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Siemon Sees Growth of Screened 10Gb/s Cabling Outpace UTP

Watertown, CT- Siemon, a globally recognized leader in network cabling, has noticed a strong upward trend in the adoption of 10 Gb/s screened (F/UTP) copper cabling systems, particularly in markets where UTP has traditionally been the most popular option. Siemon sees this trend as a market-driven response to the limitations of UTP cabling in 10Gb/s applications. The inclusion of strict alien crosstalk parameters in the 10Gb/s standards posed major issues for UTP systems. Although Siemon and most major cabling manufacturers were able to meet the 10GBASE-T performance requirements and limit alien crosstalk in a UTP configuration, the resulting designs relied on increased cable diameters and restrictive installation practices.

The 48-page e-Book (in standard PDF file format) explores the distinct advantages of using Category 7 / Class F, and is written by noted industry professionals Carrie Higbie and Valerie Rybinski. It is a must-read for anyone in the IT industry.

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Siemon Streamlines 10Gb/s Screened Cable Termination and Grounding Time

Easily terminated 10G 6A F/UTP MAX Modules meet or exceed all pending augmented category 6 channel requirements, including alien crosstalk parameters.

A new time study performed at Siemon Labs indicates that the screened augmented category 6 (category 6A) version of Siemon's popular MAX line of RJ45 style modular outlets/jacks significantly reduces termination time for F/UTP cable. During the study, which emulated real-world installation practices, actual termination times of less than three minutes were recorded.

The streamlined termination and grounding process is based on multiple time-saving features and configurations. The MAX's unique "tool-less" design eliminates the need for punch-down steps while maintaining augmented category 6 channel performance.

Siemon's category 7 TERA and 10G 6A F/UTP end-to-end 10Gb/s copper cabling
systems offer integrated grounding features.

In July 2006, the IEEE 802.3an standard for the 10GBASE-T application operating over copper network cabling will be official. The strict performance requirements dictated by these standards, specifically those surrounding the control of alien crosstalk, have increased interest in screened and shielded cabling. Unlike category 6A UTP cables, which control alien crosstalk through larger cable diameters and the resulting increase in conductor separation, screened and shielded cables eliminate crosstalk by encasing pairs in metal foil, either with an overall foil (F/UTP) or individually foil-wrapped pairs and overall braided shield (S/FTP).

This innovative line of 10Gb/s capable RJ45 patchcords with patented push-pull latch is designed for high-density Blade Servers in data centers, server farms and other highdensity environments.

Siemon is proud to introduce an Augmented Category 6 F/UTP (screened) version of their BladePatch TM patch cord. The 10G 6A F/UTP BladePatch is a unique RJ45-style patchcord which can be inserted and removed without the need to depress an external latch. The patented push-pull internal latching mechanism locks the plug into position when pushed into the outlet or patch panel, and is removed by simply pulling back on the boot.

Siemon's 10G 6A UTP, 10G 6A F/UTP and Category 7/Class F TERA structured cabling systems meet or exceed all 10GBASE-T performance parameters for 100 meter, 4 connector channels as dictated by the now ratified IEEE 802.3an standard, including strict alien crosstalk performance requirements.

While the ability to achieve compliant 10GBASE-T performance has been the principal goal for most cabling manufacturers leading up to the standard's final ratification, the challenge for these groups now shifts toward real-life implementation issues for the enduser. Factors such as infrastructure security, pathway space, cable management, initial cost, lifecycle cost, noise immunity and global market preferences should be considered by every end-user in their selection of a 10Gb/s-ready solution. Industry-leading experience with 10Gb/s-capable systems uniquely positions Siemon to address these needs.

Through an exploration of standards, fill ratios and grounding, this White Paper compares the installation costs for Category 6A UTP, Category 6A F/UTP and Category 7/Class F system.

While UTP copper cabling systems have been the de facto norm for years in many markets, screened and fully shielded solutions have maintained a stronghold in others. With the increase in bandwidth to 10 Gb/s transmission, the overall channel length allowed by the standards for 10 Gb/s transmission has decreased in legacy category 6 installations, while the overall cable diameter for augmented category 6 (6A) UTP systems has increased. When looking at installation costs for UTP systems, the proper cost calculations should include not only the cable and components, but also the pathways and spaces through which the cable will be routed.

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Realtime F/UTP Termination Video

This video shows how the 10G 6A F/UTP MAX Module is easily termination in less than 3 minutes.