Structured cabling system - scs. What is the SKS system

The current categories of copper unshielded twisted pair cabling, defined international standard ISO/IEC 11801 and the American standard ANSI/EIA/TIA 568-B are categories 3, 5 and 5e, 6, 6a, categories 7, 7a (international standard ISO 11801), and since June 2016 cat. 8 (ANSI cable standard /TIA-568-C.2-1). Some networks still use legacy Category 1 and Category 2 cables.

Category3 represents 4-pair cable for building telephone and local networks 10BASE-T and token ring, supports data transfer speeds up to 10 Mbit/s or 100 Mbit/s using 100BASE-T4 technology at a distance of no further than 100 meters, meets the requirements of the IEEE 802.3 standard.

Vita pair cable category 4 consists of 4 twisted pairs, used in token ring, 10BASE-T, 100BASE-T4 networks, data transfer speed does not exceed 16 Mbit/s over one pair, not currently used.

Twisted pair cable category 6 You can organize transport over the network at a speed of 10 Gigabit/sec at a distance of 30-55 meters.

SCS category6A organizes data transmission over the network at a speed of 10 Gigabit/sec, using 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) technology, at a distance of up to 100 meters. Cat. 6a supports the new wireless Wi-Fi standard - IEEE 802.11ac. This standard allows you to increase the data transfer rate to one Gbit/s.

twisted pair 8th cat. differs from the TIA 568-C.2 standard in shorter length and fewer connection points. The Category 8 channel configuration includes two modular jacks. Maximum fixed horizontal cable length is 24 m. Total length of 24 AWG modular hardware cords is maximum 6 m.

In such channels for connection active equipment interconnections are used, at the ends of which only one piece of switching equipment is used: a patch panel port or a socket.
Cat 8 twisted pair cable is used to organize the physical infrastructure of a data center with a “top of rack” topology (a network switch) and “end of row” (the end cabinet in each row plays the role of a distributor and is equipped with patch panels with horizontal cables running to the rest of the cabinets in this row).
The ANSI/TIA-568-C.2-1 cable standard for Cat 8, in force since 2016, contains requirements for a twisted-pair channel up to 30 m long. The traditional 4-pair cable is terminated with 8-position modular RJ-jacks 45.

Accounting for PoE needs in Category 8 copper SCS

Two more twisted pair standards cat. 8.1 and cat. 8.2.

Twisted pair cat. 8.1 Fully compatible with Cat.6A cable, provides data transfer rates of up to 40 Gbps when using standard 8P8C connectors. A cable in this category has either shared screen, or screens around each F/UTP or U/FTP pair. Currently under development.

• Twisted pair cat. 8.2. fully compatible with cat.7A cable, provides data transfer speeds up to 40 Gbps using standard 8P8C or GG45/ARJ45 and TERA connectors. This category of cable has an overall shield and shields around each F/FTP or S/FTP pair. Currently under development.

Development of SCS standards

ANSI/TIA-1179 standard for telecommunications infrastructure for healthcare institutions. The standard recommends the use of superior systems to ensure the longest possible service life and reduce the costs associated with replacing obsolete cables. For new installations, these are Category 6a cables and connectors.

ANSI/TIA-942-A telecommunications infrastructure standard for data centers. TIA-942-A includes TIA-942 and two appendices that recognize coaxial cables and recommend category 6a as the minimum acceptable for data centers.

ANSI/TIA-4966 standard for telecommunications infrastructure for educational institutions. Cat. 5e is recognized, cat. 6a is recommended for expanding the functionality of wired and wireless networks communications.

Match cable and connector categories to application classes

Main differences between communication lines of various categories

Practice of application of standards for cable systems

To ensure guaranteed quality of construction of cable systems, it is especially important for contracting companies to strictly adhere to design standards, procedures that involve installation of SCS, processes for preparing documentation, administration and operation of systems. In connection with these priorities, SCS standards are conventionally divided into requirements for design, installation and administration.

Design standards prescribe the conditions of the transmission medium and the parameters of the connectors used, as well as the quality of the line and channel, permissible cable lengths, methods of connecting conductors, topology and functional elements of a structured cabling system. A special group includes industrial standards for the construction of SCS, which define the rules for the design and operation of cable networks in various sectors of the economy.

Traditionally, the main processes for developing international industry standards are carried out by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Currently, the reference document for structured cabling systems is ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-AI, the standard for commercial building telecommunications cabling systems.

The European Committee for Electrical Standardization (CENELEC) operates jointly with the International Organization for Standardization. Countries belonging to CENELEC adopt European design standards as national requirements without any amendments.

In the industrial sector of the economy, there is a need for specialized interfaces for managing and monitoring structured networks. Therefore, to develop industrial SCS interfaces, the international association TIA (Telecommunications Industry Association) and the IEC committee (International Electrotechnical Commission) teamed up several years ago. The goal of the joint activities of this group is to develop standards for the creation and use of telecommunications infrastructures of industrial buildings, complexes and campuses, commercial buildings or structures created according to a unique project.

However, it must be pointed out that the adopted regulatory documents are always observed during the construction of SCS, adjusted for each specific facility.

For example, international standards (ISO) allow an increase in the length of lines over 90 meters and define the permissible length of electrical conductive channels in the range from 100 to 3000 meters. But in practice, restrictions on the length of highways are conditional. Depending on the type of object, its location and parameters.

Many modern Russian enterprises are actively implementing structured cabling systems as an element of modernization of digital infrastructure. SCS is considered by business participants as a tool for increasing the efficiency of production processes and the profitability of the enterprise. What are the specifics of such infrastructure solutions?

Definition of the term

What is a "structured cabling system" (SCS)? By this term, modern IT specialists understand the format of organizing the corporation’s technological infrastructure, which involves combining unified system information services provided in various areas production process in the company.

Experts note that the interest of enterprises in building SCS as key element The company’s digital infrastructure can be traced not only in the largest Russian cities, but also in remote regions. This may indicate that firms, despite the high cost of solving the problems of building SCS, see in such systems an effective tool for increasing business efficiency. It can be noted that there is a fairly high degree of awareness of enterprise management about the benefits of SCS. Managers, as a rule, are well acquainted with the essence of such a powerful solution as a structured cabling system; they fully understand what it is.

Fiber optic technologies as a demand factor for SCS

Experts call the dynamic pace of distribution of fiber-optic technologies a significant driver of growth in the SCS market. This standard Communications can potentially become a factor in significantly increasing the efficiency of enterprises. This will be facilitated, first of all, by very high speed data transmission provided by optical fiber (several times higher than when using channels of previous generations).

If some time ago many doubted whether to implement it or not fiber optic lines(after all, the cost of building the appropriate infrastructure is much higher than when laying traditional channels), now passion for the new high-tech communications standard is becoming a sustainable trend among Russian enterprises. The corresponding dynamics are supported by the development of technologies for installing fiber-optic networks (in favor of reducing the cost of corresponding solutions), as well as by improving and reducing the price of equipment necessary for building

Accounting nuances

Some discussion in the business environment (in particular, in accounting communities) may be caused by the criteria for classifying SCS as one or another type, which is important from the point of view of correct accounting. The fact is that OKOF (the All-Russian Classifier of Fixed Assets) does not include such an element as a structured cable system. This is not a problem if the corresponding type of infrastructure is classified as, for example, ordinary local networks. But, as we defined above, there can be a significant difference between them and SCS. Some experts believe that it would not be a legal mistake to classify SCS as ordinary LANs when implementing accounting procedures. In addition, several approaches to accounting for structured cabling systems are possible - as individual objects and as elements of the building structure. Both options are legally correct.

SCS and “smart buildings”

The concept of a “smart building” is another possible driver for the further proliferation of solutions such as structured cabling. What is it? “Smart building” is a collective name for technologies that involve the introduction of various digital components into the elements of corporate premises, and in some cases residential buildings, to significantly increase the comfort of people staying in them. In the case of corporations, it is to increase the efficiency of consumption of certain resources, for example, electricity.

Components of a “smart building” can be, for example, air conditioners, video cameras, and access control systems in various production areas operating under the control of automated software algorithms. The effectiveness of the concept under consideration directly depends on whether the company has a high-quality digital infrastructure at its disposal. In the case of using SCS, the corresponding criterion will be fully observed, and all the developments of IT specialists in the direction of the “smart building” concept can be implemented at optimal costs for the enterprise.

Structured cabling system (SCS) is the basis of any information structure enterprises and allows you to bring together many information services that have various purposes(telephone and local area networks, security system networks and access management and control systems,video surveillance and much more) into one single system.

What is SCS?

SCS is a cable hierarchical system building or group of buildings and consisting of structural subsystems. The SCS includes a set of optical and copper cables, patch cords, cross-panels, modular sockets, cable connectors, auxiliary equipment and information sockets. All these elements are integrated into a single system and operated in accordance with certain standards and rules.

Structured

Any combination or set of dependent and related constituent parts is called a structure. And the term “structured” means:

• - Ability to support the system various applications telecommunications, such as data, voice and video;
• - Ability to use various components and products from different manufacturers;
• - Ability to implement multimedia environments that use several various types transmission media such as STP, UTP, coaxial cable and optical fiber.

The structure of the entire cable system is determined by the infrastructure information technology(IT = Information Technology). The content of a specific cable system project depends on it in accordance with the needs end user, regardless of the active equipment that may subsequently be used.

Cable system

A system whose elements are components and cables, and which are connected to a cable, is called a cable system. All passive switching equipment of cable components serves to connect or physically terminate (terminate) the cable:

• Couplings and spices;
• Switching (“patch panels”) and cross-connect panels in telecommunications premises;
• Telecommunication sockets at workplaces

SCS standards and categories

On at the moment There are 3 main standards in the field of SCS:

• American standard – EIA/TIA-568С Commercial Building Telecommunications Wiring Standard
• European standard – CENELEC EN 50173 Information Technology. Generic cabling systems
• The international standard is ISO/IEC IS 11801-2002 Information Technology. Generic cabling for customer premises

The EIA/TIA-568C standard for cable lines and components includes the following categories:

• Category 3, allowing signal transmission in the band up to 16 MHz
• Category 5e, having a frequency band up to 100 MHz
• Category 6A, with a frequency band up to 500 MHz

ISO 11801-2002 and EN 50173 standards define the following classes with individual parameters bandwidth for cable lines:

• C, up to 16 MHz
• D, up to 100 MHz
• E, up to 250 MHz
• E(A), up to 500 MHz
• F(A), up to 600 MHz

Technical level of current standards element base allows and guarantees the performance of the installed cable system for more than 10 years.

Any SCS project must meet the requirements of the standards

In general, the SCS project must meet the requirements (not all at the same time) of national or local standards (EIA/TIA-568C and/or ISO/IEC 11801-2002, EIA/TIA-569A, EIA/TIA-606A).

Starting from 01/01/2010, on the territory Russian Federation, the following GOSTs apply:

• 53246-2008 – defines general requirement to all main SCS nodes
• 53245-2008 – defines the test method

Both of these standards have errors and typos, so you should use them carefully.

Applications supported by the cable system must be approved by any of these organizations:

• International Organization for Standardization (ISO),
• Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) Forum,
• Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers (IEEE),
• American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

The cabling infrastructure must meet the requirements of ANSI TIA/EIA-568C and ANSI TIA/EIA-569 standards.

A properly built and designed local network is not only the key to reliable office operation, but also an excellent investment. A modern structured cabling network (SCN) makes it easy to connect a variety of equipment to it; it can be easily modified and expanded at very low operating costs. Properly selected active network components (routers, switches, firewalls, access points, etc.) can make the operation of a computer network as reliable and information-secure as possible.
Our company has been designing and installing local networks and accumulated experience, coupled with close cooperation with leading manufacturers of SCS and computer equipment allows us to offer our consumers excellent solutions for organizing computer networks. Today we offer:

• Design, installation and maintenance of SCS of the 5th and 6th categories. – taking into account in detail the capabilities and needs of the customer, the specifics of the premises and the architecture of the buildings, we are ready to build the optimal SCS for your needs.
• The entire complex of low-current systems united by a single structured cable network - television, telephony, video surveillance, monitoring and dispatching systems, video surveillance and security.
• At the request of the customer, SCS can be made in closed or open wiring, using cable systems from leading manufacturers DKS, Legran, NEXANS
• Delivery, placement and configuration of active network equipment - on time, with a maximum guarantee and on a turnkey basis. All equipment we supply passes pre-setting and testing at the company’s technical sites. This approach allows us to reduce the time required for installation and configuration of equipment at the customer’s premises and at the same time gives us and our clients confidence in the quality and reliability of the supplied systems.
• Construction of territorial networks - using ADSL technology over copper wire or GePON over optical channel. The optimality of this approach for organizing networks in an office building or cottage community has been confirmed by domestic and foreign practice.
• Modern systems for solving typical office network problems:
  • Telephony for the office - both based on the classical approach and including IP telephony.
  • Ensuring the functioning of workgroups - based on thin clients or NComputing terminal solutions
  • Information storage and backup systems – network disk arrays NAS capacity up to 18TB
  • Combining geographically dispersed networks into a single system - according to public networks based on VPN or using special crypto equipment or with the allocation of additional communication channels.
  • Connecting remote subscribers and home workers -
• Unique projects - to fully satisfy the customer’s needs, we are ready to work out and implement projects of almost any complexity. We have sufficient experience, necessary personnel and resources to solve specific problems. If necessary, we have the opportunity to attract leading industry experts and employees of equipment manufacturing companies.

In our work, we primarily focus on long-term cooperation with our clients, and the systems we supply have full warranty and post-warranty service.

The abbreviation SKS stands for structured cabling system. According to the definition of standards, SCS is a universal telecommunications infrastructure of a building or complex of buildings, designed for transmitting signals of all types, including voice, information and video. SCS can be installed before the user requirements for data transfer speed are known and before the choice of network protocols.

The SCS framework recommended by the standards is: 50 - 50,000 users and up to 1,000,000 m2 of office space. SCS can not be built in the entire building, but on a separate floor or part of the floor occupied by a separate tenant.

The process of constructing SCS is regulated by the following standards:

• EN 50173 - European standard
• ISO 11801 - international standard
• ANSI/EIA/TIA 568-B - American standard

Structured cabling systems provide long service life, combining ease of use, data transmission quality and reliability. The implementation of SCS creates the basis for increasing the efficiency of the organization, reducing operating costs, improving interaction within the company and the quality of customer service.

SCS that meets the requirements of the standards has a number of advantages compared to separate information and telephone networks:

1. allows the transmission of speech and information signals;
2. ensures the operation of several generations of computers and network devices without the need to replace or upgrade the SCS;
3. provides for the use of any standard network equipment;
4. implements a wide range of data transfer rates from 100 Kbit/s for speech applications to 10,000 Mbit/s for information applications;
5. allows you to reduce labor costs for network maintenance due to ease of operation and administration;
6. allows the simultaneous use of several different types of network protocols;
7. provides price reductions for standard structural elements and components;
8. allows for freedom of movement of users throughout the entire work area while maintaining access and personal data (addresses, internal and external telephone numbers, passwords, access rights, classes of service, etc.);
9. has greater reliability;
10. ensures transparency - thanks to documentation of the SCS, the organization’s work does not depend on an employee with exclusive knowledge of network connections.

In accordance with the international standard ISO/IEC 11801, the structured cabling system includes three subsystems:

• main subsystem of the building complex;
• main building subsystem;
• horizontal subsystem.

The backbone subsystem of the building complex serves to connect the cable systems of the buildings. The main transmission medium is optical fiber (single-mode or multimode).

The backbone subsystem of the building connects the distribution points of the floors. For the backbone of the building, multimode optical fiber, multi-pair and four-pair twisted pair cables are used.

The horizontal subsystem includes distribution panels and floor distribution point patch cables, horizontal cables and telecommunications connectors. It ensures the unification of subsystem subscribers into shared network and access to backbone resources. The transmission medium of the horizontal subsystem is electrically conductive cables of category 5 and higher. The use of optical fiber is also allowed.

The SCS design procedure is a multi-stage process. The design of SCS can be divided into two stages - architectural and telecommunications. The main task of the architectural stage of SCS design is to prepare conditions and conduct surveys in the territories of the proposed facility in order to determine optimal options location of cable routes and SCS subsystems. At the telecommunications stage of SCS design, the individual components of a specific SCS are calculated in accordance with the customer’s needs.

Installation of SCS is a responsible procedure that determines the level technical parameters components of the cabling system and the duration of their compliance with the requirements of the standards. SCS installation work must be carried out by qualified specialists.

Below is a list standard work carried out during the installation of SCS:

• Making through holes in walls and ceilings
• Installation cable channels(cable ducts, baseboards, etc.)
• Installing a cable tray system under a suspended ceiling
• Laying trunk and horizontal cables
• Connecting horizontal cables to socket modules
• Assembly of telecommunication cabinets and racks
• Connecting horizontal and trunk cables to switching equipment
• Testing SCS lines
• The final stage of SCS installation is putting the cable system into operation.

Even high quality installed system can lead to partial or complete inoperability of the network infrastructure due to hidden defects in system components that can only be detected by the results of special testing. During such testing, all SCS lines (or channels) are checked using a cable analyzer for compliance with the requirements of SCS standards. Testing against application requirements is also possible.

Team Computers provides a full range of testing and certification services for Category 5 and Category 6 structured cabling systems.

Testing is performed using a Fluke DTX-1800 Cable Analyzer from Fluke Networks.

Price finished system consists of the cost of the components and materials used, as well as the cost of design, installation and testing of the SCS.

For preliminary calculation of the cost of a specific project and obtaining commercial offer You should contact our managers by phone 258-00-71 (in Moscow) or email. This service, as a rule, is provided free of charge.

In preparing this article, materials from the site were used

*Price per one SCS line.

SCS is the basis of a computer local network (LAN)

For the organization to operate, a local network is required that connects computers, telephones, peripheral equipment. You can do without a computer network. It’s just inconvenient to exchange files using floppy disks, line up near the printer, and access the Internet through one computer. The solution is a technology abbreviated as SCS.

A structured cabling system is a universal telecommunications infrastructure of a building or complex of buildings, providing transmission of signals of all types, including voice, information, and video. SCS can be installed before user requirements, data transfer rates, and the type of network protocols are known.

SCS creates the basis of a computer network integrated with the telephone network. The collection of telecommunications equipment of a building/building complex, connected through a structured cabling system, is called a local area network.

SCS or computer plus telephone network

Structured cabling systems provide long service life, combining ease of use, quality of data transmission, and reliability. The implementation of SCS creates the basis for increasing the efficiency of the organization, reducing operating costs, improving interaction within the company, and ensuring the quality of customer service.

A structured cabling system is built in such a way that each interface (connection point) provides access to all network resources. In this case, two lines are enough at the workplace. One line is computer, the second is telephone. The lines are interchangeable. Cables connect telecommunications connectors of workplaces with ports of distribution points. Distribution points are connected by trunk lines according to the “hierarchical star” topology.

SKS is an integrated system. Let's compare SCS with the outdated "computer plus" model telephone network"A number of advantages are obvious.

• an integrated local network allows you to transmit different types of signals;
• SCS ensures the operation of several generations of computer networks;
• SCS interfaces allow you to connect any equipment of local networks and voice applications;
• SCS implements a wide range of data transfer rates from 100 Kbit/s for voice applications to 10 Gbit/s for information applications;
• administration of SCS reduces labor costs for maintaining the local network due to ease of operation;
• a computer network allows the simultaneous use of different types of network protocols;
• standardization plus competition in the SCS market ensures lower prices for components;
• the local network allows for freedom of movement of users without changing personal data (addresses, telephone numbers, passwords, access rights, service classes);
• SCS administration ensures transparency of the computer and telephone network - all SCS interfaces are marked and documented. The work of the organization does not depend on the employee monopolist of telephone network connections.

A reliable and durable structured cabling system is the foundation of a local network. However, every dignity has reverse side. SCS standards recommend redundancy of quantitative system parameters, which entails significant one-time costs. But you can forget about the nightmare of permanent renovation of an existing office to expand a computer network to meet current needs.

SCS standards

SCS subsystems

The ISO/IEC 11801 standard divides structured cabling into three subsystems:

• main subsystem of the building complex;
• main building subsystem;
• horizontal subsystem.

SCS backbone subsystem and telephone network

The backbone subsystem of the building complex connects the cable systems of the buildings. The backbone subsystem of the building connects the distribution points of the floors.

The trunk subsystem includes information and speech subsystems of the SCS. The main transmission medium of the information subsystem is optical fiber (single-mode or multimode), supplemented by symmetrical four-pair cables. If the length of the main line does not exceed 90 meters, use symmetrical cables category 5 and above. For longer lengths, information applications, i.e. computer networks, require fiber optic cables.

Building backbone speech applications operate over multi-pair cables. Speech applications that create a telephone network belong to the lower classes of SCS. This allows you to increase the length of the backbone subsystem lines created by multi-pair cables to two to three kilometers.

Horizontal subsystem of SCS and computer network

The horizontal subsystem of the SCS includes distribution panels, patch cables of floor distribution points, horizontal cables, consolidation points, and telecommunication connectors. The horizontal subsystem provides a local network for subscribers and provides access to backbone resources. The transmission medium of the horizontal subsystem is symmetrical cables of at least category 5. The SCS standards of 2007 provide for data processing centers the choice of SCS not lower than category 6. For information technologies (computer plus telephone network) of private homes, the new standards recommend the use of category 6 / 7. Transmission medium broadcasting communication technologies(abbreviated VKT: television, radio) private houses / apartments - symmetrical protected cables with a frequency band of 1 GHz, plus coaxial cables up to 3 GHz. The use of optical fiber is also allowed.

The horizontal subsystem of SCS is dominated by a computer network. This leads to the limitation maximum length channel - 100 meters regardless of the type of medium. To extend the service life without modifications, the horizontal subsystem of the SCS must provide redundancy and reserve parameters.

Work area in the structure of the horizontal subsystem of SCS

The SCS work area is the premises (part of the premises) where users work with terminal (telecommunications, information, speech) equipment.

Telecommunication grounding buses (TGB) are installed in each distribution point near cabinets/racks. The distribution point buses are connected by grounding lines to the main telecommunications grounding bus (GTSGB), installed next to the electrical grounding terminal. Modern standards recommend increasing the cross-sectional area of ​​the grounding line conductor as the length of the line increases. The maximum recommended gauge may be 3/0 AWG or 90 sq.mm. The branches of the main line are made by isothermal welding or permanent connection.

We often have to deal with the absence or improper implementation of grounding systems in old buildings. Designing a telecommunications grounding system does not require eliminating electrical grounding deficiencies. When ground equipotentiality is not ensured, the principle of “effective shielding” is implemented.

Power supply system

In most cases, for a computer network to operate, it is necessary to provide power to devices connected to telecommunications connectors. Power sockets are installed at each workplace. Some sockets are used to connect computers and office equipment, others – household electrical appliances. This separation of systems makes it possible to organize a centralized guaranteed power supply.

It is known that laying power cables parallel to information cables degrades the quality of data transmission over low-current lines, which can cause failures of local networks. To reduce this influence, it is necessary to maintain the minimum permissible parallel laying distances, which depend on voltage and load power. Installation of power and low-current networks by one contractor solves the problem electromagnetic compatibility, reduce investment costs.

Socket installation options

Power and telecommunication sockets can be installed in boxes, overhead sockets, walls, telecommunication columns, floor hatches.

The photographs show options for placing telecommunication connectors (TP) with power socket blocks. The most common option for creating cable channels is plastic boxes. Walls, office furniture, even ceilings are used to fix boxes. Boxes with a height of more than 80 mm are convenient for placing sockets. Narrow boxes are complemented by wall socket boxes.

Groups of sockets can be marked with markings or the color of the inserts. For example, red inserts are for powering a computer network, white ones are for connecting household electrical appliances.

Telecommunication columns, floor racks, floor hatches are used less frequently. The reason is the higher cost of such solutions.

The cheapest option is built-in sockets. It is also the most aesthetically pleasing. The implementation of this method of installing sockets is optimal when building or renovating an office. An alternative inexpensive option is to install wall socket boxes and lay mini-boxes.

Testing and Warranties

The opinion that SCS testing is a formal procedure is very common. Many customers believe that measuring line parameters is a warranty procedure. This is true, but only half. First, testing reveals hidden defects that may go undetected. Secondly, this is the only way to avoid problems with computer network applications.

Contrary to popular belief that SCS standards fully comply with the requirements of network protocols, this is a misconception. Transmission media parameters are lower than application requirements. SCS standards of classes D (100 MHz), E (250 MHz) and F (600 MHz) provide for a zero - negative attenuation / total interference ratio at the upper limit frequency range. For working pairs of class D applications implemented in computer networks, the signal/noise ratio over the entire frequency range should be at least 10-19 dB, that is, one to two orders of magnitude better than what the SCS standards provide. Moreover, some Class D applications operate in frequencies greater than 100 MHz, defined by Category 5e. The frequency range of 1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet is 125 MHz, ATM 155 – 155 MHz.

Thus, an SCS may comply with the standards, but not ensure the operation of a number of local network applications in terms of the bit error rate (BER) parameter. At the same time, the data transfer speed decreases until the computer network freezes.

The quality of signal transmission over SCS channels is ensured thanks to a reserve of parameters. Compliance testing is carried out to check whether the reserve is sufficient network protocols. For example, when using a Fluke cable analyzer (sample report), baseline/channel compliance with eleven network protocols is confirmed. This means that any lower class applications can also be used.

Line testing

Warranty certificate SCS ITT NS&S (UK)

Warranty certificate SKS Panduit / Belden (USA)

After installation is completed, all SCS lines are subject to testing. Design documentation with test results is provided to the SCS manufacturer. After verification, a warranty certificate is issued. The warranty period for SCS is 10 – 25 years. In particular, for ITT NS&S and Panduit - 25 years. Warranties for the power supply system from one to three years are provided by the companies performing the installation.

The problem of choice

A tender is held to select a contractor. The customer determines the category of SCS, the type of shielding, the availability of guarantees, leaving all other issues at the discretion of the tender participants. Bidders must convince the customer of the best quality/price ratio of the proposed solution. The choice of SCS contractors often determines the choice of the manufacturer of the system itself. Companies offering different systems offer prices for several SCS options from different manufacturers.

The quality of the SCS consists of the reserve of parameters provided by the manufacturer, as well as the qualifications of the performers performing the installation.

The reliability and performance of the cable system largely depends on the implemented design solutions. For example, the cable length will be minimal, which directly affects the operation of the local network. The shorter the channel length, the less signal attenuation, the better the signal to noise ratio. It is advisable to shield lines of maximum length. Design is based on a large body of rapidly evolving standards. Therefore, the choice of system, cable category, type of connectors, the presence of shielding, and reasonable redundancy of SCS parameters are important. This reflects the prospects for growth in network needs and the load on the Customer’s local network.

To install SCS, you need to prepare cable channels, carefully lay the cables, and connect them to the connectors. Connection requires untwisting of pairs, that is, imbalance, or, in other words, a decrease in the quality characteristics of the system. Most often, negative test results are caused by the installation of connectors. Good qualifications of installers, verified by testing results, solve the problem. There are other possibilities. Modular connectors from a number of manufacturers reduce the risk of imbalance to a minimum thanks to special installation technology.

High-quality SCS and a reserve of functional parameters ensure long-term trouble-free operation of the local network, which guarantees a quick return on investment and increased efficiency of the organization.