Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Non-RJ Category 7 connectors are really a completely new connector system
for one, two, or four pairs of a Category 7 cable. One of the primary advantages for
Category 7 cable is that it can support multiple applications, due to the extreme
shielding between pairs. With this connector, the individual-pair shield is main-
tained through the connection, and thus, you could have one cable support data,
voice, and CATV video (RF video). Some of these applications only require one pair,
while others need two or four pairs. This connector supports them all.
The non-RJ Category 7 system nearly yawns at 600 MHz, it's so easy. Most of
these systems can go to 1200 or even 1500 MHz. That makes 10 Gb networking
over copper a snap, and you can expect higher speeds in the future. Soon, the speeds
will get so high, that the data will practically get there before you send it.
In Chapter 4, we discussed a way to allow for future changes in cable technology by
running flexible tubing to each workstation outlet, rather than hard-wiring cable.
Admittedly, this method is somewhat more expensive than the conventional cable-
in-place method. However, it does have a distinct advantage if and when new cables
must be installed to meet future needs. With the tubing run, the old cable is simply
removed and new cable pulled in. None of the ceiling tiles and work areas are dis-
turbed, it takes very little time, and it can be easily done one workstation outlet at
a time. When it comes time to re-cable, the costs are distinctly lower.
For fiber runs, an interesting technology called
blown-in fiber
can be used. This
method connects fiber distribution panels with workstation areas by small plastic
tubes. The tubes in a particular work area are gathered into a large tubing to bring
them back to the distribution point. For more information on this technique, con-
sult Chapter 11, “Fiber-Optic Techniques.”
For both copper and fiber structured cabling runs, better performance can be
achieved with better quality cable. Well, that should be obvious. However, we now
know more about what makes a better quality cable and connector, and can meas-
ure the relative performance of such components. This involves choosing wiring
components with a higher ACR. Such components have lower transmission loss,
lower return loss, and lower near-end and far-end crosstalk parameters.
From the information in earlier chapters, you should be able to choose wiring
components that meet your current and anticipated needs. Keep the data-rate-dou-
bling rule in mind when you pick out a cable. Remember that it is much less expen-
