Fluke: Residential Cable System

The residential network is growing at a rapid rate, which is largely driven by the need to share printers or connect to the Internet with multiple home PC machines. Residential networks and video applications are also closely related, such as televisions, video recorders, DVDs, security cameras, baby monitors, and home audio and video systems. Families with residential networks can enjoy higher returns and can easily add or modify existing applications. However, it is more challenging to create projects for residential network customers, because they often do not know the technology, but frequently change their ideas or needs, and are more cost-effective and cost-effective, compared with typical commercial systems, it requires less effort. Parks Associates expects the U.S. residential network to grow by more than 52% each year, making the market more attractive.

The commercial cable system uses a typical four-wire Cat 5e/6 cable, so the most significant difference is that residential networks also include coaxial and audio cables, here we do not need to mention the use of wireless networks based on the IEEE 802.11b protocol. Data, voice, home audio, security, and so on all have their own application technologies, standard groups, industrial associations, and installation programs. To have a place in the residential network market, the contractor must learn new professional technologies. However, most of the work is still centered on the use of twisted pair voice and data) and adopt the same rules. The TIA-570A details these requirements and, in fact, it is cited that TIA-568A standards have been replaced by TIA-568B standards in 2002 ). Some manufacturers that are entering the residential Weak Current cable market are starting from 120-240 V power supply. However, they must learn a lot about related technologies, construction experience and testing requirements. In fact, many people who just entered the market have almost never received any training or experience. They won the project bidding at a low price, and then they can only "Install and pray ".

Experienced residential network contractors should spend time planning the company and explain to construction providers and owners the advantages of complying with standard installation procedures, comprehensive cable testing and performance reports after construction. This overhead may be larger, but it is worth it. It can win user satisfaction and provide high-quality services, this avoids problems or even litigation caused by failure to meet the performance requirements promised at that time ).

The next version of the TIA 570 standard, that is, the ANSI/TIA/EIA-570-B standard is being written. The first draft of the revised standard, which has been prepared, includes the supplement and revision of the current version. The new version is expected to be completed and published in February 2004.

The supplement to the draft includes the recent appendix-home audio, safety and control cable systems, and developments in residential cable management. Cable-based applications are constantly changing to IP-based networks. For example, audio and video systems over Ethernet, and other protocols, such as a bus for the overall home audio system. Structured cables become increasingly important if homes want to enjoy these services, but it may take a long time. We recommend that you use the Cat 5e cable system at least in your home system to adapt to future development.

Some issues are being raised, for example, when the RJ-11 plug is inserted into an 8-pin RJ-45 outlet, the cable terminal is positioned right in the center. TR-42.2 Standard Workgroup is working with other technical indicator standard workgroup to prepare TIA 968 standard previously known as FCC Part 68 ). Since these working groups are working together, we hope they can find a common solution, that is, when the RJ-11 plug changes, the RJ-45 plug will not be compromised. There is now a suggestion in the TIA-968 standard that brings hope to solve the interoperability problem. Another problem affected by TR-42.2 and BICSI efforts is that the FCC Part 68 cable system is required to meet Cat 3 standards at least. The wiring Center side is another question, the cable directly connected to the RJ-45 plug is an acceptable way, this can improve performance, however, more maintenance is required.

The TIA 568A and IS11801 second standards define the commercial structured cable standards. However, these standards focus on the twisted pair standards, and residential networks usually also contain coaxial cables. Another difference is that the telephone line uses twisted pair wires, which are mostly Cat 5 instead of Cat 3) and is clustered in the form of a bus to connect to a public point, while the data cable is connected in a star-shaped structure, there will be no two data cables directly connected together.

The test can start with two basic methods: authentication or verification. 100% of commercial construction must undergo certification tests.

Perform pass/failure analysis based on existing standards such as Cat 5e or Cat 6), measured multiple times within the range of 1-100 MHz. The stored test results can be output to the PC, and printed reports or electronic reports can accurately record the performance of the tested link. Full UTP cable authentication reflects the requirements for permanent links and the minimum Cat 5E standard. New systems are installed with these cables, and it is clear that the construction personnel must ensure that the cables can support applications. For example, a shared receiving cable MODEM or DSL line allows multiple family members to access the Internet at the same time. However, if the cable is installed carelessly, performance may degrade. Certification testing tools, however, are more than $6000 in complexity, difficulty in testing, and high prices.

Another requirement is the verification test, which has been included in the latest draft. Verification tests provide assurance for cables that work in a network that is not strictly demanding, such as telephones, security contacts, and some control systems. It ensures that the wiring diagram and cable connectivity are correct, but does not verify the bandwidth characteristics of the cable. For example, if you already have Cat 3 or Cat 6 links, all of them are correctly installed, the verification test will display the same test results, the authentication test will reveal that one link only supports 16 MHz bandwidth applications, while the other can support up to MHz bandwidth. It should also be noted that if you have installed two Cat 5e links, only the authentication test can tell you that one link meets the requirements, and the performance of the other link stays on the Cat 3 standard.

The price of the verification test tool is between USD 100 and USD 700, which is acceptable to most people. However, it must be noted that, although the verification test can find a majority of installation or cable faults, such as open-circuit or string winding pairs), this does not ensure that the bandwidth can meet your expectations.

In summary, commercial cables are typically tested to determine if they comply with Cat 5e or Cat 6 standards. Authentication tests should also be performed on residential cables, but in most cases only verification tests are performed.

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