Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
All other cabling distance guidelines remain the same. The horizontal limit is
still 90 m, and the user cord limit is still 5 m (16 ft). The consolidation point is sim-
ply placed somewhere within that 90 m run. The main advantage to this cabling
method is that it does allow for an intermediate connection point for the last part
of the horizontal run to the work area outlet. In the event that the furniture is moved
or reconfigured, only the portion of the horizontal run from the workstation outlet
to the consolidation point has to be replaced, and most of that cable would have to
be rerun within the modular furniture's pathways, anyhow.
The requirements for marking the cables in the consolidation point are the
same as in any other cabling location. The details on the marking of these facilities
are covered in ANSI/TIA/EIA-606-A and elsewhere in this topic. Keep in mind that
you may have an additional opportunity to lose track of cable connections because
of the consolidation point.
The best practice is to be very orderly in placing the modular furniture ends of the
horizontal cables onto the consolidation hardware. Mark both cable ends as you go,
and try to keep the numbering consistent. For example, rather than label an entire cable
run with the number C310, you could differentiate between the two legs on either side
of the consolidation point by designating one as C310a and the other as C310b.
Multiuser Telecommunications Outlet Assembly (MUTOA)
The consolidation point architecture is one of the most common methods of provid-
ing for open-office cabling. However, it is not the only alternative. Another logical
method is to simply extend the length of the user cord far beyond the normal 5 m
limit. It turns out that lengthening the user cord can be successfully accomplished
on shorter horizontal cable runs. This accounts for the early success of some open-
office wiring methods, prior to the existence of these standard practices.
The most logical arrangement for an open office with extended user cords is to
bring all the cords together at a wall or other permanent structure upon which the
appropriate number of workstation outlets can be mounted. This description essen-
tially defines a multiuser outlet arrangement that TIA-568-C calls a
multiuser
telecommunications outlet assembly
.
Fortunately, the industry has nicknamed this a MUTOA, or just a multiuser
outlet. The multiuser outlet method is illustrated in Fig. 10.4.
The basic premise of the multiuser outlet method is that the operating param-
eters of the channel must be maintained for proper operation of equipment that is
connected according to TIA-568-C. So, as long as the installed-link criteria are met,
there can be allowable variations in the absolute lengths of the horizontal cabling
and the user cords.
