Key Steps in Designing and Installing a Structured Cabling System - Page 3

A Basic Link delineates the total cable system components from the faceplate to the patch panel. This typically includes the patch panel, the cable, the faceplate, the RJ-45 module and all terminations in between. A Channel Link delineates the total cable system's components from patch cord to patch cord. In other words, the Channel Link is everything included in the Basic Link, plus the patch cords at both ends.

It is noteworthy to point out that a cable system that has a certified CAT 5E or CAT 6 Basic Link warranty does not necessarily guarantee that the system will automatically support Gigabit over any or all of the cables. The reason is because of the problem of impedance matching. Although this topic is outside the scope of this arena, suffice it to say that the patch cords present a special problem of impedance matching, and Gigabit requirements allow for only a small window of error.

Previously, we touched upon the subject of cable Mhz rating in another section of this article. Remember, when it comes to Mhz ratings, not all cables are created alike. By buying a higher Mhz rated cable, you increase the room for the margin of error as it relates to your installation methods and patch cord quality. And as you might have guessed, impedance-matched patch cords are higher priced than off-the-shelf patch cords, and coupled with the cost of the additional labor for installation of the patch cords, the cost of a Channel Link solution will be a little bit more expensive than a Basic Link solution. In the long run however, the higher cost of the "Gigabit-ready" turnkey system might negate its higher price of the solution by giving you fewer future headaches.

Warranties
Typically, the manufacturer covers most components against defects for a period of 10-15 years. The cabling contractor should also offer his own workmanship warranty on the installation. Convergence Cabling offers a lifetime warranty on all cabling installations. If a problem should occur with any cable as a result of the way that it was installed, we will repair or replace the cable at no cost to the customer for the entire lifetime of the cable system.

In addition, you should also be aware that most component manufacturers have teamed up with selected cabling manufactures to offer what is termed as a "Systems Application Warranty." It is to your benefit to know and understand exactly what this means. A typical Systems Application Warranty means that the manufacturers of the components have tested their connectivity products with certain specific brands of cables. Those products, when installed together by a "Certified" cabling contractor, are guaranteed by the manufacturer to support any and all networking applications that that specific Category rating is designated to support.

In addition, if any future networking applications emerge, and they are designed to be supported by that same specific Category rating, the manufacturer warrants that their system will also be guaranteed to support them. Of course, all warranties and guarantees are limited for a specific amount of time.

As a matter of routine, you should always ask to see all warranties in writing.

Standards Compliance
EIA/TIA is an acronym for the Electrical Industry Association and the Telecommunications Industry Association. This is a non-profit organization that was formed in order to bring standardization to the electrical and telecommunications industry.

EIA/TIA is a completely established standards body that represents the industry-wide accepted minimum specifications for low-voltage cabling installation compliance. EIA/TIA 568A is the publication governing the Commercial Building Telecommunications Wiring Standards. A cable installation that meets all of the standards of EIA/TIA 568A will provide uniformity and continuity throughout the entire project, and facilitates dependability and adaptability for the post-installation life cycle of the cable system.

BICSI is a non-profit telecommunications association. Although the acronym stands for Building Industry Consultant Services International, it is somewhat of a misnomer. BICSI is the world's largest member organization dedicated to facilitating the informational exchange of telecommunications cabling design and installation. They provide resources for technical publications, training, conferences and registration programs dealing in low-voltage cabling applications. By year's end, BICSI will have over 20,000 members residing in 85 nations. Convergence Cabling is a BICSI member in good standing.

Key Contractor and Vendor Skills
Just because all of the components meet the minimum requirements of a specific "Category" i.e., CAT 5, CAT 5E and CAT 6, that is not a guarantee that the installed system will pass certification testing for the desired Category. Transmission performance not only depends on cables and connecting hardware, but also on the care with which they are installed and maintained.

A contractor must possess the skill, knowledge, and integrity with which to do a quality job. During the bidding process, it might be wise to consider using other criterion besides the lowest price. Careful consideration should be given to the proposal itself. Is the proposal detailed and concise? Is it self-explanatory? Are all the elements mentioned in this discussion covered thoroughly?

Sometimes, the attention given to the proposal can be a clue to the attention and the detail that the installation itself will be given. If the contractor doesn't put much effort into a project before he gets your money, how much effort is he going to put into a project after he already has your money?