Frequent Questions

Are pre-terms made dressed to the centre only or can they be specified so that the cable is dressed left, right or split?

The patch panel is dressed neutrally, in groups of four, onto the management bar, the cable can then be dressed right, left or split.

Please note that a minimum of 92mm depth is required from the front of the panel to the rear; the minimum bend radius of the cables in bundles of 6 is an additional >80mm. Total depth of cabinet 172mm.

As there is very little give in the cable: a) How do you make the cable the correct length to fit into the faceplate? b) Will Connectix provide any form of template to enable exact termination?

The faceplates described in answer 15 will be supplied with installation instructions and template that will enable a technician to install the faceplates accurately.

Can you tell me where I can find a list of test facilities that can certify that a Cat 6A cable tester complies with the standards?

For information on calibration services you should refer to the technical documentation accompanying your tester. Testing facilities such as UL and Intertek/ETL SEMKO provide assessment services for various products. Typically the tester manufacturer participates in a program with one or more of these facilities.

Do you hold Delta certification on Cat5e & Cat6 systems?

We recently announced the 3rd party certification of the Net 10 Gigabit Category 6A system we have been manufacturing at Braintree for the past 6 months. We were the first in the market to get approval. Our Category 6 product also has 3rd party approval from Delta. The category 5E product does not have certification now. The Cat 5E product has been in the market place for over eight years and following couple of years of approvals we stopped testing the product. Testing is an expensive process and this product proved to pass the standards with a large amount of headroom in the working environment. *Testing is required annually or following any design change.

See Also

• Is the standard 10G cable available in LSZH?

Does Connectix have any case studies of 10G installations?

We have installed two pre-terminated sites that are still undergoing final installation of servers and switches. In both cases the systems have been tested and signed off. We are confident that once the sites have been up and running for a few months we will get approval to do a case study.

Does Connectix have any example drawings of how a set of panels and a cabinet can be earthed to the standards?

Please take a look at the article titled, "Effective Earthing of Screened Cable" by following the link below:

www.connectixcablingsystems.com/library/detail.cfm

See Also

• Earthing: what does Connectix recommend?
• Testing earth points requires an expensive test tool; what assistance is Connectix planning for the installer?

Does Connectix see the possibility of UTP patch cables being used between the faceplate and PC?

Only if earth loops become an issue would we recommend the use of a UTP cable. This is where you may get issues between the earth of the shielded data cable (connected through to the shielded network card) that is connected to the PC's power cable earth connection.

Earthing: what does Connectix recommend?

For a complete overview of all the standards and recommendations please go to: http://www.connectixcablingsystems.com/library/detail.cfm?item=62

Summary:

The screened cable consists of foil-insulated pairs with an overall copper braid. Effective bonding at the patch panel is essential for the successful operation of the cabling system, and the Connectix patch panel frame bonds together all metallic shells of the individual connectors. The Connectix Net 10G panel has the same earthing provision as the Cat5e and Cat6 panels; namely a 600mm length of 2.5 sq mm earth wire with a ring terminal at the end.

Connectix also supplies a complete range of equipment racks and frames which have 2 x M6 earthing studs in the base and 2 in the top. Additionally each door and removable panel has an earth tag which, by use of the optional earth bonding kit, may be bonded back to the earth stud. Connectix server cabs have additional provision for an optional 10-way 80A earth bar (with screw terminals).

The ideal earthing system for an IT installation would consist of a Signal Reference Grid or SRG, which is a copper mesh or grid located beneath the raised floor of the computer room. Everything crossing the grid, from cables to equipment racks, would be connected to it by low impedance bonding straps. The metallic pedestals and stringers of the raised floor must also be earthed, and the American standards require every 6th pedestal to be connected either to an SRG, if there is one, or the main earth terminal for the room. EN 50174-2 suggests that every second or third leg be connected via a 10 sq mm earth cable.

Ultimately the cable installer can only make use of the earthing system presented to him and must take responsibility for correct and optimal termination of the screened cable, along with the earthing of the screened patch panel and cabinet in which they reside.

See Also

• Does Connectix have any example drawings of how a set of panels and a cabinet can be earthed to the standards?
• Testing earth points requires an expensive test tool; what assistance is Connectix planning for the installer?

How do you avoid cable memory issues with this type of cable construction?

This new shielded cable is of very different construction to the Cat6 and Cat5E products that we have become so used to pulling in over long distances, sometimes multiple lengths at a time. We would advise any installer to consider carefully any installation using the 10G cable. The cable comes on drums and is cut to the customer’s requirements; it is sensible that on any long installation that a cable drum dispenser is used and that close attention is paid to any sharp corners.

The bend radius for Net 10G is >40mm without load and >80mm with load, tensile force is 110 newtons, 90 metres of cable will weigh 6 / 7kg. Time will be needed to shape the cable into position. Pre-terms in bunches of up to 12 cables will not take any longer than single runs because Connectix pre-terms are bundled into protective sheaving that allows easy installation.

How does the 10G connector come apart?

Please reference the assembly instructions. A PDF is available showing each stage of assembly, however the unit is not designed for easy re-termination and, although possible, it is not recommended.

How will the jack fit into a standard faceplate?

10G to date has been specified into data centres or areas where we are cabling patch panel to patch panel. We expect that this will remain the major requirement for the next 12 months until the 10Gigabit NIC becomes available in quantity. In the meantime we are developing a range of faceplates that will enhance the system and fit seamlessly into any workplace.

Is the standard 10G cable available in LSZH?

Yes, the fire rating for this cable is IEC 60332-1; IEC 60754-2; IEC 61034

As you can see from the table below this cable provides low emissions of smoke and corrosive fumes.

Choosing which cable type to install:

The following table attempts to classify some of the considerations. Following a risk assessment of the building, the cable installation environment should be identified and the cable sheath type chosen. The guidance notes in the table may be used to help with the specification of a suitable cable.

NOTE: These classifications are not the CPD European classifications to fire resistance.

Guidance is also available from the building insurers and other bodies. The Loss Prevention Council (LPC) Building Design Guide adopts a basic strategy that any material, including data cables, used in a building should not make a significant contribution to a fire. Any combustible material must therefore either be specified to meet this objective or protected by a fire resisting barrier.

Please look at our Article “Minimising Fire Risk in Computer Room Cable Installations” for more detailed information.

Testing earth points requires an expensive test tool; what assistance is Connectix planning for the installer?

Ultimately the cable installer can only make use of the earthing system presented to him and must take responsibility for correct and optimal termination of the screened cable, earthing of the screened patch panel and cabinet in which they reside. We would advise all installers to make it clear to his / her customer that shielded networks require a clean earth and that it is the responsibility of the M&E or the electrical contractor on site to provide a suitable earth connection. This is common practice in most telecommunication environments.

What is the average termination time for the 10G jack?

Typically a technician new to this connector would be expected to take 2 minutes 30 seconds approximately per termination, however we would expect to see this time reduce as experience grows.

What is the construction of the patch cables?

Within the Net 10G system we provide a high quality screened patch cable. This ScTP 26AWG stranded 4 pair cable individually foil shield (plus braid) with screened RJ45 connectors and integrated cable boot, is made and tested to the highest standards. The RJ45s are 50u gold plated. Test results are available for each cable. Network links are only as good as the weakest link. Connectix has developed a quality patch cord that will support 10G even in the most hostile environments.

What is the construction of the solid backbone cable?

Connectix Net 10G cable has been designed to provide the exceptional performance required to support extremely high speed applications, including 10-Gigabit Ethernet. The overall braid shield and individually shielded pairs ensure maximum transmission, free from the problems of alien crosstalk.

What size drum is the cable supplied on?

Connectix stocks 1000m drums which weigh approximately 68kg each. The cable can be cut to length and supplied on smaller drums if required (500m drum 34kg, 300m drum 21Kg).

What stock availability is there across the UK and Ireland?

10G stock is available from our main stocking areas. Please call your local sales person for more information:

London: 0207 536 5555
Birmingham: 0121 705 8333
Edinburgh: 0131 440 4012
Dublin: 01 6236751
Daventry: 01327 312622
Braintree Head Office: 01376 346600

When can we expect to see the fully ratified cabling standards for 10 Gigabit IEEE 802.3an?

ANSI/TIA-TSB-155 – Additional Guidelines for 4-pair 100 Ω Category 6 Cabling for 10GBASE-T Applications; PUBLISHED.

ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.2-10 – Transmission performance specifications for 4-pair 100 Ω augmented Category 6 cabling; Expected to pass – Q3-Q4 2007.

ISO/IEC 11801 Edition 2.1 (draft) – Information Technology – Generic cabling for customer premises. Draft document number ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 25 N 755; Expected to pass – Q3/Q4 2007.

ISO/IEC 24750 – Guidelines for support of 10GBASE-T over Copper Balanced pairs of Class E and Class F as per ISO/IEC 11801:2002 and IEEE802.3an; Expected to pass – Q4 2007.

When will training courses be available for 10G?

The 10G training will be inserted into the Structured Cabling Copper Course when Category 6A has been fully ratified.

Will Connectix 10G training explain the potential earthing issues to our engineers?

Yes, within the half day course "Structured Cabling Systems (Copper) 10G Update" being run for Approved Installers from January 2007, there is a session that goes into shielded systems and how to earth. Within this section we also discuss the installer’s responsibilities.

Do you hold Delta certification on Cat5e & Cat6 systems?

We recently announced the 3rd party certification of the Net 10 Gigabit Category 6A system we have been manufacturing at Braintree for the past 6 months. We were the first in the market to get approval. Our Category 6 product also has 3rd party approval from Delta. The Category 5E product does not have certification now.

The Cat 5E product has been in the market place for over eight years and following couple of years of approvals we stopped testing the product. Testing is an expensive process and this product proved to pass the standards with a large amount of headroom in the working environment. *Testing is required annually or following any design change.

Does Connectix have any example drawings of how a set of panels and a cabinet can be earthed to the standards?

Please take a look at the article titled, "Effective Earthing of Screened Cable" by following the link below:

www.connectixcablingsystems.com/library/detail.cfm

How do you avoid cable memory issues with this type of cable construction?

This new shielded cable is of very different construction to the Cat6 and Cat5E products that we have become so used to pulling in over long distances, sometimes multiple lengths at a time. We would advise any installer to consider carefully any installation using the 10G cable. The cable comes on drums and is cut to the customer’s requirements; it is sensible that on any long installation that a cable drum dispenser is used and that close attention is paid to any sharp corners.

The bend radius for Net 10G is >40mm without load and >80mm with load, tensile force is 110 newtons, 90 metres of cable will weigh 6 / 7kg. Time will be needed to shape the cable into position. Pre-terms in bunches of up to 12 cables will not take any longer than single runs because Connectix pre-terms are bundled into protective sheaving that allows easy installation.

What distance will unscreened Augmented Category 6 cables support 10 Gigabit?

Probably 55 metres although this may be a bit optimistic and only possible if other installation mitigation procedures are adopted e.g. separating out the patch cords and the first 20 metres of cabling. TSB 155 reduces this distance to 37 metres.

Connectix has chosen to develop a fully shielded 10 Gigabit solution available in two formats either as a traditional on-site terminated product or as a Pre-term solution. Either way the shielded solution guarantees 100m. The Pre-term has certainly been the more popular solution in most Data Centres because of reduced installation time and guaranteed quality.

What other regulations and legislation should be considered when designing a Data Centre?

• EU directives
• CENELEC, IEC, ISO and CISPR standards
• Building regulations
• Planning permission
• Legislation
        – Disability
        – Health & safety
        – Electricity
• British standards

How do I register for the Connectix Consultant Programme?

Simply complete the registration form here (making sure the box is ticked) or e-mail alistair@connectix.co.uk.

If I find that the articles and white papers are not relevant to my work, can I unsubscribe easily?

Yes, at the bottom of every e-mail there is an unsubscribe statement, or you can e-mail alistair@connectix.co.uk at any time.

If I have a specific communications issue, who do I contact?

We have created the “Ask an Expert” area to give Building Professionals quick answers to communications issues.

This is supported by our team of experts, who include:

Barry Elliott
23 years in the communications industry (and is now a leading Consultant working for Connectix) who has specialised in cabling systems, standards and data centre design.

David Yeend
11 years in the communications industry, specialising in ethernet, wireless and IP technologies.

Tim Brown
12 years leading the Connectix design team.

Alistair Evans
16 years of experience spanning from IBM cabling systems through to Cisco routers.

Between us we have many years experience; ranging from initial designs of cabling systems through to designing modules for 10 Gigabit Cat 6A networks today.

Is the Connectix Consultant Programme only open to cabling specialists?

No, at Connectix we believe that although our primary role is to manufacture and support our cabling systems, our experts can help any Consultant or Building Services Engineer.

What information will I receive if I register for the Connectix Consultant Programme?

Connectix is established as a solid UK manufacturer that has never needed to hard sell products. We will send you articles and white papers containing genuine industry information; they will clearly state the standards and working practices we believe are necessary to support the building occupant’s communications into the future.

Examples are available in the library section of this website.

What is the Connectix Consultant Programme?

The programme is designed to provide useful information and enhance relationships. This essentially consists of a series of articles, white papers and seminars provided free of charge to Building Professionals. These are supported by our web site:

www.connectixcablingsystems.com

Who installs Connectix systems?

Connectix has been supplying specialist installers (Bailey Teswaine, ISG Webbs, Black Box etc.) the length and breadth of the UK since 1993.

They are traditionally subcontracted by M&E companies such as NG Bailey, Balfour Kilpatrick, EMCOR Drake and Scull, Dodd Group, Haden Young, Lorne Stewart, Mowlem, MITIE Group, Rosser and Russell, RTT Group, Skanska Rashleigh Weatherfoil, Shepherd Engineering Services and United House.

Who uses Connectix systems?

Connectix cabling systems are being used by Bloomberg, Bank of Scotland, Halifax, ABB, LG Electronics, Rolls Royce, Research Machines and many more.

With over 10 million points installed in over 50,000 sites and delivering 20 million metres of cable per year, Connectix is already a leading UK manufacturer.

Why is Connectix providing the Consultant Programme?

Connectix is a privately owned UK company that has successfully grown year on year supporting its traditional customers. However at the end of 2005 the Directors took the view that continued growth was only possible if Connectix established a good name with the Building Professionals of the UK.

It was agreed that our wealth of expertise in the communications market would be a useful tool to help those professionals and establish Connectix as a name they could rely on.

Why will the Consultant Programme benefit Connectix?

1) Connectix Cabling Systems only wants to be involved with projects that are successful in all aspects of design.

2) We know that most people we work with today will be involved with other projects in the future; where they may be responsible for specifying cabling and communications products.

3) People do business with companies they can trust.

What distance will unscreened Augmented Category 6 cables support 10 Gigabit?

Probably 55 metres although this may be a bit optimistic and only possible if other installation mitigation procedures are adopted e.g. separating out the patch cords and the first 20 metres of cabling. TSB 155 reduces this distance to 37 metres.

Connectix has chosen to develop a fully shielded 10 Gigabit solution available in two formats either as a traditional on-site terminated product or as a Pre-term solution. Either way the shielded solution guarantees 100m. The Pre-term has certainly been the more popular solution in most Data Centres because of reduced installation time and guaranteed quality.

What is a Tier II Classification?

Tier Classification is a part of the TIA 942 Draft Standard. This classification enables building professionals to summarise Data Centre resilience to downtime. A Tier II Data Centre should have 99.749% availability during a year.

What is the typical heat dissipation within a server rack?

Typically in 2003 you would design for an average of 1.7kW with a maximum of 5kW being a possibility, however with the advent of blade servers it is not uncommon to find IT Managers looking at 25kW+ per rack in 2006. This will obviously change the design criteria of a data centre.

Our advice would always start with clearly identifying the likely maximum output from each rack (this will be available from the server manufacturer).  Once you have some maxima it is possible to identify the probable solutions.

Rack cooling in a generally air conditioned room is usually possible up to about 2kW per rack.  Underfloor air distribution methods give about 4kW per rack of cooling and forced air cooling works up to about 7kW heat load per rack.  Beyond that it would be necessary to move to more exotic technologies such as water-cooled racks.

What other regulations and legislation should be considered when designing a Data Centre?

• EU directives
• CENELEC, IEC, ISO and CISPR standards
• Building regulations
• Planning permission
• Legislation
        – Disability
        – Health & safety
        – Electricity
• British standards

What standards should I reference for building a data centre in the UK?

• TIA 942 Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Data Centres, April 2005
        – Substantial, available, all-American

• EN 50173-5 (Draft) Information technology – data centres
        – Smaller scope, not available, European perspective

• BICSI 942, ‘complementary’ to TIA 942

• ISO/IEC NP (Draft) 24764 Information technology -- Generic cabling for data-centres