For Immediate Release
18 March 2008
Modern Grounding and Bonding techniques make shielded cabling an attractive option for 10GBASE-T network infrastructure
Modern grounding and bonding techniques and dispelling the last bits of confusion surrounding the correct installation of F/UTP (foil-screened unshielded twisted pairs) and S/FTP (individually foil shielded twisted pairs enclosed within a braided screen sheath) is the subject of a new White Paper from Siemon entitled 'Grounding for Screened and Shielded Network Cabling'.
Adoption of screened or fully-shielded cabling is fast gaining momentum in applications where unshielded twisted pair (UTP) was once the traditional solution. The specification of screened cabling for network infrastructure, such as category 6A F/UTP and category 7 S/FTP, has come to the fore with the introduction of the IEEE 802.3an 10Gbase-T standard, and is the now the preferred cabling structure in many countries in terms of reliability and performance.
The 802.3an 10Gbase-T standard's strict performance requirements and, in particular, its emphasis on overcoming the problem of electromagnetic interference (EMI) noise from adjacent cabling - i.e., alien crosstalk - has refocused attention on screened and shielded network cabling solutions in preference to UTP.
The Siemon White Paper addresses issues that installers previously associated with the grounding and bonding of screened and shielded network cables, explaining how modern technology has dramatically simplified grounding and can provide tangible benefits to network performance.
While electrical services, telecommunications equipment, and all other low voltage systems are required to be bonded to ground per national and local electrical codes and industry standards for safety reasons; the specific need to ground screened and shielded network cabling systems is strictly a matter of performance. A properly bonded and grounded cabling system carries noise currents induced by electromagnetic interference (EMI) in the environment to ground along the screen or foil shield, thereby protecting the data-carrying conductors from external noise. The screen or foil shield also minimizes cabling emissions. It is these functions that afford screened and shielded systems their superior immunity to alien crosstalk and other sources of conducted or radiated electromagnetic interference.
The Paper looks at how tool-less termination, which enables automatic termination of either the shield or screen of S/FTP and F/UTP cable, respectively, as well as providing ground continuity to the outlet body, makes shielded or screened cables an attractive option, especially for use in 10G/s networking scenarios.
Siemon's TERA and 10G 6A F/UTP MAX outlets automatically terminate the shield or screen of their respective S/FTP and F/UTP cable, providing ground continuity to the outlet body. In the telecommunications room or data centre, TERA-MAX patch panels provide additional, integrated ground continuity. As TERA or 10G 6A F/UTP modules are snapped into TERA-MAX panels, they are connected automatically to a ground point. No additional steps are required, other than a 6-gauge wire connection from the TERA-MAX's integral ground lug to the equipment rack to complete the ground. Indeed, a study performed at Siemon Labs showed termination times of less than three minutes for both TERA and 10G 6A F/UTP outlets.
To obtain a copy of 'Grounding for Screened and Shielded Network Cabling' visit: http://www.siemon.com/uk/white_papers/06-07-20-grounding.asp
A video is also available: http://www.siemon.com/uk/standards/Screened-10gig-installation-and-testing.asp
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- About Siemon
- Established in 1903, Siemon is an industry leader specialising in the manufacture and innovation of high quality, high-performance network cabling solutions. Headquartered in Connecticut, USA, with global offices and partners throughout the world, Siemon offers the most comprehensive suite of copper (unshielded and shielded twisted-pair) and fibre cabling systems available. With over 400 active patents specific to structured cabling, Siemon Labs invests heavily in R&D and development of industry standards, underlining the company's long-term commitment to its customers and the industry.
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- Turtle Consulting Group
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