LEVITON.COM/CROSSTALK 1

IN THIS ISSUE

UPCOMING EVENTS

Installing HDBaseT in AV Projects: What You Need To Know

Three Big Trends for Data Center Network Infrastructure

Cat 6A Cabling System Meets 100-Watt Standard for Power over Ethernet

Leviton Certified Contractor: Zenith Systems

Tech Tips

News You Can Use

Ask The Experts

JUNE 7 - 11Cisco Live! San Diego, California

AUGUST 25 - 27AFCEA TechNet Augusta Augusta, Georgia

We recently caught up with Maurice Zetena, Vice President of the Leviton Data Center Design Group, and asked him to talk about some of the emerging trends he sees within the data center physical layer.

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Large format video displays are all around us, and have become a prevalent part of our daily lives. Used in classrooms, hospitals, hotels, and the enterprise, these large displays are driving the need for higher resolution, moving beyond today’s high of 1080p. Ultra high-definition TV with 4K resolution is regarded as the next standard delivering 2160p format at 3840 x 2160 pixel density. Digital signals for these displays are increasingly sensitive and consume greater bandwidth — that’s why having the optimal cabling infrastructure in place is paramount.

HDBaseTTM is a key technology that enables category cabling installations out to large-format displays. HDBaseT 5PlayTM extends HDMI® video and audio, 100BaseT Ethernet, control, and power up to 100 meters on a single category-rated twisted-pair cable. Category cable is not only faster and simpler to install than traditional HDMI® cables, it is also more cost effective.

3 BIG Trendsfor Data Center Network Infrastructure

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Maurice Zetena IIIVice President of Data Center Technology for Leviton

Installing HDBaseT in AV Projects:

What You Need To KnowBy Bill Lauby, Senior Product Manager, Leviton Network Solutions

Cat 6A Cabling System Meets 100-Watt Standard for Power over Ethernet

In May, Berk-Tek Leviton Technologies announced that its CX6850 Cat 6A Premium+ UTP System was successfully tested to deliver 100-watt Power over Ethernet (PoE), enabling the transmission of power and data to a wider range of remote

devices. The ability to deliver 100 watts meets emerging PoE standards, such as the draft IEEE 802.3bt (type 4) PoE standard scheduled for ratification in 2017.

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Smart Data CenterTech Refreshers

Flexible Fiber Systems for 40G/100G

Webinar:Tuesday, June 1610:00 am - 11:00 am PDT

Your Source for Industry News & Insight

CrossTalk NEWSLETTERVol. 6 | May/June 2015

LEVITON.COM/CROSSTALK 2

Installing HDBaseT in AV Projects: What You Need To Know • continued from pg. 1

HDBaseT™ 5Play™ at a Glance

Simultaneous transmission of 5 functions over a single category cable up to 100m (328 ft)

1 HD Video

Full HDMI: HD/3D and 2K/4K uncompressed video

2 Audio

Full audio including Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS HD-Master Audio formats

3 Ethernet

Supports 100Mb Ethernet Channel For connecting devices to the local area network, can also be utilized to enable IP control of devices

4 Control

Control via bi-directional RS-232 and IR Channels

5 Power Over HDBaseT (PoH)

Power extenders from either the source or display end with certified bi-directional PoH extenders Complies with IEEE802.3at-2009 “PoE+”

2. Understand the Signal Characteristics AV signals over HDBaseT look much like the data signals you encounter every day — they are just a little less forgiving. HDBaseT is packet based like Ethernet, but it doesn’t have a retransmission mechanism, so there is no recovery from packet errors. You can avoid pixilation or complete video dropout due to packet errors by using the right cabling. Which brings us to the next point.

3. Recognizing the Capabilities of Twisted-Pair Cabling The HDBaseT Alliance specifies Cat 5e, Cat 6 UTP, and Cat 6A UTP cabling as supported media types. But these category ratings will deliver varying performance results, depending on the type of installation, video resolution, and distance. While Cat 5e channels can carry HDBaseT signals in an isolated point-to-point link, they do not support HDBaseT in real-world high-density installations with adjacent data or HDBaseT channels. Leviton testing finds use of Cat 5e in these applications can lead to high packet error rates and total link loss, as the channels are not designed for resistance to alien crosstalk. Even Cat 6 cables can be limited in carrying HDBaseT signals when adjacent to other cables carrying HDBaseT. We recommend Cat 6A with alien crosstalk prevention technology such as the CX6850 Cat 6A Premium+ UTP System to support HDBaseT signals that are in the presence of multiple disturbers, including other HDBaseT signals and 10 GbE.

4. Select the Right Media and Components To ensure the best HDBaseT installation, use only HDBaseT certified components. These products are tested by the HDBaseT Alliance and will ensure full compatibility and 5Play performance. Also, as mentioned earlier, we recommend using Cat 6A cabling with alien crosstalk prevention technology as the backbone of the cabling system. It is able to protect signals in cable bundles from alien crosstalk issues. This is also especially important if the cable will be adjacent to other cables in the same pathways. Cat 6A also supports the higher bandwidth signals such as 4K, for a future-proof installation and best return on infrastructure investment. Leviton offers a complete IT/AV System for HDBaseT applications, including HDMI extenders and Cat 6A connectivity and cable. This system can be installed, tested, and verified as a Cat 6A 10GBASE-T link, and is certified to HDBaseT Alliance Standards.

1. Consider the Application and Installation EnvironmentAsk the following questions:

• Should I use HDBaseT Class A or Class B equipment? HDBaseT™ with Class A equipment supports all 5Play features up to 100 meters. Extenders supporting the Ethernet channel can send IP to a wireless access point and to a display. Class B equipment is a cost effective solution for installs of 70 meters or less, and for applications where Ethernet functionality is not required.

• Are there any power considerations? Power over HDBaseT (PoH) is a variation of Power over Ethernet (PoE+). Certified bi-directional PoH transmitter and receiver extenders can be powered from either the source or the display end of the link, adding flexibility to the installation and eliminating the need to install an additional electrical outlet. A word of warning: be aware of “Power over Category cable” (PoC) devices that may not comply with the PoH specification. These can lead to incompatibility or equipment damage.

• Where will the AV link go? Even if it is a simple point-to-point link — to a conference table or projector — make sure to consider the effect on distance capability, which can be reduced by numerous connection points. If possible, install the link with a maximum of four connections. If you are distributing links to displays throughout a facility, consider home runs over daisy chaining, as this supports powered devices and future repurposing of cabling. In this scenario, be aware of the affects of alien crosstalk in bundles, even over short distances. If you’re planning on using an existing cable infrastructure, test the cabling and connectivity to ensure links meet TIA performance standards.

You can learn more about our HDBaseT solutions at Leviton.com/ITAV

Considering installing an AV infrastructure with HDBaseT? Below are some general words of advice...

LEVITON.COM/CROSSTALK 3

Three Big Trends for Data Center Network Infrastructure • continued from pg. 1

Zero-U PatchingThe concept of zero-u patching environments is not new, and a large number of products have been designed to meet this need. This method completely removes patching from the interior of the cabinet or rack and locates the patching above the cabinet or rack. This is typically achieved by mounting a set of patching rails directly above the desired cabinet, with the rails supported by a cable tray or ladder rack.

More data centers are adopting this method to create additional room in cabinets for equipment, improve airflow and cable management within cabinets, and minimize possible disruption of network equipment while performing administrative and maintenance work. Within certain verticals such as hosting and co-location, zero-u patching can dramatically improve the ability for rapid deployment and scaling. Cabinets and racks can be freely reconfigured with no change to the base network cabling structure.

MPO/MTP® SystemsThe MPO/MTP fiber optic connector has seen tremendous acceptance and growth in the last few years. The ratification and adoption of 40GBASE-SR4 (40GbE) and 100GBASE-SR10 (100GbE) has moved this connector to the forefront of data center multimode cabling. These connectors require the use of pre-terminated assemblies, as factory termination allows for both 12- and 24-fiber assemblies to exhibit low insertion loss numbers suitable for the high-bandwidth requirements of 40GbE and 100GbE. The trend towards distributed switch architecture within the data center, such as Top of Rack (ToR), requires high-bandwidth links between these switch aggregation points, and MPO/MTP connectivity is the most efficient way to implement this structure.

Also, 24-fiber MPO/MTP connectivity allows for an even more efficient design capable of addressing thee main requirements: adaptability, scalability, and migratability. 24-fiber terminations offer the same low-loss performance numbers exhibited by 12-fiber assemblies. A 24-fiber termination greatly improves migration from 10GbE to 40GbE to 100GbE. The adaptability of the 24-fiber termination is apparent when looking at the currently ratified transmission methods of 10GbE (2 fiber), 40GbE (8 fiber), 100GbE (20 fiber) — all can be accomplished without the costly stranding of fibers commonly seen in 12-fiber termination systems. With emerging transceiver technologies such as 40G-SR-BD, 100G-SR4 and non-standardized usage of fiber strands, adaptability is paramount when choosing physical layer components.

With regard to the performance of 24-fiber MPO/MTP, current polishing and termination technologies make the 24-fiber variant ideally suited for use within a low-loss systems. Add the fact that major switch companies such as Cisco and Arista have chosen the 24-fiber MPO/MTP as the connector of choice for a number of their high performance switch chassis, and all indications are that the 24-fiber MPO/MTP has become an integral component to a forward-looking high-performance data center physical layer design.

BASE-T in Data Center Horizontals

The wide acceptance of distributed switching within the data center has enabled new thinking and approaches to data center cabling. The ability to create segments within the physical design allow current designers to ideally match component choice to the specific segment being addressed. One such data center segment is what is commonly labeled the “Horizontal”. This term usually applies to the cabling segment between the server and the first switch layer. 10GBASE-T is a cost-efficient and backwards-compatible technology that addresses this segment. Today, the use of Cat 6A within this segment allows for design flexibility, cost effectiveness, and realization of required efficiencies.

This trend will continue to the next performance level with the finalization of the Cat 8 standard. With the ratification of this standard in 2016, designers will be able to utilize RJ-45 based copper systems to enable 25GbE and 40GbE links between the server environment and the first switch layer. With expected distance limitations of 30 meters, this technology will allow, as an example, traditional ToR switch placement as well as enabling centralized switch placement in a cost-effective manner. These and other benefits will allow copper cabling to maintain its place within high-performing data centers.

Maurice Zetena’s role at Leviton covers everything from business development and technology support to new product development and implementation. He developed the Data Center Design Team, a group of industry experts who work with clients to design a custom physical layer infrastructure for premier connectivity within a data center. You can contact the Data Center Design Team at dcteam@leviton.com.

Leviton Overhead Infrastructure Platform supports zero-u patching by putting excess connectors outside the cabinet.

Leviton Atlas-X1™ Cat 8 Shielded Connectors in pre-production now, are an ideal solution for data center horizontal cabling.

Here are Zetena's Top 3 Trends:

Opt-X® Unity 40G/100G MTP System offers excellent scaleability in the physical layer.

1.

2. 3.

LEVITON.COM/CROSSTALK 4

NEWS USEYOUCAN

Prevent Patch Panel Damage from Improperly Terminated Modular Plugs

INDUSTRYIn April the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) announced ANSI/TIA-4994, Standard for Sustainable Information Communications Technology. This standard covers best practices for sustainable energy and materials in low voltage ICT installations. The standard was developed in partnership with the Sustainable Technology Environments Program (STEP) and was based on the STEP rating system. Leviton participated in developing these standards.

PRODUCTIn April, Leviton introduced QuickPort® In-Wall and In-Ceiling Brackets, two unique solutions that support LAN connections for IP devices in environments where traditional wallplates are not practical. The brackets provide contractors and consultants with a location for a standards-based, testable permanent link for in-wall and in-ceiling connections to wireless access points, IP clocks, security cameras, and other IP devices.

In-Wall Brackets attach to standard electrical boxes, allowing the contractor to install and test the connection

during initial installation. With the data connection recessed in the wall, the termination is protected throughout the rest of the construction process, and then during installation a short patch cord is used to make the final connection to the IP device.

In-Ceiling Brackets attach to drop ceiling hardware, allowing the installed cabling to be tested and warranted,

even in a plenum space. With cable lances and VELCRO® Brand tie downs to hold slack cable (also available from Leviton), contractors can perform the initial installation and permanent link testing, while allowing the flexibility to move the bracket to refine Wi-Fi coverage or WAN placement without needing to retest the link.

YESTERDAY’S NEWS1979: Sungard, previously known as an Information System, establishes the first disaster recovery business, providing recovery planning for mainframe environments.

CONNECTIONS

Since its inception, Zenith Systems has been at the forefront of technology infrastructure design and deployment. Zenith specializes in developing and installing infrastructures for electrical systems; AV, voice, and data networks; security and fire alarm systems; and energy management and building automation services. This Ohio-based company has earned a reputation for leveraging a high level of expertise to deliver the reliable, top-quality work their customers require.

Zenith Systems has extensive experience working with clients from government facilities, Fortune 500 companies, universities, hospitals, enterprise and light commercial buildings, and sports and entertainment venues. Recently, Zenith facilitated an infrastructure overhaul of FirstEnergy Stadium, home of the Cleveland Browns. An integral part of the project involved installing Berk-Tek Leviton Technologies Cat 6 connectivity. Zenith also recently installed Berk-Tek Leviton Technologies OSP fiber and Cat 6 connectivity throughout many local government facilities for the City of Cleveland.

“Zenith Systems has been a Leviton Certified Contractor for more than 15 years,” said Marcus Dehler, Technology Group Director. “We choose Leviton because of the excellent support they provide and because of the strong relationship we have with our area representative. Good relationships are important, carry a lot of weight in the industry, and add value to the equation.”

Leviton Certified Contractor

WEBWe’ve added Spanish versions of many of our spec sheets, available in our Network Solutions & Connected Home Spec Sheet Library.

An improperly terminated modular plug can cause serious permanent damage to a patch panel port.

Modular plugs should always be crimped onto cable using a crimp tool with a crimp die specifically made for the plug. The precision crimp die will seat the gold pins of the modular plug per the requirements of ANSI/TIA-1096-A (formerly FCC Part 68). This ensures the plug pins are seated deeply enough that no connector damage will occur upon plug insertion. This also insures that plug pins are not set too deeply, which might interfere with reliable contact.

If a plug is not crimped deeply enough there is a good chance it may cause patch panel port damage. The damage may not become apparent until plug removal, when the “high” gold contacts may snag connector pins, and drag them out of alignment. There may also be distinctive damage to the connector plastic frame, with deep scratches in the plastic where unseated pins have gouged the material.

The best way to ensure there is no damage to patch panel ports from non-compliant or from poorly crimped modular plugs, is to use factory-made patch cords, and manufacturer’s test set cords as the only components that are ever inserted into patch panel ports.

Learn more at zenithsystems.com.

LEVITON.COM/CROSSTALK 5

ASK THE EXPERTSQ: What is the maximum allowable distance for a fiber backbone?

A: TIA standards recommend the following maximum distances, based on transmission speed and fiber type.

Fiber TypeTransmission Distance (meters)

100MbE 1GbE 10GbE 40/100GbE

Single-mode (OS2) >5,000 at 1310nm >10,000 at 1310nm

10,000/40,000 at 1310nm

50/125 µm LO (10G-300m) MM (OM3)

300/2000 at 850/1300nm

1,000/600 at 850/1300nm

300/300 at 850/1300nm 100 at 50nm

50/125 µm LO (10G-550m) MM (OM4) 1,040/600 at 850/1300nm

550/300 at 850/1300nm 150 at 850nm

50/125 µm LO (10G-600m) MM (OM4+) 1,210/600 at 850/1300nm

600/300 at 850/1300nm 300 at 850nm

Email: crosstalk@leviton.com

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© 2015 Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.

“The ability to deliver 100-watt power and Ethernet over Category 6A is important, as next-generation remote powered devices such as wireless access points and large-display HDTVs will require greater than Gigabit Ethernet, and users need to build networks with future needs in mind,” said Dean Lipke, Director of Product Management, Copper, Power, Connected Home. “The CX6850 Cat 6A Premium+ UTP System has undergone rigorous lab testing by Berk-Tek and Leviton to meet the need for higher bandwidth and power, while limiting temperature increases in the channel below the 15 degree Celsius threshold recommended by TIA standards.”

As with cabling, temperature rise in connectors and cable assemblies can affect performance of the link. Leviton engineers also tested Atlas-X1 connectors and patch cords against standards requirements. The connector was tested to IEC 60512-5-2 Connectors for Electronic Equipment standard. It applied a thermocouple measurement to the hottest point, while the current was applied at an elevated ambient temperature of 60 °C. The temperature rise in the Atlas-X1 connector was 24.6 °C, well below standard requirement of below a 45 °C maximum rise.

Atlas-X1 Patch Cords complied with the TIA TSB-184 temperature rise limit of 15 °C above ambient at 1000mA, and found its Cat 6 and Cat 6A cords maintained a temperature rise of less than 10 °C.

The complete CX6850 system includes Berk-Tek LANmark™-XTP cable, Leviton Atlas-X1™ component-rated connectors and patch cords, and Leviton component-rated 110-style patch panels. Along with the ability to support power at 100 watts, LANmark-XTP cable includes innovative noise-canceling XTP technology for superior alien crosstalk (AXT) suppression.

Want to learn more?Read our article “Cabling and Connectivity for Power-over-Ethernet” at the Leviton Blog.

Cat 6A Cabling System Meets 100-Watt Standard for Power over Ethernet • continued from pg. 1

blog.leviton.com

MTP® is a registered trademark of US Conec, Ltd.