STANDARDS

Structured Cabling Standards

and Practices
This section explains the key ANSI/
TIA standards and practices required
for structured cabling installation and
testing. Adherence to standards and
codes is required to obtain Hubbell's
MISSION CRITICAL® Warranty.

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STRUCTURED CABLING STANDARDS AND PRACTICES•RESIDENTIAL CABLING•FIBER CABLING AND COMPONENT
COPPER CABLING REQUIREMENTS•PATHWAYS AND SPACES•INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS•PERMANENT LINK AN
FIELD TESTING•FIBER INSTALLATION PRACTICES•BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEMS•APPLICATION GUIDELINES•S
FOR COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS•GLOSSARY•UTP CABLING COMPONENTS PERFORMANCE•BACKBONE & HORIZ
CABLING STRUCTURE•TELECOMMUNICATIONS PATHWAYS AND SPACES•ADMINISTRATION•RESIDENTIAL CABLIN
TELECOMMUNICATIONS TECHNICAL
STANDARD•UTPCONTENTS
WIRING CONVENTIONS•CABLING STANDARDS•PRODUCT TESTING•G
AND BONDING•INDUSTRIAL ETHERNET APPLICATIONS•WORK AREA•UTP PERMANENT LINK•CHANNEL FIELD TES

Subject Page
Introduction - Structured Cabling Standards Evolution .................................N4
ANSI/TIA-568-C ......................................................................................N5
ANSI/TIA-568-C.1: Horizontal Cabling Practices ........................................N6
ANSI/TIA-568-C.1: Fiber Optic Cabling Guidelines....................................N7
ANSI/TIA-568-C.1: Backbone Cabling ......................................................N8
ANSI/TIA-568-C.1: Backbone and Horizontal Cabling Structure ..................N9
ANSI/TIA-568-C.1: Work Area ..................................................................N10
ANSI/TIA-568-C.2: Balanced Twisted Pair Cabling Components ..................N12
ANSI/TIA-568-C.2: UTP Permanent Link and Channel Field Testing..............N13
Recommended UTP Installation Practices ....................................................N14
ANSI/TIA-568-C.3: Optical Fiber Cabling and Components .......................N15
Recommended Optical Fiber Installation Practices.......................................N16
ANSI/TIA-568-B.2-10 Category 6A UTP Cabling ........................................N17
ANSI/TIA-569-B: Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces ........................N18
ANSI/TIA-570-B: Residential Telecommunications Cabling Standard ............N19
ANSI/TIA-606-B: Administration Standard for Commercial...........................N20
Telecommunications InfrastructurE
J-STD-607-A: Commercial Building Grounding and Bonding ......................N21
Requirements for Telecommunications.
ANSI/TIA-862: Building Automation Systems Cabling Standard ...................N21
for Commercial Buildings
ANSI/TIA-942: Telecommunications Infrastructure Standards........................N22
for Data Centers
ANSI/TIA-1005: Industrial Telecommunication Infrastructure ........................N23
Standard UTP Wiring Conventions .............................................................N24
Audio Video Cabling ................................................................................N27
International Standards .............................................................................N28
Applications Guide ...................................................................................N29
Glossary ..................................................................................................N31

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TECHNICAL
Introduction: Structured Cabling Standards Evolution
Industry standards are published design and performance requirements that are approved by industry ballot among cable and
component manufacturers. The objective of cabling standards is to promote global inter-connectivity of equipment from diverse
manufacturers. Since the release of IEEE 802.3an 10-Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) standard in 2006, evolution of ANSI/TIA-568
structured cabling standards has achieved a new level of performance, defined as Category 6A, or Augmented Category 6. The
Category 6A cabling performance requirements of Addendum ANSI/TIA-EIA-568-B.2-10 were officially ratified in February 2008.
In addition to the release of Category 6A requirements, the ANSI/TIA-568-B series of standards are being superseded by ANSI/TIA-
568-C series. The new '568-C series incorporates all previously published addenda, plus a new section of generic cabling guidelines.
568C.0. These new developments are also presented in this section.

As an active contributor to and leader in cabling standards organizations such as TIA and IEEE, Hubbell manufactures products that
exceed all applicable standards. Compliance to industry standards is a long-term commitment by Hubbell Premise Wiring.

Global industry standards offer the following advantages:

OInteroperability of connecting hardware.
OBackward compatibility.
OOpen systems architecture.
OEase of migration to new performance levels.
OMulti-vendor choice to the end-user.
Compliance to standards also applies to MISSION CRITICAL® objectives. MISSION CRITICAL® is defined as the delivery of
long-term, uninterrupted service at stated performance levels.
This is the philosophy of Hubbell's 25-year MISSION CRITICAL® warranty. For more information about the Hubbell MISSION
CRITICAL® training and installer certification, go to:
Introduction

www.hubbell-premise.com

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 TECHNICAL
Standards

ANSI/TIA-568-C
The ANSI/TIA-568-C series of standards is a family of our individual documents.
Note: the 568-C series will replace ANSI/TIA-568-B series in 2008.
UTP cable
X ANSI/TIA-568-C.0: "Generic Telecommunications Cabling for Customer Premises".
X ANSI/TIA-568-C.1: “Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Systems
Standard”.
X ANSI/TIA-568-C.2: “Balanced Twisted Pair Telecommunications Cabling
Systems Standard”. Multimode fiber cable

X ANSI/TIA-568-C.3: “Optical Fiber Telecommunications Cabling Systems Standard”.

ANSI/TIA-568-C.0 defines the overall premises infrastructure for copper and fiber
cabling. Detailed requirements for cabling installation and field-testing are also included.
TIA-568-C.1 provides detailed design requirements for horizontal and backbone cabling STP cable
infrastructure and distribution facilities. TIA-568-C.2 and C.3 establish component level
testing and prformance requirements for copper and fiber connecting hardware
respectively.

ANSI/TIA-568-C.0 and C.1: Horizontal Cabling (previously 568-B.1)

The horizontal cabling in a building is a single floor cable distribution from the
horizontal cross connect (HC) in the telecommunications room (TR) to the work area (WA)
outlet.

Recognized Horizontal Cables

X 4-Pair 100: UTP or Screened Twisted Pair (ScTP), Category 3, 5e, 6, and 6A.
 • Minimum 2-Strand Multimode Fiber Optic Cable.
X 150: Shielded Twisted Pair (STP).

Horizontal Cable Minimum Bend Radius and Pull Force

X 4-Pair UTP: 4 times cable diameter.
• Maximum pull force: 25 lbs.
X Fiber Cable: 10 times cable diameter.
• See pages N14 and N15 for Pull Forces.
NOTE: See pages N14 and N16 for Installation Practices.

Recognized Connectors
X 8-position modular jack and plug.
 • Pin/pair assignments configured T568A or T568B.
X 568SC and ST-style fiber connectors.
X SFF fiber connectors: LC and MT-RJ.
ANSI/TIA-568-C

Horizontal Cabling Topology and Design Notes

Each outlet connection in the work area has an individual cable run (link) from the TR.
This represents a star topology shown in the diagram. This arrangement is most
convenient for moves, adds and changes (MAC’s). Any horizontal cable link is limited to
90 meters in length. Locate the TR centrally on each floor to equalize cable run lengths.
As a rule, use 40% max fill for cable pathways. Allow one work area per 100 sq. ft. of
floor space for design purposes.

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TECHNICAL
ANSI/TIA-568-C.0 and C.1: Horizontal Cabling Practices (cont'd)
Consolidation Point
The consolidation point is an optional interconnection node that is allowed in the horizontal cabling between the TR and the work
area.
X The consolidation point must be mounted to a permanent building structure in an area free from obstructions or furniture.
X Cross connections are not allowed in the consolidation enclosure.
X Due to the effect of NEXT on multiple connections in close proximity, this standard recommends locating all consolidation points
at least 15m (49 ft.) away from the TR.
X Consolidation points and transition points cannot be combined in any single horizontal link.
X Each consolidation point should serve a maximum of 12 work areas, with consideration for future growth.
X Administration should follow the guidelines of ANSI/TIA-606-B.

Consolidation Point Solution

HORIZONTAL

Consolidation Point
Cross Connect

B1 A1 A2 B3
Switch Solid Solid Work Area
Horizontal Horizontal Cord
Cable Cable

A B
Horizontal Cable Work Area Cord
Maximum Length Maximum Length
90 meters/295 ft. 5 meters/16.4 ft.

Telco Room Telco Room

B2 Maximum Length
B1 +B2 +B3 < 10 meters. 5 meters/16.4 ft.
A1 > 15 meters.
A1 + A2 < 90 meters.

These are maximum channel length configurations - alternate length configuration are allowed, consult the standard.

The Multi-User Telecommunications Outlet Assembly (MUTOA)

The MUTOA contains multiple telecommunications outlet connectors to service a cluster of individual work areas.
X A combination of solid conductor 4-pair UTP cables and fiber optic cables may be run from the TR to the MUTOA.
X The MUTOA is permanently mounted to a building structure that is in close proximity to a cluster of work areas.
X A MUTOA allows horizontal cabling to remain intact when the open-office layout plan is changed.
X Work area cables are either fiber patch cords or stranded conductor copper cords with a modular plug on each end.
X Length of all work area cables from the MUTOA must be labeled on both ends. Maximum length is 20 meters for horizontal runs
less than 70 meters.
X Each MUTOA should serve a maximum of 12 work areas.
X Administration should follow the guidelines of ANSI/TIA-606-B.

MUTOA Solution

HORIZONTAL MUTOA
A B
Cross Connect
ANSI/TIA-568-C.1

Horizontal Cable Work Area Cord

Maximum Length Maximum Length
Backbone A B 90 meters/295 ft. 3 meters/9.8 ft.
85 meters/279 ft. 7 meters/23 ft.
Cable Solid Work Area 80 meters/262 ft. 11 meters/36 ft.
Horizontal Cord 75 meters/246 ft. 15 meters/49 ft.
Cable 70 meters/230 ft. 20 meters/66 ft.

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 TECHNICAL
ANSI/TIA-568-C.0 and C.1: Optical Fiber Supportable Distances

Maximum Supportable Distance (m) Maximum Channel Attenuation (dB)

Multimode Multimode
Wave
Application length 850 nm Single- 850 mm Single-
(nm) Laser mode Laser mode
62.5/125 50/125 62.5/125 50/125
Optimized Optimized
50/125 50/125
10/100BASE-SX 850 300 300 300 NST 4.0 4.0 4.0 NST
Gigabit Ethernet
1000BASE-SX 850 220 550 N/A N/A 3.2 3.9 N/A N/A
1000BASE-LX 1300 550 550 N/A 5000 4.0 3.5 N/A 4.7
10G Ethernet
10GBASE-S 850 26 82 300 NST 2.6 2.3 2.6 NST
10GBASE-L 1310 NST NST NST 10000 NST NST NST 6.0
10GBASE-E 1550 NST NST NST 40000 NST NST NST 11.0
10GBASE-LX4 1300 300 300 300 NST 2.5 2.0 2.0 NST
10GBASE-LX4 1310 N/A N/A N/A 10000 N/A N/A N/A 6.6
NOTES:
S=Short wavelength; L=Long wavelength; E=Extended wavelength.
NST=Non-standard; N/A=Not applicable.
LX4=Multiplex (4) wavelengths.

ANSI/TIA-568-C.0: Fiber Optic Cabling Guidelines: Centralized Cabling

Single tenant users of fiber optic data networks can avoid distributed electronic equipment by using the centralized cabling method.
Centralized electronic equipment and cabling reduces cost and complexity, and maximizes transmission performance. Extended dis-
tances are permitted using these methods. The interconnect method is most flexible and is the preferred choice.

FIGURE 1 - Pull-through Method FIGURE 2 - Splice Method FIGURE 3 - Interconnect Method

Centralized Telecom Centralized Telecom Centralized Telecom
Cross Cross Cross
Connect Room Connect Room Room
Connect

Work
Areas
Work
Work Areas
Areas Max Distance: 300m
ANSI/TIA-568-C.1

Max Distance: 90m Max Distance: 300m

(Includes horizontal + backbone + patch cords)

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 ANSI/TIA-568-C.1: Backbone Cabling
TECHNICAL

A backbone distribution system is the part of a premises distribution system that provides connection between equipment rooms (ERs),
telecommunication rooms (TRs), telecommunication enclosures (TEs), and telecommunication services entrance facilities (EFs).

Recognized Backbone Cables

Twisted Pair Copper Cable
UTP cable X Data: 100: solid conductor 24-AWG UTP or Screened Twisted Pair (ScTP)
(Cat 6A, Cat 6 or Cat 5e).
X Voice: 100: solid conductor 24-AWG UTP (Cat 3 or Cat 5e).
X Multi-pair cable (25-pair, 50-pair).

Multimode Fiber Optic Cable

STP cable
X 62.5/125Pm fiber.
X 50/125Pm fiber.
X 50/125Pm fiber (laser optimized).

Singlemode Fiber Optic Cable

Multimode fiber cable
X 9/125Pm fiber.

Backbone Cable Minimum Bend Radius

Singlemode fiber cable
X 4-pair 100: UTP: 4x cable diameter.
X Multi-pair (25-50 pair): 10X cable diameter.
X Fiber cable: 15x cable diameter (with load)/10X (no load).
X OSP fiber cable: 20x cable diameter (with load)/10X (no load).

NOTE: See page N14 through N16 for Pull Forces, Minimum Bend Radius, and Installation Practices.

Backbone Cabling Topology and Design Notes

For the simplest design, the HC on each floor receives a
home run backbone cable from the MC in the ER. This
represents a star topology. Multiple buildings in a campus
form a Hierarchical star topology from the central MC
facility. Codes require non-fire rated OSP backbone cable
to extend no longer than 50 ft into the building without
conduit. Firestopping is required for wall or floor penetra-
tions of backbone sleeves or slots. Properly support vertical
cables, and do not exceed manufacturer’s vertical rise limits.
Consider diverse and redundant cable paths for disaster
recovery. If possible, vertically align TR’s on multiple floors to
simplify the backbone pathways.

TR #3
HC
Third Floor

TR #2
HC
Second Floor
Backbone
Cabling
ANSI/TIA-568-C.1

TR #1
HC
First Floor

MC Equipment
Room (ER)

TR: Telecommunications Room

HC: Horizontal Cross Connect
MC: Main Cross Connect

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ANSI/TIA-568-C.1: Backbone and Horizontal Cabling Structure

TECHNICAL
A backbone cabling structure shall have no more than two levels of cross-connections. A two-level backbone and the relationship
with horizontal cabling is shown below.

Application Notes
X Backbone distances are application dependent. Maximum distances for UTP are based on voice transmission. A 90-meter
maximum distance applies to UTP data transmission at a bandwidth of 5-16 MHz for Category 3, 20-100 MHz for Category
5e, and 1-250 MHz for Category 6.
X For UTP voice applications and fiber, the backbone distances of segment “B” may be increased if “C” is less than the maximum,
but the total B + C must not exceed “A”.
X Refer to "Optical Fiber Supportable Distances" on page N7.

MAIN

Cross Connect
A=B+C

Main Cross-Connect
B B to Intermediate
1st Level Backbone
Main Cross-Connect Media Type Distance
A to Horizontal
1st Level Backbone
A 62.5/125Pm fiber 1700m
50/125Pm fiber (5575’)
INTERMEDIATE
Media Type Distance Singlemode fiber 2700m
Cross Connect

62.5/125Pm fiber or 2000m (8856’)

50/125Pm fiber (6560’) UTP (voice) 500m
Singlemode fiber 3000m (1640’)
(9840’)
UTP (voice) 800m
(2624’)
UTP (data) 90m Intermediate to
(295’)
C C Horizontal
2nd Level Backbone
Media Type Distance
HORIZONTAL HORIZONTAL
62.5/125Pm fiber 300m
Cross Connect

Cross Connect

50/125Pm fiber (984’)

Singlemode fiber 300m
(984’)
UTP (voice) 300m
(984’)

HORIZONTAL CABLING
ANSI/TIA-568-C.1

NOTE: Fiber distances are

based on voice transmission.
See table on page N7 for
data applications.
WORK AREA
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TECHNICAL
ANSI/TIA-568-C.1: Work Area
The work area is the terminal end of the structured cabling network. This is the space for interaction of people with computers,
phones, data terminals, and other devices on a local area network (LAN).
X A minimum of two telecommunications outlet connectors are required at each work area:
O First Outlet (mandatory): 4-pair 100: UTP or ScTP cable and connector (Category 5e min. recommended).
O Second Outlet:
V 4-pair 100: UTP cable and connector (min. Category 5e, Category 6 is recommended).
V 2-fiber 62.5/125Pm or 50/125Pm optical fiber cable and connectors: SC, ST-style, or SFF recommended.
X One horizontal transition point or consolidation point is permitted.
X Bridges, taps, or splices are not allowed in copper wiring.
X Additional outlets are allowed. Double gang box is best for service loop storage.
X Equipment cords must have the same performance rating as the patch cords.
X Maximum length for work area cords is 5 meters.
X Splitters are not allowed in optical fibers.
X Separation from electrical wiring and pathways shall be according to ANSI/TIA-569-B.
X Work area telecommunications outlet boxes should be located near an electrical outlet (within 3 feet) and installed at the same
height, if appropriate.
X For cable count and pathway capacity, use 1 work area per 100 ft.2 of floor space as a general rule. Always factor in
future growth for all pathways.
ANSI/TIA-568-C.1

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 TECHNICAL
ANSI/TIA-568-C.1

Telecommunications Room (TR)

The Telecommunications Room (TR) is an enclosed space for management and
termination of backbone and horizontal cross connections. The TR typically provides
the horizontal cabling to all of the work areas on a single floor of a building. The TR
is centrally located, and isolated from EMI (electromagnetic interference), with proper
grounding and lighting. The TR may also contain other active equipment, power, or
security devices. Backbone cabling feeds each TR in a building from the main
cross-connect (MC) in the Equipment Room (ER).
Basic Requirements:
O Minimum (1) TR per floor.
O No carpet or suspended ceilings.
O Minimum (2) walls covered with ¾" A/C plywood.
O Dedicated, unswitched electrical power.
O (1) TR serves up to 10,000 sq. ft. of floor space.
O Temperature and humidity control.

Equipment Room (ER)

The Equipment Room (ER) is a centralized space for housing the core electronic
equipment, such as computer servers, routers, hubs, etc. The backbone cabling
originates from the ER, which serves the entire building or campus. The ER may
function as a TR, and also may contain an entrance facility. Stringent electrical and
environmental requirements apply to the design of an ER to provide a suitable operating
environment for active network equipment. ERs should be supplied with non-switched,
conditioned power with back-up. ERs should not be located near mechanical rooms,
electrical distribution panels, or wet/dirty areas.
Basic Requirements:
O Minimum (1) ER per building.
O No carpet, suspended ceiling permitted.
O Dedicated, unswitched electrical power - back-up and surge protection.
O (1) ER serves up to 20,000 sq. ft. of floor space.
O Temperature and humidity control.
O Double doors for entrance.

Entrance Facility (EF)

The Entrance Facility (EF) is located where the access provider and inter-building
network cables enter the building. Outside plant cables, typically from underground, are
terminated inside the entrance facility. This location is known as the demarcation point –
the transition from access provider to customer-owned cable. A combination of
electrical, fire, building, municipal, and FCC codes apply to the EF. The EF may share
other functions, including fire and security alarms, CCTV, CATV, PBX, etc.
Basic Requirements:
O Dry environment.
O Proper backboarding for equipment.
O Secure location.
O Access to building electrical service ground.
ANSI/TIA-568-C.1

O Circuit protection.

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 ANSI/TIA-568-C.2: Balanced Twisted Pair Cabling Components
TECHNICAL

This standard specifies electrical performance requirements for installed UTP cable and connecting hardware for each recognized category. Augmented
Category 6 with extended frequency and additional parameters (ANEXT) is included. Performance categories, bandwidth, and field test parameters are
listed in the table below. Refer to the glossary for explanation of test parameters.

Table 1: Categories of Transmission Performance and Field Test Parameters

Insertion Wire Delay Return
Category Loss NEXT Length Map Skew ELFEXT Loss PSACR PSELFEXT PSNEXT ANEXT
Cat 3 (16 MHz)    
Cat 5e (100 MHz)          
Cat 6 (250 MHz)          
Cat 6A (500 MHz)           

ANSI/TIA-568-C.2: Balanced Twisted Pair Cabling and Components

The tables below incorporate enhanced performance requirements for UTP cables and connecting hardware: Category 3, 5e, 6, and 6A.
All Hubbell products exceed these minimum requirements.
Permanent Link Performance
Insertion Loss Return Loss NEXT Loss
Frequency Cat 5e Cat 6 Cat 6A Frequency Cat 5e Cat 6 Cat 6A Frequency Cat 5e Cat 6 Cat 6A
(MHz) (dB) (dB) (dB) (MHz) (dB) (dB) (dB) (MHz) (dB) (dB) (dB)
1.0 2.1 1.9 1.9 1.0 19.0 19.1 19.1 1.0 60.0 65.0 65.0
4.0 3.9 3.5 3.5 4.0 19.0 21.0 21.0 4.0 54.8 64.1 64.1
8.0 5.5 5.0 5.0 8.0 19.0 21.0 21.0 8.0 50.0 59.4 59.4
10.0 6.2 5.5 5.5 10.0 19.0 21.0 21.0 10.0 48.5 57.8 57.8
16.0 7.9 7.0 7.0 16.0 19.0 20.0 20.0 16.0 45.2 54.6 54.6
20.0 8.9 7.9 7.8 20.0 19.0 19.5 19.5 20.0 43.7 53.1 53.1
25.0 10.0 8.9 8.8 25.0 18.0 19.0 19.0 25.0 42.1 51.5 51.5
31.25 11.2 10.0 9.8 31.25 17.1 18.5 18.5 31.25 40.5 50.0 50.0
62.5 16.2 14.4 14.1 62.5 14.1 16.0 16.0 62.5 35.7 45.1 45.1
100.0 21.0 18.6 18.0 100.0 12.0 14.0 14.0 100.0 32.3 41.8 41.8
200.0 - 27.4 26.1 200.0 - 11.0 11.0 200.0 - 36.9 36.9
250.0 - 31.1 29.5 250.0 - 10.0 10.0 250.0 - 35.3 35.3
300.0 - - 32.7 300.0 - - 9.2 300.0 - - 34.0
400.0 - - 38.5 400.0 - - 8.0 400.0 - - 29.9
500.0 - - 43.8 500.0 - - 8.0 500.0 - - 26.7

Channel Performance
Insertion Loss Return Loss NEXT Loss
Frequency Cat 5e Cat 6 Cat 6A Frequency Cat 5e Cat 6 Cat 6A Frequency Cat 5e Cat 6 Cat 6A
(MHz) (dB) (dB) (dB) (MHz) (dB) (dB) (dB) (MHz) (dB) (dB) (dB)
1.0 2.2 2.1 2.3 1.0 17.0 19.0 19.0 1.0 60.0 65.0 65.0
4.0 4.5 4.0 4.2 4.0 17.0 19.0 19.0 4.0 53.5 63.0 63.0
8.0 6.3 5.7 5.8 8.0 17.0 19.0 19.0 8.0 48.6 58.2 58.2
10.0 7.1 6.3 6.5 10.0 17.0 19.0 19.0 10.0 47.0 56.6 56.6
16.0 9.1 8.0 8.2 16.0 17.0 18.0 18.0 16.0 43.6 53.2 53.2
20.0 10.2 9.0 9.2 20.0 17.0 17.5 17.5 20.0 42.0 51.6 51.6
25.0 11.4 10.1 10.2 25.0 16.0 17.0 17.0 25.0 40.3 50.0 50.0
31.25 12.9 11.4 11.5 31.25 15.1 16.5 16.5 31.25 38.7 48.4 48.4
62.5 18.6 16.5 16.4 62.5 12.1 14.0 14.0 62.5 33.6 43.4 43.4
100.0 24.0 21.3 20.9 100.0 10.0 12.0 12.0 100.0 30.1 39.9 39.9
200.0 - 31.5 30.1 200.0 - 9.0 9.0 200.0 - 34.8 34.8
250.0 - 35.9 33.9 250.0 - 8.0 8.0 250.0 - 33.1 33.1
300.0 - - 37.4 300.0 - - 7.2 300.0 - - 31.7
400.0 - - 43.7 400.0 - - 6.0 400.0 - - 28.7
500.0 - - 49.3 500.0 - - 6.0 500.0 - - 26.1

Patch Cord Performance

Return Loss NEXT Loss - Category 6 NEXT Loss - Category 6A
Frequency Cat 5e Cat 6 Cat 6A Frequency Cord Limit (dB) Frequency Cord Limit (dB)
(MHz) (dB) (dB) (dB) (MHz) 2m 5m 10m (MHz) 1m 2m 5m 10m
1.0 25.0 25.0 20.0 1.0 65.0 65.0 65.0 1.0 65.0 65.0 65.0 65.0
4.0 25.0 25.0 23.0 4.0 65.0 65.0 65.0 4.0 65.0 65.0 65.0 65.0
8.0 25.0 25.0 24.5 8.0 65.0 65.0 64.8 8.0 65.0 65.0 65.0 64.8
10.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 10.0 65.0 64.5 62.9 10.0 65.0 65.0 64.5 62.9
ANSI/TIA-568-C.2

16.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 16.0 62.0 60.5 59.0 16.0 62.6 62.0 60.5 59.1
20.0 60.1 58.6 57.2
20.0 24.0 25.0 25.0 20.0 60.7 60.1 58.6 57.2
25.0 58.1 56.8 55.4
31.25 23.1 23.1 23.3 25.0 58.8 58.2 56.8 55.4
31.25 56.2 54.9 53.6
62.5 20.1 20.1 20.7 31.25 56.9 56.3 54.9 53.6
62.5 50.4 49.2 48.1
100.0 18.0 18.0 19.0 100.0 46.4 45.3 44.4 62.5 51.0 50.4 49.2 48.1
200.0 - 15.0 16.4 125 44.5 43.5 42.7 100.0 47.0 46.4 45.4 44.5
250.0 - 14.0 15.6 150 43.0 42.1 41.4 200 41.1 40.7 39.9 39.3
300.0 - - 14.9 175 41.8 40.9 40.2 250 39.3 38.9 38.1 37.7
400.0 - - 13.8 200 40.6 39.8 39.3 300 36.4 36.2 35.9 35.8
500.0 - - 13.0 225 39.7 38.9 38.4 400 31.8 31.9 32.1 32.5
250 38.8 38.1 37.6 500 28.2 28.4 29.0 29.8

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 TECHNICAL
ANSI/TIA-568-C.2: UTP Permanent Link and Channel Field Testing
Permanent Link
Horizontal Cross The permanent link test configuration includes a length of
Connect or
Interconnect
horizontal cable and one connector attached to each end (see
Telco Outlet diagram). One optional consolidation point connection is also
Instrument
Field Test

permitted. The permanent link runs from the cross-connect panel

Hand Held

Instrument
in the TR to the work station outlet. The permanent link overall

Field Test
Tester Cord Hand Held
Tester Cord
length must not exceed 90m (295 ft.).
Begin
Link CP
(optional)
90m (295’) End
Horizontal Cable Link

Channel
The channel test configuration includes a length of horizontal
Work Area
Patch Cord cable up to 90 meters, a work area cord, and two patch cord
cross connections (see diagram). One optional consolidation
Instrument

TR
Field Test

Horizontal Cross

Instrument
Equipment
point connection is also permitted in the channel. The channel

Field Test
Connect
Patch Cord
Telco Outlet overall length must not exceed 100m (328 ft.).
CP
(optional)

Begin End
Channel 90m (295’) Channel
Horizontal
Cable

Hubbell Approved Field Testers for UTP and Optical Fiber Cabling
The Hubbell MISSION CRITICAL® warranty program recognizes the field testers and associated test adapters below. These testers
function in a bidirectional mode, with automatic data acquisition and storage. All MISSION CRITICAL® test parameters are measured
and recorded with these testers, for copper or fiber cabling.

Permanent 110 Block 110 Block Cat 6A

Field Tester Model Link Adapter Channel Adapter T568A Wiring T568B Wiring AXT Test Kit
Fluke DTX Series Cat 5e/ DTX-PLA001 DTX-CHA001 DTX-PLA001 DTX-PLA001 PLA002
1800 and 1200 Cat 6 w/DSP-PM06 w/DSP-PM13A w/DSP-PM13B

Cat 6A DTX-PLA0025 DTXCHAOO1AS N/A N/A DTX-10GKIT

Fluke DSP Series Cat 5e/ DSP-LIA101S DSP-LIA012S DSP-PM13A DSP-PM13B

4000, 4100 Cat 6A w/DSP-PM06
and 4300

Cat 6A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Fluke OMNIScanner Cat 5e/ OMNI-LIA101S 8262-42 OMNI-LIA101S OMNI-LIA101S

and OMNIScanner 2 Cat 6 w/DSP-PM06 w/DSP-PM13A w/DSP-PM13B

Cat 6A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Agilent Wirescope 350 Cat 5e/ N2604A-101 N2604A-100 N2604A-065 N2604A-066

and FrameScope 350 Cat 6
ANSI/TIA-568-C.2

Wirescope Pro Cat 6A N2644A-101 N2644A-100 N/A N/A N2648A-100

Ideal Lantek 6 and Cat 5e/ HPW PCX6Patch Cord 0012-00-0629 1019-00-1112 (Kit) 1019-00-1112 (Kit)
Lantek 7 Cat 6

Lantek 6A-7G Cat 6A HPW PS6 Series Supplied in unit N/A N/A LANTEK
atch Cord 10GBKIT

www.hubbell-premise.com Call 1-800-626-0005 N13

 Recommended UTP Installation Practices
TECHNICAL

X Use the proper strip tool for the cable jacket. Don't cut into the conductor pairs.
X For best results, use the zip cord and peel away the cable jacket.
X Position the stripped cable jacket as close as possible to the termination point to
minimize exposure of the twisted pairs.
X Maintain the natural twist of all conductor pairs as close as possible to the
termination point. For Category 5e and 6 wiring, the maximum length of untwisted
pairs is 0.5”. Minimum untwisting optimizes Return Loss performance.
X Never uncoil UTP cable from a stationary spool. Permanent kinks will result from
straightening, and NEXT failures may occur. Unwind the cable by rotating the spool
with steady speed and tension. Also avoid scraping and kinking when feeding into
conduit or raceway.
X Store cable slack for wall outlets above the ceiling for future re-termination.
X Use proper supports and spacing to minimize sag in horizontal runs. Long runs
should use cable trays. Do not overload cable supports and trays.
X Don't exceed 40% cable fill ratio in any pathway.
X Avoid EMI by maximizing the separation distance from high voltage circuits,
transformers, motors, etc. For shared pathways, use partitioned raceway with 2”
minimum separation from power wiring.
X Do not run UTP cables over heater ducts or hot water
ducts. High temperatures will degrade performance


and deteriorate the cable jacket.
X Centralize TR’s to equalize the horizontal cable runs on
each floor. Maximum horizontal distance is 90 meters.
Do’s Don’ts 
Very short horizontal runs can increase NEXT.
X Never use staples to position cables. Never exceed a
X Use good cable management practices to maintain Maintain a maxi-
90 degree bend.
proper bend radius. mum bend radius
X For Category 6 cabling, store service loops in a of 4x the cable
figure "8" pattern to minimize cross-talk and EMI noise diameter (4-pair
pick-up. cables).
X All grounding and bonding shall be according to
J-STD-607-A.

Apply cable ties Don’t over-tighten

loosely and at cable ties.
Category 6A Installation Practices random intervals.
X Refer to Hubbell 10GbE Cabling Guidelines. VELCRO® is
X NOTE: Larger cable diameters will have an impact recommended.
on design, pathway fill capacity, and cable
Recommended UTP Installation Practices

deployment.

Try to minimize Don’t over-twist

the amount of cable, it can lead to
jacket twisting. torn jackets.

Avoid stretching Don’t exceed

the cable. 25 lbs. of pulling
tension.

VELCRO® is a registered trademarks of Velcro Industries B.V.

N14 Hubbell Premise Wiring • 14 Lord’s Hill Road • Stonington, CT 06378 • Tel: (860) 535-8326 • Fax: (860) 535-8328
 TECHNICAL
ANSI/TIA-568-C.0 and C.3: Optical Fiber Cabling and Components
Optical Fiber Cable Transmission Performance This standard incorporates optical, mechanical, and
Parameters environmental performance requirements for installed fiber
optic cables and connectors.
Optical fiber Wavelength Max. Attenuation Bandwidth X The optical fiber cable construction shall consist of
cable type (nm) (dB/km) (MHz-Km) 50/125Pm, 62.5/125Pm multimode fibers, or 9/125Pm
50/125Pm 850 3.5 500 singlemode optical fibers.
Multimode 1300 1.5 500
X Installed optical fiber cabling and connection hardware shall
50/125Pm 850 3.5 2000
Laser Optimized 1300 1.5 500 meet the requirements of ANSI/TIA-568-C.3, and applicable
62.5/125Pm 850 3.5 160 sections of ANSI/TIA-568-C.1.
Multimode 1300 1.5 500
Singlemode 1310 1 N/A Performance Specifications for Multimode and
Inside Plant 1550 1 N/A Singlemode Fiber Optic Connectors
Singlemode 1310 0.5 N/A
Outside Plant 1550 0.5 N/A X Maximum insertion loss is 0.75dB for mated pair connectors
of all types. Maximum splice loss is 0.3dB.
X Maximum return loss is 20dB for multimode and 26dB for
Backbone and Horizontal Fiber
singlemode fiber.
Cabling Structure
X All fiber links are tested individually.
MAIN
Minimum Bend Radius and Maximum
Fiber Cross Connect

Pulling Tension
X 2 and 4 fiber cables for horizontal cabling shall not exceed a
minimum of 25mm (1”) bend radius with no applied load.
X 2 and 4 fiber cables for horizontal cabling shall not exceed a
minimum of 50mm (2”) bend radius with a maximum applied
load of 222N (50Lbf).
1st Level X All other indoor fiber cables shall not exceed a minimum
BACKBONE bend radius of 10 times the cable outside diameter (O.D.)
with no applied load, and 15 times the cable O.D. with the
1st Level rated load applied.
BACKBONE X Outside plant fiber cables shall not exceed a minimum bend
INTERMEDIATE radius of 10 times the cable O.D. with no applied load, and
20 times the cable O.D. with the rated load applied.
Fiber Cross Connect

X Outside plant cables shall have a minimum pull strength of

2670N (600Lbf).
X Drop cables shall have a minimum pull strength of 1335N
(300 Lbf).
X Workstation (patch cord) cables shall have a minimum pull
2nd Level
strength of 50N (11Lbf).
BACKBONE

568SC Standard Fiber Connector

HORIZONTAL HORIZONTAL X Most widely recognized connector for multimode and
singlemode applications.
Cross Connect

Cross Connect

X Each channel in a duplex SC interconnect are referred to as

Position ‘A’ and Position ‘B’.
X A 62.5/125 multimode SC connector housing or adapter
shall be beige.
X A 50/125 multimode SC connector housing or adapter
shall all be aqua.
ANSI/TIA-568-C.3

X A singlemode SC connector or adapter shall be blue.

HORIZONTAL FIBER CABLING

Small Form Factor Connectors (SFF)

X Approved for use in main cross connects, horizontal and
backbone cabling, consolidation points, and the work area.
Use for high-density applications.
X SFF connector type 'LC' is recommended most.
WORK AREA

www.hubbell-premise.com Call 1-800-626-0005 N15

 ANSI/TIA-568-C.0 and C.3: Optical Fiber Cabling and Components
TECHNICAL

Fiber Link Testing

An optical fiber link test configuration includes a length of passive horizontal or backbone cable with a connector attached to each
end. Consolidation point connections are permitted within the system loss budget. Each individual link segment in a fiber backbone or
horizontal run must be tested. The total link insertion loss is the sum of the individual link segment losses.

Fiber Link

NOTE: Advanced testers will measure insertion loss in both directions at multiple wavelengths through (2) channels.

Recommended Optical Fiber Installation Practices

Cable Runs
X Use inner duct through conduit and sleeves to protect cables from abrasion.
X Conduit fill rules apply: 40% maximum fill and no more than (2) 90° bends in a single run.
A 50% conduit fill is permitted for a single cable.
X Maintain proper bend radius in all locations. Use a bend radius drum for strain relief and
support.
X Vertical cables must be supported by the internal strength member.
X Do not use clamps or staples to support cables.
X Use the proper pulling method, and do not exceed the cable tensile load rating.
Consult the cable manufacturer.

Stripping and Cable Prep

X Use the proper cable strip tools to avoid damage to fibers.
X Use the ripcord to remove cable jacket.
X Never use a utility knife for scoring the cable or sheath.
X Establish all break-out locations before connectorization.

Connectorization
X Use recognized methods, such as epoxy, anaerobic, crimp, or pre-polish type.
X Terminate and test in small batches.
X Relieve all cable weight from the installed connectors.
X Always clean and inspect connector end face before mating into the adapter.
X Check several channels with an OTDR to verify cable installation is free of micro-bends.

Service Loops
ANSI/TIA-568-C.3

X Leave several large coils of main run cable at each end of the run.
X Leave approximately 2-3 meters of buffered fiber coiled in fiber enclosures.
X Leave 1 meter of buffered fiber coiled behind wall outlets.

N16 Hubbell Premise Wiring • 14 Lord’s Hill Road • Stonington, CT 06378 • Tel: (860) 535-8326 • Fax: (860) 535-8328
 TECHNICAL
ANSI/TIA-568-C.2: Category 6A UTP Cabling
Augmented Category 6, or Category 6A unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable is designed to support 10GBASE-T (10 Gigabit Ethernet)
transmission in accordance with IEEE802.3an requirements. IEEE802.3an was officially ratified in June 2006. The 568B.2-10
standard for Category 6A was officially ratified in February 2008.
X Category 6A permanent link and channel performance are defined to 500 MHz.
X Alien Cross Talk (AXT) parameters are defined to 500 MHz.
X AXT is a measure of signal coupling from energized pairs in a disturber cable or component into disturbed pairs within
surrounding cables or components.
X Category 6A AXT parameters are summarized below (see Glossary also):
• ANEXT (Alien Near End Crosstalk).
• PSANEXT (Power Sum Alien Near-End Crosstalk).
• AACRF (Attenuation to Alien Crosstalk Ratio, Far End). NOTE: Previously referred to as AFEXT.
• PSAACRF (Power Sum Attenuation to Alien Crosstalk ratio, Far-End). NOTE: Previously referred to as PSAFEXT.

To mitigate the effects of AXT, the cable design shall meet the “worst case” 6-around-1 AXT requirements as shown below. Larger wire
size, tighter twisting and thicker cable jacket are key design parameters. As a result, the cable diameter is larger, and will have an
impact on installation practices. Refer to Hubbell’s “10 GbE Cabling Guidelines for more details.
X Field-testing of AXT in installed links or channels is optional per 568B-2-10.
X AXT field testing equipment is identified in the table on page N13.
X Link and channel components must also be designed to mitigate AXT.

"Worst Case" 6 around 1 AXT Test Configuration.

TIA/TSB-155: Field AXT Mitigation for Installed Category 6 Cabling

Telecommunications Systems Bulletin TSB-155, released in March 2007, was developed to qualify installed Category 6 cabling for
operation at 500 MHz to support 10GbE transmission. Category 6 cabling used for 10GbE applications is restricted to the
performance level of the cable and the AXT environment.
X Defines field AXT test parameters for installed Category 6 cabling links.
X Establishes length restrictions for installed Category 6 cabling.
X Standard Category 6 cabling: 37 meters maximum (no testing).
X Standard Category 6 cabling: 37 to 55 meters maximum (AXT testing recommended, mitigation not likely).
X Enhanced Category 6 cabling: > 55 meters (Mitigation and AXT testing highly recommended, , mitigation expected).
568-B.2-10 Category 6A

X NOTE: The primary limitation with 10GbE operation is ANEXT. Individual Cat 6 links with no EMI should be able to support
10GbE up to 100m. Multiple links in parallel become a concern with ANEXT.

The mitigation procedure suggested by TSB-155 is outlined below. Each mitigation step requires field AXT testing to 500 MHz for
verification.
X Unbundle cables and patch cords.
X Substitute ScTP patch cords and equipment cords.
X Substitute Category 6A jacks.
X Substitute Category 6A panels.

www.hubbell-premise.com Call 1-800-626-0005 N17

 Glossary

TECHNICAL
10GBASE-T cross connect. Also referred to as vertical Chrominance
IEEE 10-Gigabit Ethernet data transmission. cabling. The color portion of a video signal. See
100BASE-T Balance also Luminance.
IEEE Fast Ethernet standard baseband A condition where all complex electro- Cladding
(single channel) data transmission at 100 magnetic fields are perfectly equal and The glass layer surrounding the core of
Mbps over twisted pair copper wiring. opposite. an optical fiber, having a different index
1000BASE-T Bandwidth of refraction than the core. The cladding
IEEE Gigabit Ethernet standard baseband The permissible range of transmission permits total internal reflection within the
(single channel) data transmission at 1000 frequencies of a communications system. core.
Mbps over twisted pair wiring. Expressed in Hertz (cycles per second). Cleave
1000BASE-LX BER (Bit Error Rate) A flat 90° break separation of an optical
IEEE Gigabit Ethernet standard baseband The fraction of total bits transmitted that fiber, initiated by crack propagation.
(single channel) data transmission at 1000 are erroneous. Caused by EMI or crosstalk. Collision Detection
Mbps over fiber optic cable using long BNC Connector The ability of an Ethernet network to
wavelength lasers, typically 1300nm. A bayonet (push and turn) style coax cable detect simultaneous (colliding) signal traf-
1000BASE-SX connector. fic.
IEEE Gigabit Ethernet standard baseband Bonding Component Video
(single channel) data transmission at 1000 The permanent joining of conductors to the Baseband analog (video) signal com-
Mbps over fiber optic cable using short building grounding infrastructure. prised of three discrete RGB colors (red,
wavelength lasers, typically 850nm. green, blue). Each color is delivered
Building Automation System (BAS) through a separate cable to produce a
AACRF (Attenuation to Alien Crosstalk An intelligent network of devices, cabling,
Ratio, Far End) high resolution RGB signal.
and equipment that provides automated
The difference in dB between the AFEXT control of building services such as light- Composite Video
from a disturber pair and the insertion loss ing, climate, and fire detection. Baseband analog (video) signal from a
of a disturbed pair within a surrounding single channel containing color but no
link or channel. Building Entrance audio signal.
The physical location where outside plant
ACR (Attenuation-to-Crosstalk Ratio) (OSP) cables penetrate the building. Consolidation Point
A cable performance parameter computed An interconnection point in the hori-
by subtracting the insertion loss (attenua- Campus zontal cabling between the horizontal
tion) of a pair from the near end crosstalk In terms of networking, a campus refers to cross connect and the work station. See
value. See NEXT. multiple buildings interconnected together. Interconnection.
Adapter Category 5e Core
An interconnect device through joins similar Balanced twisted-pair cabling specifications The central region of an optical fiber
or dissimilar connectors. characterized from 1 MHz to 100 MHz through which light transmits.
frequency range. Replaces Cat 5 with new
AFEXT (Alien Far End Crosstalk) parameters such as PSNEXT, RL, ELFEXT, Cross Connection
Signal coupling from energized pairs in a and more stringent NEXT performance. A connection point where distribution
disturber cable or components into pairs cables are joined to equipment cables or
within surrounding cables or components, Category 6 to other cables using patch cords.
measured at the far end. Balanced twisted-pair cabling specifications
characterized from 1MHz to 250 MHz fre- Crosstalk
Alien Cross-talk (ANEXT) quency range. Unwanted signal induced between sepa-
Unwanted signal induced into pairs within rate conductors or cables. See also Alien
a cable from surrounding cables. Category 6A Crosstalk.
Balanced twisted-pair cabling specifications
Anaerobic Adhesive for Augmented Category 6 performance, Data Terminal Equipment (DTE)
An adhesive that cures in the absence of characterized from 1MHz to 500MHz fre- Office equipment such as phones and
air. quency range. modems that are powered by DC voltage.
ANEXT (Alien Near End Crosstalk) CATV (Community Antenna Television) Decibel (dB)
Signal coupling from energized pairs in a A local cable TV network that receives sig- A standard measure of gain or loss of sig-
disturber cable or component into pairs nal from a master antenna. nal power relative to a reference value.
within surrounding cables or components, Delay Skew
measured at the near end. CCTV (Closed Circuit Television)
The difference in propagation delay
Attenuation A private TV system in which signal is trans- between any two pairs within a cable.
The reduction in strength of an electrical or mitted to a limited number of receivers.
Demarcation Point
optical signal through a medium or inter- Central Office The connection interface between the
connect. Expressed in decibels (dB) relative A common carrier switching center that service provider cabling and the customer
to a reference signal. Also known as inser- serves a region of subscribers in a local cabling.
tion loss. loop.
Dielectric
AWG (American Wire Gauge) Channel A non-metallic, non-conductive material
A wire sizing convention based on the The end-to-end transmission path, which used for wire or coax cable insulation.
number of draw steps. The larger the AWG includes the horizontal permanent link,
number, the smaller the wire diameter. equipment cord and cross connect cord. Digital Signal
See Permanent Link. An electronic signal that changes rapidly
AXT (Alien Crosstalk) from one state to another in discrete
A measure of signal coupling from ener- Characteristic Impedance steps.
gized pairs in a disturber cable or compo- The impedance of a transmission line,
nent into disturbed pairs within surrounding which when terminated at the near end, Distribution Frame
cables or components. would make the line appear infinitely A structure through which backbone
Glossary

long. A line terminated at its characteristic interconnections or cross-connections are

Backbone Cabling made. Main and intermediate distribu-
The permanent cabling structure that origi- impedance would have no standing waves
or reflections, and a constant ratio of volt- tion frames are known as MDF and IDF
nates from the main cross connect in the respectively.
equipment room. The backbone cabling age to current at any frequency along the
links telecommunications rooms and line. Duplex
other buildings in a campus to the main Simultaneous transmission in both direc-
tions.
www.hubbell-premise.com Call 1-800-626-0005 N31
 Glossary
Earth Ground Grounding Equalizer (GE) LAN (Local Area Network)
TECHNICAL
An electrical connection to earth ground by A 6AWG conductor that connects multiple A non-public data communications network
a grounding electrode system. telecommunications bonding backbones confined to a limited geographic area, with
EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) (TBB’s) in a multistory building. The GE customer-owned servers and peripherals.
Radiated or conducted electromagnetic reduces potential differences between LC Connector
energy that has an undesirable affect on TBB’s. A single channel fiber small form factor
equipment or signal transmissions. Also Ground Loop connector (SFF) with a 1.25mm diameter
referred to as noise, which increases bit Ground current induced by voltage differ- ferrule.
error rate (BER). ences between grounding points. A ground LED (Light Emitting Diode)
Entrance Facility (EF) loop represents poor grounding practice A semiconductor diode that transforms an
A code-compliant room or enclosed space and can cause interference in a LAN. electronic input signal to an incoherent
that supports the entry of outside public Headroom photonic output. LED’s are use for multi-
and private network service cabling. A measure in decibels of the amount in mode systems.
Equipment Room (ER) which a communications system exceeds Luminance
An environmentally controlled room or the specified performance limits. The measurable intensity, or brightness
space dedicated to housing telecommuni- Home Run information portion of a video signal. See
cations equipment and main cross connect A pathway or cable without any splices or also Chrominance.
hardware. intermediate termination points. Main Cross Connect (MC)
Ethernet Horizontal Cabling The primary cross connection point between
A LAN protocol using a logical bus struc- The cabling from the horizontal cross con- core network equipment cables, first level
ture and carrier sense multiple access with nect in the TR to the work area outlet. backbone and entrance cables.
collision detection (CSMA/CD). Governed Horizontal Cross Connect (HC) Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
by the IEEE-802.3 series of standards. A connection point in the TR where the A data communications network spanning
F Connector horizontal cabling joins to the backbone a geographical area the size of a large city.
A 75 ohm coax connector typically used for cabling using patch cords. See also Wide Area Network (WAN).
television and video equipment. Hybrid Cable Microbend
Ferrule A single sheath cable containing any com- A microscopic bend in an optical fiber that
A cylindrical element of a fiber optic con- bination of UTP, fiber or coax. causes optical signal loss and distortion. A
nector that provides central alignment of Impedance microbend can cause fiber breakage over
the fiber. The total opposition to flow of alternating time.
FEXT (Far End Crosstalk) current by resistive, capacitive, and induc- Micron (mm)
A measure of unwanted signal coupling tive elements, expressed in ohms. One micron is equal to one millionth of a
from a pair energized by a transmitter at Innerduct meter. Optical fiber is measured in microns.
the near end, into surrounding pairs at the A non-metallic flexible round conduit that is Microwave
far end relative to the transmitter signal installed within larger pathways. Electromagnetic waves in the range of 1 to
level. 30 GHz, used for wireless voice, data and
Insertion Loss
Fiber Optics The decibel reduction (attenuation) in video transmission in a linear path through
The technology of light transmission received signal power through a mated the atmosphere, or hard-wired through
through glass optical fiber by means of connector pair or cable link. coaxial cable.
total internal reflection. Mission Critical
Interconnection
Fire-Rated Poke-Through The direct connection between hori- With regard to a data network, Mission
A cable outlet or distribution device suit- zontal distribution cables, typically by Critical is the reliable delivery of long-term
able for penetration through fire-rated punch-down, without using patch cords. uninterrupted service, at stated performance
floors. Interconnections are used mostly in consoli- levels, to assure continuous operation of
Firestopping dation points. the enterprise critical functions.
The process of installing fire-rated materi- Intermediate Cross Connect (IC) MHz (Mega Hertz)
als into wall or floor penetrations to re- A cross connect between the first and sec- A unit of frequency equal to one million
establish the fire rating of the barrier. ond level backbone cabling. Hertz.
Full Duplex Internet Protocol (IP) Modal Dispersion
Simultaneous bi-directional signal transmis- Software in the network layer that tracks The effect of multimode light pulses travel-
sion through a media. See half duplex. device address, routes outgoing messages, ing in different paths through an optical
Fusion Splice and recognizes incoming messages. See fiber. High order modes, which travel in the
The process of joining glass optical fibers TCP/IP and OSI Model. outer core are delayed relative to low order
together using a controlled electric arc. modes that travel faster through the inner
Interoperability core. See Differential Mode Delay.
GHz (GigaHertz) The ability of equipment from several ven-
A unit of frequency equal to 1 billion hertz, dors to function seamlessly together using Mode
or 1 million megahertz. a common set of protocols. A bundle of light rays that travel in one
direction. See Multimode and Singlemode.
Grounding Electrode (GE) ISDN (Integrated Services Digital
A copper clad steel rod or plate secured Network) Multimode Fiber
underground to provide a common low A digital communications facility that pro- A large core optical fiber, typically 50 or
impedance conductive path to the soil. The vides end-to-end voice/data and video/ 62.5 microns, which transmits light in ran-
GE is the primary grounding point for all audio over a public switched telephone domly varying internal paths. Contrast with
electrical and telecommunications equip- network (PSTN). singlemode optical fiber.
ment. Jack MUTOA
Grounding Electrode Conductor (GEC) The female connector of a plug/jack mated Multi-User Telecommunications Outlet
Assembly. A multi-port horizontal cabling
Glossary

A conductor that is bonded to the ground- pair. A jack is used in the work area outlet.
ing electrode that provides a common outlet that serves a group of individual work
Jumper areas.
ground connection for equipment and A twisted pair cable segment without con-
distributed grounding backbones. See also nectors. Contrast with Patch Cord. Nanometer (nm)
TMGB, TBB. A unit of length equal to one billionth of a
meter, typically describing fiber operating
wavelengths.
N32 Hubbell Premise Wiring • 14 Lord’s Hill Road • Stonington, CT 06378 • Tel: (860) 535-8326 • Fax: (860) 535-8328
 Glossary
NEXT (Near End Crosstalk) Permanent Link PSELFEXT (Power Sum Equal Level Far

TECHNICAL
A measure of unwanted signal coupling An installed segment of horizontal or back- End Crosstalk)
from a single pair energized by a transmit- bone cable having connecting hardware on A measure of unwanted signal coupling
ter at the near end, into surrounding pairs each end. into a single pair at the far end from all
at the near end relative to transmitter signal Physical Layer other surrounding pairs energized by trans-
level. The lowest level in the OSI model, that mitters at the near end, normalized by the
Node which includes the mechanical connection insertion loss of the pair.
A common connection point in a network, of devices to the transmission medium to Pull Box
such as a Hub. gain physical access to the LAN. An in-line conduit or raceway box with
Nominal Velocity of Propagation (NVP) Plenum Cable an access cover to facilitate cable feed
The ratio of actual signal speed to the A cable with low smoke insulation that through corners and bends.
velocity of light in a vacuum. is suitable for placement in air handling Rack Unit (RU)
Ohm (:) spaces. An increment of vertical rack space. 1 RU
A measure of electrical resistance, or Plug is equal to 1.75 inches.
impedance such as 75: coax cable. The male version of a cable connector, Raised Floor
Open Architecture typically mounted to a patch cord or fiber A modular floor constructed over a con-
Computer or network hardware and soft- backbone behind the patch panel. crete base having posts, stringers and
ware that is interoperable across multiple Port removable plates for access to the space
vendors and flexible to permit customiza- A physical connection node to a network, below. Also referred to as an access floor.
tion. either in the equipment or in the LAN RCDD
Open Office cabling. Registered Communications Distribution
An open-air floor space of multiple offices Poke Through System Designer. A professional certification grant-
(cubicles) separated by moveable partitions. See Fire-Rated Poke-Through. ed by BICSI that is base on experience,
credentials, and passing an exam.
Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Polarity
Reference Model The designation of positive and negative in Refractive Index
A seven-layer gateway architecture electrical terms, or the distinction between The ratio of velocity of light in a medium to
developed by ISO. The seven layers are: transmit (Tx) or receive (Rx) in telecommuni- the velocity of light in a vacuum. A prop-
Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, cations. Polarity is typically color coded or erty of the core and cladding of an optical
Session, Presentation, and Application. marked on the hardware. fiber. Also referred to as index of refraction.
Optical Fiber Power Budget Return Loss
A continuous round glass medium, typically The difference between optical transmitter The measure of back-reflected signal inten-
125 microns outside diameter, having a power and receiver sensitivity in dB. sity in copper or fiber transmission line.
core and cladding layer of specific indices Private Branch Exchange (PBX) RFI (Radio Frequency Interference)
of refraction that permit transmission of A customer-owned premises telephone Electromagnetic interference at radio fre-
light waves. See Core, Cladding Multimode switching console for internal routing of quencies, typically between 500 kHz and
Fiber and Singlemode Fiber. phone calls received from one or more 30 GHz. See EMI.
OTDR (Optical Time Domain outside lines. RGB (Red-Green-Blue)
Reflectometer) Propagation Delay The three primary colors used in compo-
An instrument that transmits signal and The elapsed time it takes for a signal to nent video signal processing.
measures back-reflected signal to charac- travel from the transmitter to the receiver. Riser Cable
terize faults along an optical fiber, such as Expressed as a fraction of the speed of light Cable that is rated for vertical applications,
splices, mated pairs, microbends or fiber in a vacuum. See Delay Skew. such as high strength backbone.
breaks.
PSAACRF (Power Sum Attenuation to Router
Outlet (Telecommunications) Alien Crosstalk ratio, Far-End) An intelligent, multi-protocol, central net-
A connecting device, typically in a wall or The difference in dB between the PSAFEXT work switching device that monitors, pro-
partition, that provides a connection point from multiple disturbing pairs and the inser- cesses, and directs data traffic among mul-
between the work area cord and the hori- tion loss of a disturbed pair within a sur- tiple LANs, MANs or WANs. Contrast with
zontal cabling. rounding link or channel. Hub, which is a non-intelligent device.
Outside Plant (OSP) PSACR (Power Sum Attenuation to SC Connector
Telecommunications cabling and equipment Crosstalk Ratio) A single channel push-pull type fiber con-
from the Local Exchange Carrier (LEC) or A computation by subtracting pair insertion nector with a 2.5mm diameter ferrule. Also
interbuilding backbone cabling that is phys- loss (attenuation) from the power sum near referred to as 568SC or subscriber chan-
ically located outside, either underground, end crosstalk value. See PSNEXT. nel connector. Duplexing needs a separate
aerial, or wireless towers. clip.
PSAFEXT (Power Sum Alien Far-End
Packet Crosstalk) Shielded Twisted Pair Cable (STP and
A bundle of data in binary form, organized The power sum signal coupling from mul- ScTP)
for transmission. A packet consists of: 1) a tiple disturbing pairs to a disturbed pair A balanced twisted pair cable with an over-
header for control and address information, within a surrounding link or channel, mea- all metal shield for EMI/RFI immunity. STP
2) Text (or payload), and 3) a trailer for sured at the far end. uses a foil shield , and ScTP uses a perfo-
error correction and detection. rated metal screen shield.
PSANEXT (Power Sum Alien Near-End
Patch Panel Crosstalk) Server
A multi-port cross connect field of con- The power sum signal coupling from mul- A high-capacity client-shared computer that
nectors that facilitates administration, and tiple disturbing pairs to a disturbed pair functions as the central core of a network.
moves, adds, or changes (MAC’s). within a surrounding link or channel, mea- The server holds the network operating sys-
Patch Cord sured at the near end. tem, e-mail, shared files, and programs.
A length of cable with a plug connector on
Glossary

PSNEXT (Power Sum Near End Service Entrance

each end. Contrast with Jumper. Crosstalk) The location where the service provider’s
Pathway A measure of unwanted signal coupling cabling enters the building. See Entrance
An open or closed channel, such as a con- into a single pair at the near end from all Facility.
duit or wire tray, which is used for routing, other surrounding pairs energized by trans-
distribution, and protection of telecommuni- mitters at the near end. See NEXT.
cations cables.
www.hubbell-premise.com Call 1-800-626-0005 N33
 Glossary
Service Loop TGB (Telecommunications Grounding are used for Gigabit Ethernet over multi-
TECHNICAL

Excess cable supplied in a channel that is Busbar) mode fiber.

stored in a coil for future needs A pre-drilled solid copper bar that is bond- VLAN (Virtual LAN)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) ed to the TBB, and serves as the common The logical grouping of network devices
grounding point for electronic equipment into sub-networks using switching technol-
The ratio of signal power to noise power and cabling hardware within a TR or ER.
level in dB. See Noise. ogy, to improve data traffic flow or security.
TIA (Telecommunications Industry Video Signal
Simplex Association)
Transmission in one direction through a Transmission of moving frames of pictures
An organization of telecommunications in a frequency range of 1 to 6 MHz.
single channel. industry professionals that publishes stan-
Singlemode Optical Fiber dards jointly with ANSI and EIA, through Video Compression
A 8-9 micron core optical fiber which an industry-wide balloting process. The conversion of analog video to a digital
transmits light only in a single axial direc- format, which can be transmitted as a T1
Tight Buffer Cable signal at 1.544 Mbps. Higher compression
tion, achieving very high bandwidth over An indoor multi-fiber cable with each indi-
20 GHz. can transmit at lower bit rates down to 128
vidual fiber having a 900 micron jacket Kbps.
Sleeve/Slot applied tightly over the acrylate coating.
Large circular or rectangular openings Visual Fault Locator
Tip and Ring A fiber optic light source that emits high
through walls, ceilings, or floors to allow An old telephony term synonymous to “plus
passage of cables, conduit, and innerduct. power red light at 650nm. Used to illumi-
and minus”. Derived from switchboard nate fibers in a cable. A broken fiber will
Splitter cord plugs, where the tip wire is positive emit a red glow through the buffer layer.
A passive device used to divide a signal and ring wire is negative.
into two or more output signals. Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP)
Terminal The technology of processing and combin-
ST Connector An access node through which Date ing voice signals with packet transmission
A single channel, “straight tip” fiber con- Terminal equipment (DTE) is connected, using TCP/IP. Analog voice signals are con-
nector, developed by AT&T, with a bayonet allowing data to flow into or out of a tele- verted to packets and merged with internet
style coupling nut, having a 2.5mm ferrule communications network. traffic.
diameter. TMGB (Telecommunications Main WAN (Wide Area Network)
Star Topology Grounding Busbar) A telecommunications network that extends
A network configuration where all work- A pre-drilled solid copper bar that is beyond the metropolitan area, and may
stations are cabled individually from a bonded to the primary grounding electrode span international distances via satellite or
horizontal cross-connect (HC), and all conductor in the electrical service entrance undersea cabling.
HC’s are cabled individually from the main facility. The TBB connects to the TMGB.
cross-connect (MC), thus forming a star WDM (Wavelength Division
Token Multiplexing)
pattern. This is practice is recommended by A specific combination of bits to be used in
BICSI and TIA. The combining of multiple optical channels
a LAN to grant transmit privileges through at different wavelengths into a single multi-
Surface Raceway a ring network. The token circulates con- wavelength channel. WDM increases the
A visible enclosed cable pathway that typi- tinuously through the ring. capacity of a single fiber channel.
cally runs along exposed walls or ceilings. Token Ring Topology WiFi (Wireless Fidelity)
Surge Suppression A closed loop daisy chain network configu- Synonymous to HiFi, describing audio
The isolation and diversion of transient ration where data traffic must flow through equipment. WiFi is another term to
voltage surges, which are harmful to elec- adjacent equipment in either direction to describe a wireless LAN, operating under
tronic equipment. reach the server. the IEEE 802.11 standard at 2.4 GHz.
T1 Line Topology WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)
A digital transmission line operating at a The physical or logical arrangement or A LAN with no wire infrastructure that oper-
rate of 1.544 Mbps (24 voice channels). mapping of a telecommunications network, ates on RF transceivers. Typically used for
This is the DS1 level in the TDM digital such as a bus, star, or ring topology. rapid deployment in temporary situations.
hierarchy. See also DS0, DS1, and TDM. Transmitter WLAN transmission is not as fast as wired
Tap An active device that emits a pulsed elec- networks, and is affected by obstructions
An electrical connection into a bus or trunk tronic or optical signal into a transmission and interference.
line, such as a drop cable to a workstation. media. Wire Map Test
TBB (Telecommunications Bonding TSB (Telecommunications System A measure of continuity of all pin/pair
Backbone) Bulletin) combinations in a cabled link or channel.
A distributed infrastructure 6AWG or larger An interim standards document published Work Area (Work station)
copper conductor that interconnects all by the TIA, which describes new specifica- The building space where the user interacts
TGB’s to the TMGB in a building. See TGB tions and procedures to be incorporated in with telecommunications terminal equip-
and TMGB. the next revision of the affected standard. ment, which is connected to the work area
TCP/IP Twisted Pair Cable outlet.
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet See Balanced UTP Cable. Zone Cabling
Protocol. A standard client-server network USOC (Universal Service Ordering A cable distribution from the horizontal
connectivity protocol that is supported by Code) cross connect to an open office area (zone)
most LAN/WAN operating systems. An FCC-governed series of registered jack utilizing a consolidation point or MUTOA.
TDR (Time Domain Reflectometer) (RJ) wiring configurations that connect the
An instrument that transmits a signal and customer premises equipment to the public
measures back-reflected signal to charac- network.
terize faults along a transmission line. See UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair)
also OTDR. See Balanced UTP cable.
Glossary

Telecommunications Room (TR) VCSEL (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting

An enclosed building space for housing Laser)
telecommunications equipment, cable ter- A small laser that emits a coherent beam
minations, and cross-connect cabling. A TR of optical power at 850nm in a vertical
serves a single floor in a building. direction from the active surface. VCSEL’s

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