• TIA-568-B.3-1
 OM3 (50/125 µm)
– 50/125 µm Laser Optimized MMF  OFL: 1500 MHz•km @ 850nm
• OFL: 1500 MHz•km @ 850nm
 OFL: 500 MHz•km @ 1300nm
• OFL: 500 MHz•km @ 1300nm
 RML: 2000 MHz•km @ 850nm
• RML: 2000 MHz•km @ 850nm

OFL – Overfilled Launch (LED Bandwidth)

RML – Restricted Mode Launch (LASER Bandwidth)

61
 FUTURE
Beyond 10 Gbps

• 40 GbE and 100 GbE

fiber applications
under development
• IEEE HSSG – 802.3ba
• Current draft is 1.1

62
 FUTURE
Why 2 application speeds?
• 40 GbE – Server and computing needs
– Servers, high performance computing
clusters, blade servers, SANs and network
attached storage
• 100 GbE – Core networking applications
– Switching, routing, and aggregation in data
centers, internet exchanges and service
provider peering points, and high bandwidth
applications, video on demand, and other
high performance computing environments 63
 FUTURE
Server Market Evolution

64
GENERAL CABLE INSTALLATION
PRACTICES
NETWORK CABLE SOLUTIONS
MODULE 2-A

65
 GENERAL CABLE INSTALLATION
• Scope:
– To provide guidelines for the installation of high
performance cables under a variety of conditions.

66
 CABLE INSTALLATION
• Safety
– Wear proper clothing
• Safety glasses
• Hard hats
• Proper footwear
• Gloves
– Locate electrical wiring
– Secure the area
– Plan for safety
67
 GENERAL CABLE INSTALLATION
• Considerations
– Do not exceed the minimum bend radius.
– Do not exceed the tensile loading.
– Lock in all components of a cable in relation to
one another.
– Use cable lube where necessary.
– Inspect cable route for surfaces that may abrade
the cable.

68
 SMALL SINGLE CABLE
1. Twist the cable end around the cable for a
length of 8-10 inches (20-25 cm)
2. Tape the twisted portion with electrical tape.
3. Attach the pull string to loop

69
 MULTIPLE SMALL CABLE
1. Align ends of cables to be pulled.
2. Using electrical tape, tape 8 to 10 inches (20
to 25 cm) of cable ends together.
3. Divide the bundle of cables into 2 roughly
equal groups.
4. Pass the pull string between these two
bundles. Knot the string forward of the tip.
5. Tape the pull string at the end.
70
 MULTIPLE CABLES
1. Strip off outer jacket from cables exposing the
conductors 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm).
2. Separate the conductors within each cable into
two equal bundles.
3. Twist bundles from each cable together to form
two legs.
4. Twist the two legs together forming a loop.
5. Tape the end of the cable and the loop using
electricians tape
71
 MULTI PAIR CABLE
1. Strip 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) of the
outer jacket.
2. Split conductors and spacers or strength
members into roughly two equal bundles.
3. Twist the two bundles to form a loop.
4. Using electrical tape, tape part of the cable as
well as the loop.

72
 FIBER OPTIC CABLE
1. Strip off 14 to 16 inches (35 to 40 cm) of the
outer jacket of the cable.
2. Bend the fibers back onto the cable and tape
in place using electrical tape.
3. Twist the Kevlar to facilitate handling then
bring back over the cable forming a loop.
4. Continue taping the fibers and the Kevlar past
the end of the cable jacket.
73
 CONDUIT INSTALLATION
• Three pulling situations
– Dip to dip
– Straight pulling between manholes
– Pulling around corners
• Two pulling methods
– By hand.
– By machines.
• Decision is based on several factors
– How clear is the conduit
– Bends to the conduit
– Size and weight of the cable.

74
 CONDUIT INSTALLATION
• Minimizing Tensile Loads
– Changes in cable direction have a greater effect
on cable loads than the length of the cable pull.
• Use center pulling or back feeding methods with pulls
longer than 400 meters.
• Minimize pulls through 90 degrees bends (maximum of
two bends).
• Monitor cable tension during cable pulls when using
winches.

75
 PULL BOXES
• Minimizing Tensile Loads
– Backfeeding reduces tension on the cable and
allows easy cable pulling through the use of pull
boxes

76
 CABLE TRAYS
• Protect cable from sharp edges and abrasive
surfaces.
• Mount Cable on the sides or the underside of
tray.
• Observe the minimum bend radius at all turns.
• Avoid excess weight on cable at cable tray
runs.
• Fiber to be placed on top of copper.
77
 RISER INSTALLATION
• Secure cable at the top of the run. The use of
a split mesh grip is recommended to ensure
that the minimum bend radius is maintained
and the cable is secured firmly.
• Cable ties are used to prevent unnecessary
movement, not to support cable.

78
 RISER INSTALLATION
• Vertical Risers
– Alternative method
• Mount steel messenger in riser anchoring at top and at bottom.
• Attach cable to the messenger using traditional means.
• Drop down or pull up.
– Usually you have a choice in whether to drop the cable
down the riser or to pull it up.
– Best alternative is to lower the cable through the riser.
• Why? Because its easier!

79
 RISER INSTALLATION
• Riser Pull
1. Set up the cable reel on a jack stand 30 feet (20 meters)
from the riser opening.
2. Have as many people as can be spared on the reel, and
sufficient personnel on the lower floors to guide the cable.
3. Slowly feed the cable off the top of the reel into the
opening. Even if the cable is heavy its own weight on the
floor should act as a brake.
4. Continue to feed the cable slowly until the person on the
floor below can guide the cable in the next opening.
5. Proceed until the cable has been lowered to the
destination floor.

80
 RISER INSTALLATION
• If the cable is to be placed in an open riser.
1. Set up a pulley over the middle of the riser.
2. Loop the cable over the pulley.
3. Proceed as described earlier.

81
 HORIZONTAL INSTALLATION
• Floor or ceiling duct
– Follow the same procedures as for conduits.
• Ceilings
– New construction with open ceilings typically does
not present significant problems.
– Existing building with a ceiling in place requires the
careful placement of a pull string.
– The typical installation an installer will face is a
suspended ceiling.
– The following procedure is for an existing ceiling. It is
very similar to procedures in new construction.

82
 HORIZONTAL INSTALLATION
• Ceilings
1. Open the ceiling tiles as needed. Every other one is
usually more than sufficient. Careful, ceiling tiles are
damaged easily.
2. Tie a 1/4” inch handline to a weight. Toss this weight
above the ceiling from one opening to another. Start at
the drop end and continue until you reach the closet.
3. Set boxes or reel of cables near the drop points in clusters.
4. Mark the ends of the cable with the drop locations. Use a
Sharpie or Magic Marker pen.
5. Attach bundle of cable to pull string and pull to next
cluster.

83
 HORIZONTAL INSTALLATION
• Ceilings
6. At second cluster repeat marking the cable and
attaching to pull string.
7. Continue until all clusters are picked up then
continue the pull to the closet.
8. Once cable has been brought to the closet return
to the work area, pull sufficient cable from the
boxes or reels to reach the work box and fish
through the walls using a snake.

84
 HORIZONTAL INSTALLATION
• Ceilings Distribution to Large Open Areas
– Overall idea is to pull as many individual stations as is
possible at the same time.
– The best way usually is to divide the area into thirds
of quarters.
• Large Open Space Example
– An area with 60 workstations can be divided into
three 20 stations clusters each having two cables.
– One cluster may be the furthest away the second mid
distance and the third the closest.
– We would make three pulls of 40 cables each from
the closet to a central area for each cluster.
85
GENERAL CABLE INSTALLATION

QUESTIONS?

86
UTP PERFORMANCE
PARAMETERS
NETWORK CABLE SOLUTIONS
MODULE 2-B

87
 UTP PERFORMANCE ATTRIBUTES
• Factors Affecting UTP Cable Performance
– Category
– Attenuation
– Capacitance
– Noise
– SRL
– Impedance
– Crosstalk / NEXT
– SNR

88
 DeciBel (dB)
• Measurement of signal loss
• Relation of voltage-in to voltage-out
• dB scale is a nonlinear measurement
• Attn=20*Log (voltage-in/voltage-out)

89
 CATEGORY
• Category 1
– 1 Mbps; Alarm Systems, voice only (telephone wire), POTS
• Category 2
– 4 Mbps; Digital voice, EIA-232, low-speed data
• Category 3
– 10 Mbps; 10BaseT Ethernet, 4Mbps Token Ring, basic rate
ISDN, Data up to 10 Mbps
• Category 4
– 16 Mbps; Token Ring, data up to 20 Mbps
• Category 5e
– 100 Mbps; TP-PMD, SONet, OC-3 ATM, 100BaseTX, Data
up to 100 Mbps
90
 ATTENUATION
• Attenuation (dB/m)
– As with fiber, attenuation is the degradation of
signal level along the cable length
– Attenuation is caused by resistance occurring at
high frequencies.
– Data Cable’s UTP Cat 5e cables typically
demonstrate worst case attenuation at distances
up to 90m values 5% below the maximum
specified values.

91
 ATTENUATION
• Attenuation
– Reduction in amplitude (height) of a transmitted
signal.
– Increases as LAN speeds increase
– Low attenuation is essential for error free signals
over long cable runs

92
 ATTENUATION
• Causes of Attenuation
– Increase in cable distance
– Cable termination equipment
• blocks, jacks, etc.
– Cable termination techniques
• pair separations, untwisting, unsheathing
– Increase in signaling frequency
– Shielding a cable

93
 CAPACITANCE
• Capacitance
– Refers to a cable’s ability to store an electrical
charge (pf per foot)
– Mutual capacitance is measure between two
wires of a pair
– Rounds the square wave of a digital signal
– Related to dielectric content and thickness of
insulation

94
CAPACITANCE AND ATTENUATION
• Capacitance and Attenuation Combined
– Combined effect is least desirable
– If capacitance is high signal never reaches 1 state
before decline
– Signal becomes unreadable to the receiver
– For error free transmission attenuation and
capacitance need to be as low as possible

95
 SRL/IMPEDANCE
• Structural Return Loss (SRL) / Impedance
– SRL & Impedance are a measure of uniformity
(flawlessness) of the cable media over the length.
– Low SRL values ensure improved component
matching and fewer system mismatch reflections.
– Non-uniformities cause signal energy to be back
to the sending device, resulting in signal loss and
crosstalk.

96
 IMPEDANCE
• Impedance
– Measure of resistance at a given frequency.
– Electrical requirements of the hardware dictate
the impedance value of LAN cables
– Impedance mismatches cause signal reflections

97
 CABLE IMPEDANCE
• UTP cable - 100 Ohms +/-15%
• STP cable - 150 Ohms +/-10%
• Coaxial cables
– RG58 - 50 Ohms
– RG59 - 75 Ohms
– RG62 - 93 Ohms

98
 CROSSTALK / NEXT
• Crosstalk / Near-End Crosstalk
– Crosstalk refers to the coupling of a signal from one pair to
another, resulting in “noise” and, thus, an unreadable signal.
– Capacitivity & Inductive Coupling are reduced by controlling the
conductor spacing and by using different twist lengths for each
pair, respectively.
– Measurement of a signal coupled by transmitting pair to
adjacent pairs
– Critical in high speed LANs
– NEXT is significant parameter in LAN cable
– NEXT is primary source of noise in cable
– NEXT is expressed in dB for cable and connecting hardware
– The higher the dB value for NEXT the better
• More resistance to coupled signals.

99
 SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO
• SNR
– For a LAN to be error free it must operate within
the attenuation and NEXT specifications
– Combination of attenuation and NEXT is known as
signal to noise ratio
– SNR is the difference between the attenuated
signal and the coupled signal represented by NEXT

100
 LAN SNR
• LAN should be designed to the attenuation
and NEXT parameters
• Minimum allowed SNR
– Token Ring - 12 dB
– 10baseT - 10dB
• Ideal if the SNR is 15 dB or greater

101
 UTP PERFORMANCE ATTRIBUTES
• Performance Benefits Conclusion
– Attenuation:
Attenuation Average margin 5% better than
required
– SRL:
SRL Average margin 5 dB better than standard
– NEXT:
NEXT Average margin 8 dB better than standard
– Signal to Noise Margin:
Margin 35% greater than required
at 31.25 MHz for 100 Mbps transmission

102
UTP PERFORMANCE
PARAMETERS

QUESTIONS?

103
UTP CABLE INSTALLATION

NETWORK CABLE SOLUTIONS

MODULE 2-C

104
 UTP INSTALLATION
• Scope
– To provide the installer with the guidelines to
properly handle high grade UTP cable during
installation.
– Proper handling assures optimum cable
performance for intended present and future
applications.

105
 UTP INSTALLATION
• Cat 5e Performance
– All Data Cable cables have “headroom” built into
its performance characteristics.
• Crosstalk loss typically 8 dB/kft. more than the required
minimum per standards.
• Signal attenuation typically 5% below the required
maximum by standards.
• Signal to crosstalk margin typically 35% greater at 31.25
Mhz than the required minimum per standard.

106
 UTP INSTALLATION
• Cat 5e Performance
– The headroom assures that the installer is not
working at the edge of the performance envelope
of the cable. This assures that some error in the
installation may be absorbed.
– This does not mean we can be sloppy in our
installation techniques.

107
 UTP INSTALLATION
• Construction
– Pairs are twisted more tightly and built to specific
design constraints in a Cat. 5e cable.
– A precise twist is induced into the bundle 4-Pairs
prior to jacketing.
– Geometry becomes critical to maintain
performance.
– Damaging or changing the position of the pairs
adversely affects the ability of the cable to carry
high data rates.

108
 UTP INSTALLATION
• Minimum Bend Radius
– Never exceed the minimum bend radius. For a high
performance cable the radius will not be less than
eight times the diameter. In a Cat. 5e cable the cable
may not be bent less than 1.25 inches.
– Cables exceeding the minimum bend radius will
exhibit degraded performance.
– Returning flawed section to a larger diameter will not
correct the fault.
• the cable will still exhibit the degraded transmission
performance

109
UTP INSTALLATION
• Pull cable carefully from box
or reel to avoid kinks and
knots
• Pull cable carefully, so as to
not induce twist into the
cable lengths

110
 UTP INSTALLATION
• Minimum Bend Radius
– Review conduit bends
– Exercise care in installing cable in trays
– Do not bend cable over corners
– Do not coil cable tightly and stuff into work box
• Store excess coiled in ceiling
– Exercise care when dressing cables

111
UTP INSTALLATION
• Avoid exceeding the
minimum bend radius when
dressing cables

112
UTP INSTALLATION
• When dressing cables,
sweep cables

113
 UTP INSTALLATION
• Minimum Bend Radius
– Sweep cables to avoid bends and kinks
• Kinking the cable changes the shape of the core, moves
the pairs and changes the geometry
• Damage is permanent
• Service Loops
– 1-3 foot loops at termination points
– Leave service loops along the route of the cable

114
 UTP INSTALLATION
• Maximum Tensile Loading
– Exceeding the maximum tensile loading will
adversely affect the performance of the cable.
• Quality of the cable is affected long before damage is
visible
– Physical stress must be guarded against during
installation and in suspended cable runs.

115
 UTP INSTALLATION
• Maximum Tensile Loading
– Cables should be well supported.
– Correcting cable tension will not reverse the effect
of over-loading.
– Maximum cable loading for 4-pair Cat. 5e cable is
25 lbs.
– Maximum cable loading for 25-pair Cat 5e cable is
160 lbs.

116
 UTP INSTALLATION
• Over-Cinching
– Over-cinching causes compression and distortion
of the cable, degrading cable performance.
• Cable ties must never distort the jacket
• Avoid using staples
– Never crush the cable with staples.

117
 UTP INSTALLATION
• Avoid using staples because
they crush the cables

118
UTP INSTALLATION
• Tie wraps should not distort
the jacket of the cable.
• A properly installed tie wrap
can easily be moved up and
down and twisted around
the bundle.

119
 UTP INSTALLATION
• Over-Cinching
– Select non-compressing cable management
accessories
• Velcro tie wraps
• “D” rings
• Nail on cable clamps

120
 UTP INSTALLATION
• Cable Bundles
– Assure that weight of bundle is not compressing
cable jacket.
– Exert care when running a large cable bundle
around a bend.
– In trays fiber cable should be placed on the top
and UTP on the bottom.

121
 UTP INSTALLATION
• Cable Lengths
– Horizontal runs are limited to 90 meters (295 feet)
or less.
– Work area equipment cables are limited to 3
meters or less.
– Patch cords, jumpers, and cross connects are
limited to 7 meters or less in the
telecommunications closet.

122
 UTP INSTALLATION
• EMI/RFI
– Avoid all sources of EMI and RFI in the cable
route.
– Maintain 5 inches (12 cm) separation from all
fluorescent lighting ballasts.
– Never run data cable and power cable together in
a pathway without a barrier.

123
 UTP INSTALLATION
• Other Installation Suggestions
– Do not run cables in parallel with power wiring
without adequate separation.
– Do not share bore holes with power wires.
– When installing outlet boxes on studs maintain
proper separation between power and
communications cable.
– Never install components of unknown or
questionable manufacturer or quality.

124
 UTP INSTALLATION
• Other Installation Suggestions
– Keep wire away from heat sources, heat ducts and
pipes.
– Leave one to three foot service loops at outlets
and connection points.
– When exiting a cable tray it is recommended that
a service in a dropped ceiling.
– Use proper support methods when installing a
cable in a dropped ceiling

125
 UTP INSTALLATION
• Cable Installation
– Each horizontal run should be a continuous link to
a single work area.
– Bridging of horizontal runs is not acceptable.
– Do not split pairs between multiple outlets.
• All four pairs must be connected to a single jack or
connector

126
UTP INSTALLATION GUIDE

QUESTIONS?

127
UTP CABLE TERMINATION

NETWORK CABLE SOLUTIONS

MODULE 2-D

128
 UTP TERMINATION
• Termination
– Only two wiring configurations are approved by
the standards.
• T568A
• T568B
– Choose one configuration and use it throughout the
installation.

129
UTP TERMINATION

Wiring Configurations

130
 UTP TERMINATION
• Connecting Hardware
– All connecting hardware must be the same
category (or better) as the cable.
– A link is rated according to the lowest category
component.

131
 UTP TERMINATION
• Pair Twists
– Pair twists are absolutely critical to cable
performance.
• Do not untwists more than 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) from the
point of termination in a Cat. 5e cable (Per TIA 568A).
– Untwisting the pairs causes immediate performance
deterioration.
– Re-twisting will not restore performance.
– Over twisting the cable at the termination does not
help the performance.
• distorts the geometry

132
UTP TERMINATION

133
 UTP TERMINATION
• Cable Jacket
– The cable jacket should be left intact on the cable
to the furthest point possible.
• Helps maintain relationship between pairs
• Isolates the pairs from different cables
• Physically protects the cable from damage
– Guideline.
• Strip back only 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the outer jacket
(hardware permitting).

134
 UTP TERMINATION
• Station Outlet
– Leave minimum of 1-3 feet of slack in the work
box.
– Service loops should be stored in the ceiling or in a
double gang box.

135
 UTP TERMINATION

• Punch Down
1. Strip cable jacket back approximately 2 inches. Be careful not to damage
the conductors.
2. Hold pairs firmly where they exit the jacket. Position pairs left to right,
blue, orange, green, brown.
3. Fit pairs over the steeples without untwisting.
4. Give pair end a gentle tug, to seat the twist.
5. Using a single position punch down tool, punch each pair.

136
 UTP TERMINATION
• Cable Management
– Cables should be routed and terminated starting
in the center of a patch panel.
– Cable should be routed to both ends of a cable
rack rather than one side only to facilitate cable
management.
– Watch for cable stress in routing of cables.

137
UTP TERMINATION

QUESTIONS?

138
UTP CABLE TESTING

NETWORK CABLE SOLUTIONS

MODULE 2-E

139
 UTP TESTING
• Standards
– TSB-67 Field Testing Standards for Cat 5e UTP
• Intended to standardize methods for field certification
of installed cabling against TIA-568-A category limits
(i.e. Category 5e)
– Defines
• Test Configurations
• Required test functions
• Minimum accuracy requirements
• Pass/fail criteria

140
 UTP TESTING
TIA/EIA TSB 67 - BASIC LINK TESTING

141
 UTP TESTING
TIA/EIA TSB 67 - CHANNEL LINK TESTING

142
 UTP TESTING
• TSB-67 Test Configurations
– Basic Link
• Covers only the permanent portion of cable run
• Intended primarily for cable plants that must be tested
before patch cords and network equipment are
installed.
– Channel Link
• Measures end-to-end cable run performance
• More complete test coverage.
– Pass/fail limits are different for each type of link

143
 UTP TESTING
• TSB-67 Required Tests
– Wire Map
• Tests for correct end to end pin-out
– Length
• Tests for 90 meter maximum for permanent portion of
installed link and for 100 meters for overall channel.

144
 UTP TESTING
• TSB-67 Required Tests
– Attenuation
• Tests from 1 to 100 MHz per the limits of the tested
configuration
– Near End Crosstalk
• Tests from 1 to 100 MHz per the limits of the tested
configuration
• NEXT must be tested from both ends
– To assure that worst case is a pass.

145
 UTP TESTING
• TSB-67 Required Tests
– In order for the cable run to be rated category 5, it
must pass all four tests
• Many manufacturers build additional testing
capabilities into their test equipment. These are
excellent diagnostic tools.
– “Pass*” Warnings
• Any test that passes but produces a result that is within
the accuracy limit of the tester must carry a warning (*)
in indicate that it is marginal.

146
 UTP TESTING
• TSB-67 Accuracy Requirements
– Defines 2 levels of accuracy
• Level I
– Next Accuracy +/-3.4 dB or better
– Attenuation Accuracy +/-1.3dB or better
• Level II
– Next Accuracy +/-1.6 dB or better
– Attenuation Accuracy +/-1.0 dB or better
• Levels I & II
– Length Accuracy +/- 1 meter

147
 UTP TESTING
• Nominal Velocity of Propagation (NVP)
– Speed at which a signal travels through the cable.
• Dependent on materials used and construction
• Different from manufacturers to manufacturer.
• Listed in product documentation.
– Must be set on test equipment.
• Incorrect setting will give incorrect results on length
and attenuation tests.

148
 UTP TESTING
• Nominal Velocity or Propagation (NVP)
– If the NVP for a cable in unknown:
• Take a known length of cable that is at least 100 feet
long.
• Measure the cable with the tester.
• Adjust the NVP on the tester until the tester shows the
correct length.
• Use this NVP for remainder of tests on that particular
cable.

149
 TROUBLESHOOTING
• Line Map Failure
– Error: One or more pins open
• Causes:
– Broken wire
– Bad punch down
– Defective jack or plug
– Error: Shorted Pins
• Causes:
– Conductors touching at the connector
– Pin or circuit defect in the jack or plug.
– Cable has been damaged, conductors shorted
– Error: Miswired Pins
• Causes:
– Conductors miswired at the connector or jack.

150
 TROUBLESHOOTING
• Length failures
– Causes:
• Too much cable installed
• Incorrect NVP
• Installed matched termination not functioning correctly
• Cable insulation damage
• Near open or near short conditions
– Note that electrical length on a twisted pair cable
is longer than jacket length.

151
 TROUBLESHOOTING
• Mutual Capacitance and Average Impedance
Failure
– Causes:
• Compression, stretching, or bending damage to the
cable
• Defective connectors
• Insulation damage at a connector
• Ground loops created between cable shield (if any) and
equipment ground
• improperly specified cables or patch cords
152
 TROUBLESHOOTING
• Attenuation Failure
– Causes:
• Cable or patch panels not appropriate for the Category
• Poor punch down
• Cable length
• Worn jack or connector
• NVP not set correctly (too low)
• Split pairs
• Near-End Crosstalk (NEXT) Failure
– Causes:
• Cable or patch cords not rated for the Category
• Defective cable
• Poor quality installation of connectors, jacks or punch downs
• Split pairs
153
UTP TESTING

QUESTIONS?

154
FIBER OPTIC PERFORMANCE
PARAMETERS
NETWORK CABLE SOLUTIONS
MODULE 2-F

155
FIBER PERFORMANCE ATTRIBUTES
• Attenuation
• Bandwidth
• Fiber Geometry
• Numerical Aperture (NA)

156
FIBER PERFORMANCE ATTRIBUTES
• Attenuation
– The loss of signal magnitude with respect to distance
– Conventional Wavelengths:
• 850mm & 1300nm, Multimode
• 1300nm & 1550nm, single-Mode
– For any data rate, loss remains constant at a given
wavelength
– Low attenuation values are desired for any
wavelength, I.e., the lower the attenuation value, the
more signal is received.
157
FIBER PERFORMANCE ATTRIBUTES
• Bandwidth
– The carrying capacity of fiber, bandwidth is related to data rate
but is defined an items of the bandwidth length product. It is
the frequency at which the received magnitude drops to 1/2 of
its transmitted level.
– Conventional Wavelengths:
• 850mm & 1300mm, multimode
• 1310mm & 1550mm, singlemode
– Dispersion the critical cause of limited capacity, increases with
frequency the higher the frequency, the smaller the wavelength
– A higher bandwidth value is cleared for any wavelength I.e.,
higher bandwidth measure increased carrying capacity and
higher possible data rate

158
FIBER PERFORMANCE ATTRIBUTES
• Fiber Geometry
– Analogous parameters to Impedance and
Structural Return Loss (SRL) in twisted pair cables
– Tight tolerances assure uniformity and the ability
to make different components in a system
– Most optical loss in a typical system link is due to
connector losses from mismatched fiber sectors.

159
FIBER PERFORMANCE ATTRIBUTES
• Performance Benefits
– Attenuation: Lower attenuation is always desirable. Less
signal loss means that greater distances are possible
within link loss budgets.
– Bandwidth: Higher bandwidth is equivalent to higher data
rates. Cables installed today will be capable for network
upgrades with increasing system capacity demands.
– Geometry: Tighter tolerances in fiber geometry enable
better splices and connections with less loss. Greater
network reliability and performance for current and future
applications

160
 LIGHT SOURCES
• Types
– Light Emitting Diodes
– Laser Diode
• Wavelength of light sources
– Multimode fiber
• 850 nm and 1300 nm
– Singlemode fiber
• 1310 nm and 1550 nm

161
 FIBER COUNTS
• Fiber count varies based on
– Number of buildings on a campus (backbone)
– number of users in an area (horizontal)
– Technology
– Topology
– Number of connections to backbone
– Redundancy planned
• Future growth must be considered

162
 ADDITIONAL PLANNING
CONSIDERATIONS
• Campus Backbone should be planned with a
significant growth factor because of expense
in installing additional cable.
• Redundancy
• Recommended that hybrid cables that include
singlemode and multimode fiber be included
in the inter-building cable plant.

163
 FIBER OPTIC MISMATCH
• Mismatch between fiber sizes will create large
losses if larger fiber is launching into smaller
fiber
• Situation arises in extensions of cable plants
to existing facilities
• Not recommended.

164
 FIBER OPTIC MISMATCH LOSSES
Transmit Fibers 50um 62.5um
100um
Receive 50 um 0.0 2.2 5.7
Fibers 62.5 um 0.0 0.0 2.3
100 um 0.0 0.0 0.0

165
FIBER OPTIC PERFORMANCE
ATTRIBUTES

QUESTIONS?

166
 FIBER OPTIC CABLE
INSTALLATION
NETWORK CABLE SOLUTIONS
MODULE 2-G

167
 FIBER OPTIC INSTALLATION
• Scope
– To provide installation guidelines for fiber optic
cable to assure proper optical and mechanical
performance.

168
 FIBER OPTIC INSTALLATION
• Fiber Cable Performance
– Fiber optic cable has built in “headroom”.
• At 1300 nm the attenuation does not exceed 1.0 dB/km
(0.5 dB/km less than the maximum the standard calls
for)
• The nominal bandwidth at 1300 nm, is 800 MHz-km
(The standard calls for 500 MHz-km)

169
 FIBER OPTIC INSTALLATION
• Pre-Pull Meeting
– It is recommended that prior to installation a
meeting be held with all personnel involved in
handling the cable.
• Identify the load bearing members of the cable
• Review the UL marking and the print legend
• Perform a continuity test
• Review the bend radius
• Review the tensile load

170
 FIBER OPTIC INSTALLATION
• Minimum Bend Radius
– Maintain minimum bend radius
• Under tension
• Long term
– Minimum bend radius for a cable depends on the
series and the fiber count.
– Minimum bend radius should be followed for all
cable listed in product catalog.

171
 FIBER OPTIC INSTALLATION
• Minimum Bend Radius
– Bending the cable below the minimum bend
radius can:
1. Damage the cable jacket.
2. Induce higher than desired stress on the fiber.
3. Shorten the life of the fiber.

172
 FIBER OPTIC INSTALLATION
• Pulling Cable
– Load in pulling must be applied to the all parts of
the cable.
• OP and HD type cables are rugged
• IC and low count PD type cable require special
installation procedure.
– Failure to lock the cable components together can
lead to elongation of the jacket material.

173
 FIBER OPTIC INSTALLATION
• Maximum Tensile Load
– Maximum tensile load of a cable should not be
exceeded during the cables installation.
– Maximum long term tensile load should not be
exceeded.
– Maximum tensile load depends on cable series
and fiber count.
– Cable catalog lists maximum tensile loads for all
cables manufactured.

174
 FIBER OPTIC INSTALLATION
• Minimizing Tensile Loads
– Changes in cable direction have a greater effect
on cable loads than the length of the cable pull.
• Use center pulling or back feeding methods with pulls
longer than 400 meters.
• Minimize pulls through 90 degree bends (maximum of
two bends).
• Monitor cable tension during cable pulls when using
winches.

175
 FIBER OPTIC INSTALLATION
• Other Installation Suggestions
– Leave service loops along the route of the cable.
– Loose tube gel filled cables require break out kits
if they are not terminated in a splice tray.
– Cables should not hang freely for long distances.

176
 FIBER OPTIC INSTALLATION
• Innerduct
– Innerduct facilitates the installation of cable at a
future date.
– Eliminates the chance for damage when new
cables are installed in the future.
– Serves in a cable management function.
– Inner duct and duct are considered full when they
are:
• 40% full for multiple cables.
• 50% full for single cables.

177
FIBER OPTIC CABLE
INSTALLATION

QUESTIONS?

178
OPTICAL FIBER TERMINATION

NETWORK CABLE SOLUTIONS

MODULE 2-H

179
 OPTICAL FIBER TERMINATION
• Scope
– To review the procedures for proper termination
of optical fiber cable.

180
 OPTICAL FIBER TERMINATION
• Safety Procedures
– Always wear safety glasses.
– Keep track of and dispose of bear fiber ends
properly
– If cable end is attached to electronic transmission
equipment, do not look directly into the fiber.

181
 OPTICAL FIBER TERMINATION
• Polish Inspection
– Once the termination is complete the connector
should be inspected using a handheld microscope.

182
 OPTICAL FIBER TERMINATION
• ST Termination
– Place strain relief and crimp sleeve on cable or on subunit.
– Strip off approximately 2-3 inches (4-6cm) of the outer
jacket.
– Twist the Kevlar strength member, cut of excess leaving a
short piece per chart provided by the connector
manufacturer.
– Fiber subunit prepared.
– Using manufacturer supplied template mark the buffer at
the appropriate place for stripping.
– Strip off appropriate length of buffer from fiber.
– Load connector body with one part of epoxy.

183
 OPTICAL FIBER TERMINATION
• ST Termination
– Paint fiber end with part 2 of the epoxy
– Immediately fit the connector over the fiber and
seat it against the buffer.
– Crimp the sleeve over the back body of the
connector capturing the Kevlar.

• Procedures for other types of connectors are

similar to the ST.

184
 OPTICAL FIBER TERMINATION
• Breakout Kits
– All loose tube gel filled cables require a breakout
kit to be installed if the fibers are going to be
directly terminated.
• Cable and fibers need to be completely cleaned
• Protective tubes must be placed over the fiber
• Cable tube and breakout tubes must be anchored
– Protect fibers from abrasion

185
 OPTICAL FIBER TERMINATION
• Other methods of jointing fibers include:
– Mechanical splices.
• Cleave both fibers.
• Place into alignment sleeve or V block.
• Crimp or epoxy in place.
– Fusion splices.
• Cleave both fibers.
• Align fibers on fusion splicer.
• Fuse.
• Place in protective tray.

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QUESTIONS?

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OPTICAL FIBER TESTING

NETWORK CABLE SOLUTIONS

MODULE 2-I

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• Standards
– TIA/EIA-568-A, Annex H
• Provides guidelines for testing fiber optic cable plants.
• The annex is informative only.
• Provides guidelines for testing methods and acceptable
values.
• Addresses 62.5/125 and single mode fiber.
• Addresses Horizontal and Backbone cable plants

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• Power Meter Test Method
– One Reference Jumper Test Method
• Referenced in TIA/EIA-568-A
• Described in ANSI/TIA/EIA-526-14A, Method A

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 FIBER OPTIC TESTING
• Horizontal Links
– Links less than 90 meters should be tested at 850
nm OR 1300 nm.
– Links greater than 90 meters should be tested at
850 nm AND 1300 nm.
– Both can be tested in one direction.

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 FIBER OPTIC TESTING
• Test Results Horizontal Link
– 90 meters or less.
• 2.0 dB for the link at 850 nm or 1300 nm.
– Greater than 90 meters.
• 2.6 dB for the link at 850 nm
• 2.0 dB for the link at 1300 nm

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 FIBER OPTIC TESTING
• Backbone Links
– Tested at both wavelengths
• Multimode
– 850 nm and 1300 nm
• Singlemode
– 1310 nm and 1550 nm
– Tested in one direction

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 FIBER OPTIC TESTING
• Cable Attenuation
– Attenuation coefficient 62.5/125 um
• 3.75 dB/km @ 850 nm
• 1.5 dB/km @ 1300 nm
– Attenuation coefficient singlemode outside
• 0.5 dB/km @ 1310 nm and 1550 nm
– Attenuation coefficient singlemode indoor
• 1.0 dB/km @ 1310 nm and 1550 nm

cable attn (dB)=attn coefficient (dB/km)*length (km)

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 FIBER OPTIC TESTING
• Connector Attenuation
– Attenuation per connector pair
• 0.75 dB
– Attenuation per link
• Each link has two pairs
• 1.5 dB is value always used for the connector
attenuation.

Connector attn (dB) = number pairs * connector loss

(dB)

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• Splice Attenuation
– Loss per Splice
• 0.3 dB

splice attn (dB) = number splices * splice loss (dB)

• Link Attenuation Equation

Link Attenuation = Cable Attn + Connector Attn + Splice
Attn

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• System Links
– If a system link is made up of two or more passive
links then the expected loss for the system link is
the sum of the passive links attenuation.

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• Cable Lengths
– During installation it is advisable to accurately
document the length of all links installed.
• Reporting Documentation
– Horizontal
• Path Identification
• Measured loss at required wavelength
– Backbone
• Path Identification
• Acceptance values at both wavelengths.
• Measured loss at both wavelengths.
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• Troubleshooting
– Excessive link loss.
• Clean connectors on installed cable.
• Clean connectors on jumpers.
• Clean adapters on test equipment.
• Inspect connectors polished ends for damage.
• Recalibrate power meter.
• Re-terminate

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• Bandwidth
– Field testing of fiber bandwidth not done
• Field usable test equipment not available
– Discontinued equipment was not accurate
• Bandwidth (and dispersion in single mode fibers) is not
adversely affected by installation techniques.
– Bandwidth and dispersion is measured by the
manufacturer.

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• OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer)
– Additional testing can be carried out using an
OTDR.
• Recommended on backbone cabling.
– Results include
• Length
• Attenuation
• Splice Losses
• Stress Points
– Excellent Diagnostic Tool

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 OTDR TESTING
• OTDR Testing is detailed in the EIA/TIA
Standard FOTP-61.

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OPTICAL FIBER TESTING

QUESTIONS?

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