Telecommunications Wiring

by Clyde Herrick

Overview

• The industry's #1 wiring reference, fully updated!
• Reflects the latest National Fire Code (NEC) wiring standards
• Planning, bidding, installation, testing, troubleshooting, documentation, and management
• In-depth coverage of both fiber and twisted-pair
• DSL wiring, power line networking, and more

The industry's #1 wiring reference, fully updated for the latest NEC wiring standards!

The #1 single-source resource for wiring professionals has just been updated to reflect the latest media, wiring schemes, products, and techniques — plus critical new safety and fire requirements from the latest National Fire Code (NEC). Telecommunications Wiring, Third Edition offers the industry's most coherent, end-to-end approach to designing and implementing cabling systems. It delivers every skill you need, across the entire system lifecycle: planning, selecting media, defining architectures, creating successful RFPs, choosing vendors, installation, testing, documentation, and maintenance. Coverage includes:

• New National Fire Code (NEC) regulations: wiring certification, fire code labeling, environmental concerns, equipment room layouts, grounding, bonding, EMI, and more
• xDSL: Wiring, line connection, servicing, and key terminology
• Up-to-the minute installation and troubleshooting techniques
• Documenting and standardizing cabling systems — including step-by-step telecommunications database design
• Wiring management: tracking, measurement, retrofitting, security, and more

Whether you're a telecom/datacom manager, wiring specialist, technician, consultant, contractor, or instructor, you can depend upon Telecommunications Wiring, Third Edition — today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780130286963
Publisher:	Pearson Education
Publication date:	12/01/2000
Edition description:	3rd Edition
Pages:	384
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.75(d)

About the Author

CLYDE N. HERRICK is author of 36 technical books. He has been an instructor in electronics and computer technology for 34 years, and served as an instructor and consultant in IBM's technical training program.

Read an Excerpt

Preface

The third edition of Telecommunications Wiring has been expanded to include NEC Fire Code requirements for communication wiring, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) technology, and current wiring and network technology. The data communication field has changed rapidly since the publication of the first edition of Telecommunication Wiring. Great strides have been made in the data rates and distance capability of copper wire. Interconnectivity of different protocols has improved both nationally and internationally.

The expansion of the Internet and technologies that allow data, voice, and video on the same wire will, in many cases, require reexamination of communication planning. The competition demands that every resource, including wiring systems, need to be utilized to their maximum.

The need for special wiring systems and greater capacity cabling for data communication equipment has created a generation of new job categories in the workplace such as telecommunication manager, communication wire planner, information system manager, connectivity specialist, communication wiring specialist, and so on. In our occupation areas, it is obvious that there is a need for a text dedicated to the "nuts and bolts" of telecommunication systems and cabling.

Many books have been written on higher level subjects in telecommunication such as local area networking, designing LANs, telecommunication systems, and so on. However, the cabling and wiring sections of such books seldom offer any practical information for those involved in designing, installation, testing, or updating of wiring systems that are critical to the operation of any telecommunication system. Thecabling should be treated as a "dynamic source" rather than a static one. These cabling systems, whether a single coax or a complete wiring plant, should be treated as a major support subsystem.

Management will find helpful the discussion on the importance of having a complete inventory of installed cable and wiring runs to determine "in place capacity" versus "in place used capacity." The chapter on task management will assist the manager in giving direction and leadership to the installation team, the maintenance team, and upper management in preparing the proposal and evaluation of the finished product.

Telecommunication cable installers, planners, managers, and audit teams should find useful the discussion on standardization in setting up methods for identifying and labeling. This topic will be particularly helpful if the system has gone through several installs without a set of universal standards. These suggested standards should be a help in the establishment of corporate labeling standards for cabling, patch panels, wiring closets, floor locations, and equipment.

The wiring specialist and telecommunication planners/designers should find the topic on cabling systems, supports and test hardware, proper installation techniques, and wire and fiber characteristics useful in the planning of a cabling and wiring system. The chapter on planning the wiring installation offers the wiring specialist guidelines for planning, installation, and testing the cabling system. Finally the chapter on premise wiring should aid the system planners in the develop of a wiring plan and aid the cabling and installation specialist in the selecting the hardware in the installation.

Our attempt is to establish a reference point from which logical decisions in the designing of a cabling system, selection of the media type, writing the job proposal, documenting the system, and establishing a maintenance facility can be completed. We fully understand that every company has unique telecommunication needs and that every wiring system will be different.

While the text inclusion has certain trade names and trademark items, this is not to be taken as an endorsement by the authors of any particular product. These illustrations are included to illustrate to the reader some of the more successful products and telecommunication wiring techniques and alternates on the market today. There are many manufacturers and vendors for most of the items mentioned, and it is the responsibility of the professional to keep abreast of the literature. To this end the authors have included names and addresses of many of the periodicals of the field along with some of the vendors mentioned in the text.

The authors attempted to make the revision of Telecommunications Wiring as "state of the art" as possible, fully realizing that technology in this field changes daily.

The authors wish to express their appreciation to all the companies and individuals who have supplied information for this text and its revision.

The authors will appreciate any suggestion from the readers for the improvement of this text. We would also appreciate suggestions for topics for which there is a need in this field.

—Clyde N. Herrick

e-mail [e-mail]

Table of Contents

1. Electrical Characteristics of Wire.

Introduction. Voltage in an Electric Circuit. Current in an Electrical Circuit. Resistance in Wiring Circuits. PPower and Power Loss. Signal-to-Noise Ratio. Inductance and Inductive Reactance in Wiring Circuits. Capacitance in Wiring Circuits. Impedance in Wiring Circuits. Digital Signals. Analog Signal Concepts. Ground and Grounding. Cross Talk in Wiring. Attenuation of Signal Information. Insulation of Conductors. Summary.

2. Transmission Media: Twisted Pair.

Introduction. Unshielded Twisted-Pair (UTP) Cabling. Cross Talk on Twisted-Pair Cable. Shielding of Transmission Lines. Applications and Functions of Twisted Pairs. Special Applications of Twisted-Pair Wires. Twisted-Pair Cable Termination. Distribution Frames. Existing Cable Systems and Compatibility. Electrical Characteristics of Twisted-Pair Cabling. Flat Cable and Ribbon Cable. Tools for Installation of Twisted-Pair Wires. Advantages of Twisted-Pair Wiring. Summary.

3. Coaxial Cable.

Introduction. Characteristics and Construction of Coaxial Cable. Coaxial Cable Connectors and Terminations. Grounding of Coaxial Cable. Application of Coaxial Cable. Advantages of Coaxial Cable. Disadvantages of Coaxial Cable. Summary.

4. Fiber Optics.

Introduction. Fiber Types. Light Conversion. Cable Construction. Cable Characteristics. Data Rate. Specifying a Type of Fiber-Optic Cable. Installation Considerations. Cable Termination. Preparing a Splice and Termination. Preparing Fiber for Splicing. General Considerations. Fiber-Optic Premise Connections. Advantages of Fiber-Optic Cabling. Summary.

5. NEC Requirements for Telecommunication Wiring.

Introduction. NEC Cable Certification. NEC Catalog Reference Information. Vertical Flame Test. Listing, Marking, and Applications of Communication Cable. Installation of Communication Wires, Cables, and Accessories. Applications of Communication Wires and Cables. Summary.

6. Basic Network Topologies.

Introduction. Tools of the Trade. Basic Network Models. Determining Network Connections. Point-to-Point Topology. Multipoint or Multidrop Networks. Bus Network. STAR Topology. Hierarchical Topology. Ring Network. Network Access Protocols. Making the Right Connection. Summary.

7. Digital Subscriber Line.

Introduction. DSL Designations-xDSL. xDSL Applications. DSL Access Equipment. Summary.

8. Planning the Wiring Installation.

Introduction. Project Scope. Existing Cabling. User Population. Number and Type of Work Areas. Documentation and Room-Layout Database. Number and Type of Devices Required. Phone and/or Station Equipment Requirements. Maximum Power Allocation and the Number of Power Outlets. Test Equipment and Commitment to Support Personnel Training. Teleco, Voice, and Data Support Room Requirements. Environmental Concerns. Grounding and Bonding. Cable Network Mechanical Supports. Electromagnetic Interference. User Device Ownership. Hot Host Service. Building Office and Device Inventory. Network and Plan Documentation. Quality and Electronic Control. Service Impact Severity Classifications. Service Areas Affected by Work to Be Performed. Reviewing Building Plans and Cable Requirements. Service Desk. Scheduling the Job. Writing the Request for Bid Proposal. Documentation Responsibility. Installing the Wiring. New Building Application. Establishing a Labeling Scheme. DataBase Tracking System. Safety. Plan Review by All Affected Parties. Summary.

9. Installing the Cable.

Introduction. Making the Plan. Cable Strategy. Two-Point Connection Strategy. Three-Point Connection Strategy. Four-Point Connection Strategy. Rules for Installing Cable. Cable Installation Techniques. General Rules for Cable Installation. Cable Security. Cable Installation Hardware. Grounding the Cabling System. Electrical Protection Devices. Summary. Questions.

10. Premise Wiring Systems.

Introduction. Fiber-Optic Networks. TIA/EIA-568 Commercial Building Telecommunication Cabling Standards. Campus Backbone. Equipment Rooms and Network Cabling. Splice Points. Building Cabling Architecture. Centralized Network Administration. Distributed Network Administration. Small Business Scenario. Summary.

11. Testing and Troubleshooting.

Introduction. Objectives of Testing and Troubleshooting. Testing Twisted-Pair Wires. Continuity Test of a Cable. A Short to Ground Test. Tone Test Generators. Testing a Coaxial Cable. Standardized Testing Procedures and Online Database. Troubleshooting Cable with a Time Domain Reflectrometer. Testing a Fiber-Optic Cable. End-to-End Attenuation Test. Custom-Assembled Cables. Signal-to-Noise Ratio Measurements. Reference Point for Power Level. Zero Transmission Level. Measuring Internal Sound Level. Category 5 Cable Testing. The Technical Support Center. Summary.

12. Documenting the Wiring System.

Introduction. Labeling the Cabling System. Blueprints and Diagrams. Distribution Logs. Work Area Inventory Sheets. Handwritten Entry versus Terminal-Based Entry. Summary.

13. Telecommunication Database.

Introduction. File-Based Tracking System. DataBase Tracking System. Structured Query Language. Basic Components of a Database Management System. Database Manager's Responsibility. Sample Database. Field Description for Master Panels. Type of Request Section. Field Description for Link and Connect Panel. Service Availability Panel. Field Descriptions for the Work Order Panel. Summary.

14. Managing Wiring Problems.

Introduction. Tracking. Measuring, Testing, and Troubleshooting. Retrofitting. Cost Factors. Database Development. Network Security. Writing a Bid Proposal Request. Summary.

15. Writing the Specifications for a Bid Proposal.

Introduction. Details to Include in A Request for Proposal. Development Time. Special Contractor Considerations. Bid Proposal Forms. Detailed Work Proposal. Summary.

16. New Technology.

Introduction. PowerLine Technology. Summary.

Glossary.


Vendor Information.


Index.

Preface

Preface

The third edition of Telecommunications Wiring has been expanded to include NEC Fire Code requirements for communication wiring, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) technology, and current wiring and network technology. The data communication field has changed rapidly since the publication of the first edition of Telecommunication Wiring. Great strides have been made in the data rates and distance capability of copper wire. Interconnectivity of different protocols has improved both nationally and internationally.

The expansion of the Internet and technologies that allow data, voice, and video on the same wire will, in many cases, require reexamination of communication planning. The competition demands that every resource, including wiring systems, need to be utilized to their maximum.

The need for special wiring systems and greater capacity cabling for data communication equipment has created a generation of new job categories in the workplace such as telecommunication manager, communication wire planner, information system manager, connectivity specialist, communication wiring specialist, and so on. In our occupation areas, it is obvious that there is a need for a text dedicated to the 'nuts and bolts' of telecommunication systems and cabling.

Many books have been written on higher level subjects in telecommunication such as local area networking, designing LANs, telecommunication systems, and so on. However, the cabling and wiring sections of such books seldom offer any practical information for those involved in designing, installation, testing, or updating of wiring systems that are critical to the operation of any telecommunication system. The cabling should be treated as a 'dynamic source' rather than a static one. These cabling systems, whether a single coax or a complete wiring plant, should be treated as a major support subsystem.

Management will find helpful the discussion on the importance of having a complete inventory of installed cable and wiring runs to determine 'in place capacity' versus 'in place used capacity.' The chapter on task management will assist the manager in giving direction and leadership to the installation team, the maintenance team, and upper management in preparing the proposal and evaluation of the finished product.

Telecommunication cable installers, planners, managers, and audit teams should find useful the discussion on standardization in setting up methods for identifying and labeling. This topic will be particularly helpful if the system has gone through several installs without a set of universal standards. These suggested standards should be a help in the establishment of corporate labeling standards for cabling, patch panels, wiring closets, floor locations, and equipment.

The wiring specialist and telecommunication planners/designers should find the topic on cabling systems, supports and test hardware, proper installation techniques, and wire and fiber characteristics useful in the planning of a cabling and wiring system. The chapter on planning the wiring installation offers the wiring specialist guidelines for planning, installation, and testing the cabling system. Finally the chapter on premise wiring should aid the system planners in the develop of a wiring plan and aid the cabling and installation specialist in the selecting the hardware in the installation.

Our attempt is to establish a reference point from which logical decisions in the designing of a cabling system, selection of the media type, writing the job proposal, documenting the system, and establishing a maintenance facility can be completed. We fully understand that every company has unique telecommunication needs and that every wiring system will be different.

While the text inclusion has certain trade names and trademark items, this is not to be taken as an endorsement by the authors of any particular product. These illustrations are included to illustrate to the reader some of the more successful products and telecommunication wiring techniques and alternates on the market today. There are many manufacturers and vendors for most of the items mentioned, and it is the responsibility of the professional to keep abreast of the literature. To this end the authors have included names and addresses of many of the periodicals of the field along with some of the vendors mentioned in the text.

The authors attempted to make the revision of Telecommunications Wiring as 'state of the art' as possible, fully realizing that technology in this field changes daily.

The authors wish to express their appreciation to all the companies and individuals who have supplied information for this text and its revision.

The authors will appreciate any suggestion from the readers for the improvement of this text. We would also appreciate suggestions for topics for which there is a need in this field.

—Clyde N. Herrick e-mail [e-mail]

Editorial Reviews

This book, written for wiring professionals, is a conglomeration of available knowledge on telecommunication wiring information. This third edition includes updated data on the latest media, wiring schemes, products, and techniques, and covers critical new safety and fire requirements from the latest National Fire Code. Like earlier editions, it is fully illustrated with diagrams and photographs, and covers the design and implementation of cable systems, as well as proper procedures for planning, selecting media, defining architectures, creating successful RPFs, and installation, testing, documentation and maintenance required for any project. Also includes information on xDSL wiring and servicing. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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