Installation and Test Guidelines

Generic Cabling

2021-2022 English
090.6323

2
 Go to

Installation and Test Guidelines

«Table of Contents»

One LAN for all needs – Your goal: A single structured solution that makes it easy to maintain your cabling
infrastructure, whether your site is an office, building, apartment, a bigger installation like a hotel, recrea-
tional facility, social/ health care institution, factory – or even a ship.

Your partner? R&M, of course.

Our local area network (LAN) solutions provide planners, installers and users with end-to-end support for
all their data network and communication infrastructure needs, whether these be future-proof design,
trouble-free implementation or high-availability operation.

Our modular R&Mfreenet cabling system lets you configure a complete, quality solution, regardless of the
size of your project or specific application, and also goes that extra step in user friendliness and ease of
installation. All our products are application-neutral and have the ability to manage current and future
transmission methods. R&Mfreenet was designed to be a best-in-class solution and thus surpasses all
relevant standards.

Thanks to R&M’s worldwide QPP Partner Program, certified partners receive priority support no matter
where they are located, and in turn R&M, together with its partners, have the freedom to grant their end
customers long-term system and application guarantees.

Data Center

High density, parallel optic connection technology

translates into tremendous performance.

030.6734

Public Networks

Marketable glass fiber solutions for implementing

broadband infrastructures that will grow with the
future.

030.6735

Components

Pre-assembled units save time, while R&M’s unique

Security System optimizes availability.

030.6489

3
 Preface

Our Mission – R&M (Reichle & De-Massari AG) is a leading global

We provide connectivity that matters producer of future-proof products and systems for
communication and data networks. The company's
As an independent Swiss family business, Reichle & close collaboration with certified partners results
De-Massari AG (R&M), in Wetzikon (Zürich), has in pioneering work in the sectors LAN, Public and
more than 50 years of experience in the information Telecom Networks as well as Data Centers. The
and communications technology market. Founded Swiss family company stands for innovation, quali-
in 1964, R&M is now one of the leading providers ty, and customer orientation. Thanks to the innova-
of passive cabling solutions for high-quality com- tive strength of the company, R&M now covers the
munication networks (Layer 1). With its copper and entire connectivity range. For more information:
fiber optic systems, the company makes a decisive www.rdm.com
contribution to operational reliability in voice, data
and video transmission worldwide. As a system
provider, R&M has set itself the goal of developing Innovation
optimum functionality and above all fulfilling the
highest quality criteria. R&M also offers maximum The innovative strength of the company is reflected
installation and maintenance convenience. in the R&D ratio. R&M invests over 5 percent of
its annual sales in research and development. 23
R&M solutions convince with maximum availability percent of sales are generated with products that
and cost-effective network operation. R&M’s high are less than three years old. The company holds
product quality and forward-looking system design over 100 international patents and participates in
ensure that networks are future-proof and invest- various international standards committees. The
ments are secure in the long term. R&M cabling so- development work focuses on specific market and
lutions are used in office buildings, data centers, by customer needs.
network operators, in homes and in industry. R&M
helps people and organizations to communicate
without restrictions. The company’s drive and pas-
sion is to create a passive cabling infrastructure for
end customers that guarantees maximum reliability
and transmission security.

050.2205

4
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

It's in the production R&M’s Netscale solutions are the optical fiber ma-
nagement solutions with the highest port density
The special experience and competence lies in the
worldwide. These are the first solutions to feature
production of connection and distribution techno-
integrated, intelligent infrastructure management.
logy (connectivity) for copper and fiber optic net-
Designed as an ultra-high density platform, the
works. R&M offers solutions based on these tech-
system uses the thinnest Uniboot patch cords for
nologies in its two business units Private Networks
minimal cabling space requirements and provides
and Public Networks. Private networks offer struc-
up to 67% higher density than previous solutions. It
tured cabling solutions for offices, data centers, in-
eliminates a multitude of cable management prob-
dustrial buildings and apartments. The focus here is
lems that today’s data centers suffer from. With the
on the highest transmission speeds and maximum
Netscale patch cord, these problems are a thing of
network availability in the most diverse areas of ap-
the past. It features an innovative push-pull mecha-
plication. The modular system supports high-speed
nism with textured cap for easy access and removal
network protocols up to 10 Gigabit Ethernet and
of the connector. Polarity reversal without tools is
more. The solutions for use in industrial buildings
also possible.
also meet the highest demands. The Cat. 6A as the
top model of the FM45 family convinces with a
compact housing and outstanding inner values. For
1,4 mm wins
the first time, a field-assembled RJ45 connector
exceeds the requirements of ISO/IEC 11801-1 for Of particular interest is the industry-leading fiber
category 6A. The FM45 Cat. 6A is suitable for the cable diameter of 1.4 mm. Compared to conventio-
safe operation of 10 Gigabit Ethernet and also for nal patch cords with a diameter of 2 mm or more,
the application of Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+). it offers unsurpassed convenience in high-density
Of course it is backwards compatible to Cat. 6 and rack and panel configurations. Of course, the cables
Cat. 5e connections. can be equipped with the R&MinteliPhy RFID tag.

« The R&M team understands the customer’s challenges

and is entrusted to quickly develop uniquely designed and
innovative products to meet the project objectives and
delivery timelines. »
Mr. NR Patil, Assistant Vice President – Projects at Sterlite Power

5
Introduction

6
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

7
Table of Contents

Installation and Test Guidelines 3

Introduction 6

Table of Contents 8

Why R&Mfreenet 12

1.1 Warranty 16
1.1.1 Product certification 16
1.1.2 QPP program 17

2. Project quality assurance 18

3. Pre-installation 22

3.1 General 24
3.1.1 Generic cabling standards 24
3.1.2 MICE 27
3.1.3 CPR Fire protection classes 28
3.1.4 EMC concepts 32
3.1.5 Infrastructure program 36

3.2 Copper 37
3.2.1 Copper standards 37
3.2.2 Cable properties 40
3.2.3 Channel restrictions for balanced cabling links 40
3.2.4 Beyond the standard’s length restrictions 48
3.2.5 Coupler module Cat. 6A, cable coupler Cat.6A and connection kit RJ45 54
3.2.6 Clearances between copper data and power cables 58
3.2.7 Remote Powering – PoE, PoE+ and 4PPoE 62
3.2.8 The importance of TCL test criteria for patch cords 68
3.2.9 Screened vs unscreened 69
3.2.10 Testing Class EA Installation according ISO/IEC TR11801-9905 71
3.2.9 Category 8 73

3.3 Fiber 77
3.3.1 Fiber standards 77
3.3.2 Channel restrictions for fiber optic cable installations 91
3.3.3 Creating a passive optical LAN network (POLAN) 93
3.3.4 Planning the polarity of your fiber network 98

8
4. Installation 108

4.1 General 110

4.1.1 Safety 110
4.1.2 Labels and administration 110
4.1.3 Storage and transport of installation cable 111
4.1.4 Environmental conditions 112

4.2 Copper 114

4.2.1 Cable characteristics 114
4.2.2 Cable preparation 118
4.2.3 Termination of modules 119
4.2.4 Patch cables 120
4.2.5 Characteristic problems in generic cabling systems 120

4.3 Fiber 122

4.3.1 Safety 122
4.3.2 Cable installation 127
4.3.3 Cable preparation 129
4.3.4 Fiber cable termination 130
4.3.5 Patch cables 132

4.4 Installation checklist 133

5. Post-installation 134

5.1 General 136

5.1.1 Measurement accuracy 136

5.2 Copper 138

5.2.1 Approved certification test equipment for class D/E/EA / Class I 138
5.2.2 Appropriate test adapter for class D/E/EA/Class I 139
5.2.3 Test link configurations 141
5.2.4 Measurement Analysis 143

9
Table of Contents

5.3 Fiber 145

5.3.1 Approved certification test equipment for fiber 145
5.3.2 Test link configurations 147
5.3.3 Inspection and cleaning 150
5.3.4 FO test conditions 153
5.3.5 LSPM testing 156
5.3.6 OTDR testing 162
5.3.7 Documentation of fiber optic measurements 172

6. Glossary 174

7. Abbreviations 182

8. Picture Key 186

9. List of Tables 190

10. List of Figures 194

11. Notes 200

10
About the installation and test guidelines

These guidelines are an integral part of the R&Mfreenet warranty program. They are designed to take
account of the increased complexity of acceptance tests and simplify field measurements in R&Mfreenet
systems.

They are also intended to help installers, project managers and planners set up standards-compliant, highly
reliable and extremely powerful passive networks. This document has been prepared with the greatest
possible care. It contains the current technical status at the time of going to press.

Changes or corrections to this document will be taken into account in the new edition. Subject to technical
changes and errors at any time There are some massive changes listed from the previous edition and we
recommend the reader to read through all changed chapters in order to choose the correct procedure for
a warranty installation.

Please check regularly at www.rdm.com to ensure you have the latest version.

11
Why R&Mfreenet

12
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

13
Why R&Mfreenet

Powerful and reliable communication networks are crucial success factors

for our customers.

Endless and absolutely logical

For planners and installers, the R&Mfreenet cabling design guarantees that every installation can be
system opens up a universe of infinite possibilities used flexibly and extended in the future. The
and a convincingly logical structure. With the sys- product ranges are consistently intercompatible
tems for copper and fiber optics we can cover each and based on the latest and relevant international
and every cabling demand of our customers – be standards series ISO/IEC 11801, EN 50173 and
it for office premises, buildings, industrial plants, EIA/TIA 568.
company locations, medical surroundings or high-
performance data centers. On the base of the Powerful and reliable communication networks are
required performance capacity of the IT and tele- crucial success factors for our customers. They ex-
communications infrastructure, the environmental pect infrastructure investments to have a positive
conditions and the required level of security, the influence on their results - through higher produc-
ideal solution is configured from these systems. tivity, reduced downtime costs or lower mainte-
The modular principle and the standards-compliant, nance costs; that’s why we do everything we can
application-neutral to make our customers successful.

Quality

It takes consistent Quality Management to guarantee the steady

improvement of products, service and processes. That’s how R&M
partners worldwide are able to benefit from the consistent high Swiss
quality standard. Our quality philosophy is reflected in recognized
030.5676
certifications such as EN ISO 9001:2008.

Continuity and Customer Orientation

As an independent family-owned company, R&M pursues a corporate

strategy based on sustainability and involving all stakeholders. The
company is wholly owned by the Reichle family. Since its founding
in 1964, R&M has focused on passive cabling solutions - the reliable
060.2051
foundation of all communication networks. Martin and Peter Reichle
represent the owner family in the second generation as active board
members in all relevant committees. Our decisions are not subject to
short-term profit considerations, but rather focus on long-term corpo-
rate development. This way our customers always know where they
stand. Short decision paths and a collegial, team-oriented way of wor-
king encourage self-responsibility and initiative. The employees are
characterized by a sense of responsibility and customer orientation.

14
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Environment

We strive to minimize the impact of our company’s activities on the

environment through careful management of resources. We set con-
crete objectives to ensure a sustainable approach. R&M’s environ-
mental commitment is in accordance with applicable laws and stan-
060.2051
dards. The company is certified according to ISO 14001:2004.

Innovation

Research & Development is of great importance to R&M. For over

50 years we have been developing technological excellence in high-
frequency technology and fiber optics. We are actively involved in the
drafting of many international standards and recognize trends early
050.6514
on. The close proximity to our partners allows us to develop needs-
led, innovative products. This means that our customers benefit from
farsighted solutions that are also ideally suited to deal with future
challenges and to protect their investments.

Reliability

Our products and services are aimed at ensuring a high level of net-
work stability and availability. We achieve this through unrivalled
product quality. This guarantees longevity and high performance. We
also provide on-site support to planners, installers and end customers
090.7808
during the phase of solution design, as well as advice in the choice of
systems; on request we also follow projects right through to commis-
sioning.

030.7105 Flexibility

Special tasks call for special solutions. In such cases, we team up with
our customers to develop customized products or special service pa-
ckages. With our international organization, we are big enough to be
able to deliver this level of flexibility on site, wherever you are. Yet we
are also small and dynamic enough to respond swiftly to our custo-
mers’ wishes.

15
1. Why R&Mfreenet

1.1 Warranty
Lifetime R&Mfreenet application warranty
R&M offers one of the most comprehensive war- This warranty is subject to the requirement that
ranty programs in structured cabling in accordance the installation with passive components from the
with EN 50173, ISO/IEC 11801 and TIA 568. We R&Mfreenet cabling system was planned by a cer-
do more than develop and manufacture products tified designer. It includes the commitment that all
and systems of the highest quality. Our aim is to the protocols supported by industry standards are
provide the customer with a solution that offers a running on the system throughout its service life,
high level of sustained performance. The warranty plus any new applications that are retrospectively
program comprises all the key elements needed for included into the Category or Class of system.
that solution: planning, product selection, instal-
lation, acceptance measurements and operational R&M have numerous products and systems proven
maintenance. In this way we achieve a homoge- and certified by multiple independent test laborato-
neous solution with a defined quality level. ries. Our 3rd party certificates can be found online
at www.rdm.com
With our three-level warranty program R&M gua-
rantees its customers the faultless functioning of
the R&M cabling system. The warranty is provided
by certified partners who have completed the Qua-
lified Partner Program (QPP).
1.1.1 Product certification

5-year R&Mfreenet product warranty

Structured IT cabling is the backbone of any net-
This guarantees that R&Mfreenet passive compo- work infrastructure. Malfunctions and failures qui-
nents function faultlessly throughout the warran- ckly have considerable cost consequences. High
ty period and exceed the requirements stipulated network availability is therefore of fundamental
by each relevant cabling standard. This warranty importance.
cover is available to any customer who acquires
R&Mfreenet passive components. In the context of «KonTraG», «Basel II» or «Solvency
II», the responsibility of network operators is also
increasingly demanded by law. Increasingly, custo-
25-year R&Mfreenet system warranty mers rely on independent product evaluations by
highly qualified and independent laboratories.
Covers the entire R&Mfreenet cabling system and
protects the customer in the event of component
malfunction and installation problems. The warran-
ty applies if the installation consists exclusively of
R&Mfreenet passive components and the entire ins-
tallation was performed by an R&Mfreenet certified
installation manager (or a higher instance trained by
QPP).

16
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

1.1.2 QPP program

Competent with QPP. The Qualified Partner Program for installers, planners and users of R&Mfreenet
components.

R&M supports and encourages professionals in network technology and structured cabling with its Qua-
lified Partner Program. You will increase your expertise and the quality of your projects. And you will gain
satisfied customers. As a QPP partner, you will be part of the R&M family. The global network of certified
R&M partners that:

• gives customers competent, professional advice on site

• always provides the ideal cabling solution pursuant to ISO/IEC 11801, EN 50173 or TIA 568
• has a compelling and unique Warranty Program, covering 5 years product, 25 years System and lifelong
application warranty
• provides an ID card along with a certificate and unrestricted permission to install R&Mfreenet

With the QPP, R&M assures multinational customers the same high quality standard worldwide.

17
2. Project quality assurance

18
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

19
2. Project quality assurance

Process Objective Responsible party

• The generic cabling system must be carefully designed

to comply with the current applicable standards
• Use new, approved/selected/suitable components
• The building infrastructure must be designed so that
the generic cabling system can be installed in accordance
with current applicable standards
• The planner is required to ensure that this occurs Planner/architect
Planning
by preparing a cabling specification which is agreed end-customer
upon by the architect/end user/installer
• Make sure that all needed tools are available
• Make sure the proper test procedures and equipment
is defined
• Make sure all safety precautions are defined and the relevant
personnel instructed

• Materials used must be in accordance with the standards

Component defined by the planner Component
manufacturing • Components used must adhere to international and local manufacturer
regulations

• Components must be procured, stored, delivered and installed

in accordance with the operating instructions
• Components must undergo receiving inspection
• Installation cables must be of the same or higher category as
the connecting hardware
• Install in accordance with standard
• Make sure the cable duct is adequately protected to avoid
damage from third parties
• Inspect the building infrastructure before installing. E.g. large
enough cable routes, separation of data and power cables,
Installation Installer
large enough risers etc.
• Check labels
• Inspect the cabling installation frequently for proper
workmanship (maintained bending radii, no kinks in the cables,
periodic measurements etc.)
• Locate/remove or provide solutions for critical obstacles for
pulling installation cables
• Provide adequate personnel (skill and number) for the
project size
• Provide all adequate tools

Project Quality Assurance, part 1

20
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Process Objective Responsible party

• Periodic tests during the installation and before project

completion according to agreed schedule (with end user)
• Test in accordance with the instructions from the system
supplier, the test equipment manufacturer and planner
procedure
• Make sure that the test equipment is adequate and in good
Installer,
Acceptance working order
test company
• Ensure test equipment for both fiber and copper systems is
calibrated in accordance with manufacturer specification
(typically once per year)
• Ensure also that test heads for modular equipment are
calibrated in accordance with manufacturer specification
(typically once per year)

• Ensure efficient system capacity utilization

• Use the cabling in accordance with the specifications
Operation Building operator
• Make sure the maintenance plan covers repair action
procedures

Project Quality Assurance, part 2

21
3. Pre-installation

22
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

23
3. Pre-installation

3.1 General

3.1.1 Generic cabling standards

The following lists the current standards in the field of cabling and their status. Where uncertainties or
contradictions exist, R&M uses ISO/IEC 11801 as a reference standard. The current valid edition can be
found in «Appendix 1 to the Warranty Program» found at www.rdm.com.

ISO Standard Description Notes

ISO/IEC 11801-1: Information technology – Generic cabling for customer premises

Ratified
2017 Part 1: General requirements

ISO/IEC 11801-2: Information technology – Generic cabling for customer premises

Ratified
2017 Part 2: Office premises

ISO/IEC 11801-3: Information technology – Generic cabling for customer premises

Ratified
2017 Part 3: Industrial premises

ISO/IEC 11801-4: Information technology – Generic cabling for customer premises

Ratified
2017 Part 4: Single-tenant homes

ISO/IEC 11801-5: Information technology – Generic cabling for customer premises

Ratified
2017 Part 5: Data Centers

ISO/IEC 11801-6: Information technology – Generic cabling for customer premises

Ratified
2017 Part 2: Distributed building services

ISO/IEC 14763-2 Information technology – Implementation and operation of customer

Ratified
Ed 2.0 2019 premises cabling Part 2: Planning and installation

ISO/IEC 14763- Information technology –Implementation and operation of customer

Ratified
3:2014/A1:2018 premises cabling Part 3: Testing of optical fiber cabling

ISO/IEC 30129: Information technology – Telecommunications bonding networks for

Ratified
2015/A1:2019 buildings and other structures

ISO Standard

24
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

TIA Standard Description Notes

Generic Telecommunications Bonding and Grounding (Earthing) for

TIA-607-D: 2019 Ratified
Customer Premesis

TIA-568.0-D:
Generic Telecommunications Cabling for Customer Premises Ratified
2015/A1:2017

TIA-568.1-E:2020 Commercial Building Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard Ratified

TIA-568.2-D: Balanced Twisted-Pair Telecommunication Cabling and Components

Ratified
2018/A1:2019 Standard

TIA-568.3-D:
Optical Fiber Cabling Components Standard Ratified
2016/A1:2019

TIA-942-B: 2017 Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Data Centers Ratified

TIA Standard

TIA Standard

25
3. Pre-installation

EN Standard Description Notes

Information technology – Generic cabling systems

EN 50173-1: 2018 Ratified
Part 1: General requirements

Information technology – Generic cabling systems

EN 50173-2: 2018 Ratified
Part 2: Office premises

Information technology – Generic cabling systems

EN 50173-3: 2018 Ratified
Part 3: Industrial premises

Information technology – Generic cabling systems

EN 50173-4: 2018 Ratified
Part 4: Homes

Information technology – Generic cabling systems

EN 50173-5: 2018 Ratified
Part 5: Data centers

Information technology – Generic cabling systems

EN 50173-6: 2018 Ratified
Part 6: Distributed building services

Information technology – Cabling installation

EN 50174-1: 2018 Ratified
Part 1: Installation specification and quality assurance

Information technology – Data center facilities and infrastructures

EN 50600-1: 2019 Ratified
Part 1: General concepts

EN 50600-2-1: Information technology – Data center facilities and infrastructures Approval

2020 Part 2–1: Building construction pending

EN 50600-2-2: Information technology – Data center facilities and infrastructures

Ratified
2019 Part 2–2: Power distribution

EN 50600-2-3: Information technology – Data center facilities and infrastructures

Ratified
2019 Part 2–3: Environmental control

EN 50600-2-4: Information technology – Data center facilities and infrastructures New version
2015 Part 2–4: Telecommunications Cabling Infrastructure underway

EN 50600-2-5: Information technology – Data center facilities and infrastructures

Ratified
2016 Part 2–5: Security systems

EN 50600-3-1: Information technology – Data center facilities and infrastructures

Ratified
2016 Part 2–6: Management and operational information

Information technology – Data center facilities and infrastructures

EN 50174-2: 2018 Ratified
Part 2–6: Management and operational information

EN 50174-3: Information technology – Cabling installation

Ratified
2013/A1:2018 Part 3: Installation planning and practices outside buildings

EN 50310: 2016 Telecommunications bonding networks for buildings and other structures Ratified

EN Standard

26
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

3.1.2 MICE MICE – No universal tool

Thus, the MICE concept represents a very broad

To allow planning and cabling in a standardized and
view. Previously, only the two classes of light duty
economical fashion within a varied range of envi-
and heavy duty environments had been different-
ronments, the ISO/IEC standardization committees
iated in the Industrial Ethernet discussion. Here
developed the MICE concept. The so-called MICE
too, the assumption was based on four parameters:
matrix is the main item of this concept that provides
Protection indices according to IEC or EN 60529,
planners with an easily manageable method for the
operational temperature, shock and vibration (IEC
description of environmental cabling conditions.
or EN 60068-2-x).
The matrix, based on the latest information, is part However, even the MICE concept is not all inclusi-
of the standard for structured cabling ISO/IEC ve. It covers only typical building and industrial en-
11801-1. At the same time it is integrated into vironments. Particular security problems (e.g. pro-
the updated European EN 50173 standard series, tection against manipulation and attack, safety for
which covers the industrial sector in EN 50173-3. people and animals), fire hazard and explosion risks
are not covered by the MICE classes. Electrical,
The matrix concept allows the division of environ-
nuclear and chemical risks and dangers occurring in
mental situations into three load classes which ma-
industrial production cannot be covered across the
kes it possible to treat them with the use of four
whole spectrum. MICE is also not a universal tool
parameters. Class 1 corresponds to the load in the
for planning according to ISO/IEC 11801-3 or IEC
office environment and distribution rooms; class 2 is
61918. In every case, national laws and standards
typical for light industry and class 3 corresponds to
as well as sector-specific safety regulations must be
heavy industry, machine environments and outdoor
taken into consideration, in particular in environ-
conditions. The memorable name MICE stems from
ments where mains current is used.
the individual parameters:

M = Mechanical rating
(mechanical load, shock, vibration, pressure, impact)

I = Ingress rating
(penetration of foreign particles, dust, dampness,
immersion)

C = Climatic rating
(climatic load, radiation, liquids, gases,
contamination)

E = Electromagnetic rating
(electrostatic, electromagnetic and similar loads) MICE classification

Criteria and standards from several relevant tech-

nical areas as well as a spectrum of physical and
chemical values are assigned to the primary para-
meters. Overall, MICE takes more than one hund-
red individual factors or secondary parameters into
account.

27
3. Pre-installation

The R&M warranty applies for installations in all mice Fire behaviour according CPR
classifications as long as the cable installed is suited
The fire behavior of cables is classified as follows:
for the MICE conditions it runs through and that the
connectivity is located in a M2I1C1E2 or environments Main criteria: Flame propagation and
for screened installations and a M2I1C1E1 environment heat emission (EN 60332-1,
for unscreened installations. EN50399)
Additional criteria: Smoke development
(EN 50399, EN 61034-2),
3.1.3 CPR Fire protection classes corrosiveness (EN 50267-2-3)
(Europe only) and flamming droplets
(EN 50399)

What is CPR (Construction Product Regulation)? EN 13501-6 defines in which combination the ab-
ove test criteria can occur. The harmonized stan-
Anyone wishing to market a copper or FO cable in
dard EN 50575 finally defines how the CPR is
Europe must test, classify and label the product in
implemented in cabling and specifies the new fire
accordance with the uniform European CPR rules.
protection classes
CE marking in accordance with the Construction
Products Ordinance is mandatory for all cables and There are seven new Euroclasses: Aca, B1ca, B2ca,
lines that are permanently connected to the buil- Cca, Dca, Eca and Fca.
ding. CPR defines the fire classes of copper and FO
cables by referencing to the homologated standard Four of these are relevant for data cabling. B2ca,
EN50575 and must have implemented the special Cca, Dca, Eca.
CE marking and adapted to all national standards
by 1 July 2017 at the latest. Deviation from these
standards may no longer be allowed.

CPR requirements for manufacturers

A manufacturer producing cables and wires under

the new standard is obliged to use an authorised
body for testing and production inspection. The
CPR-relevant properties must be stated in a Decla-
ration of Performance (DoP). All products covered
by the CPR carry a mandatory CE mark with the
CPR fire class on the packaging.

030.5909

28
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Assessing and examining

Euro classification ( ca ) Classification criterion Additional criteria the consistency of the
performance system

EN ISO 1716
A
Gross heat of combustion
1+
Smoke production
B1 Verification documents:
( s1a, s1b, s2, s3 )
EN 50399 • Type testing
EN 50399 / EN 61034-2
Heat release • Regular works audit
B2 • Regular sampling of
Acidity
ongoing production
Flame propagation ( a1, a2, a3 )
C EN 50267-2-3
EN 60332-1-2
Flaming droplets
Flame propagation
D ( d0, d1, d2 )
3
EN 50399
Verification documents:
EN 60332-1-2 • Type testing
E
Flame propagation

4
F
No verification documents

CPR Classes & criteria

Recommendations for the future use of EU fire

protection classes

The CPR primarily makes the fire protection pro-

perties of products comparable. However, each
member state is obliged to define the minimum fire
protection class required for a wide variety of ap-
plications. The requirements for the products can
therefore vary greatly across Europe for each type
of building. The planner must therefore check and
comply with local regulations. Various organisati-
ons and international associations have now made
their own recommendations, some of which go sig-
nificantly beyond the minimum legal requirements.
R&M makes the following recommendation based
on cost/benefit considerations:

29
3. Pre-installation

Euro classification Additional classification

Fire protection level of
Smoke Acid the installation cables
Flame propagation Flaming
production/ production/ (Use recommendations from R&M)*
Heat production droplets
density corrosivity

Aca NA

B1ca NA

Very high
B2ca s1 a1 d1 (e.g. escape routes, tunnels, high-risk
industries)

High
Cca s1 a1 d1
(e.g. hospitals, nursing homes, schools)

Medium
Dca s2 a2 d1 (e.g. public buildings, hotels, airports,
industrial environments)

Normal
Eca (e.g. normal office buildings, residential
premises)

Low
Fca
(not recommended)

* The necessary fire protection classification for installation cables is prescribed by the relevant fire prevention authority.

CPR Additional classes and fire protection levels

30
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

090.6159 Security system

R&M‘s three-layer security system
provides clear component coding as
well as plug-in/plug-out protection
for critical data channels.

Fast installation
Fast, secure installation: snap-in DIN
DRM45 rail modules, suitable for
RJ45, SC-RJ or E-2000™ Compact.

090.2390

Building connection
Venus boxes with protection class
IP43 or IP54 protect building access
nodes in the tightest of spaces.

Space-saving 090.5400 090.6681

A higher degree of automation for a

rising need for information – R&M
components like our FM45, which can
be assembled in the field, make ma-
chine connection simple while provid-
ing maximum network availability.

Industrial_Cabling_8_Seiten_V1.1_DE_EN.indd 7 5/7/13 10:57 AM

31
3. Pre-installation

3.1.4 EMC concepts

In relation to obtaining a satisfactory EMC and destroy equipment and cause damage to the instal-
earthing concept for the safety of personal, equip- lation. Furthermore is a two or three dimensional
ment and signals several requirements and recom- earthing network less maintenance prone, because
mendations are to be considered. when one earthing electrode breaks you have at
least one or two still bonded to the earth.
First there is the earthing network for the building(s)
which forms the basis for a comprehensive EMC
and safety platform. The building where informa-
tion cabling is intended to be installed must be ca-
refully inspected or designed with respect to their
equipotential network. The system earthing should
be designed with an aim to get low impedance in
order to increase the current carrying capacity of
the network. Local regulations regarding earth bon-
ding must be complied with; however it is common
knowledge that independent and dedicated earth
bonding probes for individual separate networks is
insufficient to obtain a good EMC protection.

EN 50310 Minimum

If different metals are interconnected, considera-

tion should be given to the possible deterioration of
the contact points due to electro-chemical corro-
sion. Metals which interconnect should be selected
so that their electro-chemical potentials are close
or the contact point suitably protected from en-
Premises earthing
vironmental influences (i.e. moisture). Once we are
sure that our earthing network has acceptable low
In certain countries this way of bonding is even impedance to earth we can address the next bon-
forbidden as the separate earthing method could ding levels:
present a serious health and safety hazard. Figure
• Building level i.e. a common bonding network
«Premises earthing» shows the preferred configura-
(CBN) or a meshed bonding network (MESH-BN)
tions for implementation of earthing networks. Indi-
vidual earthing networks are not recommended, be • Installation level i.e. merging a CBN and
it with and individual earth probe or a single earth Mesh-BN
electrode, as there is a risk the transient currents • Equipment level i.e. MESH-BN
are created during a lightning strike. These fault
currents and HF disturbances could subsequently

32
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

connect each support with each other; in general

a mesh of 1.5 m is suitable. The conductor used to
interconnect the columns should be at least
10 mm2. In case the raised floor provides an elec-
trostatic protection, the DC resistance between
the raised floor and the earthing grid needs to be
between 1MΩ and 10MΩ. The previous mentioned
conditions shall be recorded and re-measured when
the raised floor is maintained, which is approxima-
tely every 5 years, or repaired.

All cabinets must have an earthing bar or a ground

reference point, to which all metal housed equip-
ment will be connected (including patch panels). For
screened generic cabling systems the screen in the
floor distributor should be connected to the eart-
hing system, this can be done with the appropriate
EN50310 Recommended
R&Mfreenet patch panels. If a good mesh earth is
available at a particular level, the outlet can also be
In order to construct a basic CBN configuration it earthed to provide extra protection against exter-
is important to connect all metallic objects in the nal disturbers. For 10GBase-T and above transmis-
buildings to the earthing system using suitable sion in heavy industrial environments the earthing
interconnection components, in accordance with of the outlet is recommended.
national and local regulations. The interconnection
elements should have as large a conducting surface Additionally the correct power distribution should
area as possible, so that they can conduct high-fre- be coordinated with the electrical engineer to ob-
quency currents (e.g. earthing straps, metal bus, bus tain a complete EMC valid network. If you are using
links, etc.). The CBN and MESH-BN’s performance an indoor secondary DC electrical distribution sys-
can be improved by increasing the earthing net- tem it is recommended to use a DC-I installation,
work type, where the hierarchy’s lowest level is A where the L+ and L- are routed close together. The
star and the highest D Mesh (see Figure «EN50310 IT system’s DC return conductor will only be con-
Minimum»), or by implementing the recommended nected to the L+, which will be connected to the
improvements shown in Figure «EN50310 Recom- CBN and MESH-BN. The voltage drop in the DC
mended». return system shall not exceed 1V, this can be ob-
tained by having large enough L+ and L- conductors.
From an installation point of view care has to be
taken that the physical separation of high and low-
current cables is maintained. This issue is covered
in detail under chapter 3.2.5 clearances between
copper data and power cables

Where raised floors without support rails are used

for the floor panels, the panel supports should be
interconnected in an equipotential mesh pattern
to achieve optimum results. It is not necessary to

33
3. Pre-installation

External distributor Internal Installation EMC Remarks

TN-S TN-S Excellent

TN-C TN-S Good Good equipotential level

TN-C-S TN-S Good

TN-C TN-C Poor Should never be used, circulation of

disturbed currents (high magnetic field
TN-C TN-C-S Poor radiation)

TN-C basement till MET &

TN-C Good Good equipotential level
TN-S between and at floors

Risk of equipotential problems within

the building. No EMC coverage bet-
TT TT Medium ween buildings with IT, improved perfor-
mance if bonding equipotential by-pass
conductor is installed

An isolating transformer
TT (EN 61558-1) to realize Good Good inter building equipotential level
TN-S

Commonly used isolated from earth

(FR with impedance @230/440V, NO
IT IT Medium
voltage limiter, no distributed neutral @
230V line-to-line)

An isolating transformer
IT (EN 61558-1) to realize Good Good inter building equipotential level
TN-S

EMC power distribution

34
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

For an AC electrical supply distribution system tab- ture for their interactive services. In relation to sa-
le above will provide you with the correct informa- fety of persons RCD is mandatory for TT systems
tion to choose the optimal configuration in order and needs the continuity of the PE conductor be
to maintain the optimal EMC requirements. The ensured.
European standards recommend the TN-S system,
as this will cause the fewest EMC problems for IT TN-S and TN-C have reasonably high fault currents
equipment and communication. Furthermore is it (transient disturbances) of ca. 1kA, which requires
recommended to install separated transformers for a good management of devices that have high lea-
high power circuits, i.e. CRAC, lifts, UPS, motors. kage currents.
The transformer(s) for the IT systems should be in a
The latest also applies for TT systems, however
TN-S configuration for EMC purposes and the out-
here the currents are lower (few Amps). The TT and
going electrical distribution circuits should all leave
IT system however do hold the risk of overvoltages,
the main low voltage switchboard (star).
with IT having problems the tripping of the common
Buildings and building groups that require an excel- mode filters needed to handle the phase–to-phase
lent EMC quality, e.g. hospitals, telecom centers, voltages.
military barracks, etc. should opt for a TN-S con-
This installation guide recommendations follow the
figuration to warrant their operational necessities.
requirement outlined in EN 50174-2 and EN 50310.
Especially if they use intra building cable infrastruc-

Erdungskonzept für 24-Port-PC-Panel

Grounding concept for 24-Port-PC-Panel
Principe de mise à la terre pour panneau 24-Ports-PC
A B

Y
X
Y
Geschirmtes Panel / Shielded panel 021.3120 Geschirmtes Panel / Shielded panel 021.3121

C D

R523548
AMP 2,8/0,8 mm

Y
X X
Y
Z
Geschirmtes Panel / Shielded panel * Nicht leitendes Rack / Non-conducting rack 021.3122 Ungeschirmtes Panel / Unshielded panel 021.3123

Bonding Concept R&M Panels

35
3. Pre-installation

3.1.5 Infrastructure program

The program comprises a number of high level definition statements that should be clearly understood and
followed by the contractor.

• Room Ready RR Stage 1: All non-IT trades must be finished within the rooms. All construction,
all conveyance installed, raised floor complete, decorators finish and fit-out works have been completed,
a builders clean has been conducted and the room is under secure lock and any activities requires a
work permit to be completed. These spaces will then be protected by temporary air curtain containing
the internal environment. The rooms must be clean (and cleaned weekly for the duration, including the
floor void, by the Construction Manager), decorated and protected from any dust from outside
environments

• RR 2: All MEP commissioning works and structured cabling completed, final decorating snag,
technology infrastructure cabling completed and core services installation proceeding. A clinical clean
has been conducted of the entire environment within these spaces ahead of any main plant is connected
to live power. This ensures no further air contamination will occur.

• RR 3: All power must be UPS and generator backed and on permanently (many items to be installed
within these rooms require extensive programming which could be lost and require controlled
shutdowns which may cause damage if not adhered to). Unscheduled and even scheduled power
interruptions after hand-over of the room could result in significant delays. A minimum of 72 hours’
written notice of planned power shut downs must be given. Finished doors will be required although
it is recognized that they may not be initially connected to the main security system. Therefore, security
guards and passes may be deemed necessary to maintain a high level of security

• Permanent Power: applicable to all HUBs and ERs. Integrated System Test IST – All building systems
under change management for shutdowns, building in Operational Control.

• IT Infrastructure Permit to Operate: All base-build and fit-out plant has been commissioned and is
running in a live operation without any planned or unplanned disruptions.

These milestones and definitions are a critical element of the IT program of works.

36
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

3.2 Copper

3.2.1 Copper standards

Naming conventions: ISO/EN/TIA

Differences between class and category in today’s standards

ISO / EN TIA

System Components Components System

Class D Category 5 Category 5e Category 5e

Class E Category 6 Category 6 Category 6

Class EA Category 6A Category 6A Category 6A

Class F Category 7 Not recognized Not recognized

Standard differences
Class FA Category 7A Not recognised Not recognised

Class I Category 8.1 Category 8 Category 8

Class II Category 8.2 Not recognised Not recognised

Although the performance specification of all R&M Category 5e components are to that of the ISO/IEC
specified performance of Category 5, R&M generally use the naming convention of «Category 5e» or
«Cat 5e» as it is more widely understood and accepted.

Component standard

Connector standard in PL and Channel

R&M System Permanent Link ( PL ) Channel ( CH )

Cat. 5e Class D Class D

Cat. 6 Class E Class E

R&Mfreenet Connector Link Classification

Cat. 6 real 10 ( screened ) Class E Class EA

Cat. 6A EL Class EA Class EA

Expected NEXT margin min. 2dB

Cat. 6A ISO Class EA Class EA

Expected NEXT margin min. 4dB

Cat. 8.1 Class I Class I

37
3. Pre-installation

Cable performance and construction

The cable nomenclature holds 2 key parameters. The first letter describes the sheath screening and the
second letter the type of screening of the individual pairs.

R&Mfreenet solution Cat. 5e | Cat. 6 Cat. 6 Cat. 6A

U/UTP

1. Copper core 1.
2.
2. Insulation 3.

U/UTP WARP 3. Spacer 4.

5.
4. non-continuous foil
5. Outer sheath

1. Copper core
1.
2. Insulation 2.
3.
3. Spacer
F/UTP 4.
4. Drain wire 5.
6.
5. Foil
6. Outer sheath

1. Copper core 1.
2.
2. Insulation
3.
U/FTP 3. Drain wire 4.
5.
4. Foil
5. Outer sheath

1. Copper core
1.
2. Insulation 2.

3. Drain wire 3.
F/FTP 4.
5.
4. Foil 6.

5. Foil
5. Outer sheath

1. Copper core
1. 1.
2. 2. Insulation 2.
SF/UTP 3. 3.
3. Foil
4.
S/FTP 4.
5. 4. Braided shield 5.

5. Outer sheath

TP cable structure

38
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

A complete Repertoire of RJ45 Modules

RJ45 Connectivity from R&M

The RJ45 connectivity is the core component of the twisted pair structured cabling system and is main-
ly responsible for its reliability. Thanks to its advanced, installation-friendly connection and distribution
technology, R&Mfreenet connectivity is the optimum platform for all transmission classes and the applicati-
ons of both today and tomorrow. Depending on the category of the connectors, transmission rates of up to
40 GBit/s are supported. All R&M RJ45 modules are manufactured on R&M owned fully automatic assem-
bly lines. They are 100 % functionality tested and of topmost quality. The complete range of shielded and
unshielded cabling solutions is available as part of R&Mfreenet – it provides optimal cabling components
for reliable, high-performance networks.

Of course, all R&Mfreenet RJ45 modules are optimized for 4PPoE transmission and PowerSafe.

Cat. 8.1
shielded

Cat. 6A shielded

G
40
Cat. 6A EL shielded &
unshielded

G
25
Cat. 6 shielded

Cat. 6
Cat. 5e unshielded

10 G
Cat. 5e
shielded
unshielded

5G
2.5 G 2.5 G
1G

Standards, Links and Transmission Distances

1G 2.5 G 5G 10 G 25 G 40 G
Cat. 5e / u 90 m *
Cat. 5e / s 90 m 90 m
Cat. 6 / u 90 m 90 m *
Cat. 6 / s 90 m 90 m 90 m
Cat. 6A EL / u 90 m 90 m 90 m 90 m
Cat. 6A EL / s 90 m 90 m 90 m 90 m
Cat. 6A / u 90 m 90 m 90 m 90 m
Cat. 6A / s 90 m 90 m 90 m 90 m 24 m**
Cat. 8.1 96 m 96 m 96 m 96 m 50 m*** 24 m
* 90 m may be possible, depending on the characteristics and installation conditions
of the installation cables
** compliant to TR11801-9905
*** compliant to TR11801-9909

39
3. Pre-installation

3.2.2 Cable properties

General requirements

The bending radius is specified in the R&M data sheets in mm or as a multiple of the outer diameter of
the cable (see the following excerpt from the data sheet of a data cable). A distinction is made between
a minimum permissible radius during installation and a minimum permissible radius after it is laid (without
mechanical load).

Properties copper cable examples

Radii Temperature range [°C]

Minimum bending radius during installation 8xD Operation -20 to +75

Minimum bending radius, installed 4xD Installation 0 to +50

Copper cable tensile strength [N] Materials

PVC IEC 60332-1

Maximum tensile strength during installation
LSZH IEC 61034, IEC 60754-1,
Unshielded 100
IEC 60332-1-2
Shielded 100 – 160
LSFRZH IEC 61034-1, IEC 60754-2,
Maximum tensile strength, installed No tension
IEC60332-3-2

Example data sheet – copper cable Fire load [MJ/km] CPR

PVC 276
LSZH 639 Cca
LSFRZH 550

3.2.3 Channel restrictions for balanced cabling links

Length calculation for generic cabling systems

The following table can be used to calculate the maximum length for fixed cable installations. The length
of cable calculated by the planner or installer for fixed cable installations must not be exceeded, even for
possible expansions. Note that if any maintenance work is required, different lengths of patch cables or
connection cables must not be used, otherwise an error-free operation of the previously calculated trans-
mission links cannot be guaranteed. When an optional consolidation point or a cross-connect panel or both
are present, the following cabling models must be differentiated. It should be noted that a NVP deviation
of ~5 % can occur.

40
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Segment Minimum ( m ) Maximum ( m )

FD-CP 15 85

CP-TO 5 –

FD-TO (no CP) 15 90

Work area cord a 2 5

Patch cord 2 –

Equipment cord b 2 5

All cords – 10

a If there is no CP, the minimum length of the work area cord is 1 m ISO/IEC 11801 reference cabling lengths
b If there is no cross-connect, the minimum length of the equipment cord is 1 m

LAN cabling horizontal link length equation

Model Implementation Equation

Class D Channel Class E/EA Channel Class F/FA Channel

2 Connector H = 109 – F*X H = 107 – 3a – F*X H = 107 – 2a – F*X

3 Connector H = 107 – F*X H = 106 – 3a – F*X H = 106 – 3a – F*X

3 Connector CP H = 107 – F*X – C*Y H = 106 – 3a – F*X – C*Y H = 106 – 3a – F*X – C*Y

4 Connector H = 105 – F*X – C*Y H = 105 – 3a – F*X – C*Y H = 105 – 3a – F*X – C*Y

* This length reduction is to be used to provide a margin for attenuation differences at high frequencies.

Horizontal cabling link equation (See following pages for diagrams and key below)

C Length of the CP cable (CP = consolidation point) (m)

F Combined length for the patch/connection cables, equipment/workplace side (m)
H Maximum length for the fixed horizontal cabling (m)
X The cable attenuation factor for the difference between smaller copper core diameter of flexible
cable and that of installation cables (UTP/STP = 1.5) and for thinLine cables (UTP/STP = 2.0)
Y The cable attenuation factor for difference between smaller copper core diameter of flexible cable
and that of installation cables (CP – cable UTP/STP =1.5)
L Length of the LDP cable (LDP = local distribution point) (m)
Z Maximum length of the fixed zone distribution cable (m) (FD – Floor Distributor)
(TO – Telecommunications Outlet)

41
3. Pre-installation

LAN cabling horizontal link length models

Models

Interconnect – TO model

Channel = 100m max

Fixed zone
horizontal cable

FD
TO
EQP C C C C TE
Equipment cord Equipment cord

Interconnect-TO model

Implementation Equation

Class D Channel Class E/EA Channel Class F/FA Channel

H = 109 – F*X H = 107 – 3a – F*X H = 107 – 2a – F*X

Interconnect-TO equation (see table «Horizontal cabling link equation» on page 41 for key)

Cross connect – TO model

Channel = 100m max

Horizontal cable

FD
TO
EQP C C C C C TE
Equipment Patch cord /
Equipment cord
cord Jumper

Interconnect-TO model

Implementation Equation

Class D Channel Class E/EA Channel Class F/FA Channel

H = 107 – F*X H = 106 – 3a – F*X H = 106 – 3a – F*X

Cross connect-TO equation (see table «Horizontal cabling link equation» on page 41 for key)

42
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Notes

When ambient temperature during operation is above 20°C, H must be reduced by

0.2 % per °C for screened installations, for unscreened installations the value is 0.4 % for
between 20°C – 40°C and 0.6 % for between 40°C – 60°C.

Interconnect – CP-TO model

Channel = 100m max

Horizontal cable

TO
FD C
CP
EQP C C C C C TE
Equipment cord
CP C Work area
cables cord

Interconnect-CP-TO model

Implementation Equation

Class D Channel Class E/EA Channel Class F/FA Channel

H = 107 – F*X – C*Y H = 106 – 3a – F*X – C*Y H = 106 – 3a – F*X – C*Y

Interconnect-CP-TO equation (see table «Horizontal cabling link equation» on page 41 for key)

43
3. Pre-installation

Cross connect – CP-TO model

Channel = 100m max

Horizontal cable

TO
FD C
CP
EQP C C C C C C TE
Equipment Patch cord / CP C Work area
cord Jumper cables cord

Cross connect-CP-TP model

Implementation Equation

Class D Channel Class E/EA Channel Class F/FA Channel

H = 105 – F*X – C*Y H = 105 – 3a – F*X – C*Y H = 105 – 3a – F*X – C*Y

Cross connectCP-TO equation (see table «Horizontal cabling link equation» on page 41 for key)

Restrictions in accordance with reference model ISO11801

• The physical length of the permanently installed (if no CP cable is present) installation cable, permanent
link, may not exceed the maximum length of 90 m.
• The physical length of the channel my not exceed the maximum length of 100 m.
• The consolidation point (CP) must be at least 15 m away from the floor distributor.
• The CP cable connected to the TO must be at least 5 m long.
• If a MUTO (multi-user telecommunication outlet) is used, the workplace connection cables must not
be longer than 20 m.
• Patch and connection cables may not be longer than 5 m

44
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Data center cabling zone distribution length model

Models

Interconnect – EO model

Channel = 100m max

Fixed zone
horizontal cable

ZD
EO
EQP C C C C EQP
Equipment cord Equipment cord

Interconnect-EO model

Implementation Equation

Class D Channel Class E/EA Channel Class F/FA Channel

H = 109 – F*X H = 107 – 3a – F*X H = 107 – 2a – F*X

Interconnect-EO equation (see table «Horizontal cabling link equation» on page 41 for key)

Cross connect – EO model

Channel = 100m max

Fixed zone
horizontal cable

ZD
EO
EQP C C C C C EQP
Equipment Patch cord /
cord Jumper Equipment cord

Cross connect-EO model

Implementation Equation

Class D Channel Class E/EA Channel Class F/FA Channel

H = 107 – F*X H = 106 – 3a – F*X H = 106 – 3a – F*X

Cross connect-EO equation (see table «Horizontal cabling link equation» on page 41 for key)

45
3. Pre-installation

Interconnect – LDP – EO model

Channel = 100m max

Fixed zone
horizontal cable

ZD
LDP EO
EQP C C C C C EQP
LDP Equipment
Equipment cord cable cord

Interconnect-LDP-EO model

Implementation Equation

Class D Channel Class E/EA Channel Class F/FA Channel

H = 107 – F*X – C*Y H = 106 – 3a – F*X – C*Y H = 106 – 3a – F*X – C*Y

Interconnect-LDP-EO equation (see table «Horizontal cabling link equation» on page 41 for key)

Cross connect – LDP – EO model

Channel = 100m max

Fixed zone
horizontal cable

ZD
LDP EO
EQP C C C C C C EQP
Equipment Patch cord / LDP Equipment
cord Jumper cable cord

Cross connect-LDP-EO model

Implementation Equation

Class D Channel Class E/EA Channel Class F/FA Channel

H = 105 – F*X – C*Y H = 105 – 3a – F*X – C*Y H = 105 – 3a – F*X – C*Y

Cross connect-LDP-EO equation (see table «Horizontal cabling link equation» on page 41 for key)

46
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Restrictions in accordance with reference model ISO11801

• The physical length of the channel shall not exceed 100 m.

• The physical length of the fixed zone distribution cable shall not exceed 90 m and may be less
depending on the length of LDP cables and cords used and the number of connections.

Data center cabling main distribution channel length model

Models

Main Distributor channel model

Channel = 100m max

Fixed zone
horizontal cable

MD
LDP EO
EQP C C C C C C EQP
Equipment Patch cord / Patch cord / Equipment
cord Jumper Jumper cord

Main Distributor channel model

Implementation Equation

Class D Channel Class E/EA Channel Class F/FA Channel Class I/II Channel

H = 105 – F*X – C*Y H = 105 – 3a – F*X – C*Y H = 105 – 3a – F*X – C*Y H = 35 – 3a – F*X – C*Y

Main distributor channel equation (see table «Horizontal cabling link equation» on page 41 for key)

Restrictions in accordance with reference model ISO11801-1

• The physical length of the channel shall not exceed 100 m

• The physical length of the fixed main distribution cable shall not exceed 90 m and may be less
depending on the length of cords used and the number of connections.

47
3. Pre-installation

Sample calculations for a permanently installed cabling link

1) Class D with Screened Cat. 5e installation (STP) at normal temperature

H = 109 – FX => 109 m – (5 m + 5 m) x 1.5 = 94 m

The maximum allowed fixed cable link would theoretically be 94 m, but must be reduced to 90 m to comply
with the standards.

2) Class EA with Unscreened Cat. 6A installation (UTP) at 35°C ambient temperature

H = 106 – 3 a –FX – CY => 106 m – 3 m- (5 m+ 5 m) x 1.5) – (15 m x 1.5) = 65.5 m
35°C – 20°C = 15°C => 15 x 0.4% = 6% => 65.5 m / (1.06) = 62 m (61.8 m)

For this project a maximum length of 69 m of fixed cabling is permitted, with a maximum 15 m CP cable and
a connection cable length of maximum 5 m.

3.2.4 Beyond the standard’s length restrictions

This chapter covers the use of R&M cabling to go beyond the standards typical reference models, i.e. by
using cables that are not covered in the standard, but fulfill the performance criteria or by going further
than the standards maximum reference values and complying to the standards by design, based on indivi-
dual performance criteria and the IEEE application parameters.

AWG26 maximum length

For installations that are relatively short, have weight limitations or a limited filling ratio for the pathways
then the use of AWG 26 installation cable is a possibility. Today the use of AWG26 is mainly restricted to
data center installations. Currently R&M have an AWG26 cable range in our portfolio. The table below lists
the length restrictions in a Class versus component category matrix.

R&M System Cat. 6 Cat. 6 shielded Cat. 6A

Topology AWG PL CH PL CH PL CH

Class E 26 55 m 65 m 55 m 65 m 55 m 65 m

Class EA 26 65 m 55 m 65 m

R&Mfreenet AWG26 maximum horizontal length

• PL: Permanent Link The AWG 26 installation cable saves 25 % – 30 % of

• CH: Channel space and weight compared to AWG 23 installation
• AWG: American Wire Gauge – Code for wire cable. These savings must be bought with length
diameter either for solid or stranded wire. restriction for permanent link and channel of 55 m and
65 m respectively.

48
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

IEEE extended channel lengths

The standards philosophy is to have guidelines that cater for every day installations and cover most tech-
nologies being used in a generic way. However there are installation requirements that sometimes just fall
out of the scope of the standard. One of those situations is when a connected device to the network has
a connection length longer than 100 m.

There is the possibility to use the IEEE application parameters to check if a link will still support a certain
application. The table below will provide an overview of the channel lengths supported by the R&Mfreenet
cabling system. These channels will need to be measured in channel and not PL.

Effective Channel AWG 23 AWG 22 Loomed AWG 23

Lengths*

1000 Base-T H = 115 – F*X – C*Y H = 120 – F*X – C*Y H = 110 – F*X – C*Y

10GBase-T H = 112 – F*X – C*Y H = 115 – F*X – C*Y H = 106 – F*X – C*Y

Class E H = 111 – F*X – C*Y H = 115 – F*X – C*Y H = 105 – F*X – C*Y

Class EA H = 110 – F*X – C*Y H = 115 – F*X – C*Y H = 104 – F*X – C*Y

*These are the straight cable lengths, i.e. fixed installed cabling plus patch cord, and CP cord if present.
The electrical length will be between 1.75 %(pair12) and 5%(pair36) for AWG22, +/- 1% longer for AWG23 and +/- 6.88 % for AWG23 Loomed.

R&Mfreenet IEEE maximum horizontal length (see table «Horizontal cabling link equation» on page 41 for key)

The R&Mfreenet does have a specially designed cable for even if these distances are too short, our R823885
R&Mfreenet S/FTP Class EA 105m LSFRZH AWG22 cable will be able to warrant the following distance

Effective Channel Lengths* R823885

Class EA H = 120 – F*X – C*Y

R&Mfreenet IEEE maximum horizontal length for custom cable (see table «Horizontal cabling link equation» on page 41 for key)

49
3. Pre-installation

Short length supported by Cat. 6A system

When creating the new edition of ISO/IEC 11801, the group of experts used some minimum and maximum
lengths to calculate the minimum components performance. The R&Mfreenet System supports shorter
links and channels. The following table is R&M cable type independent, i.e. it’s for all R&M U/UTP, U/FTP,
F/UTP & S/FTP cables. It is however connector dependent and below the minimum length restrictions of
both our Cat6A connectors can be found.

R&Mfreenet Equipment /
Fixed cabling CP cord Cross connect cord
Cat. 6A ISO Module Patch cord

2 connector PL 2 m 2m Not available Not available Not available

3 connector PL 4 m 2m 2m Not available Not available

3 connector CH 6 m 2m 2m Not available 2*1 m

4 connector CH 7 m 2m 2m 1m 2*1 m

R&Mfreenet Cat. 6A ISO minimum horizontal length

R&Mfreenet Equipment /
Fixed cabling CP cord Cross connect cord
Cat. 6A EL Module Patch cord

2 connector PL 5 m 5m Not available Not available Not available

3 connector PL 15 m 10 m 5m Not available Not available

3 connector
5m 5m Not available 2*2 m
CH 14 m

4 connector
5m 5m 5m 2*2 m
CH 19 m

R&Mfreenet Cat. 6A EL minimum horizontal length

50
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Other connector models

One connector – Modular Plug Terminated Link (MPTL)

The one connector configuration can be found in direct CATV or security access connections, where there
is no room or desire to install an outlet. There the fixed installed cable is terminated at one end directly on
a plug, e.g. FM45, and with a module at the patch panel side.

Channel = 100m max

Horizontal cable

FD

EQP C C C TE
Equipment cord

LAN one connector model

Another use could be found in a DC when the servers are directly represented in Zone Distribution rack
where they are connected to the active switches.

Channel = 100m max

Horizontal Cable

ZD
EO
EQP C C C EQP
Equipment cord

DC one connector model

Implementation Equation

Class D Channel Class E/EA Channel

Cat. 5e components Cat. 6/Cat. 6A

H = 109 – F*X H = 107 – 3a – F*X

One connector equation (see table «Horizontal cabling link equation» on page 41 for key)

51
3. Pre-installation

Channel = 100m max

Horizontal cable

FD/ZD

EQP C J C TE/EQP
Preterminated
Coupler cable

OC/DC 1-Connector Model MPTL with Cable-Coupler

Implementation Equation

Class D Channel Class E/EA Channel

Cat. 5e components Cat. 6/Cat. 6A

H = 109 – F*X H = 107 – 3a – F*X

One connector equation (see table «Horizontal cabling link equation» on page 41 for key)

Back to back interconnect model

This concept can be found in smaller buildings, where the backbone is also done with copper twisted pair
data cable, or DCs where the zone distribution cabling and zone distribution are interlinked.

Channel = 100m max

Fixed zone Fixed zone

horizontal horizontal
cable cable

ZD

EQP C C C C C C EQP
Patch cord
Equipment cord Equipment cord
jumper

BtB interconnect model

Implementation Equation

Class D Channel Class E/EA Channel Class F/FA Channel

H = 109 – F*X H = 107 – 3a – F*X H = 107 – 2a – F*X

BtB model equation (see table «Horizontal cabling link equation» on page 41 for key)

In this specific configuration the minimum distance for the horizontal cabling is 15 m.

52
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Cross connect – interconnect – cross connect

This can occur when representing the active equipment in the zone distributor or in the main distributor.
The connection between the ZD and the MD is a fixed horizontal cable.

Channel = 100m max

Fixed zone
horizontal
cable

MD ZD

EQP C C C C C C EQP
Patch cord Patch cord
Equipment cord Equipment cord
jumper jumper

Cross-inter-cross connection model

Implementation Equation

Class D Channel Class E/EA Channel Class F/FA Channel

H = 109 – F*X H = 107 – 3a – F*X H = 107 – 2a – F*X

Cross-inter-cross model equation (see table «Horizontal cabling link equation» on page 41 for key)

This configuration can only be used in combination with the R&Mfreenet Cat. 6A ISO module. The minimum
length restriction for each part of the link is 2 m.

53
3. Pre-installation

3.2.5 Coupler module Cat. 6A, cable coupler Cat.6A and connection kit RJ45
The variety of applications and the changing times require additional approaches to enable the connec-
tion of active and passive network devices in a very small space. e.g. connection of surveillance cameras,
WLAN access points, consolidation points and cross connections or for certain office applications like the
Desk Box.

Coupler module Cat. 6A

The coupler module has been developed to be flexible, enabling it’s use in many different applications.
It allows services to be connected with standard patch cables at the back of the patch panels.

The connected service is then accessible from the front of the patch bay by means of the coupler module.
The coupler module is therefore especially suitable for network components that have their interfaces on
the rear side. This reduces the risk of continuity errors, distances between the patch panels and special
connection cables with a plug on one side and a socket on the other. In the industrial market, coupler
modules are used for point-to-point connections from the network interface (NI) to the automation island,
the machine or to the Intermediate Distributor (ID).

Depending on the application, the link is measured as a PL3 if only one coupler module is used and as a
channel if two coupler modules are used.

54
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Cable Coupler

The cable coupler of the R&Mfreenet cabling system allows cables to be extended or junction boxes to be
laid with a minimum of effort or cost. Other applications include cable sharing or replacing a damaged ca-
ble section. The well-known and proven IDC technology ensures fast and smooth connection of the cable
without special tools. The cable coupler is suitable for transmission frequencies up to 500 MHz. The cable
coupler is protected by the RCB connection box.

The cable coupler has no influence on the link performance and is normally measured as a permanent link.

Connection-Kit RJ45

Not all connections can be realized with our field mountable, FM45
connector. Problems can occur where the end device requires a direct
RJ45 connection and the housing or allowable space to make the con-
nection is limited, not allowing the use of an FM45 connector. Solution:
R&M solves the challenge by means of patch cables that are already
assembled on one side of a cable coupler.

The connection kit can be measured as part of an MPTL or as part of

a channel.

Office Fixed installations Building automation

Open design of workstations Installation can be prepared up Flexible and fast commissioning
with electronic devices to the connection point, then the of machines and systems.
final assembly can be done in the
shortest time.

55
3. Pre-installation

Channel = 100m max

Fixed zone
horizontal cable

FD/ZD
TO/EO
EQP C C C C C C TE/EQP
Equipment cord Equipment cord

Interconnect TO/EO model with RJ45 Coupler

Channel = 100m max

Horizontal cable Horizontal cable

FD/ZD
TO/EO
EQP C C J C C TE/EQP
Indoor cable Outdoor cable
Equipment Equipment
cord cord
Coupled PL Indoor/Outdoor MPTL with Cable Coupler

Channel = 100m max

Fixed zone
horizontal cable

FD/ZD
TO/EO
EQP C C C C C C TE/EQP
Equipment Patch cord / Equipment
cord Jumper cord

Cross connect TO/EO model with RJ45 Coupler

56
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Channel = 100m max

Fixed zone
horizontal cable

FD/ZD
LDP TO/EO
EQP C C C C C C TE/EQP
Equipment LDP Equipment
cord cable cord

Interconnect LDP EO model with RJ45 Coupler

Channel = 100m max

Fixed zone
horizontal cable

FD/ZD
LDP EO
EQP C C C C C C C TE/EQP
Equipment Patch cord / LDP Equipment
cord Jumper cable cord

Cross connect LDP EO model with RJ45 Coupler

57
3. Pre-installation

3.2.6 Clearances between copper data and power cables

General requirement

Maintain the minimum clearance to power cables as listed in Table «Minimum separation S according
EN 50174-2» on page 60. This table lists the minimum clearance, A, between data and power cables (in
accordance with EN 50174-2:2018), which must be maintained to ensure that the electromagnetic noise
emission effects are kept to a minimum.

Notes

1. Local conditions may require that greater clearances than listed here be used.

2. A minimum clearance of 130 mm must be maintained between data cables and lamp
mountings such as neon, incandescent and discharge lamps (e.g. mercury-vapor lamps).

3. UTP-systems intended to support 10 G Base-T require significantly greater clearances

than considered by EN 50174-2, it is recommended to leave a min of 300 mm between
10 GBase-T data cables and power cables.

4. It is recommended that the above minimum clearances be maintained. Failure to

maintain such clearance may risk EMI noise coupling that is not detected during testing.

5. In cases where it is difficult to maintain these target values (e.g. for modular partition
wall systems), data cables may be routed closer to power outlet supply lines provided
the following conditions are met.
a. Parallel cable guides up to 5 m in length are permissible, if a clearance of 25 mm can
be ensured by using spacers or other appropriate means. If necessary, the clearance
over a length of up to 150 mm may be less than 25 mm, as long as the cables do not
touch.
b. Parallel cable guides up to 9 m in length are permissible, if a clearance of 50 mm can
be ensured. The clearance over a length of up to 300 mm may be less than 50 mm, as
long as the cables do not touch.
c. If several cables must be routed through a particularly cramped space, as a minimum,
try to arrange the cables so that the same data cable is not routed directly beside the
power cables along the entire distance.

6. Electrical panels and data cable distribution cabinets should be situated in different
rooms if possible. The spacing between the distribution cabinets and the electrical
panels must never be less than 1 m.

58
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Clearances to noise emission sources

Ordinary sources of electromagnetic fields do not normally pose a problem for screened cables. As a pre-
cautionary measure, install the cables (with the exception of fiber optic cables) as far as possible from such
noise emission sources – at least 1 m away. Noise coupling can also occur if data cables are routed in the
vicinity of high-frequency sources such as transmission devices (antennae, transmission lines, transmitters
and other radiating devices, radar installations, some industrial equipment such as high-frequency induc-
tion heaters, high-frequency welders, insulation testers, powerful electrical motors, elevators). Clearance
to building structures and equipment must conform to national and local regulations.

Effect on acceptance measurements

Stray voltages can interfere with and alter field test results or sometimes make it possible to falsify field
tests of data cabling systems. Ensure that these outside influences do not occur. If the test equipment
warns of the presence of stray voltages, try to eliminate these voltages by switching off possible noise
sources (UPS, electronic series devices, etc.). These interference voltages will also have a noticeable nega-
tive effect on the error-free operation of the network.

Cable separation and segregation

The minimum requirements for separation between information technology cables and power supply
cabling can be calculated according EN 50174-2:2018 in the following way:

A = S*P
A Segregation between data and power cable
S Minimum separation see Table below
P Power cabling factor see page 60

59
3. Pre-installation

Minimum separation rules for STP, UTP and unbalanced cables

Information Technology Cable

Coaxial/Twin
Screened Unscreened
axial

Screening
Segregation
Coupling attenuation @ 30 MHz attenuation
TCL @ 30 MHz to 100 MHz classification
to 100MHz @ 30 MHz to
100 MHz

dB Category dB Category dB

>= 80a 7, 7A >= 70 -10*lg f >= 85d d

>= 55b 5, 6, 6A >= 60 -10*lg f >= 55 c

>= 40 >= 50 -10*lg f c 5, 6, 6A >= 40 b

< 40 < 50 -10*lg f < 40 a

a Cable meeting EN 50288-4-1 (EN 50173-1, Category 7) meet Segregation Classification «d».
b Cables meeting EN 50288-2-1 (EN 50173-1, Category 5) and EN 50288-5-1 (EN 50173-1, Category 6) meeting Segregation Classification «c».
These cables may deliver performance of Segregation Classification «d» provided that the relevant coupling attenuation requirements are also met.
c Cables meeting EN 50288-3-1 (EN 50174-1, Category 5) and EN 50288-6-1 (EN 50173-1, Category 6) meet Segregation Classification «b».
These cables may deliver performance of Segregation Classification «c» or «d» provided that the relevant TCL requirements are also met.
d Cables meeting EN 50117-4-1 (EN 50173-1, Category BCT-C) meet Classification «d».

Classification of information technology cables according EN 50174-2

Containment applied to information technology or power supply cabling

Separation without
Segregation Open metallic Perforated metallic Solid metallic
electromagnetic
Classification containment a containment b, c containment d
barrier

d 10 mm 8 mm 5 mm 0 mm

c 50 mm 38 mm 25 mm 0 mm

b 100 mm 75 mm 50 mm 0 mm

a 300 mm 225 mm 150 mm 0 mm

a Screening performances (0 MHz to 100 MHz) equivalent to welded mesh steel basket of mesh size 50 mm x 100 mm (excluding ladders).
This screening performance is also achieved with a steel tray (trunking without cover) of less than 1.0 mm wall thickness and more than 20 % equally
distributed perforated area.
b Screening performances (0 MHz to 100 MHz) equivalent to steel tray (trunking without cover) of 1.0 mm wall thickness and no more than 20 %
equally distributed perforated area. This screening performance is also achieved with screened power cables that do not meet the performances
defined in note d.
c The upper surface of installed cables shall be at least 10 mm below the top of the barrier.
d Screening performances (0 MHz to 100 MHz) equivalent to steel conduit of 1.5 mm wall thickness. Separation specified is in addition to that
provided by any divider/barrier.

Minimum separation S according EN 50174-2

60
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Separation requirements between metallic cabling and specific EMI sources

Sources of disturbance Minimum separation (mm)

Fluorescent lamps 130 a

Neon lamps 130 a

Mercury vapor lamps 130 a

High-intensity discharge lamps 130 a

Arc welders 800 a

Frequency induction heating 1000 a

Hospital equipment

Radio transmitter
b

Television transmitter

Radar

a The minimum distances may be reduced if appropriate cable management systems are used or manufacturer guarantees are given.
b Where there are no manufacturer guarantees, an analysis of possible interference shall be performed, e.g. frequency range, harmonics, transients,
pulses, transmitted power. etc.

Separation requirements between metallic cabling and specific EMI sources according EN 50174-2

Exceptions for office premises only

Conditional relaxation of requirement

1. Where the requirements are not relevant then no separation is required where either:
a. the information technology cabling is application(s)-specific and the application(s) support(s) a
zero segregation relaxation or
b. all the following conditions are met:

2. the power conductors:

a. form only single phase circuits;
b. provide a total current no greater than 32 A;
c. comprising a circuit are maintained in close proximity (e. g. within an overall sheath or twisted,
taped or bundled together);

3. The environmental classification for the information technology cabling complies with E1 of
EN 50173-1;

4. The information technology cables meet the requirements of Segregation Classifications «b», «c» or
«d» in accordance with Table «Classification of information technology cables according EN 50174-2».

61
3. Pre-installation

3.2.7 Remote Powering – PoE,

PoE+ and 4PPoE
Remote power supply via structured cabling has de-
veloped rapidly over the past 15 years. The trans-
mittable power has increased from a modest 15W
to an expected 90W at the powered device. The
030.5742
standard for 4PPoE (IEEE 802.3bt) was ratified at
the start of 2018. R&M has already examined the
A typical example
effects of this increased current load on network
cabling in an early white paper (see white paper The question arises as to whether the active and
«4PPoE – Parameters for network planning» at passive network components are designed for this
www.rdm.com). But now follows the next step in continuous load. How do the high currents affect
the evolution of remote power use. The conditions the quality of the data network in the long term?
of use for end devices are changing. In the past, How can users counteract possible disadvantages
PoE-powered devices rarely used the maximum po- right from the start? Manufacturers of network de-
wer or were only needed for a relatively short time. vices have already reacted to the changed requi-
Typical example: the alignment and focusing of an rements. A new generation of switches can deliver
IP camera. Once it has reached the correct position, high power on all ports simultaneously and conti-
it returns to pure transmission mode. Thus, average nuously. One example is the Cisco Catalyst Digital
consumption remained relatively low. However, ne- Building CDB-8x series. These switches can deliver
wer applications require maximum electrical perfor- up to 60W per port continuously. Even without a
mance in the long term. High currents flow around fan to provide cooling. This also changes the load
the clock, seven days a week (24/7 operation). on the passive network components. The follo-
Examples include networked LED lighting systems wing applies to cabling, distribution and connection
(e.g. connected lighting) in modern office buildings technology: What could still be coped with under
(digital buildings) or digitally controlled LED adverti- occasional peak loads quickly becomes a handicap
sing panels and information boards (digital signage). when subjected to continuous loads

030.5887

62
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

What to consider when planning for remote powering

The cable bundles heat up as a result of high currents. This is a natural effect of remote powering. Higher
cable temperatures reduce the attenuation budget and thus, under certain circumstances, the maximum
possible link length. But when planning with foresight, experts master this aspect with ease. The R&M
PoE calculator provides assistance. The tool for planning is available at «4PPoE – Parameters for network
planning».

Heat generation of remote powering

The physical sequence of a PoE application is tra-

ceable: The higher the current in a copper core and
the smaller its cross-section, the warmer it beco-
mes. typical cable construction ensures that a con-
ductor is never alone.

The total heating of a cable depends on other

Heat distribution with PoE
factors:
• Cable design
• Number of cables in the cable bundle
• type of installation - open or in installation duct
• air convection or forced ventilation

These effects must be considered in a differentia-

ted way. Technical Specifications such as ISO/IEC
TS 29125 use calculation models that divide the
temperature rise into two stages:
• temperature rise within the cable bundle
• temperature rise of the cable bundle in relation
to the environment

These models can be used to calculate the expec-

ted heating for the hottest cable in a bundle. Stan-
dardization is still in flux, however, it is not the mo-
del itself that is under discussion, but the weighting
of effects by the choice of coefficients. These coef-
ficients are changed until the simulation values cor-
respond to the actual measurements made. Higher
temperatures also increase the copper resistance
and thus the attenuation of the signal transmission,
which reduces the effective length of the link. The
heating of the cable by the current transmission
can increase the attenuation of a cable to such an
050.6451
extent that data transmission becomes impossible.

63
3. Pre-installation

Connection technology IPC vs IDC

The connection technology for remote powering

installations is important for the connections bet-
ween the individual cores and contacts. Sustainable
operational and building safety for PoE applications
and highly available networks can only be achieved
by selecting the appropriate termination technolo-
gy. The copper cable cores are often connected to
RJ45 connectors through pierced contacts (Insula-
tion Piercing Contact, IPC). This technology carries
a considerable risk. With IPC, a (non-resilient) con-
tact plate is pressed through the stranded wire. The
individual strands are located on the outside of the
contact. They can make a good initial contact.

Quality assurance measures by manufacturers

guarantee solid workmanship. However, only the
strength of the outer plastic sheath is effectively
maintaining the contact pressure. The insulation
presses the outer strands against the contact sur-
face. It is expected that this wiring is permanent.
IPC contact
However, there is no additional robust mechanism
that ensures lasting stable contacting.

• In fact, contact is gradually being lost due to:

• Age and fatigue symptoms of insulation
• Mechanical loads on the plug connection
• Thermal growth and shrinkage processes of
the conductors

The contact resistance increases continuously and

unpredictably. With a current load due to PoE, the
temperature at the contact transition rises. The
higher temperature load further deteriorates the
contact: the contact resistance increases exponen-
tially. Finally, the connection fails. The whole plug
can overheat and self-destruct.

64
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

The alternative to IPC is called: Insulation Displa-

cement Contact (IDC). With IDC, the copper core
is mechanically clamped between the two legs of a
spring contact as shown here. The two contact hal-
ves cut through the wire insulation and then press
onto the wire in a fusing manner. They thus ensure
a secure, stable contact. The circuitry also lasts if
the strand should be stressed by external stress.
The wire cannot move!

IDC contact

In addition, the IDC circuitry proves to be vibration-resistant, moisture-resistant, dust- and gas-tight and
thus corrosion-protected when properly designed. The contact resistance of an IDC connection changes
only slightly over time and stabilizes thereafter. This has been demonstrated by test series and decades of
experience in the R&M laboratory. An IDC connection therefore ensures a reliable connection in the long
term. The figure below shows the resistance behavior of a piercing and insulation displacement connection
to artificial ageing in the climatic chamber.

Contact resistance with 0.14 mm2 stranded conductor

70

60

50

40
mΩ

30

20
limit

10

1 day 10 days 100 days

Resistance behavior

65
3. Pre-installation

R&M has been using insulation displacement technology for decades. Sin-
ce 2000, it has also been used for the RJ45 connectors of R&M patch
cords. R&M is the only manufacturer to use IDC technology in connectors
for commercial patch cord production.

This makes these patch cords ideal for use in PoE systems. The wiring is
characterized by a stable, reliable and low contact resistance. Added to
this is R&M's internationally exemplary quality assurance system, that each
030.7037
individual product must pass through. R&M ensures that there are no un-
pleasant surprises throughout the service life of a patch cord. RJ45 plug insert

Note: For R&Mclassic patch cords, PoE application support is excluded from the 25 year
R&Mfreenet system waranty and the lifelong application warranty

Contact design

Sparking occurs when a live contact is opened or closed. For example, with Power over Ethernet (PoE), if
the LAN connector is disconnected during operation. The electrical effect can be explained by the induc-
tances on the current path: The current does not change abruptly, it «just wants to continue flowing.» In
principle, sparks can also occur during insertion. With Power over Ethernet, however, this is not a problem,
because the power supply device «negotiates» with the end devices to be supplied. The power supply
electronics determines by resistance measurement whether the end device can accept PoE at all and if
so, which power class it belongs to. Only then does the corresponding current flow. With the new 4-Pair
Power over Ethernet (4PPoE) with up to 100 W power, this can be a current of up to one ampere per pair
of wires. However, the electronics of the active devices cannot anticipate when someone will pull out the
LAN connector. In this case, unplugging takes place under load, resulting in the break-off spark (figure
below), which generates a plasma at extremely high temperatures, which can locally damage both the plug
and the socket contact. Under the microscope, «burn-up» often appears as a crater in the contact mate-
rial. The contact is re-established when the device is plugged in again. The contact quality and thus the
security of data transmission, on the other hand, are no longer given at this point. You can use operating
instructions to specify that the electrical supply in the LAN is shut down before disconnection. In practice,
however, there will always be someone who will simply pull the plug.

Contact B

Nominal
contact area
(position 2)
Sparking in the
separation area
Contact A (position 1) Spark when disconnetion
under load

66
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

R&M has designed the contacts of the RJ45 connectors and the gold-plated spring tongues of the con-
nection modules so that the disconnection points are as far outside the nominal contact area as possible.
When plugged in, they do not interfere with data transmission. The plug does not become hot due to the
PoE load. R&M recommends all planners and installers of PoE-compatible networks to pay attention to
such criteria, even if they are not necessarily listed in the manufacturers' data sheets. R&M has extensively
investigated the effects of PoE on the connector, in particular the damage caused by sparking, and was
also instrumental in standardizing this effect. This introduced the concept of the nominal contact area.
During the plugging process, the contact point between contacts A and B shifts along the surface of the
contacts from the first contact point (connection / disconnection area) to the end contact point (nominal
contact area).

Displacement contact point

during plugging process

These two areas are separated by the slide zone figure above: The design of modular connectors figure
here, which is described in the IEC 60603-7 standard, should ensure that the zone in which the contact
is interrupted and sparking can occur is separated from the zone in which the contact between plug and
socket is established during normal operation (nominal contact area). However, the higher the power when
separated, the greater the destruction of the contact in the separation area. By cleverly shaping the socket
contacts, R&M has succeeded in maximizing the slide zone at the socket and plug. This makes R&M RJ45
components particularly suitable for use in 4PPoE.

There are many tester manufacturers now advising the use of a separate PoE test, but this is just a resistan-
ce balance test and does not provide a true picture of the tested systems ability to cope with power over
the structured cabling system. In order to ensure successfully system support of PoE applications, there
needs to be an appropriate design (using our PoE calculator), high quality cabling and the highest quality
connectors in the system. R&M can ensure the successful operation of PoE applications through the use
of proven quality products. These approved products specifically suited for PoE applications are given a
stamp to highlight their suitability to these applications.

67
3. Pre-installation

Damage does not affect contact zone. Nominal contact area

(green) is clearly separated

Good contact design

3.2.8 The importance of TCL test criteria for patch cords

• The symmetry or TCL (Transverse Conversion comply with all specifications à responsibility
Loss) is an important parameter to ensure the problem!
performance of the cabling. It shows how well • Tighter patch cable specifications and sufficient
the differential transmission works in the cabling. NEXT reserves in the permanent link can ensure
• TCL influences other parameters via complex the NEXT performance of the channel
coupling mechanisms, insufficient TCL • Shielded Cat. 6 and Cat. 6A patch cables and
component specifications can reduce channel SP cables should be specified for frequencies
NEXT reserves or even generate NEXT errors. above 100 MHz with TCL grade 2
• The TCL standard specifications for shielded • Shielded Class E and Class EA permanent links
cables do not support 10 Gbase T channel should be specified with as much NEXT reserve
requirements. Cabling channels can have faulty as possible to create reserves for standard-
NEXT, although the PL and the patch cables compliant patch cables with TCL Grade 1.

TCL influence

68
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

3.2.9 Screened vs unscreened

The introduction of 10 GBase-T has had a significant influence on the choice of cabling. The increased
sensitivity of the 10 GBase-T transmission compared to 1000 Base-T became clearly visible in unshielded
cabling in the immunity against external interference. To ensure the operation of 10 GBase-T, it is not
enough to pay attention to the shielding alone, but the ambient conditions must be taken into account
and the cabling components must be selected accordingly. Coupling attenuation can serve as a qualitative
comparison parameter for the EMC behavior of cabling.

In summary, studies have shown that 10 GBase-T can be used without problems in all environmental clas-
ses when using shielded cabling. The following applies: the better the screen quality, the smaller the radia-
tion and the better the immunity of the cabling against external interference.

Unshielded cabling, on the other hand, is only suitable outside the home area and together with additional
protective measures for use with 10 GBase-T. Within the EU, it may only be used outside the living area in
dedicated work areas (offices, computer centers, etc.).

Additional protective measures to reduce external interference:

• Careful separation of data and power supply cables or interference sources (minimum distance
between data and power cables 30 cm)
• Using a metal cable routing system for data cables
• Prevent wireless communication devices from operating near the wiring
• Prevention of ESD through protective measures known from electronics production

EMC radiation

69
3. Pre-installation

For the decision between shielded or unshielded cabling for 10 GBase-T, the influences and expenses of
the additional protective measures and operational restrictions must also be taken into account.

Shielded cabling should be used in industrial environments (classes E2 and E3). In difficult industrial envi-
ronments (E3) an S-FTP screen construction with braided screen is necessary, and a double-sided earthing
of the cabling should be used if possible.

Unshielded cabling must not be used in living areas.

In offices and data centres with unshielded cabling, the above-mentioned additional protective measures
must be prescribed.

70
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

3.2.10 Testing Class EA Installation according ISO/IEC TR11801-9905

ISO TR11801-9905 specifies the requirements to enable a Category 6A compliant system to support the
IEEE 25GBase-T application. We at R&M recognize this important step and have developed the following
guidelines to satisfy the requirements using R&M components and can also provide a warranty that recog-
nizes such next generation systems.

Cat.6A Module shielded Cat.7A Cable shielded

Following the standard installation protocols and adhering to the length restrictions cited in ISO TR11801-
9905, a system made up of specifically recognized R&M components can be given the unique «25G Ready»
warranty approval along with the regular ISO 11801 Class E A standards warranty.

• Upgrading Class EA installation

• Length dependent speed
• Combination: Cat.6A /s module and Cat.7A S/FTP cable required
• Acc. ISO/IEC TR11801-9905
• R&Mfreenet system warranty
• Future proofs Class EA links for coming generations WAP and DAS

Length restrictions 25G-ready

71
3. Pre-installation

Verification procedure for 25G Ready

Valid for components marked with «25G READY» symbol.

Step 1:

Permanent Links measured acc. ISO/IEC 11801 Class E A

PL Measurement

Test Test Equipment Test equipment Test

adapter cord adapter cord
Equipment A PC CP A Equipment
Main Remote
PP TO
Test Equipment Test Equipment
PL-Adapter PL-Adapter

Sample test PL

Step 2 for Links 5 - 24 m:

Channel measurement acc. ISO/IEC TR11801-9905

CH Measurement - ISO/IEC TR11801-9905

Test R&M Patch Cord

3m Cat.6A / s
Permanent Link Length
5-24m
R&M Patch Cord
3m Cat.6A / s
Test
Equipment A P PC CP P A Equipment
Main PP TO Remote
Test Equipment Test Equipment
CH-Adapter CH-Adapter

Sample test 25G

For verification of a «25G Ready» system, only Category 8

products marked with «25G Ready» must be used.
For the latest test procedures advised for R&M
Firstly, the system must pass the ISO 11801 Class
Class I / Category 8.1 systems, please refer to our
E A system test, then a channel measurement accor-
information found online at www.rdm.com
ding ISO/IEC TR11801-9905 can be conducted.
(Please check that the test device has the option to
test for this specific application).

This channel test must be made using the above

specified R&M measurement patch cord.

72
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

3.2.9 Category 8
Due to the prevalence of RJ45 applications and the full backward compatibility with existing cabling sys-
tems misleading to mention just one Category, R&M has decided to offer Category 8.1 – in other words, to
retain the successful RJ45 approach. Only the two-connector model can be implemented in the Category
8 environment. The permissible length of the Permanent Link (PL) with Category 8.x can be derived from
the maximum electrical length of the transmission channel (channel, 32 m) minus the length (LPC) and type
of the patch cords used.

This can be calculated as follows: LPL = 32 − LPC * XPC

Where LPL = maximum length of Permanent Link and LPC = Combined length of all patch cords in the
channel. The factor XPC depends on the type of patch cord: AWG22/23: 1, AWG24: 1.25, AWG26: 2

The two standardization committees ISO/IEC SC25 and TIA TR42 have specified the maximum lengths for
cabling elements. Unfortunately, these vary according to the committee:

ISO & IEC TIA R&M Recommendation

Permanent Link 5 m – 26 m Max. 24 m 5 m – 24 m

Total length of patch cords 2m – 4m Max. 6 m 2m – 4m

Electrical channel length Max. 32 m Max. 32 m Max. 32 m

Mechanical channel length Max. 30 m Max. 30 m Max. 28 m

Length restrictions for Class I / Cat. 8

73
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Adhering to R&M's specifications ensures that all specifications of both standardization families are fulfil-
led even if different types of patch cords (AWG 26 - 22) are used in operation.

Schematically, a Category 8.1 channel can be represented as follows:

Channel = 28m max

1-3m max Horizontal cable 1-3m max

(4m max in total) 24m max (4m max in total)

FD
TO
EQP C C C C TE
Equipment cord Equipment cord

Schematic representation of Cat. 8.1 channel with length specification

An AWG22 installation cable of type 8.1 SF/UTP or F/UTP as well as of type 8.2 S/FTP or F/FTP is desig-
nated to be used for the PL. There is no purely unshielded variant possible due to the frequency of 2000
MHz. Shielded patch cords of type 8.x can be connected to this PL. If a patch cord is longer than 2 m, the
total length of patch cords in use must be coordinated to ensure that a total of 4 m is not exceeded.

The names used when referring to Category 8 components may at times be confusing and unclear. But
the division is easily and quickly clarified with an overview matrix. Basically, the TIA does not deal in trans-
mission classes. Unlike ISO/IEC, there is no distinction between component category and link class. Furt-
hermore, the ISO/IEC recognizes the additional categories Cat. 7 and Cat. 7A . However, there are no data
applications for the corresponding transmission classes F and FA .

74
3. Pre-installation

R&M
Standard ANSI / TIA ISO / IEC ISO / IEC
characteristics

Component
Cat. 8 Cat. 8.1 Cat. 8.2
designation

Link designation Cat. 8 Class I Class II

F/UTP, or x/FTP, F/UTP, SF/UTP Exclusively S/FTP,

x/FTP,
Installation cables AWG22 to AWG24, or x/FTP, AWG22 available,
max. diameter 9 mm
max. diameter 9 mm max. diameter 9 mm max. 2 GHz

Modules RJ45 RJ45 GG45 or TERA

Shielded Exclusively S/FTP,

Shielded Shielded
Patch cords AWG26 to AWG22, AWG26 available,
AWG26 to AWG22 AWG26 to AWG22
max. diameter 8 mm max. 2 GHz

RJ45/ARJ45
Connectors RJ45 RJ45
or TERA

R&M system environment

Components requirements for standards

The requirements made of the installation cables of Category 8.1 were defined for a x/UTP construction.
For technical reasons, however, such cables are not yet available. Cat. 8.2 installation cables in S/FTP
construction are, however, available and technically sophisticated. Every Cat. 8.2 cable also fulfills the
requirements of Cat. 8.1. An S/FTP construction which only attains Cat. 8.1, and not Cat. 8.2, would be
likely to have inherent technical deficits. This is why R&M only offers Cat. 8.2 installation cables even in a
Class I system.

Use in the data center

When it comes to data center cabling, it can be assumed that the adaptation mainly depends on prices and
the availability of the terminal equipment. In principle, there are two general applications for data centers,
top of rack (ToR) and end of row (EoR), which were the origin of the development of Category 8.

75
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Category 8.1 also in the LAN environment

Access points for WiFi6 and Distributed antenna systems for 5G are driving the bandwidth requirement
beyond 10GBit/s in the near future. 25GBit/s transmission hardware is already in development. A suita-
ble cabling structure is required for this application today. It is safe to assume that Cat. 8.1 will find its
way in the LAN environment when the 25 GBase-T variant is launched. The transmission frequencies of
1,600 MHz required for a data rate of 40 GB/s limit the attainable link length to 24 meters due to the high
attenuation values of the cabling at these frequencies. At 10 GB/s and 400 MHz, this length is over 90 m.
Estimates for 25 GB/s and 1,000 MHz would suggest an attainable link length of 50 m. This achievable
length is examined in more detail in the technical report from ISO/IEC TR11801-9909. With an achievable
link length of 50 m, around 60 % of all required links can be realized in the LAN environment. This makes
Cat. 8.1 a feasible solution for the LAN.

030.5985

76
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

3.3 Fiber

3.3.1 Fiber standards

The standard describes the difference between channel and link transmission. However, this has no influ-
ence on the calculation of the channel attenuation, but plays a role in determining the measurement limits
and the test procedure.

In this chapter we discuss the correct calculation for the planning of fiber optic routes. The chapter «Post-in-
stallation» explains the detailed test criteria and correct calculations for determining the measurement limits.

Fiber channel standards

The corresponding applications are listed in ISO/IEC 11801-1 and in the table below. It is assumed that
every single channel within an installation includes fibers of the same specification unless otherwise stated.

IEEE Applications supported MMF

Application Wavelength ( nm ) Max. Attenuation ( dB ) Max. Length ( m )

10Base-FL&FB 850 6.80 1514

100Base-FX 1300 6.00 2000

1000Base-SX 850 3.56 550

1000Base-LX 1300 2.35 550

10GBase-LX4 1300 2.00 300

10GBase-LRM 1300 1.90 220

10GBase-SR 850 OM3[OM4] 2.60[2.90] 300[400]

40GBase-SR4 850 OM3[OM4] 1.90[1.50] 100[150]

100GBase-SR4 850 OM3[OM4] 1.80[1.90] 70[100]

100GBase-SR10 850 OM3[OM4] 1.90[1.50] 100[150]

1 Gbit/s FC 850 OM3 2.62 500

2 Gbit/s FC 850 OM3 3.31 300

4 Gbit/s FC 850 OM3[OM4] 2.88[2.95] 380[400]

8 Gbit/s FC 850 OM3[OM4] 2.04[2.19] 150[190]

16 Gbit/s FC 850 OM3[OM4] 1.86[1.95] 100[125]

32 Gbit/s FC 850 OM3[OM4] 1.75[1.86] 70[100]

IEEE applications supported MMF (ISO/IEC 11801-1)

77
3. Pre-installation

IEEE Applications supported SMF

Application Wavelength ( nm ) Max. Attenuation ( dB ) Max. Length ( m )

1000Base-LX 1310 4.56 2000

10GBase-LX4 1310 6.20 2000

10GBase-ER 1310/1550 10.90 2000

10GBase-LR 1310 6.20 2000

40GBase-LR4 1310 6.70 2000

40GBase-FR 1310/1550 4.00 2000

100GBase-LR4 1310 6.30 2000

100GBase-ER4 1310/1550 18.00 2000

1 Gbit/s FC 1310 7.80 2000

2 Gbit/s FC 1310 7.80 2000

4 Gbit/s FC 1310 4.80 2000

8 Gbit/s FC 1310 6.40 2000

16 Gbit/s FC 1500 6.40 2000

32 Gbit/s FC 1310 6.40 2000

IEEE Applications supported SMF (ISO/IEC 11801-1)

Fiber connection standards

In contrast to their electromechanical counterparts, with fiber-optic connectors no differentiation is made

between plug and jack. Fiber-optic connectors contain a ferrule for the accommodation and exact posi-
tioning of the fiber end and are attached to one another via a coupler with a sleeve. A complete plug-in
connection consists of the combination connector/coupler/connector. The two ferrules with the fiber ends
must meet each other so precisely inside the connection that the least possible amount of light energy is
lost or reflected (return loss). The determining factor is the geometric orientation and workmanship of the
fiber in the connector.

Core diameters of 9 µm for single-mode or 50 µm for multi-mode fibers and ferrules with 2.5 mm or
1.25 mm diameter make a visual inspection of the connector condition without special equipment impossi-
ble. Naturally, one can determine on the spot if a connector is correctly snapped in and locked. For all other
characteristics – the «intrinsic values» – for example insertion loss, return loss, or mechanical stability,
users must be able to rely on the manufacturer's data.

78
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Connector Type Standard Info

ST IEC 61754-2 These connectors with bayonet-lock

2.5 mm MMF, were the first PC connectors (1996).
MF PC Thanks to this fact and the extremely
robust design, they can still be found
world-wide in LAN networks (primarily
industrial). ST is the designation for
«straight type».

SC IEC 61754-4 This type of connector with a qua-

2.5 mm MMF, dratic design and push/pull system
SMF PC, APC (SC stands for Square Connector or
Subscriber Connector). The compact
design of the SC allows for a high
packing density. It can be combined to
duplex and multiplex connections. Alt-
hough among the oldest connectors, it
has excellent properties. To this day it
is the most important WAN connector
world-wide, thanks to excellent optical
properties. SC is also wide-spread in
a duplex version, particularly in local
area networks.

MPO MMF, IEC 61754-7 The MPO (multi path push-on) is ba-
SMF PC, APC sed upon a plastic ferrule that typically
holds 12 or 24 fibers in one connec-
tor. In the meantime, connectors with
up to 72 fibers are in development.
The connector is distinctive due to its
compact design and simple handling,
but has disadvantages in optical per-
formance and reliability.

FO connector types – part 1

79
3. Pre-installation

Connector Type Standard Info

E2000TM, IEC 61754-15 This connector is a development of

LSH Diamond SA, which focuses on LAN
2.5 mm MMF, and CATV applications. It is produced
SMF PC, APC by three licensed manufacturers in
Switzerland, which also results in an
unmatched standard of quality. The
integrated protective shutter protects
against dust and scratches, but also
against laser beams. The connector
has a locking latch retention mecha-
nism that is coded both mechanically
and according to color. It is the first
connector to achieve Grade A
performance

LC IEC 61754-20 The connector belongs to a new gene-

1.25 mm MMF, ration of compact connectors. It was
SMF PC, APC developed by the company Lucent (LC
stands for Lucent Connector). Its cons-
truction is based upon a ferrule with
1.25 mm diameter. The duplex coupler
matches the size of an SC coupler
(SC footprint). This allows very high
packing density, making its usage in
data centers attractive. Is the defacto
standard connector in the enterprise
market due to the backing from the
main equipment manufacturers. The
optical and mechanical performance
is below the level of an SC-RJ or
E-2000™.

FO connector types – part 2

80
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Connector Type Standard Info

SC-RJ IEC 61754-24 As the name already reveals, the deve-

2.5 mm MMF, lopers at R&M oriented themselves on
SMF PC, APC the RJ45 format. Two SCs form a unit
in the size of an RJ45. This is equiva-
lent to the SFF (Small Form Factor).
2.5 mm ferrule sleeve technology is
used. This is more robust and reliable
when compared to the 1.25 mm
ferrule. The SC-RJ impresses not only
with its compact design, but also with
optical and mechanical performance.
It is an all-rounder – usable from Gra-
de A to M, from single mode to POF,
from WAN to LAN, from laboratory
to outdoors. For the latter usage, the
IP67 version of the SC-RJ is recom-
mended. R&M has released a white
paper covering the SC-RJ («SC-RJ –
Reliability for every Category»).

FO connector types – part 3

81
3. Pre-installation

Connector Type Standard Info

ST IEC 61754-2 These bayonet couplers were the first

2.5mm MMF, PC connectors (1996). Due to this
SMF PC and the very robust design, they are
still used worldwide in LAN networks
(mainly industry). ST is the name for
«Straight» type.

LC IEC 61754-20 The coupler belongs to a new gene-

1.25 mm MMF, ration of compact connectors. It was
SMF PC, developed by the company Lucent
APC Flange- (LC stands for Lucent Connector). Its
less, construction is based upon a ferrule
Screwable with 1.25 mm diameter. The duplex
coupler matches the size of a single
SC coupler (SC footprint). This allows
very high packing density, making its
usage in data centers attractive. Is
now the defacto standard connector
in the enterprise market due to the
backing from the main equipment
manufacturers. The optical and
mechanical performance is below the
level of an SC-RJ or E-2000™.

E2000™ IEC 61754-15 This coupler is a development of

Compact Diamond SA, which focuses on LAN
E2000™ and CATV applications. It is produced
2.5 mm MMF, by three licensed manufacturers in
SMF PC, Switzerland, which also results in an
APC Flange- unmatched standard of quality. The
less, Screwable integrated protective shutter protects
against dust and scratches, but also
against laser beams. The coupler has
a locking latch retention mechanism
that is coded both mechanically and
according to color.

Fiber adapter types – part 1

82
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Connector Type Standard Info

SC-RJ IEC 61754-24 As the name already reveals, the deve-

2.5 mm MMF, lopers at R&M oriented themselves on
SMF PC, the RJ45 format. Two SCs form a unit
APC Flange- in the size of an RJ45. This is equiva-
less, lent to the SFF (Small Form Factor).
Screwable 2.5 mm ferrule sleeve technology is
used. This is more robust and reliable
when compared to the 1.25 mm
ferrule. The SC-RJ impresses not only
with its compact design, but also with
optical and mechanical performance. It
is an all-rounder – usable from Grade
A to M, from single mode to POF,
from WAN to LAN, from laboratory
to outdoors. For the latter usage, the
IP67 version of the SC-RJ is recom-
mended. R&M has released a white
paper covering the SC-RJ («SC-RJ –
Reliability for every Category»).

SC Simplex, IEC 61754-4 This type of connector with a qua-

Duplex dratic design and push/pull system
2.5 mm MMF, (SC stands for Square Connector or
SMF PC, Subscriber Connector). The compact
APC Flange- design of the SC allows for a high
less, Screwable packing density. It can be combined to
duplex and multiplex connections. Alt-
hough among the oldest connectors, it
has excellent properties. To this day it
is the most important WAN connector
world-wide, thanks to excellent optical
properties. SC is also wide-spread in
a duplex version, particularly in local
area networks.

MPO MMF, IEC 61754-7 The MPO (multi path push-on) coupler
SMF PC, APC is simply a vessel to hold the MPO
connectors as they mate directly to
each other without requirement for
ferrules. The coupler is distinctive
due to its compact design and simple
handling, but has disadvantages in
optical performance and reliability.

Fiber adapter types – part 2

83
3. Pre-installation

Approved in March 2007, the standard IEC 61753 id the purchase of over-specified products which in
describes application-oriented grades for connec- service potentially do not deliver the expected loss
tion elements in fiber-optic networks (see Tables values. The current requirements catalogue is based
below). The clear identification according to grades in part on IEC 61753. This standard defines loss va-
and the test method required by the IEC help plan- lues. Additionally, the standards IEC 61755-3-1 and
ners and those responsible for networks during the IEC 61755-3-2 play a role. They define geometric
needs-based selection of plug-in connectors, patch parameters for fiber-optic plug-in connectors. The
cables, and pigtails. Data centers and telecommu- interaction of these three standards creates the ba-
nications companies can determine the fiber-optic sis for the compatibility of fiber-optic plug-in con-
assortment according to usage and make faster and nectors from different manufacturers and for the
more targeted purchasing decisions. They also avo- determination of manufacturer-neutral loss values.

Performance according IEC 61753-1 (IL)

Connection type Insertion loss (IL) typical value Insertion loss (IL) 97%

Singlemode

Grade A* ≤ 0.07 dB ≤ 0.15 dB

Grade B ≤ 0.12 dB ≤ 0.25 dB

Grade C ≤ 0.25 dB ≤ 0.50 dB

Grade D ≤ 0.50 dB ≤ 1 dB

Connection type Insertion loss (IL) typical value Insertion loss (IL) 95% Insertion loss (IL) 100%

Multimode

Grade Am* ≤ 0.10 dB ≤ 0.25 dB ≤ 0.50 dB

Grade Bm* ≤ 0.15 dB ≤ 0.15 dB ≤ 0.25 dB

IL Grades according IEC 61753-1 Grade-A* is not fully defined in IEC 61753-1
Grade-Am*/Bm* is not fully defined in IEC 61753-1

Performance gemäss IEC 61753-1 (RL)

Connection type Return loss (RL)

Grade 1 ≥ 60dB mated

≥ 55dB unmated

Grade 2 ≥ 45dB

Grade 3 ≥ 35dB

Grade 4 ≥ 26dB Overview of performance criteria of the new per-

formances grades for data transmission in fiber-op-
Grade 5 ≥ 20dB
tic connections according to IEC 61753.
RL Grade according IEC 61752-1

84
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Theoretically, the IL grades (A to D) can be mixed at will with RL grades. However, a Grade A/4 would not
make sense, and for this reason the following common combinations have established themselves. Those in
brackets can be possible but are not recommended:

Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4

Connector Grade A

Connector Grade B

Connector Grade C

Connector Grade D ( ) ( )

Connector Grade M

FO connector IL vs RL

Plugs and adapters are color-coded. The color coding is used to differentiate between fiber types and
grinding shapes. MMF PC plugs and adapters are generally beige, SMF PC plugs and adapters have a blue
housing color and all APC plugs and adapters are green.

Fiber cable standards

The standards describe 5 different categories of fiber: OM3, OM4, OM5, OS2, OS1a

ISO 11801-1 values Multimode Singlemode

OM3 & OM4 OM5 O S 1 a O S 2

Wavelength (nm) 850 1300 850 1300 1310 1383 1550 1310 1383 1550

Cable attenuation
3.5 1.5 3.0 1.5 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.4 0.4 0.4
(dB/km)

ISO11801-1 cable attenuation

85
3. Pre-installation

Overfilled Overfilled
R&Mfreenet figures Color Cable Attenuation dB/km launch bandwidth launch bandwidth
MHz x KM MHz x KM

850 nm
Wavelength MMF 850 nm 1300 nm 850 nm
1300 nm
Wavelength SMF 1310 nm 1550 nm 953 nm
953 nm

≥ 1500
OM3 Aqua ≤ 3.5 ≤ 1.5 ≥ 2000
≥ 500

≥ 3500
OM4 Magenta ≤ 3.5 ≤ 1.5 ≥ 4700
≥ 500

≥ 3500
Lime ≥ 4700
OM5 ≤ 3.0 ≤ 1.5 ≥ 500
green ≥ 2470
≥ 1850

OS2 G.652 Yellow ≤ 0.4 ≤ 0.25

OS2 G.657 Yellow ≤ 0.4 ≤ 0.25

R&Mfreenet FO cable loss

Each of these fiber types can be used in a cable with several tubes are stranded around a central tensi-
a different cable structure. The structure is descri- on element. With mini-breakout cables, the fibers
bed by the designation according to DIN-VDE 0888. (900 µm buffer) are surrounded by strain relief ele-
The first significant difference is the use indoors or ments and a sheath. Direct connector installation is
outdoors or with universal cables for both areas. We possible in certain installations. The breakout cable
also differentiate between loose tube, mini-break- consists of single simplex cables under a common
out and breakout cables. With the loose tube cable, jacket. Connectors can be mounted on these cables
up to 24 fibers (with 250 µm primary protection) with strain relief. Table «Fiber cable types» lists the
are guided in a central tube and surrounded with R&Mfreenet installation cable portfolio.
strain relief and sheathing. If there are more fibers,

86
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Use Indoor In-/Outdoor Outdoor

Central Stranded Central Stranded Central Stranded Stranded

Mini-
Type of cable Breakout Loose Loose Loose Loose Loose Loose Loose
Breakout
Tube Tube Tube Tube Tube Tube Tube

A- A-
I/A- I/A- A- A- A-
Cable description I-V( ZN ) I-V( ZN ) DF( ZN ) DF( ZN )
DQ( ZN ) DQ( ZN ) DQ( ZN ) DQ( ZN ) D( ZN )
DIN-VDE 0888 HH BH 2YW YQ( ZN )
BH BH B2Y B2Y W2Y
2Y 2Y

Fiber count 8–24 4–24 4–24 12–144 4–24 12–144 6–24 12–96 12–96

FireRes® FireBur® FireBur® FireBur®

Outer sheath LLDPE MDPE MDPE MDPE HDPE
LSZH LSZH LSZH LSZH

Sheath colour Green Green Green Green Black Black Black Black Black

Glass Glass Glass Glass Glass Corruga- Corruga-

Armouring Aramid Aramid
yarn yarn yarn yarn yarn ted steel ted steel

Rodent protection - + + + ++ ++ +++ +++ -

Tertiary cabling

Building BB

Campus BB

WAN

Trunking

Ducts, Trays

Building riser

Raised floor

Empty tube

Ducts

Directly in ground

Blowing

On site termination

Splicing

VARIOline

Fiber cable types

87
3. Pre-installation

Fiber optic cable construction and properties

The cable designation varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. In most cases, however, the cables have
an imprint that describes how many fibers and which fiber type the cable contains.

• Single-mode indoor cables are green, yellow or black

• Multimode indoor cables are usually colored according to the OM class. OM3 aqua, OM4 magenta,
OM5 lime green
• Outdoor cables are usually black, with two orange markings on the outer sheath and relatively stiff
• Examples for printed cable identifications: 12x9/125, 12x9/125 OS2, 12x50, OM3, OM4, OM5
• The first number describes the number of fibers, the second the fiber type, the third identifier the class

R&Mfreenet solution Cable construction

1. Fiber 9, 50, 62.5 / 125 μm

2. Cladding 250μm / Buffer 900 μm
Duplex Cable Figure 8 3. Strain relief (Aramid)
4. Outer sheath

1. Fiber 9, 50, 62.5 / 125 μm

2. Cladding 250μm / Buffer 900 μm
Duplex Cable Figure 0 3. Strain relief (Aramid)
4. Sheath
5. Outer sheath

1. Fiber 9, 50, 62,5 / 125 μm

2. Cladding 250μm / Buffer 900 μm
3. Strain relief (Aramid)
Breakout Cable
4. Sheath
5. Central strength element
6. Outer sheath

1. Fiber 9, 50, 62,5 / 125 μm

2. Cladding 250μm
Buffer 900μm (with Minibreakout)
Mini Breakout & Mini Core
3. Strain relief (Aramid)
Cable
4. Sheath
(Mini core cable also with double
outer sheath available)

Fiber cable construction – part 1

88
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

R&Mfreenet solution Cable construction

1. Fiber 9, 50, 62.5 / 125 μm

2. Cladding 250 μm
3. Gel filling
Loose tube Cable
4. Loose tube
5. Rodent protection / filling material
6. Outer sheath

1. Fiber 9, 50, 62.5 / 125 μm

2. Cladding 250μm
3. Gel filling
4. Loose tube
Stranded Loose tube cable
5. Rodent protection / filling material
6. Outer sheath
7. Steel armouring (optional)
8. Central strength member

Fiber cable construction – part 2

There is a very large variety of fiber optic cables available on the market, therefore not all cable types are
reproduced here. However, the most common cables are shown above and cover most applications.

030.5693

89
3. Pre-installation

Sample calculations for installed fiber optic links

LAN Cabling

Channel

Link

Eqp Patch Patch Vertical Patch Eqp

EQP C cord CC cord CC Backbone CC cord CC cable CC cord CC cord C EQP

CD BD FD

FO sample calculation LAN

The link above is representation of a central CD with the LAN cabling going to a BD and patch through to a
FD, where the access switch is located. The cabling is done with 400 m OM3 grade cables and connectors.

If the generic standard values for the connector and cable were to be used, a link loss calculation of 0.75dB
per adapter and 3.5dB/km for the cable, a total loss of 4.5dB of connectors and 3.5dB/km * 0.4km = 1.4dB
loss of cable would generate a total loss of 5.9dB would be just enough to run 100Base-FX (See IEEE ap-
plications supported MMF (ISO/IEC 11801-1)). In order to run 10G, SMF fiber and transievers would have
to be installed.

Data Center

Channel

Link

M M M M
Eqp Fan MPO Fan Patch Eqp
Core C cord CC out
P P
link
P P
out CC cord CC cord C SVR
O O O O

MD EOR

FO sample Calculation DC

The above example shows a switch link from the server to an end of row configuration with LC connectors
and an MPO link between an EOR and a main distributor of 150m using OM4 cable.

According the generic standards a connector loss of 0.75dB per connector and a cable attenuation of
3.5dB/km would give 5 [LC, MPO, MPO, LC, LC] * 0.75dB equalling 3.75dB total connector loss. 3.5dB/
km * 0.15km = 0.525dB cable loss. The total channel loss is 4.275dB, which is too high to run 10GBASE
or 1000BASE applications.

90
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

3.3.2 Channel restrictions for fiber optic cable installations

The following figures represent the applicable mo- In order to accommodate increase quantities of ma-
dels for fiber optic horizontal and backbone cabling. ted connections and splices used within a channel
It is not required to have transmission equipment of a given class, the total length of the channel may
between the backbone vertical cabling and the hori- have to be reduced to accommodate the additional
zontal cabling to the TO, resulting in combined back- attenuation.
bone/horizontal connection models as shown here.

Channel

Link

Eqp Patch Eqp

EQP C cord CC cord CC Backbone/fixed horizontal cable CC CC cord C TE

BD BD FD CP TO
Link

Eqp Patch Eqp

EQP C cord CC cord CC Backbone/fixed horizontal cable CC cord C TE

BD BD FD TO

FO 3 Connector direct combined

Channel

Link

Eqp Patch Horizontal Eqp

EQP C cord CC cord CC Backbone Spl cable CC cord C TE

BD BD FD TO

Channel

Link

Eqp Patch Horizontal Eqp

EQP C cord CC cord CC Backbone Spl cable CC CC cord C TE

BD BD FD CP TO

FO 4 connector combined splice

91
3. Pre-installation

Channel

Eqp Patch Patch Horizontal Eqp

EQP C cord CC cord CC Backbone CC cord CC cable CC cord C EQP

BD FD TO

Channel

Eqp Patch Patch Horizontal Eqp

EQP C cord CC cord CC Backbone CC cord CC cable CC CC cord C EQP

BD FD CP TO

FO 5 connector direct combined

92
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

3.3.3 Creating a passive optical LAN network (POLAN)

Introduction

Installing passive optical cabling in an office cabling a high reliability and redundancy in the network can
environment can provide certain advantages and it be achieved. Added advantage is that by using an all
is supported by current standards and by R&Mfree- optical fiber network, EMC protection for the data
net products. POLAN are emerging in markets where cabling becomes a non-issue, which could be benefi-
there is a need to conserve space, reduce material cial from a security point of view. The bending radius,
costs and be energy efficient. It combines the GPON size and weight of FO cable also attribute to the ease,
technology that is known in the FTTx business with flexibility and speed of installation. However, it is an
the LAN architecture of office cabling. application dependent solution.

This solution’s only active components are the In order to comply with ISO, EN and TIA standards
Optical network Line Terminal (OLT) in the MD/ a minimum of 2 connections per workspace needs
BD and the Optical Network Termination (ONT) to be foreseen. All other requirements fall under the
at the work area, the connection in between has general standard configurations. The figure below si-
no active components, just passive single-mo- mulates how a PON infrastructure conforms to the
de fiber optic cabling, called optical distribution ISO layout.
network (ODN). As with a generic tree design,

Centralized
Management
IT & Data Server and Provisioning
ONT
OLT

WAP

Optical
Splitter

End User

Core Switch

Telephone
ISP Provider

End User
Principal scheme for POLAN

93
3. Pre-installation

Channel

Link

Eqp Horizontal Eqp

EQP C cord CC Spl Backbone Spl cable CC cord C TE

BD FD TO

O Cu
Eqp Horizontal Patch
OLT C cord CC Splitter CC Backbone CC Splitter CC cable CC cord CN C Eqp C EQP
cord
T
TO

Backbone O Cu
Horizontal Patch
CC cable CC cord CN C Eqp C EQP
cord
T
FD TO

O Cu
Patch Horizontal Patch
CC Backbone CC cord CC cable CC cord CN C Eqp C EQP
cord
T
BD FD TO

POLAN sample configuration

The optical channel budget will be a bit different as we are using a different network protocol, the current
common protocols are EPON 1Gbps and 10Gbps, and the table below provides the different power budgets
for each application.

94
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Downstream
Upstream ( 1310 nm ) Upstream Line Rate Downstream
IEEE 802.3 ( 1550nm )
Channel loss ( dB ) ( Gbit/s ) Line Rate ( Gbit/s )
Channel loss ( dB )

1000BASE PRX10 10.3125 1.25

≤20.00 ≤29.50
10GBASE PR10 10.3125 10.3125

1000BASE PRX20 10.3125 1.25

≤24.00 ≤23.50
10GBASE PR20 10.3125 10.3125

1000BASE PRX20 10.3125 1.25

≤29.00 ≤28.50
10GBASE PR20 10.3125 10.3125

1000BASE PRX40 10.3125 1.25

≤33.00 ≤32.50
10GBASE PR40 10.3125 10.3125

IEEE802.3 GPON power budget

As well as the normal connector and cable losses, as described in chapter 3.3.1, there are also the splitter los-
ses to consider and these losses depend on the quantity of outputs of the splitter. The table below provides
an overview of the R&M splitter module losses.

R&M Performance Specifications 1x4 1x8 1x16 1x32 1x64

Max IL @ 1310nm/(1490)1550nm (dB) ≤ 7.00 ≤ 10.40 ≤ 13.50 ≤ 17.00 ≤ 20.50

Uniformity ≤ 0.80 ≤ 1.00 ≤ 1.30 ≤ 1.50 ≤ 1.80

R&M splitter performance

95
3. Pre-installation

Sample Calculation

This example highlights a building of four floors, with four floor distributors that each serve 28 workplaces.
It can be calculated if POLAN architecture could be possible.

Cu
Horizontal Patch
CC cable CC cord C ONT C Eqp C EQP
cord

TO

Cu
Eqp 1x32 Horizontal Patch
OLT C cord CC Backbone CC Splitter CC cable CC cord C ONT C Eqp C EQP
cord

FD TO
BD
PatchMODULE

POLAN calculation sample

For each splitter, there is the loss of the entry and exit adapters plus the loss of the splitting technology. All
R&M splitters use standard grade B connectors. In this example, there is 1 adapter in BD, 2 in the FDs and 1
at the OTO (optical terminal outlet), which is a total of 4. By using the GOF calculator, it can be seen that the
combined loss of the connectors will be below 1.00dB. Additionally there is 17dB for the splitter in the FD.
Therefore the total calculated loss on the link is 18.00dB.

If the 1000BASE-PX10 protocol were to be used for the OLT, then a maximum channel loss of 20dB @1310nm
and 19.5dB @1550nm would be permissible, which would leave 2dB and 1.5dB margin respectively for re-
serve cable loss. Therefore with losses of 0.39dB/km @ 1310nm and 0.25dB/km @1550nm, this means a
maximum allowance of 5km @ 1310nm and 6km @ 1550nm.

96
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

1. Building distributor 2. Backbone cabling 3. Floor distributor

19" solution Wall-mount solution

Building Distributor Installation Cable 19" Cabinet Floor Distributor

OLT Cable Termination Splitter Shelve Splitter Module

SC-PC / APC Patch Cord Patch Cord

Fiber Distribution Fiber Distribution

4. Horizontal cabling 5. Consolidation point 6. Terminal outlet

CP solution Outlet solution

Installation Cable CP Enclosure Wall Mount TO

030.5657

Cable Termination Installation Cable Duct Mount TO

RJ45 Connection Module

RJ45 Terminal Outlet

ONT

090.6653

SC-APC Patch Cord

RJ45 Patch Cord

Products for the realization of a POLAN

97
3. Pre-installation

3.3.4 Planning the polarity of your fiber network

Optical fiber patch cord

A-to-A

A-to-B

OF patch cord polarity

FO installation cable color coding

Fiber No. IEC 60794-2 TIA 598-B ( MPO ) DIN VDE 0888 Swisscom code (CH)

1 Blue Blue Red Red

2 Yellow Orange Green Green

3 Red Green Blue Yellow

4 White Brown Yellow Blue

5 Green Slate White White

6 Violet White Slate Violet

7 Orange Red Brown Orange

8 Slate Black Violet Black

9 Aqua Yellow Aqua Slate

10 Black Violet Black Brown

11 Brown Rose Orange Rose

12 Rose Aqua Rose Aqua

FO installation cable color codes

98
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

99
3. Pre-installation

Standard link polarity

There are 2 possible ways of planning the polarity of your network; both systems have their disadvantages
and advantages. It is very important to have cleared the polarity concept with the end customer as they
will be the one that will be using the network.

Everything Crossed

Most commonly, standard fiber patch cords are in a crossed orientation (i.e. A connects to B and B con-
nects to A) to ensure that the transmit port is connected to the receive port on the other end. When the
fixed link is crossed it ensures that the transmit port is connected to the receive port, by having an odd
number of links (a patch cord at each end plus the fixed link). Here, the responsibility lies with the installer
to ensure appropriate polarity of the fixed link to enable this duplex configuration.

FO crossed backbone polarity

Advantage: Disadvantage:

• No need to change the duplex patch cords • Coordination during fiber terminations which
• Same polarity configuration if mixed with side has the polarity change
MPO/cassette links in method B & S • Difficulties in polarity assurance with even
amount of links, e.g. CP/ZD
• The polarity concept will have an influence on
how preterminated links and/or the pigtail
configuration in a patch panel is ordered

100
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Fixed Link Straight

In this case the fixed link is installed one-to-one according to the color code required. So one of the pairs
in one of the patch cords must be crossed in order to connect Tx to Rx. Here the responsibility lies with
the IT administrator to ensure correct polarity

FO straight backbone polarity

Advantage: Disadvantage:

• The fixed cable can be terminated according • Strict procedures to be written to define where
to the same color code on both sides the technician needs to change the polarity of
the patch cord
• Difficulties in polarity assurance with multiple
links, e.g. CP/ZD or 2 links
• Same polarity when combining with
MPO/cassette links in method A.

MPO polarity
While coding on the plugs and couplings ensures correct orien-
tation of the plug connection throughout, the polarity methods
A, B and C defined according to TIA-568-C should guarantee the
correct bidirectional assignment. Depending on the manufacturer,
there are a large number of different polarity methods that can
sometimes cause confusion. In the following sections we will ex-
plain the most commonly used polarity methods. There are also
other variants available from us. In addition, customer-specific va-
riants can also be created. MPO plugs continue to be developed
and manufacturers are trying to fit more and more fibers into the
plug. There are already prototypes with up to 72 fibers in a single
connector. The picture below shows a 24 fiber MPO connector
with two rows of 12 fibers each.

101
3. Pre-installation

White dot shows

fiber number 1

Key Up and Key Down

MPO Type A Cable

MPO Type B Cable

MPO Type A and MPO Type B Cables

102
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Method A

Method A uses straight-through type A trunks (pin1 to pin1) and type A (key-up to key-down) MPO adap-
ters. On one end of the link is a straight-through patch cord (A-to-B), on the other end is a cross-over patch
cord (A-to-A). A pair-wise flip is done on the patch end. Note that only one A-to-A patch cord may be used
for each link. Here the responsibility lies with the IT Admin to ensure correct polarity. MPO components
from R&M have been available for Method A since 2007. It can be implemented quite easily, because e.g.
just one cassette type is needed, and it is probably the most widespread method.

Duplex

Type A Type A
A-to-B 2x type A A-to-A
MPO12

MPO polarity method A components

MPO polarity method A fan-out

103
3. Pre-installation

Parallel

Type A Type A
Type A Type B
MPO24 Type A MPO24
MPO24

MPO polarity method A 40/100G

Method S

Method S (a designation defined by R&M) has been available since 2013. It requires just one type of patch
cord (A-to-B). The crossover of the fibers for duplex signal transmission (10 GBASE-SR) takes place in the
pre-assembled cassette. The connectivity diagram for the trunk cable and patch cord or the light guidance
remains the same all the time, even for parallel transmission for setting up 40/100 GbE installations. The
method S is applicable for MMF and SMF and can be used with Type A and Type B trunks. The twelve LC
ports are divided into Tx and Rx so that all Tx fibers are run to a 12-fiber MPO and all Rx fiber to another
12-fiber MPO. These two MPOs can be bundled in an X cable, for example. Type B adapters are installed
in the modules. It is therefore impossible to have only a 12 fiber MPO cassette, the minimum fiber count is
24 per cassette. Symmetric cabling for 1G, 10G, 40G and 100G is therefore enabled in collaboration with
type of trunks used for the duplex solution. That means capacity can be expanded directly in an uncom-
plicated and inexpensive manner. In addition, the only thing that has to be done is to replace the cassettes
with adapter plates.

104
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Parallel Solution Trunk B

MPO polarity method with R&M fan-out Trunk B

Parallel Solution Trunk B

Type B Type B
Type B Type B
MPO24 Type B MPO24
MPO24

MPO polarity method R&M 40/100G Trunk B

105
3. Pre-installation

Duplex solution Trunk A

MPO polarity method with R&M fan-out Trunk A

Parallel solution Trunk A

Type A Type A
Type A Type B
MPO24 Type A MPO24
MPO24

MPO polarity method R&M 40/100G Trunk A

106
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

030.5934

107
4. Installation

108
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

109
4. Installation

4.1 General

4.1.1 Safety
The installer must take all necessary safety precautions, such as wearing protective clothing and goggles
and observing warning signs or barriers, to ensure that the required personnel and equipment protection for
themselves and third parties is provided.

Applicable national laws and regulations regarding safety must always be observed. In addition to the legal
responsibility everyone is also responsible for their own health. Current legislation gives planners responsibi-
lity for the project safety, while the building owner is expected to respect the many standards concerning the
safety of the building’s electrical infrastructure.

4.1.2 Labels and administration

The labeling of components and telecom spaces are mandatory requirement of all the cabling standards. While
all cabling standards require identification, labeling and recording of all cabling elements in a database, it is TIA/
EIA 606-B that stipulates precise rules on this topic. In ISO/IEC 14763-2 and EN 50174-1 installers are given
freedom in how to implement identification, labels and database.

All R&Mfreenet components are designed and supplied with everything the installer requires to implement the
standards. However, if an installer wants to adopt a different method, R&M can accept that too, provided the
following three conditions are fulfilled:

1. All cabling elements are identified and recorded in the installation database.
2. All cabling elements are labeled in accordance with one of the recognized cabling standards.
3. A cabling system database is set up including all components and their connections.

James Pond – unsplash.com

110
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

4.1.3 Storage and transport of installation cable

If the installation cable (copper or fiber) is not used conditions. If possible, the stored material should be
immediately after delivery, it must be stored in a sui- kept in its original packing right up to the time of ins-
table location. tallation. The relatively loose cable construction (ge-
nerally true of all symmetrical data cables) can cause
The volume of cabling, equipment racking and tech- a slight capillary effect, which can draw moisture into
nology deliveries will be high during the build-out the cable. If water enters in this manner, impedance
phase. Delivery of goods-in will require storage in values of the cable change, which causes the elect-
a secure area within the building stack. The cable rical transmission characteristics of the cable to de-
must be stored in a dry location where it will not be teriorate.
subjected to mechanical damage or harmful climatic

Copper cable stored in good conditions Copper cable stored in the wrong conditions

Any moisture entering reduces the effectiveness of Remember that receiving inspection is the first step
the conductor insulation and increases the risk of of the quality process. This inspection should include:
corrosion of metallic parts, also water inside the cable cable quantity, part number verification, recording of
can cause the cable sheath to break if the tempera- cable quality traceability identifiers (production lot,
ture falls below zero degrees. For this reason, cable batch, production date) and possibly verifying func-
ends should be protected. Fiber optic cables should tionality by creating a sample link to be tested accor-
be protected with heat shrink cap. When data cables ding to standards. Remember that before any testing,
are delivered in winter, cable reels that were exposed you should allow two or three days for the cable to
to temperatures below zero for a long time should be relieve the stress of lay down or pulling operation.
left to acclimatize in a warmer environment before
they are unrolled and installed.

Unloading and transportation of cable should be done in such a way it does not damage the cable or the reel.
Do not drop reels from a height as this could give problems with de-reeling and cause damage to the cable.
When unloading cable use the lift or a forklift truck to lower the cable drums. When using a forklift, be sure
the reel flanges are perpendicular to the forks.

111
4. Installation

Unloading reel with bar Correct lifting procedure

When rolling reels make sure the road taken does not hold any obstacles that could damage the cable.

4.1.4 Environmental conditions

The following measures will have positive impact on the final testing and warranty hand-over. They will avoid
complications and damage to the IT infrastructure during the build and make sure the labor put in the cable
installation is not in vein due to neglect of others.

Telecommunications Room (TR) and Equipment Room (ER)

The raised floors in TRs or ERs should be protected from builders work by e.g. floor covering. Access to these
rooms will require the provision of a sticky mat, changed frequently and maintained in a continual clean state.

These rooms should have temporary security measures, under lock and key whilst pending completion/com-
missioning of the final Security platform. It is proposed that a key lock system be established based upon sign-
in/sign-out for all hubs, risers and ER spaces. It should be further considered that on-site security will cover
these key areas.

Risers and ducts

Access to any IT riser space will require protection. Installed looms of cables are sensitive and have significant
program and cost impact through accident, or any intended or non-intended malicious behavior. Appropriate
provision for concealing cables away from on-going builders work needs to be considered.

112
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Cleaning

Technology equipment requires an extremely clean working environment at all times. A key consideration to
the IT program of work and retaining program is the environmental cleanliness of the spaces where IT works
are planned. As such, the following definitions should aid in the development of the program for readiness of
the IT works.

• Builders clean – any space ahead of acceptance by IT for works to proceed will require a thorough ‚
Builders Clean’. This means all areas, above floor and sub floor are vacuumed and cleaned of all debris.
• Clinical Clean – TRs/ERs undergo a clean by a specialist contractor to EN ISO 14644/1 Level 8
ahead of any area whereby specialist IT equipment is to be hosted and power activated, the area will
be subjected to a clinical clean. This means that the entire area has been subjected to ‚white glove’ dust
cleaning and will pass any particle test of air sampling.

These cleaning definitions typically relate to acceptance of spaces from the fit-out contractor, «Room Ready»
is a defined milestone for installation of the IT program of works.

The contractor should incorporate an allowance to conduct numerous shifts of each of these cleaning phases.
Any areas not-fit-for purpose will have direct impact on the installation. Cleanliness and environment conditi-
ons must be maintained to the highest of standards especially when installing fiber optic components as they
are very sensitive to dirt.

Nico Frey – unsplash.com

113
4. Installation

4.2 Copper

4.2.1 Cable characteristics

It is very important to install cables carefully to achieve the values specified in the standards.

Symmetrical installation cables are intended to be installed only once. Margins are so tight in today’s data cable
design that performance deterioration caused by improper installation can already lead to failures during the
acceptance tests. The following requirements must therefore, be strictly adhered to when installing a cable.

General

When routing cables in under floor system raceways, care should be taken not to pinch the cables to avoid
highly probable damage to the cables. This often occurs when fitting floor plates and causes irreparable
damage to installation cables. Avoid coiling cable slack as it can cause return loss reflections which can lead
to a fail during acceptance testing.

Avoid laying out (extensively unrolling) the cable before pulling it to prevent third parties from damaging
the exposed cable. Remember that symmetrical cables are designed for indoor applications; therefore the
cable should always be protected. Unprotected cables are subject to damage.

The cables may not be unrolled over the sides of the reel flanges (This risks twisting the cables. The geo-
metry of the symmetrical pairs is noticeably changed). If dampness or wetness is detected when pulling the
cables, the source of the water must be determined and eliminated. All cables that are exposed to water
during installation must be replaced.

Correct cable routing

114
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Cable tensile force

Maximum tensile force during installation – S/FTP 80 N

Maximum tensile force during installation – U/UTP 110 N

Always refer to the relevant data sheet for exact figures.

With special tools it is not possible to exceed a certain pulling force. These tools always assure the quality
of the twisted pair cable. In order to further reduce the tensile force in the installation cable when unrol-
ling, it is advisable to assist the unrolling process by turning the reel. That is, whenever possible, the reel
should be manually unrolled.

Proper direction Wrong direction

Proper direction for unrolling Wrong direction for unrolling

When routing installation cables in vertical shafts maintain its original shape. If the cable fasteners are
or risers, gravity should be used – instead of pulling fixed too tightly, pressure points result, which de-
the cables up the shaft where possible, lower them teriorates the electrical transmission properties of
from above. This avoids unnecessary tensile stress. the data cables.
Nevertheless, this is sometimes neither possible
nor practical. If the cables must be pulled upward, For vertical installations strain relief is recommen-
adequate installation personnel should be available ded at least every 600 mm. Avoid cable bundling
to safely and carefully pull the cable through all of or limit the quantity of cables bundled together to
the levels. When routing installation cables in ra- reduce the occurrence of alien crosstalk and cable
ceways they should be fastened – use Velcro and stress when moving or bending, and to make sure
avoid plastic straps, fasten the cable after it is sitting the specified bending radii are not exceeded. When
in its final position and never bend cable bundle af- pulling the cable, a cable pulling sock should be
ter fasteners are tightened. Ensure that the cable used.
fasteners are not too tight. It should still be possib-
Note: Fasten all conductors to the pulling tool and se-
le to turn them slightly and the cable jacket should
cure with insulation tape.

115
4. Installation

Proper vertical riser installation Correct fastening of vertical cables

Cable bending radius

The following bending radii rule of thumb for R&Mfreenet copper installation cables:

Category Installation Installed

Cat. 5e 50 mm 25 mm

Cat. 6/6A 60 mm 30 mm

Cat. 7 / 7A / 8.1 / 8.2 70 mm 35 mm

Real10 U/UTP 70 mm 60 mm

Sample copper cabling bending radius

Always refer to the relevant data sheet for exact figures.

When bend radii are too tight, especially in cable installa-

tion, they can alter the mechanical structure of the twisted
pairs within a cable, and this has a negative effect on the
cable’s transmission characteristics (mostly NEXT, FEXT
and RL).

If cables are routed across any edges where they bend or

branch, ensure that the minimum specified bending radius
for the respective cable type is maintained when pulling the
cable. If cables must be pulled across edges, ensure that Copper cable installation pulley

the outer cable jacket is not damaged by abrasion or tensile

stress. Ensure that the total weight of all installed cables
does not damage the installation cables on the bottom.

The use of guides and pulleys is recommended to protect

the pulled cables, as well as routing by hand using an ad-
ditional installer or partially installing step by step.

116
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Cable management

There are different possibilities for drawing installation cables from their cable entry through the distribu-
tor cabinet to the connection modules. It needs to be made certain that the cables are sufficiently tension-
relieved and run in a loop, allowing the elements to be taken out easily from the front (cable reserves are
used for maintenance or a later upgrade to higher categories).

Proper rack cable management Wrong rack cable management

Cable management examples

117
4. Installation

4.2.2 Cable preparation

Copper cables should only be prepared and con-
nected using suitable tools. If, for example, a knife
or an unsuitable stripping tool is used when strip-
ping the cables, there is a risk that the wires in the
cable may be damaged or their insulation cut. If this
is the case, it is highly likely that shielding, short-cir-
cuits or other sources of error are then caused. It is
also important to use a side cutter that allows the
wires to be cut cleanly and flush. It should be highl-
ighted that all modules or plugs, regardless of their
design, are connected cleanly and carefully.

R&M offers various connection, stripping and auxi-

liary tools that enable clean stripping and termina-
tion of cables and modules.

However, R&M products are also good and easy

to process with most conventional tools. However,
special care should then be taken to work carefully
and cleanly.

Tools for terminating copper cables

118
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

4.2.3 Termination of modules

Category Beschaltung

Cat. 5e, Cat. 6

According to the types of modules,
Cat.5e & Cat.6, different covers can
be applied

E – Kabel aufschieben / Insert cable

090.5327, 010.2017 020.1312
E1

Cat. 6A EL
Kabel bis zum An-
schlag einführen. /
Insert cable as far as
possible.

030.6040 / 021.2402.1

F – Kabeleinlassvarianten / Cable entry variants

F1 F2
0° 90 °

090.7180, 090.7179, 090.7571, 090.7569 021.3081, 021.3082, 021.3083 030.6040 021.2311

G – Paar ausrichten / Cable entry variants

Cat. 6A ISO & Cat. 8.1
G1 Kabelende 1 G2 Kabelende 2
Cable end 1 Cable end 2
Blaues und Braunes
Paar positionieren. /
Position blue and
brown pairs.
Blaues und Braunes
Paar positionieren. /
Position blue and
021.5147 brown pairs. 021.5147

021.2303,
H – Ein Paar021.2304, 021.2334,
kreuzen / Cross 021.2374
over one pair

H1 Beispiel für Kabelende 2 /

Shown for cable end 2
B B
A A
030.5527, 030.5971
A A

568A 568B
B B

030.6041 / 030.6042 / 030.6043 / 030.6044

030.6041 / 030.6042 / 030.6043 / 030.6044

Termination of modules

119
4. Installation

4.2.4 Patch cables

Patch cables are increasingly important key factors in reaching the target channel performance. That is
why R&M recommends using only patch cables of the highest quality. Patch cables should be replaced
after 750 matings. Smaller bending radius than 4 x D is not allowed, kinks and torsion can reduce the per-
formance.

Applying of tensile force is not allowed (maximum of 2N). It is highly recommended to use R&M patch cords
with any installed R&M System.

4.2.5 Characteristic problems in generic cabling systems

Cat. 5e/Cat. 6 Module

A major problem source is incorrect termination of R&M connection modules. The installation instructions
enclosed with the connection module must always be followed.

Correct wiring / Extra twist on the outer 2 pairs / Incorrect wiring / Air gaps between the pairs /
No crossings Overlapping pairs / No complete entering of pairs
(orange)

Correct wiring Incorrect wiring

The conductor pairs should be led directly into the module from the cable jacket, without crossing over
another pair. Faultless measuring for the acceptance test can only be ensured through correct wiring. The
cable jacket should be fixed on the module. The cable tie should not exert any pressure, which causes de-
formation of the cable jacket.

120
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Installation Test equipment

• Lay installation cables carefully following • Yearly calibration

instructions from the installer or planner • Daily referencing
• Lay the cables and try to avoid pulling them • Use adapter cables according to manufacturer
where possible (max. tensile force acc. To cable guidelines and standards to avoid possible
supplier) measurement deterioration
• Use very little tension or pressure with the cable • Always handle the Cat. 6A test adapter patch
fastener cables with care, maintain a maximum bending
• Observe bending radii radius when storing
• Avoid kinking or pinching • As the test adapters have a limited usability,
the test equipment manufacturers must be
consulted as to the how many tests can be
completed with the specific adapters.
• Frequently inspect and compare test result
consistency

121
4. Installation

4.3 Fiber

4.3.1 Safety

Laser precaution

Laser beam used in optical communications is invisible and can seriously damage the eyes. Viewing it di-
rectly does not cause any pain and the iris of the eye does not close automatically as it does while viewing
bright light. This can cause serious damage to the eye’s retina, if eye is accidentally exposed to LASER
beam, immediately seek medical assistance.

NEVER LOOK INTO A FIBER HAVING A LASER COUPLED TO IT!

030.7110

122
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Laser Classification Overview

There are seven laser classifications, based on risk levels as specified in IEC 60825-1 Ed. 3.0: 2013. The
classes are 1, 1M, 2, 2M, 3R, 3B & 4. Laser manufacturers are required to label their lasers with warnings
and in specific cases, indicating laser emission values, laser apertures, skin hazards and invisible wave-
lengths also in accordance with the same standard. In addition, class 2 lasers or above, must be identified
with the label as shown here.

Laser Categories Installation

Class 1 A Class 1 laser is safe under all conditions of normal use, including when
using optical viewing instruments. Class 1 also includes high powered
lasers which are fully enclosed so that no radiation is accessible during
use (embedded laser product)

Class 1M Class 1M lasers are also safe including long-term direct viewing with the
naked eye. Eye injury may occur if certain viewing instruments are used
under particular circumstances as described in IEC 60825-1 Ed. 3.0:
2013. The wavelength region for these lasers is 302.5nm to 4000nm

Class 2 Class 2 lasers emit visible radiation in the wavelength range from 400nm
to 700nm. Extended deliberate staring into the beam can be hazardous,
but viewing with optical instruments presents no further risks

Class 2M Class 2M lasers emit visible laser beams like class 2 lasers and short
term naked eye exposure is safe. Viewing (even temporarily) with optical
instruments under certain conditions can be hazardous. However, dazzle,
flash-blindness and afterimages can occur which can have indirect general
safety implications

Class 3R Class 3R lasers have increased risk to Class 2M with a shorter time of
exposure before damage can be done. Also dazzle, flash-blindness and
afterimages have an increased likelihood to occur which can have indirect
general safety implications

Class 3B Class 3B lasers are normally hazardous with direct viewing even for the
shortest time. Exposure to skin may cause injuries and even pose a risk of
igniting flammable materials

Class 4 Class 4 lasers are the most dangerous and present serious risk to the eye
both when directly and indirectly viewed. Even reflected beams can be
dangerous. These lasers are hazardous to the skin and also present a fire
risk

Laser class overview according to IEC 60825 Ed. 3.0:2013

123
4. Installation

Optical fiber handling precaution

The applicable standards referring to the safety issues when working with fibers and lasers are the ANSI
Z136.2 or the IEC 60825-2.

The broken ends of fibers created during termination and splicing can be dangerous. The ends are ex-
tremely sharp and can easily penetrate the skin. They invariably break off and are very hard to find and
remove. Sometimes a pair of tweezers and a magnifying glass are needed to take them out. Any delay in
taking the fiber out of one's body could lead to infection. Hence:

• Be careful while handling fibers

• Do not stick the broken ends of fiber into your fingers
• Do not drop fiber pieces on the floor where they will stick in carpets or shoes and be carried
elsewhere-like home
• Dispose of all scraps properly
• Do not eat or drink near the installation area

Material safety

Fiber optic splicing and termination processes require various chemical cleaners and adhesives. The safety
instructions defined for these substances should also be followed. If there is confusion in usage of these
products, ask the manufacturer for a MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet). Remember the following instruc-
tions while working with material.

• Always work in well-ventilated areas.

• Avoid skin contact to materials involved as much as possible.
• Avoid using chemicals that cause allergic reactions.
• Even simple isopropyl alcohol, used as a cleaner, is flammable and should be handled carefully.

124
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Primary treatments if exposed to Isopropanol & Hexane in cleaning fibers

Hexane Iso-Propanol
Type of Exposure Emergency Emergency
Effect of exposure Effect of exposure
Treatment Treatment

Irritation of respirato- Maintain respiration, Irritation of upper Move victim into

ry tract, cough bed rest respiratory tract a fresh aired area,
Inhalation administer artificial
respiration if breat-
hing is regular

Nausea, Vomiting, Do not induce vo- Drunkenness & Have a victim drink
headache miting, immediately vomiting water and milk, seek
Ingestion
seek, medical aid.
medical advice

Irritation Wipe off affected Harmless to skin Wipe off affected

Contact with skin area of skin & wash area of skin & wash
with soap & water with soap & water

Irritation Wash eyes with Irritation Wash eyes with

Contact with eyes plenty plenty of water for
of water for 15 min 15 min.

Primary treatments Isopropanol & Hexane

Safety when working with splicing machines Manhole / Underground vaults safety:

Fusion splicing uses an electric spark, so ensure that • Explosive gases or vapors might be present
there are no flammable gases in the space where in manholes due to leaking of nearby gas or
fusion splicing is done. liquid pipelines. Before entering any manhole
test the manhole atmosphere with an approved
• Splicing should be avoided in places like test kit for flammable and poisonous gases.
manholes, where gases can accumulate.
• Avoid usage of any device that produces spark
• It is important to have a temperature-controlled or flame in manhole.
and spotlessly clean working area to ensure good
splicing.
• Smoking should not be allowed around fiber
optic work. The ashes from smoking can
contribute to the dust problems in fibers, apart
from the danger of explosion posed by them
due to presence of combustible substances

125
4. Installation

Working safety

To minimize the risks of an accident in the work area follow specified rules for setting up barricades, man-
hole guards and warning signs.

• Before pulling cable directly from figure 8 shape, make sure that the area inside the loop of the cable
is clear of personnel and equipment. Failure to do so may result in injury to personnel or damage to
the cable due to entanglement.
• Ensure that the tools and equipment used for cable installation are in proper condition. Corrosion of
equipment may damage cable or cause injury to personnel. Take care of electric hazards, if electrical
lines are passing through the manholes or vaults where installation is being done.

Cabinet aisle protection

126
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

4.3.2 Cable installation

All optical fiber cables are sensitive to damage during handling & installation. Here are some of the import-
ant parameters that need special attention during cable installation.

Unprofessional laying, for example across the edges of wall ducts, narrow cable tracks, and cable twisting
while pulling it, must be avoided. Critical locations therefore need to be treated with utmost care. We
recommend random sample testing of admissible bending radii in generic cabling systems after installation.

All cables that are exposed to water during installation must be replaced. Fiber cables should be cut back
by 1.5 m after installation, as this removes the section that has borne the majority of the tensile stress.
Allow 6m of slack after installation for handling terminations and / or splicing.

Cable tensile strength

Refer to cable manufacturer’s datasheet.

Stranded
Tensile Strength Breakout Mini-Breakout Central Loose Tube
Loose Tube
(N) I-V( ZN )HH I-V( ZN )BH I/A-DQ( ZN )BH
I/A-DQ( ZN )BH

Dynamic 1500 2400 – 3500 – 4500 1000 5000

Static 500 800 – 1150 – 1500 5000 3500

FO cable tensile strength

Use mechanical fuses or equivalent protection when you lay-in optical fiber cables, to ensure that the ma-
ximum tensile load established by the cable manufacturer is not exceeded. To prevent the ingress of water
and other contaminants during installation, the optical cable must always remain sealed.

Exceeding cable pulling forces can cause stress on the fiber, which can increase the attenuation and might
be irreversible.

Indoor and outdoor cables shall be used as specified.

It could happen that cables need to be (re)wound to another drum. The new drum needs to be as good as
new, i.e. no damage to the drum that could damage the cable during the rewind. The radius of new reel
needs to conform to the minimum bending radius of the cable. Also the maximum tensile strength has to
be obeyed while re-reeling the cable. The original cable data needs to be copied to the new reel. Exceeding
the specified tensile forces, particularly in connection with too small bending radii (main result of the high
forces), can negatively alter the cable properties.

127
4. Installation

Cable bending radius

When fiber bending radii are too tight during installation and also in cable duct and outlet boxes micro
cracks can occurs.

It results in higher attenuation and will decrease the lifetime of the fiber drastically. The bending radius
needs to be constantly checked when laying an installation cable.

In the event of distinctive shortfall of the laid down radii, stress applied to the installation cable or of
damage through third-parties, acceptance should be refused and cable replacement is required. Wrong
installation procedures, i.e.: kinking, bending radii, cable stress, torsion resulting in cable damage, will be
considered the installer’s responsibility. Optical fiber cables are designed with particular bending radius &
tensile strength. The cable should never be bent below minimum bending radius at any location. Doing so
can result in bending losses and/or breaks in the cable. Generally the bending radius of a cable is greater
than 20xD, where D is the diameter of cable.

Stranded
Bending Radius Breakout Mini-Breakout Central Loose Tube
Loose Tube
(mm) I-V( ZN )HH I-V( ZN )BH I/A-DQ( ZN )BH
I/A-DQ( ZN )BH

With load ≥ 100 – 150 – 175 ≥ 75 – 100 – 100 ≥ 100 ≥ 150 – 180 – 220

Without load ≥ 150 – 250 – 280 ≥ 130 –150 – 150 ≥ 60 ≥ 150 – 180 – 220

FO cable bending radius

Cable Management

Optical fiber cables in vertical risers should have

2 loops installed every 10 m to avoid tensile stress
due to gravity induced fiber sagging. The diameter
of the loop should respect the minimum bending
radius.

OF cables have to be installed with a bit more care,

especially when they are entering the cabinets. Also
care has to be taken that the cables have enough
tensile relief at the patch panels (Velcro) and when
they enter the cabinet.

Preferably we would like to have a different cable

route for the copper and fiber. Therefore, we re-
commend that fiber cables are routed and connec-
ted once all of the copper is finished.

When possible (mainly DC) use cable ducting espe-

Efficient cable management
cially designed for fiber.

128
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

4.3.3 Cable preparation

Fiber optic cables should only be terminated with
suitable tools. If, for example, a knife or an unsuita-
ble stripping tool is used when stripping the cables,
there is a risk of damaging the inner workings of
the cable. If this is the case, it is very likely that fi-
ber breaks, bruising or other sources of error will be
caused. It is also important to use the tear threads
(if any) when stripping the outer sheathing. If there
are two tearing threads, both should also be used.

If the cable has filling material or rodent protection,

it should be cut back to where the outer sheath was
removed. Depending on the application, it is recom-
mended to remove up to 4m of the cable sheath.
There are also customers who prescribe a special
length for the storage of loose tubes. The stripped
cable should be fixed well and the loose tubes, if
they are twisted, should be treated with a hot air
dryer so that they run straight and no longer have a
twist. The loose tubes themselves should be prepa-
red with a suitable tool. There are punch pliers with Tools for preparation and termination of fiber cables

various diameters or tools that scratch the loose tu-

bes to break them clean by hand.

Afterwards the fibers must be cleaned until no gel

residues are left. There are various special cleaning
agents for this, if necessary isopropyl alcohol can
also be used without any problems. There are also
gel-free loose tube cables, so-called dry loose tube
cables. At the point where the loose tube is inser-
ted into a splice cassette, a suitable adhesive tape
(fiberglass tape or fabric tape) must be inserted
around the loose tube, as the loose tube is likely to
slip away on the cable ties alone.

Commercial insulating tape is not recommended, as

this can become detached when the splice cassette
is hot and therefore no longer securely held in pla-
ce. The coating of the fiber should be removed with
a special stripper (miller pliers), then the bare fiber
must be cleaned with a lint-free cloth and isopropyl
alcohol before further preparation.

129
4. Installation

4.3.4 Fiber cable termination

Termination of connectors

There are several ways of terminating fiber optic

cables, such as but not limited to:

• Field termination
• Break-out cable termination
• Fusion splice
• Mechanical splice

Marking and color coding of fiber adapters and connectors

Correct coding, for example by color of connectors and adapters, is important. It ensures that mating of
different fibers does not occur. For duplex links use additional keying devices to ensure the right polarity.

To distinguish between single-mode and multimode adapters and connectors use only the following colors:

• Multimode 50 um and 62,5 um Beige, Black, Aqua, Magenta or Lime Green

• Singlemode PC Blue
• Singlemode APC Green

Termination FO Field

The FO Field is a field-attachable connector which is available as LC and SC as well as multimode and
all singlemode variants. Thanks to its easy handling and good performance, it is a very useful plug for
repairs, smaller service orders, special applications and special productions where it is not possible to splice.
A fiber cleaver is the only specialist tool required to terminate this type of connector.

030.6320
LC APC connector FO Field

130
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

The FO Field assembly process is simple:

Step 1 – 021.2716 Step 2 – 021.4744 Step 3 – 021.4749

Cable preparation and cleaving Insert cable into rear of connector Ensure tensile strength
Break fiber to length Insert fiber into connector until Attach strain relief to connector
it stops, lock fiber in place by
pressing window and clamp

Assembled FO Field connector

Installation Manual
FO Field

131
4. Installation

4.3.5 Patch cables

It is recommended to use bend insensitive fiber
patch cables in the patching environment as they
have become an important key factor in reaching
the target channel performance.

Patch cables should be replaced after 1000 ma-

tings.

When doing MACs with patch cables the utmost

care has to be taken not to apply excessive stress to
the patch cord involved as well to the patch cords in
the direct environment. The maximum tensile force
on the patch cords should not be exceeded, please
consult the relevant data sheet for the values.

It is highly recommended to use R&M patch cords

Patch cables with R&M’s Netscale
with any installed R&M System.

Patch cable management with R&M ODF system

132
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

4.4 Installation checklist

The following lists the characteristics of a proper and professional installation:

• Adequate personnel must be present at site to pull the installation cables.

• Before routing the cables, edges of openings and pipes must be rounded off, to avoid damaging
the jacket when the cables are later routed and fastened.

• Cable ducts or conduits must be used when passing through walls. Remember that the standard
requires these spaces to be only 50 % occupied, i.e. it is foreseen that the same amount of cables
will be added during the lifetime of the current cables.

• When installing the cable, the bending radius may not be less than that specified by the cable
manufacturer. The same applies after the cable has been installed.

• To avoid accidental cable damage, the cables should be laid directly from the cable reels along
the cable routes and should not be laid out for several meters along the floor.

• Ensure that adequate tools for cable unrolling, lay down and/or pulling as well as pulleys for corners
are available and personnel instructed on their usage.

• Any sign of stress or kinks in the cable sheath insulation or conductors must be avoided (e.g. caused
by improper fastening or by the weight of crossed installation cables).

• The radius of the channel route must be selected so that the specified minimum bending radius is
maintained when changing direction.

• Metallic ducts or raceways must be properly connected and bonded to ground.

• Do not bundle cables (especially U/UTP) together. If this is not possible/ practical then limit the
number of cables bundled together.

• Cables tie guns or similar tools may not be used when fastening various types of cables, nor may they
be used when fastening cable ties to provide connection module strain relief.

• No pressure may be exerted on the cables because of improper tying from using quick cable installers
or cable ties. The basic principle is that the geometry of the cable jacket must not change.

• Cable channels must be closed after work has been completed (raised floors, wall ducts, etc.) to
avoid dirt and damage which could influence the transmission properties of the installed cables.

• Data cables are sensitive to direct sources of heat: hot air blowers or gas burners used for installing
shrink tubing must not be used in the vicinity of data cables.

• If chemicals are used to facilitate cable pulling, be sure they are compatible with the cable sheath
material.

• This is also applicable to any chemical (mostly spray type) used for other types of cables that may
accidentally get in contact with data cables.

133
5. Post-installation

134
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

135
5. Post-installation

5.1 General

5.1.1 Measurement accuracy

WHEN A «PASS» IS A «PASS» AND WHEN A «FAIL» IS A «FAIL»?

When testing cabling installations in the field, questions always arise regarding test equipment readings
and analysis of the measurements. The customer, usually the installer, naturally wants to see only «pass»
and an asterisk or warning is viewed with suspicion. What exactly are the facts?

Standards EN 50173 and ISO/IEC 11801 contain only the values to be expected for the cabling. The «how
to test» aspect is not covered or is covered only in a rudimentary fashion. Standard IEC 61935-1 is used for
this purpose: «Specification for the testing of balanced and coaxial information technology – Part 1: Instal-
led balanced cabling as specified in the standards series EN50173». This standard describes the precision
of the test equipment and the reporting of the data, among other items.

Any test equipment has a certain precision; i.e. the displayed measurement can be incorrect by +/- a cer-
tain amount. This is shown in the following diagram:

The test result of a parameter shall be mar-

Pass ked with an asterisk (*) when the result is clo-
ser to the test limit than the measurement
accuracy.
Accepted

An overall pass or fail condition shall be de-

Sta termined by the results of the required in-
nd
ard dividual tests. Any FAIL or FAIL* shall result
Lim in an overall FAIL, unless specified otherwise
it in a quality assurance agreement. In order to
Pass* achieve an overall pass condition, all indivi-
Fail* dual results shall be PASS or PASS*.
Fail

Test equipment measurement tolerance

«*FAIL» OR FAIL IS AN OVERALL FAIL – «*PASS» OR PASS IS

AN OVERALL PASS

136
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

It is highly recommended to test to the Permanent Link (PL) in the allowable standards, as this is a sterner
test and enables flexibility of the changes to the patch cords of the system without the need to re-test.
If channel tests are undertaken, the standards identify the need to maintain the connection of the patch
cords into the system once the test has been conducted.

This means that when conducting tests for the channel, a single set of patch cords cannot be used to stay
with the tester and conduct all of the tests. The channel test means that all of the patch cords for the
entire system at both ends must be in place and used as part of the test. If a patch cord is replaced, the
link must be re-tested. R&M only allows R&Mfreenet products within our warranty system and therefore
when testing to the channel, only R&M patch cords must be used.

Warranty application requires a valid calibration certification (pdf) for test equipment used (typically once per
year) and for fiber links also the cable plans to be submitted.

137
5. Post-installation

5.2 Copper

5.2.1 Approved certification test equipment for class D/E/EA / Class I

Warranty application requires valid calibration certification for test equipment (typically once per year). Testers
that show the latest calibration date in the test reports do not require separate calibration certificate submission.

The listed test equipment is approved for executing certification measurements and producing an original
measurement file, which is needed to apply for a warranty (see «Appendix 1 to the warranty program»
chapter 4.2).

Class D Cat. 5e MHz Class E Cat. 6 MHz Class EA Cat. 6A MHz

1 - 100 1 - 250 1 – 500

AEM AEM AEM

TestPro CV100 TestPro CV100 TestPro CV100

Fluke Fluke Fluke

DSX-600/5000/8000 DSX-600/5000/8000 DSX-600/5000/8000
VersivTM VersivTM VersivTM

Ideal Ideal Ideal

LanTEK II, LanTEK III, LanTEK II, LanTEK III, LanTEK II, LanTEK III,
LanTEK IV (≥V1.34) LanTEK IV (≥V1.34) LanTEK IV (≥V1.34)

Softing Softing Softing

WireXpert WX4500 WireXpert WX4500 WireXpert WX4500
WireXpert WX500 WireXpert WX500 WireXpert WX500

VIAVI VIAVI VIAVI

Certifier 10G, Certifier 40G Certifier 10G, Certifier 40G Certifier 10G, Certifier 40G

Test equipment accepted for warranty applications

Approved certification test equipment for Class 1 systems can be found online at www.rdm.com

138
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Notes

• Class EA and Cat. 6A do not specify the same performance

• This is the status at time of release of the document.
The current valid status of the list can be found on the R&M
website: www.rdm.com
• Test equipment must be regularly referenced
• All pre-terminated cables must be tested after installation,
especially for warranty application

5.2.2 Appropriate test adapter for class D/E/EA/Class I

In principle, any one of the following standards may be selected to test according installation:

Permanent Link (PL) Permanent Link (PL) Permanent Link (PL) Permanent Link (PL)
Class D / Cat. 5e Class E / Cat. 6 Class EA / Cat. 6A Class I / Cat. 8.1

ISO 11801-1 PL Class D ISO 11801-1 PL Class E ISO 11801-1 PL 2 Class EA ISO 11801-1 PL Class I

EN 50173 PL Class D EN 50173 PL Class E ISO 11801-1 PL 3 Class EA EN 50173 PL Class I

TIA Cat. 5e PL TIA Cat. 6 PL EN 50173 PL 2 Class EA TIA Cat. 8.1 PL

EN 50173 PL 3 Class EA

TIA Cat. 6A PL

Channel Link Channel Link Channel Link Channel Link

Class D / Cat. 5e Class E / Cat. 6 Class EA / Cat. 6A Class I / Cat. 8.1

ISO 11801-1 ISO 11801-1 ISO 11801-1 ISO 11801-1

Channel Class D Channel Class E Channel Class EA Channel Class I

EN 50173 EN 50173 EN 50173 EN 50173

Channel Class D Channel Class E Channel Class EA Channel Class I

TIA Cat. 5e Channel TIA Cat. 6 Channel TIA Cat. 6A Channel TIA Cat. 8.1 Channel

Test equipment standard selection

139
5. Post-installation

PL & CH PL & CH PL & CH

Module Cable Class E / Cat. 6 Class EA / Cat. 6A Class I / Cat. 8.1
(ISO/EN/TIA) (ISO/EN/TIA) (ISO/EN/TIA)

Cat. 6
OK – –

Cat. 6A EL

OK OK –
Minimum cables
approved for
500 MHz and more
Cat. 6A ISO
OK OK* –

Cat. 8.1
Cables approved
OK OK OK
for 2000 MHz

*Best in Class Test equipment adapter selection

Filip Mroz – unsplash.com

140
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

5.2.3 Test link configurations

The warranty program provides for the following three test setups for copper cabling.

Permanent Link
PL Measurement

Test Test Equipment Test equipment Test

adapter cord adapter cord
Equipment A PC CP A Equipment
Main Remote
PP TO
Test Equipment Test Equipment
PL-Adapter PL-Adapter

Sample test link PL

Channel
CH measurement

Test R&M R&M Test

Patch Cord Patch Cord
Equipment A P PC CP P A Equipment
Main PP TO Remote
Test Equipment Test Equipment
CH-Adapter CH-Adapter

Sample test link CH

MPTL ( Modular Plug Terminated Link )

Switch/Perimeter equipment Link under Test

Test equipment
Test adapter cord Test
Equipment A PC P A Equipment
PP
Test Equipment Test Equipment
PL-Adapter PC / CH-Adapter*

*CHECK MANUFACTURER INSTRUCTIONS

Sample test link MPTL

141
5. Post-installation

Permanent Link with Consolidation Point

PL-Test of the whole link

Second
First PL-Test PL-Test

Test Horizontal-Cable Test

CP-Cable
Test Equipment Equipment Test
Adapter cord Adapter cord
Equipment A PC CP CP A Equipment
Main PP CP TO Remote
Test Equipment Test Equipment
PL-Adapter PL-Adapter

Sample test link PL with CP Method 1

PL-Test

CP-Link Test
Test Test
Equipment Equipment
Test Adapter cord Adapter cord Test
Equipment A PC CP CP A Equipment
Main >15m Pre-Tested
CP TO Remote
2-Connector
Link
Test Equipment Test Equipment
PL-Adapter PL-Adapter

Sample test link PL with CP Method 2

142
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

5.2.4 Measurement Analysis

In the image below you have many of the important parameters listed.

A failure in the wire map indicates

mostly one of the pairs is incor-
rectly connected or there is a
problem with the screen.

Return Loss failures are often an

indication that the parameters
of the cable have changed either
the bending radius and/or tensile
strength were not respected or the
cable was subjected to humidity
Analysis of the trace below shows
increased disturbance of the cable,
indicative of pulling the cable to
hard under tight bending.

A failure in Insertion Loss often

goes together with lengths that
are beyond the standard’s maxi-
mum link allocation.

If the NEXT fails it often is due to

a bad termination of connectors
The example below shows clearly
that the connector on the right
has been badly terminated.

Measurement Evaluation Analysis

143
5. Post-installation

Detailed Step description

Step 1 Step 6

A low battery level can have a negative influence To ensure maximum accuracy of copper cable test
on the test results. This influence varies from test results, perform this reference procedure every 30
equipment to test equipment. It is therefore best days. Most customers set the reference daily.
practice to avoid low battery levels on your test
equipment. Have the routine of charging the TE Step 7
whenever there is a long break in testing or at the Make sure that the correct adapter is in use for the
end of the day. link under test, i.e. do not use Cat. 6 adapters to
test Class E A links. Certain manufacturers have de-
Step 2
dicated PL and CH adapters, so they should not be
Certain TEs allow pre-programming of the test li- mixed or used for the wrong link test.
mits per project, making sure there is no confusion
when using the same TE for different projects. If Step 8
this is not the case, make sure the correct standard Measure the Link under test, while doing this make
and link configuration is chosen. Keep in mind ISO sure the nomenclature and labeling all conforms to
and EN the channels are «CLASS» measurements the requirements and standards. Check if there are
and the TIA is in «CAT», but all components have a no apparent defects or broken parts.
«CAT» classification.
Step 9
Step 3
Analyze the test results and check if they are
Select the type of cable that will be tested, i.e. un- conformant to the projects requirements are the
screened (U/UTP) or screened (U/FTP, F/UTP, F/ known component performances. E.g. links with
FTP, S/FTP), if you are not sure check the cable she- the R&Mfreenet Cat. 6A module should have a NEXT
ath. Unless otherwise required, it is easier to select value of above 4 dB, lesser values reflect issues
the generic type of cable and then manually adjust with the connectivity. Very low RL values could be
the cable’s NVP (step 5). With screened cable it is an indication there are issues with the cable. If the-
desired to test the screening continuity. re are problems with a link, write them down and
report them to the team leader so further correcti-
Step 4
ve actions can be taken.
Choose the cable’s category; this is marked on the
cable sheath. Step 10

Save the good test results with the correct nomen-

Step 5
clature under the appropriate folder.
Set the NVP value, which is also marked on the
cable sheath. This parameter is important to make Step 11
sure the correct electrical cable length is shown Create the project documentation for the customer
and to troubleshoot the correct location when the- including the organized test results
re are problems with the link.

144
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

5.3 Fiber

5.3.1 Approved certification test equipment for fiber

R&M accept all forms of test equipment suitable For OTDR measurements, the measurements must
for measuring optical fibers, both the LSPM (Light be processed with an analysis program (Fibercable,
Source Power Meter) and the OTDR (Optical Time Fastreporter, Fiberdoc, Linkware etc.) and docu-
Domain Reflectometer), all makes and models are mented cleanly. The events must be set, the launch
acceptable. A tester must be able to store test re- fiber, tail fiber, plug connections and distance must
sults to enable these results to be organized and be clearly visible. If loop measurements are made,
transferred electronically in the event of warranty the events of the «Link-Loop-Link» transition must
application. also be set. The value table / event table must con-
tain the link events and comply with the limit values
R&M recommends the use of an LSPM for results of the required standard.
measuring, as this provides more accurate figures
and is generally quicker to test. Setting the events is so important because with
good APC connections it is sometimes not visible
All of the test equipment used for testing needs to where the link starts, ends or has connections. It
be calibrated according the TE manufacturer’s do- is then no longer possible to determine where the
cumented procedures. The calibration frequency is transitions of launch fiber, tail fiber or loop back link
in general yearly. The proof of calibration needs to are. It is therefore important for the measurement
be included when applying for a warranty. technician to know the exact length of his test re-
sults so that a clean evaluation can be carried out
All measurements in the field must be carried out with
later.
reference measuring cables.
OTDR measurements that are not processed and pro-
The measuring instruments must be able to store
perly documented, which make it impossible to trace
the test results in electronic form. The original re-
the installed routes, will not be accepted and rejected
sults can then be managed more easily and must be
for warranty request.
transmitted electronically in the case of a warranty
request. Manually written tables or PDF’s are not
accepted!

145
5. Post-installation

Direct MPO measurements with LSPM

Since this cabling method is relatively new and is

not yet described in the standards, we would like to
comment on this topic with our recommendations
and specifications. In general, we recommend tes-
ting MPO links with fanouts if conventional testing Direct MPO measurements with OTDR
is required.
Certain precautions must be taken when measuring
If MPO is to be measured directly, i.e. the conven- MPO cabling directly with an OTDR. At this time
tional measuring methods are not applicable, the there are no OTDR measuring devices with MPO
MPO measuring instruments used must be able to connection and MPO launch and tail reference
test and identify the following parameters: leads. The following measurement variants are cur-
rently possible.
• Length (must be measured by the device)
• Use fanouts or MPO cassettes on both sides and
• Attenuation & budget
perform a conventional or loop measurement
• 2 Wavelengths (MMF 850/1300 nm &
• Use an OTDR MPO switch (manufacturers of
SMF 1310/1550 nm)
OTDR devices offer such MPO switches)
Not many of these MPO testers are yet available
In OTDR measurement of MPO direct cabling, the
on the market. The functional principle is the same
MPO connection is divided into individual fibers
as for LSPM measurement (see chapter 5.3.5). The-
by the fanout or the MPO switch. A normal OTDR
re are differences in the limit values as these have
measurement is then performed (see chapter 5.3.6).
not yet been defined in the standard. Since only
For fanouts or MPO cartridges, the connector tran-
a few IEEE applications are possible for MPO di-
sitions (LC from fanout and MPO) are displayed as
rect cabling up to now, their limits should be paid
an event due to the meter’s dead zone. If the events
attention.
are to be displayed separately (i.e. as two individual
In practice, the maximum permissible length of the events), the fanouts must be long enough and the
link and the maximum total attenuation are then de- pulse width of the tester adapted.
fined as limit values. The meter then measures the
The MPO switch is connected between the OTDR
effective values (length and attenuation) and indica-
and the feed and controls the individual fibers of
tes the attenuation reserve.
the MPO trunk. On the other hand, a fanout or
MPO cassette must be used so that the trailing fi-
ber can be inserted. If MPO launch and tail cords
are available, they can be used and the use of the
fanout or the cassette is not necessary.

For MPO connections it is particularly important that

the connector surfaces are inspected and 100 % clean
before insertion. MPO is extremely susceptible to
contamination as it affects several fibers at the same
time. In addition, the loss/attenuation budgets are
very strict and allow for little tolerance.

146
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

5.3.2 Test link configurations

The warranty program provides for the following three test setups for fiber cabling.

General requirements and channel attenuation according to the current version of the standards.

Permanent Link

The permanent link measurement allows the measurement of the installed FO cabling, exclusive of the
equipment cords. This test method is comparable with the PL testing configuration for copper cabling. The
level of acceptable test system certainty and to incorporate the random mating fluctuation is defined at its
reference planes. In the permanent link configuration the test cord connectors are included in the measu-
rements. Following figure shows some examples of links and which connections are included in the test.

Reference cords must be used for all measurements

Permanent Link

Main FO Remote
C Test Cord CC Spl CC Test Cord C
TE Link under Test TE

Permanent Link

Main FO Remote
C Test Cord C C Spl Spl CC Test Cord C
TE Link under Test TE

Permanent Link

Main MPO M M
FO M M MPO Remote
C Test Cord CC P P P P CC Test Cord C
TE Cassette O O Link under Test O O Cassette TE

FO Cabling Permanent Link Configuration

C Reference connector

C Connector

Spl Splice

TE Test Equipment

MPO Multifiber Push On

147
5. Post-installation

Channel

The channel measurement includes the testing if the equipment cords attached to the installed FO cabling.
This means after a channel acceptance test the equipment cords need to stay in place. Here the reference
planes include the equipment cords, but exclude the connectors attached to the test cords, as they will
be attached to the equipment. Following figure shows the same examples as with the PL but measured in
Channel.

Reference cords must be used for all measurements

Channel Link

Main FO Test Remote

C Test Cord CC EQP Cord CC Spl CC EQP
CC C
TE Link under Test Cord TE
Cord

Channel Link

Main CC FO EQP Test Remote

C Test Cord EQP Cord C C Spl Spl CC CC C
TE Link under Test Cord Cord TE

Channel Link

Main Test EQP MPO M M

FO M M MPO EQP Test Remote
C CC CC P P P P CC CC C
TE Cord Cord Casette O O Link under Test O O Casette Cord Cord TE

FO Channel test configuration

148
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

POLAN (Splitters)

When testing a POLAN-System, we recommend to test it in two parts. As it is not possible to test through
a splitter, in both directions. To get a warranty for these kinds of system the links should be split. Do a test
of the link in front and another test of the link after the splitter.

Test 1 / 2 / 3

Remote
Test Main Cable Link 1 CC Test
C
Cord TE
Main Patchable
C
Test
CC Main Cable C C Link 2 C
TE Cord Splitter

Link 3 C
Direct test not possible through splitter

Test Main Cable

Main Test Test Remote

C CC Main Cable CC C
TE Cord Cord TE

Split installation in two parts and test main cable

Test 1 / 2 / 3

Test Remote
Link 1 CC C
Cord TE
Main Test
C CC Link 2 C
TE Cord

Link 3 C

And each outlet individually

149
5. Post-installation

5.3.3 Inspection and cleaning

ICC
INSPECT, CLEAN (if necessary) then CONNECT

Contamination of the ferrule endface >

Poor polishing of the ferrule >
Mistakes in attaching labels to the cable >
Damage to the optical connector >
Damage on the ferrule endface >
Defective splicing >
Excessive bending for the cable >

Network Installers Cable Installers

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

Most Common Faults in Fiber Optic Installations

The performance and reliability of an optical fiber system depends strongly on

the cleanliness of the connection components. Small impurities like dirt, dust, etc.
can possibly destroy a fiber optic connector. Therefore the following procedure is
strongly recommended: Visual inspection of the surface (with microscope). Clean
the surface following the instruction of the manufacturer. After cleaning inspect
again the surface, if clean than make the connection.

What do the standards say

The ISO 14763-3 and TIA 568-D both refer to the ISO 61300-3-35 as part of the
testing procedure. All the endfaces involved in the test setup should have been
inspected according to and with equipment specified in the ISO 61300-3-35.

A
B
C
D

ISO 61300-3-35 SMF & MMF

150
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Singlemode Multimode

Defects Scratches Zone Zone Scratches Defects

4≤5µm None>5
None None Core ( 0-25µm ) A Core ( 0-65µm ) None
µm

No limit <2µm No limit <2µm

No limit ≤3µm Cladding Cladding No limit ≤3µm
5 from 2-5µm B 5 von 2-5µm
None >3µm ( 25-120µm ) ( 65-120µm ) None >5µm
None >5 µm None >5 µm

Adhesive Adhesive
No limit No limit C No limit No limit
( 120-130µm ) ( 120-130µm )

Contact Contact
None ≥10 µm No limit D No limit None ≥10 µm
( 130-250µm ) ( 130-250µm )

ISO 61300-3-35 criteria

Examples of good and two badly cleaned fiber optic connector surfaces (dust/dirt, grease/oil/finger prints)

Examples of cleaned fiber optic connector surfaces

If the endface of the connectors do not qualify according the above mentioned criteria, they should be
cleaned and inspected until they do. Once both endfaces of a connection qualify according the ISO 61300-
3-35 then they can be mated. Integrating this procedure into the testing process also avoids possible futu-
re arguments on who is to blame if a link is faulty due to contaminated or even broken connector endfaces.

When contaminants adhere to the core, they will cause increase in signal interruption and increase amount
of insertion loss and degradation of return loss. Also, these kinds of contaminants can cause chips, pits,
and scratches in the connector end face under the pressure of the physical connection. Large contami-
nants can result in gaps in the physical connection, resulting in increased loss. These kinds of contaminants
can actually spread and migrate by the physical connection.

151
5. Post-installation

Examples of cleaning materials that must be used:

• Active microscope
• Lint-free rods
• Lint-free wipes
• Isopropyl alcohol, when using IPA to clean an end face, you need to apply a dry clean wide afterwards
to avoid a residual film of the IPA on the endface.
• Dry cleaning tape
• IBC cleaner
• Cletop cleaner

A useful practice is to inform and instruct the end customers IT manager about best practices when
working with fiber links and the need for cleaning the endfaces of the connector with each manipulation.

Fiber endface cleaning equipment Fiber endface inspection tool

152
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

5.3.4 FO test conditions

In order to get reliable and repeatable measurements of FO cabling and its component it is important to
use a good test system, adapters and reference connectors.

Inspect, Clean and Connect (ICC) Encircled Flux

Any contamination of the end faces, be it those of This test will replicate light conditions which comes
the link under test or those of the test cords, will as close as possible to the «real modal environment»
provide misleading results. Furthermore, there is a of a VCSEL transceiver. The VCSEL signal is used
potential risk that the connectors may get irrepaira- by future applications supporting 10 G, 40 G and
bly damaged during the testing process. 100 G on MMF.

The connector end faces of the test cords shall be When using these test conditions the light source
inspected and cleaned if necessary according to and mode control within the test cords will result
chapter 5.3.3, this means not only the connectors in an output at the end of the launch test cord that
under test but also the reference connectors of the conforms to the IEC 62614 and 61280-4-1.
test cords.

If a connector is damaged it shall be replaced. For Reference measurement cables

test cords this either means the cord needs to be
completely replaced or returned to the manufac- The measuring standard ISO 14763-3 stipulates
turer to be fitted with a new reference connector. that reference measuring cables must be used for
measuring installations. These special cables are
equipped with reference plugs on the end that is
Launch conditions connected to the installation to be measured. Re-
ference connectors have special properties and
The launch modal distribution conditions for LSPM much smaller manufacturing tolerances. The fiber
and OTDR should reflect the optical characteris- is perfectly centered in the ferrule of the connector
tics for which the FO cabling is installed. If the test for greater accuracy and repeatability when mea-
equipment does not provide this, then the cords suring fiber optic installations. If one would use
should be adapted with a suitable mode controlling normal (random) connectors with higher tolerances
device. for measurement, one would have the problem that
larger deviations occur. It is possible that with two
For LSPM measurements this means that the light
connected plugs the cores are perfectly aligned
source used will be LED for MMF testing and Fabry
and you get a very good measurement result. In the
Perot lasers for SMF testing. VCSEL light sources
next case, the cores may be further apart due to the
are excluded.
higher tolerances, which would result in a very poor
The measurement wavelength characteristics shall result. For this reason, reference measurement ca-
be according the IEC 61280-1-3, it could be that for bles must be used when measuring fiber optic in-
SMF 2 coils or mandrel wraps of 35 mm to 50 mm stallations.
are needed. Please check with the TE supplier.

153
5. Post-installation

Test cords and adapters

The components of test cords and the adapters used shall have the same or better performance specifi-
cations than those used in the link under test. The connectors on the test cords that will connect to the
cabling under test will be reference connectors according the specifications in ISO 14763-3. The following
tables shows the allowed maximum attenuation of 2 reference connectors mated against each other in a
reference adapter.

Connector Type Cylindrical connector style Rectangular connector style

Mode MMF SMF MMF SMF

Attenuation (dB) ≤ 0.10 ≤ 0.20 ≤ 0.10 ≤ 0.20

≥ 45 (PC), ≥ 60 ≥ 45(PC), ≥ 60
Return Loss (dB) ≥ 35 ≥ 35
(APC) (APC)

Reference-Reference mating loss budget

The test cords for LSPM measurements shall be no shorter than 2m, but not too long that the attenuation
of the cords has a significant influence on the measurement. We recommend lengths between 2 m and 3 m.

According to ISO 14763-3, the test cables (launch, tail, loop) for OTDR measurements should not be
shorter than 75 m for MMF and 150 m for SMF in order to reproduce a clearly visible measurement trace
before and after the link to be measured. In other words, a nice clean line should be observed before the
first and after the last connection to be tested.

How do I treat the power loss measured with reference connectors?

The link attenuation (Optical Power Loss) must be calculated for each FO cable. The attenuation power loss
budget for the measurement is different as random connectors will be mated with reference connectors.

154
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

MMF SMF
Connecting
Attenuation Against reference Against reference
Random Mated Random Mated
connector mated connector mated

IL Mean ≤0.15 dB
Grade Am&Bm ≤ 0,30 dB
IL >95% ≤0.25 dB

IL Mean ≤0.35 dB
Grade M ≤ 0,50 dB
IL >95% ≤0.50 dB

IL Mean ≤0.12 dB
Grade A&B ≤ 0,50 dB
IL >97% ≤0.25 dB

IL Mean ≤0.25 dB
Grade C&D ≤ 0,75 dB
IL >97% ≤0.50 dB

Generic IL 100 % ≤0.75 dB IL 100% ≤0.75 dB

Reference/random mating loss budget

For links measured in channel there is no difference to the budget calculations according the ISO 11801,
EN 50173 and TIA 568 if using R&Mfreenet connector grades.

For links measured as a permanent link the values in Table «R&Mfreenet connection attenuation» on page
169 «against reference connector» should be used. for the connections at the extreme end of the cabling
under test.

Power Loss Limit can be calculated with the following formula:

∑ (2 x «against reference connector ATT») + ∑ (cable ATT) + ∑ (embedded connection ATT)

Sample calculations

Assuming a 100 m MMF link has two pigtails grade Bm connections, the measured power loss limit would
be calculated in the following way.

Permanent Link:

at 850 nm = (2 x 0,5) + (0,1 x 3,5) + (2 x 0,3) = 1,95 dB

at 1300 nm = (2 x 0,5) + (0,1 x 1,5) + (2 x 0,3) = 1,75 dB

A SMF cabling infrastructure of a single sided Grade B OS2 preterm link of 500 m with a grade B pigtail
will have a maximum link loss limit of:

at 1310 nm / 1550 nm = (2 x 0,75) + (0,5 x 0,4) + (1 x 0,3) = 2.0 dB

155
5. Post-installation

5.3.5 LSPM testing

In order to get a system warranted by R&M, the optical system should be measured according to the requi-
rements of ISO/IEC 14763-3 and equivalent standards. There is no difference in the procedures, but the
test equipment may be different. LSPM and OLTS are basically the same type of testers, they just measure
the effective loss of the link. The difference is that OLTS testers often have extended options, are more
«intelligent» and more user friendly, while the LSPM testers basically just measure the loss. Note that older
test limits, like e.g.

The OF-Classes are no longer standards compliant and should not be used anymore.

Many testers still give the possibilities to choose these older test limits.

Direction

For compliance testing of a channel or link, bi-directional testing MUST be conducted if the line is spliced or if
there are multiple connectors.

If it is a pre-assembled line (fixed line with associated connectors), without splicing, unidirectional measure-
ment is possible, provided that the test cables have the same fiber properties as the installed link.

Best general advice: TEST BI-DIRECTIONALLY

Reference Configuration

For LSPM testing only the «one jumper» method is accepted. The 2 & 3 jumper method is no longer
allowed, because they are not standards compliant anymore. Make sure that all necessary adapters are
available for the LSPM to test all possible connector types. Also a set of test reference cords for all possible
connector type combinations should be utilized for testing. The «extended 3-jumper» method needs the
same reference process, there are minor differences while measuring which are explained on the following
pages.

Wavelength

Every link MUST be tested at the upper and lower frequency windows, i.e. MMF @ 850 nm & 1300 nm and
SMF @ 1310 nm & 1550 nm. It can be that the end customer requires additional wavelengths to be tested.

156
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Settings

Certain LSPM test equipment will allow the setting of link parameters in order to immediately check if the
measured attenuation is within a certain standard’s limit. Here is an overview of some of these parameters:

• Standard Limit: determines the loss budgets limits for a link

• Fiber type: this parameter will use the fiber loss parameters
• Bi-directional: Measuring from A-B and B-A, an average of these values shows a more precise,
realistic result
• Number of adapters: this is the amount of adapters present in the link under test, for a pre-term link this
will be 2, for a link with MPO trunk cables and cassettes this will be 4.
• Number of Splices: the amount of splices present in the link
• Connector type: The type of connector used in the link, this parameter is informative and has no bearing
on the test limit calculation.
• Test method: for LSPM the R&Mfreenet warranty program requires the «one jumper» reference method
for permanent link testing.

Index of refraction 850 nm 1300 nm 1310 nm 1550 nm 1625 nm

OM3/OM4/OM5 1,482 1,477

OS2 1,467 1,467 1,468

FO cable index of refraction

157
5. Post-installation

Reference

For LSPM test methods a reference needs to be set between the light source and the power meter.
The following referencing methods are accepted. The illustration shows the referencing and the measuring
process with unidirectional (ignore faded connections) and with bidirectional (include faded connections)
measuring devices.

«one jumper» method & «Extended 3-Jumper» method

The cords used to set the reference must fulfill the standards requirements.
To measure all possible connector types, you need all adapters for you LSPM to fit the connectors.

EF
Mode
conditioner
Test Cord with
Encircled Flux Reference Connector
MPO

Light Source/
Power Meter Light Source/
Power Meter
Simplex referencing process

MPO referencing process

«one Jumper» reference method

Verification

After referencing the LSPM and lead calibration cord, the reference connectors on the lead and tail cords
must be checked for quality. Make the following test setup and measure the link, this one needs to be less
than 0.1 dB for MMF and less than 0.2 dB for SMF. Save the measured value and add it to the test documen-
tation for the warranty application. Repeat this step after each reference setting or when the measurement
results are deteriorating.

158
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

«One jumper» method:

Test cord with

EF Reference Connector
Mode MPO
conditioner

Encircled Flux
Test cord with
Reference Connector
Light Source/ MPO
Power Meter Light Source/
Power Meter
Verification process 1 Jumper

MPO verification process

«one Jumper» method verification

«Extended 3-Jumper» method

This method is only allowed when the link has different connectors on each end. After doing the reference
attach a substitution cord with matching reference connectors on each end. Check the loss on the power
meter, it needs to be less than 0.2 dB for MMF and less than 0.4 dB for SMF.

Test Cord with

EF Reference Connector
Mode MPO
conditioner

Encircled Flux

Substitution Cord with Test Cord with

Reference Connectors Reference Connector
Light Source/ MPO
MPO
Power Meter Light Source/
Power Meter
Verification process ext. 3-Jumper

MPO verification process

«extended 3-Jumper» method verification

Important: Don’t do a new reference with the substitution cord (putting the power meter to 0dB) this step is
only for verification if the connector quality is good enough.

159
5. Post-installation

Measuring

The ‹cabling under test› can now be measured by connecting the lead and tail test cord to each end of the
link. When «Extended 3-Jumper» method was used for referencing and validation, remove the substitution
cord and replace it with the link that should be tested.

Splices
EF Encircled Flux
Mode
conditioner

Cabling under
Test
Length
Light Source /
Power Meter Measurement
Test Cord with Test Cord with Light Source /
Reference Connector Reference Connector Power Meter
MPO MPO
Simplex measurement

MPO measurement

Measurement of a PL

An example for a channel measurement:

Encircled Flux

EF Splices
Mode
conditioner

Patch Cord Patch Cord

Cabling under
test

Light Source / Length

Power Meter Light Source /
Test Cord with Measurement
Test Cord with Power Meter
Reference Connector
Reference Connector
MPO Simplex measurement
MPO
MPO measurement

Measurement of a CH

160
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Detailed Step description

Step 1 Step 4/5

A low battery level can have a negative influence Remove the test cord from the power meter and
on the test results. This influence varies from test add another test cord between the power meter
equipment to test equipment. It is therefore best and the first test cord for PL testing. Make sure
practice to avoid low battery levels on your test both reference connectors are mated against each
equipment. Have the routine of charging the TE other with a SMF coupler.
whenever there is a long break or at the end of the
This test is to verify the quality of the reference
day. The LSPM test equipment needs about 15min
connectors on the test cords, they should be better
of temperature acclimatization before the light
than MMF IL ≤0.10 dB, SMF IL ≤ 0.20 dB, MMF/SMF
source will have stable performance.
PC RL ≥ 35/45 dB, SMF APC RL ≥ 60 dB.
Step 2 This step should be done regularly or when repla-
Some test equipment allows the setting of parame- cing any of the test cords. For channel testing re-
ters that will allow the TE to calculate the power move the equipment cord from the power meter
budget for the link, these are the parameters set on and add the other equipment cord to the power
the top, i.e. test limit, fiber type, amount adapters/ meter. No verification testing is needed for channel
splices, type of connector, index of refraction. testing.

Step 3 Step 6

Set the reference, i.e. the one jumper reference ICC of the link end faces and test cord end faces.
with one test cord between light source and power Measure the Link under test, while doing this make
meter (reference connector). sure the nomenclature, direction and labeling is all
conformant to the requirements and standards.
Check if there are no apparent defects or broken
parts.

Step 7

Analyze the test results and check if they are

conformant to the projects requirements and the
known component performances. For channel
testing both equipment cords should be left
connected to the link and the mop should be repea-
ted from step 3.

Step 8

Save the good test results with the correct nomen-

clature under the appropriate folder

Step 9

Create the project documentation for the customer

Donald Chodeva – unsplash.com including the organized test results (see chapter
5.3.7)

161
5. Post-installation

5.3.6 OTDR testing

Direction

Multimode and singlemode fiber transmission links can be tested with OTDR testers. The difference here
is that every single event of the link can be measured and controlled separately.

If splices or other plug connections are present on the installed line, bi-directional measurement is mandatory
according to ISO/IEC 14763-3 & IEC 61280-4-1&2. In addition, with bidirectional measurements, the launch
and tail fibers must be left plugged in and only the OTDR must be shifted so that a clean averaging of the values
is possible.

The launch fiber of measurement A-B thus becomes the tail fiber of measurement B-A and vice versa. The
difference in core diameter can lead to optimistic results on the one hand and negative results on the other,
so that it is not possible to determine the actual loss of an event in unidirectional measurements.

Unidirectional measurements are only permitted if there are no splices or other plug connections on the
measured distance. In addition, the launch fiber and tail fiber must have the same properties as the instal-
led link.

Loop measurement

Loop measurements are allowed. Be aware that the loop fiber must have reference connectors on both
sides and should have the same length as launch and tail cord. This means that one duplex link can be tes-
ted simultaneously, multiple loops are not permitted for warranty applications. However, it is important to
realize that loop measurements do not warrant the polarity of the installed cabling and that any verification
of this needs to be done separately.

162
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

PL Measurement Fiber 1

Test Lead 1
Test Min 150m
A C C
Equipment
PP PP Loop
Test Lead 2 150m
Min 150m
A C C
PP PP
PL Measurement Fiber 2

OTDR Loop measurement A to B

PL Measurement Fiber 1

Test Lead 1
Min 150m
A C C
PP PP Loop
Test Lead 2 150m
Test Min 150m
A C C
Equipment
PP PP
PL Measurement Fiber 2
OTDR Loop measurement B to A

163
5. Post-installation

Settings

Range

The range shall be set in such a way it at least covers all test cords and the cabling under test, e.g. If there
are 2 test cords of 500 m and the longest link under test is 350 m, the range will be at least 1350 m.

Dynamic range

The dynamic range determines the maximum observable length of a fiber and is an OTDR specific para-
meter. It is an extrapolation of the backscatter trace compared to the noise level, the better the SNR the
better the trace and event detection. If fibers with a high attenuation need to be tested, it is better to check
with the TE manufacturer if the equipment is suited.

Wavelength

Every link MUST be tested at the upper and lower frequency windows, i.e. MMF @ 850 nm & 1300 nm and
SMF @ 1310 nm & 1550 nm. It can be that the end customer requires additional wavelengths to be tested.

Pulse width

The pulse width gives an indication of the power sent into the fiber; the larger the pulse the more power
is transmitted. A wide pulse will allow further travel along the fiber, but also means that the width of the
reflections become wider. A wider reflection will also hide more of the backscatter signal, i.e. it will increase
the event and attenuation dead zone.

The pulse width must be adapted to the cable length. If necessary, set the pulse width in the tester to
«Automatic» and adjust the measuring range as accurately as possible to the cable length.

Averaging time

This function defines the time it takes to sample the link, the longer the time the better the SNR and cha-
racterization of the trace. The time chosen should allow good analysis of the cabling under test. This time
is dependent upon the equipment but the general accepted min time is 20 s. If the distances are less than
100 m, 10 seconds can be set, for distances over 100 m, at least 20 seconds must be set. With SMF it is
generally recommended to measure at least 20 seconds

Index of refraction for R&Mfreenet FO cables

Index of refraction 850 nm 1 300 nm 1310 nm 1550 nm 1625 nm

OM3/OM4/OM5 1,482 1,477

OS2 1,467 1,467 1,468

FO cable index of refraction

164
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Verification Test of the test cords

In order to comply with the fiber op-

tic test conditions verification is requi-
red that the test cords which are used
(launch, tail and loop) to perform the
tests are within the specifications sta-
ted in chapter 5.3.4. This verification
needs to be done and recorded at the
start of each test sequence. Make sure
that the lengths of the test cords are
known, specially for APC testing.

Test lead 1 & 2 reference connector verification

Test leads and loop reference connector verification

Make the following test setup and measure the connector losses, they need to be less than 0.1dB for MMF
and less than 0.2dB for SMF. Save the measured value and add it to the test documentation for the warranty
application. Repeat this step after each reference setting or when the measurement results are deteriora-
ting.

165
5. Post-installation

When testing links with APC connectors it is very for example) and the measuring device does not
difficult to determine the start and end of the test recognize all events automatically, the events must
cords and links under test. Therefore we requi- be set manually. The OTDR recognizes most events
re also the individual test trace of each test cords by itself, but this is not always the case with good
used in the warranty application. So the trace of the APC connections. This simplifies the later evalua-
first and second test cords and the loop test cord if tion and documentation of the measurements on
used, must be included in the application documen- the PC enormously.
tation. It is not as clearly visible as on picture 168
where the plug transitions are. In addition, we require reference measurements
of each test cable used in the warranty request.
It is therefore particularly important that the mea- Therefore, the traces of the first, second and loop
surement technician sets the events correctly test cable (where used) must be added to the docu-
when measuring with the OTDR. If there are seve- mentation of the application.
ral events (as is the case with a loop measurement,

Test cables 1 & 2 and link 3 with APC connectors (events not set, i.e. not visible)

Test cables 1 & 2 and link 3 with APC connectors (events set and therefore visible)

166
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Analysis of measurement results

Once the test conditions for the fiber link testing have been fulfilled it is im-
portant to analyze the results, more so when using an OTDR, as all of the ele-
ments in the link can be seen. There are 5 major elements need to be observed
when analyzing an OTDR trace and if the following sequence is followed, detai-
led troubleshooting can be avoided where not needed. The following sequence
reflects best practices and probability of most common failures.

1. Length

Check if the length of the trace is that of the combined length of the test cords
and the link under test. This can already be done while the test is in progress
and if the length of the trace is shorter then it is obvious the link is interrupted
and faulty. If you have, for example there is a test link of 150 m and two test
cords of 150m are being used then the trace should be circa 450 m. When
the trace is only 300 m, there is a problem at the far side, either the polarity is
wrong or there is a problem with the connector/splice. When there is a problem
at this stage the testing can be stopped to solve the problem, there is no point
in wasting time by running the complete test.

2. Landscape

In general high peaks in the trace should not be observed, the higher the peak
the more return loss of the events there is, especially when testing a link with
APC connectors. Also this analysis can be done while the test is running. If an
unusually high peak is observed where there is a splice, then that splice needs
to be redone. If an adapter displays a high peak this could either (and most
often this is the case) indicate a dirty connector(s) or a damaged connector/
adapter. Also here the test can be halted at this stage when a problem occurs.

3. Amount of events

Once the test is completed the individual events can then be viewed firstly, the
amount of events need to correspond with the amount of links under test ele-
ments, i.e. amount of adaptors, splices (pigtail splices are often not detectable
as they fall within the attenuation dead zone of the test equipment). Depending
on the setting of the OTDR (pulse width), the attenuation dead zones become
larger or smaller. For example, if there is a transmission path with pigtails at
both ends and 3 events are detected, one of which is an attenuation in the
middle of the transmission path, there is a problem.

167
5. Post-installation

Unidirectional loop measurement

MMF measurement origin to end

MMF measurement end to origin

168
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

4. Event Signature

Make sure that each event parameter corresponds with those given in the ma-
nufacturer datasheet. Keep in mind to take the average when performing bi-
directional measurements, these are mandatory for all SMF links and all MMF
links.

Measurement limits for fiber optic connectors (dB)

ISO/IEC 11801-1 ISO/IEC 11801-1

Standard
ISO/IEC 14763-3 ISO/IEC 14763-3

Single-Mode Attenuation (dB) Return Loss (dB)

APC connector
≤ 0.20 ≥ 60
Reference – Reference

APC connector
≤ 0.75 ≥ 60
Reference – Random

APC connector
≤ 0.75 ≥ 60
Random – Random

PC connector
≤ 0.20 ≥ 45
Reference – Reference

PC connector Not available

≤ 0.75
Reference – Random Recommend ≥ 35

PC connector
≤ 0.75 ≥ 35
Random – Random

MPO Connector Not available Not available

Random – Random Recommend ≤ 0.75 Recommend ≥ 60

Multimode Attenuation (dB) Return Loss (dB)

PC connector
≤ 0.10 ≥ 35
Reference – Reference

PC connector Not available

≤ 0.50
Reference – Random Recommend ≤ 35

PC connector
≤ 0.75 ≥ 20
Random – Random

MPO connector Not available Not available

Random – Random Recommend ≤ 0.75 Recommend ≥ 26

R&Mfreenet connection attenuation

169
5. Post-installation

5. Cable

The last element to check is the cable attenuation; this might not always be possible for short links. If the
link is too short to get a trustworthy reading of the cable attenuation, the total link attenuation can be con-
sidered to see if the link is ok. With SMF links, macro and micro bends will manifest themselves in increased
attenuation at 1550 nm and 1625 nm compared to 1310 nm trace signature.

Detailed Step description

Step 1

A low battery level can have a negative influence on the test results. This influence varies from test equip-
ment to test equipment. It is therefore best practice to avoid low battery levels on the test equipment.
Have the routine of charging the TE whenever there is a long break or at the end of the day. The OTDR
test equipment needs about 15min of temperature acclimatization before the laser will have stable per-
formance.

Step 2

The range shall be set in such a way it at least covers all test cords and the cabling under test, e.g. If there
are 2 test cords of 500 m and the longest link under test is 350m, the range will be at least 1350 m or the
next highest range, e.g. 2 km.

Step 3

The pulse width gives an indication of the power sent into the fiber; the larger the pulse the more power
is transmitted. A wide pulse will allow further travel along the fiber, but also means that the width of the
reflections becomes wider. A wider reflection will also hide more of the backscatter signal, i.e. it will in-
crease the event and attenuation dead zone. For R&Mfreenet warranty applications it needs to be smaller
than 20 ns.

Step 4

The measuring time defines the time it takes to sample the link, the longer the time the better the SNR and
characterization of the trace. The time chosen should allow good analysis of the cabling under test. This
time is dependent upon the equipment but the general accepted min time is 20 s.

Step 5

Index of refraction 850 nm 1300 nm 1310 nm 1550 nm 1625 nm

OM3/OM4/OM5 1,482 1,477

OS2 1,467 1,467 1,468

OTDR Testing Procedure Step 5

170
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Step 6

Save an OTDR trace of the test cords mated against each other. This test is to verify the quality of the
reference connectors on the test cords, they should be better than MMF IL ≤ 0.10dB, SMF IL ≤ 0.20dB,
PC mm/SM RL ≥ 45dB, APC SM RL ≥ 60dB. This step should be done daily or when replacing any of the
test cords.

Step 7

Measure the Link under test, while doing this make sure the nomenclature, direction and labeling is all
conformant to the requirements and standards. Check if there are no apparent defects or broken parts.
It is extremely important that the file naming functions of the tester (Cable ID, Fiber number, Lambda,
Direction etc.) are used and not simply rename the file name on the PC afterwards. Most OTDRs store this
information in the measurement file. When renaming on the PC, this can lead to problems when evaluating
via OTDR software, since without the above-mentioned file information there are difficulties in assigning
the measurement results.

Step 8

Analyze the test results and check if they are conformant to the projects requirements and the known
component performances. Confirm there are no defective or damaged parts. ICC of the link end faces and
test cord end faces.

Step 9

Save the good test results with the correct nomenclature under the appropriate folder.

Step 10

Create the project documentation for the customer including the organized test results (see chapter 5.3.7)

171
5. Post-installation

5.3.7 Documentation of fiber optic measurements

Unfortunately, it is often the case that the project managers or the measurement technicians think that the
work is done after the measurements have been saved on the device. Unfortunately, this is not the case
with fiber optic measurements, as the measurements must then be documented on the PC with the ana-
lysis software. Otherwise there is only raw data with which the customer cannot really do much.

Using Fluke as an example, the associated software for evaluationis the familiar linkware. The measured
files are loaded from the device to the PC and processed with Linkware. The software now enables the
measurements to be checked and is in a clean order with documentation of the measured project.

The multitude of fiber optic measuring instruments available today also brings with it a multitude of eva-
luation software. Basically, the purchase of a fiber optic measuring device should be accompanied by the
appropriate evaluation software. Even more important is training on how to use this software correctly.
Please contact the instrument vendor if training has not been received on the appropriate evaluation soft-
ware or contact them directly if a new instrument is purchased.

Documentation procedure of fiber optic measurements

The measurements are to be imported from the instrument into the software. Once the measurements
have been made as described in chapter 5.3.5, most of the work has already been done. When documen-
ting OTDR and LSPM measurements, the following points must be observed. For LSPM measurements,
various steps of the procedure listed below can be neglected.

172
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Step Description

1. Import the measurement data and open with the editing software.

Set the limits required by the standard in the software or set the limits according customer-specific limit
2. values. For warranty requests we require that at least the limit values of the measuring standard
ISO/IEC 14763-3 and ISO/IEC 11801-1 are observed.

Check the events and edit them if necessary. In OTDR measurements, it can happen that the OTDR does
3. not recognize all events automatically. Singlemode APC connections are often so good that no event is
detected.

See that for bi-directional measurements the averaging of the measured values can be done.
4. If the events are not set in the correct place, the program cannot carry out the averaging of the values.
In this case, repeat step 3 for the relevant measurements.

Place the curser A–B / B–A at the beginning and end of the measured link.
5.
Start = transition from launch lead to fiber link / end = transition from fiber link to tail lead

Perform steps 3–4 for each fiber tested. Most evaluation diagrams can take over the events of one fiber
6.
for another to save time, as long as they have the same properties and events.

7. Check that all fibers meet the required set limits.

Use the software to create a report of the project being worked on. Practically all evaluation programs
8. can generate PDF’s and EXCEL tables. Use this function to provide the customer with clean documenta-
tion.

Add the desired project descriptions and company information to the report.
9.
Create a title page or a general overview as desired or specified by the customer.

Create a collective directory or a zip in which you collect the measurement files and the documentation
10.
of the project. Hand them over to the customer and to R&M for the warranty claims.

Fiber optic documentation procedure

173
6. Glossary

174
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

175
6. Glossary

A Attenuation

The decrease in magnitude of a signal as it travels

ACR (Attenuation to Crosstalk Ratio)
through a transmission medium.
The difference between NEXT and attenuation,
measured in dB. A high ACR value indicates that
the received signals are much stronger than cross- B
talk, corresponding to a high NEXT value and low
attenuation. Bandwidth

The range of frequency available for the transmis-

American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
sion of information over a channel. The value indi-
National standardization body of the U.S. ANSI cates the transmission capacity of a channel. The
develops and publishes standards, and is the higher the bandwidth, the more information can
American representative on and voting member of be carried. It is expressed in Hertz (Hz) or Bit/s or
the ISO. MHz.km (with optical fibers).

American Wire Gauge (AWG) Bending Radius

The U.S. American standard gauge to specify the The radius of curvature that a fiber-optic or copper
diameters of conductors made of copper, aluminum cable can bend before the risk of breakage or in-
and other materials. creased attenuation occurs.

AWG Bit Error Rate (BER)

18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30

Ø (mm) Measure to indicate the quality of a digital trans-

1.013
0.866
0.772
0.688
0.610
0.546
0.485
0.432
0.384
0.358
0.318
0.284
0.251

mission link. The value is expressed as a percentage

or ratio of received bits that are in error, typically 1
error in 108 or 109 transmitted bits. The less bit er-
Alien Near/Far End Crosstalk (ANEXT/AFEXT)
rors occur, the better the quality of the connection.
Alien crosstalk (AXT) is electromagnetic noise that
can occur in a cable that runs alongside one or
more other signal-carrying cables and is detected C
or measured at the near or far end of the victim
link. The term «alien» arises from the fact that this Cable Route
form of crosstalk occurs between different cables
Determined cable route and/or attachment in false
in a group or bundle, rather than between individual
floors and ceilings.
wires or circuits within a single cable
Cabling System
Application Independent Cabling
A system of telecommunications cables, conduits
A structured telecommunications cabling system
and connecting hardware, interconnected via IT
supporting many different applications. It is not
equipment.
necessary to know the applications when installing
application independent cabling. It does not include
application-specific hardware.

176
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Capacitance Category 7A

The ability and dielectric behavior of conductors to For cables and connecting hardware with trans-
store electric charge between two conductors se- mission parameters specified up to 1000 MHz. Ca-
parated by a dielectric material in case of potential tegory 7A specifies only cables and requires new
difference. Capacitance is not welcome in copper plugs to allow unimpeded transmission at the above
cables because it interferes with the transmitted si- mentioned frequencies.
gnals by impeding the intended current flow.
Category 8.1 & 8.2
Category 3
Industry standard for cables and connecting hard-
Industry standard for cables and connecting hard- ware with transmission parameters specified up to
ware with transmission parameters specified up to 2000 MHz.
16 MHz, mainly for data rates of up to 10 Mbit/s.
CENELEC
Category 5, 5e
The European Committee for Electro technical
An enhanced version of Category 5, since 1999, Standardization.
specifying additional parameters to allow full-du-
plex transmission over 4 conductor pairs. Enhanced CENELEC EN 50173
Category 5 for cables and connecting hardware European standard, developed by CENELEC, for
with transmission parameters specified up to 100 the planning and installation of information techno-
MHz, to support data rates of up to 1000 Mbit/s. logy cabling systems.

Category 6 Channel
Industry standard for cables and connecting hard- The end-to-end transmission path between two
ware with transmission parameters specified up to points at which application specific equipment is
250 MHz, for data rates of up to 1 Gbps and above. connected. The connection cables of the technical
equipment and the workplace are also part of the
Category 6A
channel.
Industry standard for cables and connecting hard-
ware with transmission parameters specified up to Connection Cable
500 MHz, for data rates of up to 10 Gbps and ab- A patch cable connecting terminal equipment and
ove. the workplace outlet.

Category 7 Consolidation Point

For cables and connecting hardware with transmis- A point of interconnection between horizontal ca-
sion parameters specified up to 600 MHz. Category bles, mainly for convenience reasons, when furnitu-
7 specifies only cables and requires new plugs to re is rearranged
allow unimpeded transmission at the above mentio-
ned frequencies.

177
6. Glossary

Cross-Connect Equal Level Far End Crosstalk (ACR-F)

A cable cross-connect facility within a structured Identical to FEXT with the exception that the cou-
cabling system, where the communication connec- pled signal at the far end is related to the attenua-
tions are administered (i.e. where the adding and ted signal at the far end of the conductor pair, into
reconfiguring of connections by means of patch ca- whose near end the signal was fed.
bles is carried out).
Equipment Outlet
Crosstalk
Fixed connecting device for terminating the zone
Mutual electromagnetic influencing of two physi- distribution cabling and providing the interface to
cally separated current circuits of a system, when the equipment cabling
a signal in one circuit creates a noise voltage in the
adjacent circuit disturbing the transmitted signals Equipment Room (ER)
there. Room dedicated to housing distributors and appli-
cation specific equipment

D
F
Decibel ( dB )

The unit for measuring the relative increase/de- Far End Crosstalk (FEXT)
crease of a signal, voltage or current, expressed as Describes the unwanted coupling of signals from
a logarithmic ratio. the transmitting conductor pair to the receiving
conductor pair at the far end of the line. FEXT is
Delay Skew
also expressed in dB. Its value is only important for
The difference in propagation delay between two selected applications. In general, near end cross-
pairs of the same cable. talk, NEXT, is more important.

Fixed zone distribution cable

E Cable connecting the zone distributor to either the

equipment outlet or, if present, the local distribu-
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) tion point
EMC, electromagnetic compatibility, denotes the
Frequency
capability of electronic equipment, an installation
or a system, to function satisfactorily in an electro- The number of times a periodic action occurs within
magnetic environment. In addition, this equipment a certain time. Expressed in hertz (Hz).
(installation, system) should not cause any electro-
magnetic interference that would be intolerable for
any devices, systems and installations in this envi-
ronment.

178
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

H Local Area Network (LAN)

A data communications system consisting of host

Hertz (Hz)
computers and other computers interconnected
The standard unit of frequency, one cycle per with terminal equipment (e.g. PCs). Frequently
second. cabled with twisted-pair or coaxial cables. A LAN
allows several users shared access to data and re-
Horizontal Cable sources. A LAN is usually restricted to one building.
The cable connecting the floor distributor to the
Local distribution point
telecommunications outlets.
Connection point in the zone distribution cabling
subsystem between a zone distributor and an
I equipment outlet

Impedance Local distribution point link

A frequency-dependent resistance (characteristic Transmission path between a local distribution

impedance) in a transmission link indicating the to- point and the interface at the other end of the fixed
tal opposition offered to the flow of current. zone distribution cable including the connecting
hardware at each end
Interference

Any signal distortion caused by an extraneous, un-

desired signal. M
ISO/IEC 11801 Main distribution cable

The international standard for application indepen- Cable connecting the main distributor to the zone
dent cabling systems. distributor

Main distributor

J Distributor used to make connections between

the main distribution cabling subsystem, network
Jacket access cabling subsystem and cabling subsystems
specified in ISO/IEC 11801 and active equipment
The flexible, outer covering of a cable, protecting
the color-coded conductors inside.

N
L Near End Crosstalk (NEXT)
Lay Length The disturbing signal coupling from the transmitting
pair to the receiving pair, at the same end (= near
The lay length measures the twisting of twisted pair
end) of the link. NEXT is expressed in dB. It is an
cables. Two individual conductors are twisted into
indication of how well the pairs are decoupled from
a pair. A change in the lay length can improve the
each other.
NEXT values.

179
6. Glossary

Network Permanent Link

The local and long-distance telecommunications The transmission link between two interfaces of an
capability provided by common carriers for switch application independent cabling system, excluding
and private line telecommunications services. A connection cable and workplace cable.
system of software and hardware connected in a
manner to support data transmission. Power Sum

A procedure of crosstalk testing and measuring in

Network access cable
multi-pair cables, referring to the summing of vari-
Cable connecting the external network interface to ous forms of disturbing crosstalk, with all the other
the main distributor or zone distributor pairs active.

Network Architecture Propagation Time Delay

Topology and structure of a network. A signal that travels from one point of a transmissi-
on link to another experiences a certain time delay.
Noise It is calculated on the basis of the cable length and
Referring to any extraneous signal, which interferes the velocity of propagation specified for the trans-
with the desired signal from a different source than mission medium.
the connected transmitter. Noise interference can
degrade a signal as badly as making it unrecogni-
zable for the receiver. The higher the data rate, the R
stronger the interference’s effect.
Resistance
Nominal Velocity of Propagation (NVP)
The characteristic of a conductor defining the cur-
When signals travel down a physical medium their rent flow generated at a given potential difference.
speed is below the speed of light and dependent It opposes the current flow and causes loss of per-
on the medium’s material and design. The NVP in- formance in the form of heat. Resistance is measu-
dicates the signals’ speed in the physical medium red in ohms.
relative to the speed of light in a vacuum. Typical-
ly, copper cable results show 60 % to 85 % of the Return Loss
speed of light. Return loss indicates impedance regularity along
the cable as well as in plug connector and patch
cable.
P
Pair (Conductor Pair)
S
Two conductors, paired together (mostly by twis-
ting) and color-coded. See also Symmetrical Twis- Shield
ted Pair Cable. A metallic cover around the insulated conductors of
a shielded cable. The shield can be a cable’s metallic
jacket or the metallic layer of a metal-free jacket.
Also referred to as screen.

180
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Shielded Twisted Pair Cable (STP) U

Generic term for a copper data transmission cable
Unshielded Twisted Pair Cable (UTP)
that incorporates metallic shielding either around 4
twisted pairs of insulated copper wires, or individu- Generic term for a copper data transmission cable
ally around each twisted pair in a cable (or a combi- using multiples of insulated twisted copper wires
nation of both). without further metallic shielding of the wire pairs
or the cable as a whole
Symmetrical Twisted Pair Cable

A cable consisting of at least one symmetrical cable

(twisted pair or star-quad). W
Wire Map Test

T The wire map test checks if the connector modules’

pin assignment is identical at both ends.
Telecommunications Outlet (TO)
Workplace
The term to denote the data outlets installed at
workplaces within a structured cabling system. A space in a building where users work at telecom-
Either copper or fiber connectivity may be used for munications terminals. A typical workplace measu-
supporting numerous different services (e.g. voice, res 9 square meters.
video and data).

Telecommunications Room
Z
Enclosed space for housing telecommunications
equipment, cable terminations, interconnect and Zone distribution cable
cross-connect Cable connecting the zone distributor to the equip-
ment outlet(s) or local distribution point(s)
Tensile Force

The force measured in Newton (N) that a cable is Zone distributor

exposed to during installation (10 N ~1 kg) Distributor used to make connections between the
main distribution cabling subsystem, zone distri-
TIA
bution cabling subsystem, network access cabling
Telecommunications Industry Association, North subsystem and cabling subsystems specified in ISO/
American standardization organization. IEC 11801 series and active equipment

TIA 568x

The North American standard for telecommunicati-

ons cabling in office buildings.

181
7. Abbreviations

182
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

183
7. Abbreviations

Abbreviation Description

AC Alternate Current

APC Angled Physical Contact

BN Bonded Network

CBN Central Bonded Network

CRAC Computer Room Air Conditioner

DC Direct Current

DC-I DC Isolated distribution system

DC-C DC Common distribution system

EMC Electro-Magnetic Compatibility

ER Equipment Room

HF High Frequency

ICC Inspect Clean Connect

MEP Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing

MMF Multi Mode Fiber

MPO Multi-fiber Push-On connector

OLT Optical Line Terminal

OTDR Optical Time Domain Reflectometer

LSPM / OLTS Light Source Power Meter / Optical Loss Test Set

ONT Optical Network Terminal

OTO Optical Telecommunication Outlet

PC Physical Contact

PE Protective Earth

PoE Power over Ethernet

RCD Residual-Current Device or residual-current circuit breaker (RCCB)

SMF Single Mode Fiber

SNR Singal to Noise Ratio

184
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

Abbreviation Description

TN-C A combined PEN conductor fulfils the functions of both a PE and an N conductor

Part of the system uses a combined PEN conductor, which is at some point split up into separate
TN-C-S
PE and N lines

TN-S PE and N are separate conductors that are connected together only near the power source

In a TT (Terra-Terra) earthing system, the protective earth connection for the consumer is provi-
TT
ded by a local earth electrode, and there is another independently installed at the generator

UPS Uninterruptible Power Supply

iStock-873698958

185
8. Picture Key

186
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

187
8. Picture Key

Key Description

A Adapter

BD Building Distributor

C Connection / Connector

CD Campus Distributor

Core Core Switch Equipment

CP Consolidation Point

EF Encircled Flux

EO Equipment Outlet

EQP Active Equipment

FD Floor Distributor

J Joint (R&M Cable Coupler)

LDP Local Distribution Point

MD Main Distributor

MPO MPO Connector

OLT Optical network Line Terminal

ONT Optical Network Termination

P Plug

PP Patch Panel

Rx Receive

Spl Splice

SVR Server

TE Terminal Equipment

TO Telecommunication Outlet

Tx Transmit

ZD Zone Distributor

188
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

189
9. List of Tables

190
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

191
9. List of Tables

Project Quality Assurance, part 1 20

Project Quality Assurance, part 2 21
ISO Standard 24
TIA Standard 25
TIA Standard 25
EN Standard 26
CPR Classes & criteria 29
CPR Additional classes and fire protection levels 30
EMC power distribution 34
Standard differences 37
R&Mfreenet Connector Link Classification 37
TP cable structure 38
Example data sheet – copper cable 40
Horizontal cabling link equation 41
ISO/IEC 11801 reference cabling lengths 41
Interconnect-TO equation 42
Cross connect-TO equation 42
Interconnect-CP-TO equation 43
Cross connectCP-TO equation 44
Interconnect-EO equation 45
Cross connect-EO equation 45
Interconnect-LDP-EO equation 46
Cross connect-LDP-EO equation 46
Main distributor channel equation 47
R&Mfreenet AWG26 maximum horizontal length 48
R&Mfreenet IEEE maximum horizontal length 49
R&Mfreenet IEEE maximum horizontal length for custom cable 49
R&Mfreenet Cat. 6A ISO minimum horizontal length 50
R&Mfreenet Cat. 6A EL minimum horizontal length 50
One connector equation 51
One connector equation 52
BtB model equation 52
Cross-inter-cross model equation 53
Classification of information technology cables according EN 50174-2 60
Minimum separation S according EN 50174-2 60
Separation requirements between metallic cabling and specific
EMI sources according EN 50174-2 61
Length restrictions for Class I / Cat. 8 73
Components requirements for standards 75

192
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

IEEE applications supported MMF (ISO/IEC 11801-1) 77

IEEE Applications supported SMF (ISO/IEC 11801-1) 78
FO connector types – part 1 79
FO connector types – part 2 80
FO connector types – part 3 81
Fiber adapter types – part 1 82
Fiber adapter types – part 2 83
IL Grades according IEC 61753-1 84
RL Grade according IEC 61752-1 84
FO connector IL vs RL 85
ISO11801-1 cable attenuation 85
R&Mfreenet FO cable loss 86
Fiber cable types 87
Fiber cable construction – part 1 88
Fiber cable construction – part 2 89
IEEE802.3 GPON power budget 95
R&M splitter performance 95
FO installation cable color codes 98
Sample copper cabling bending radius 116
Termination of modules 119
Laser class overview according to IEC 60825 Ed. 3.0:2013 123
Primary treatments Isopropanol & Hexane 125
FO cable tensile strength 127
FO cable bending radius 128
Test equipment measurement tolerance 136
Test equipment accepted for warranty applications 138
Test equipment standard selection 139
Test equipment adapter selection 140
ISO 61300-3-35 criteria 151
Reference-Reference mating loss budget 154
Reference/random mating loss budget 155
FO cable index of refraction 157
FO cable index of refraction 164
R&Mfreenet connection attenuation 169
OTDR Testing Procedure Step 5 170
Fiber optic documentation procedure 173

193
10. List of Figures

194
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

195
10. List of Figures

MICE classification 27
Premises earthing 32
EN 50310 Minimum 32
EN50310 Recommended 33
Bonding Concept R&M Panels 35
Interconnect-TO model 42
Interconnect-TO model 42
Interconnect-CP-TO model 43
Cross connect-CP-TP model 44
Interconnect-EO model 45
Cross connect-EO model 45
Interconnect-LDP-EO model 46
Cross connect-LDP-EO model 46
Main Distributor channel model 47
LAN one connector model 51
DC one connector model 51
OC/DC 1-Connector Model MPTL with Cable-Coupler 52
BtB interconnect model 52
Cross-inter-cross connection model 53
Interconnect TO/EO model with RJ45 Coupler 56
Coupled PL Indoor/Outdoor MPTL with Cable Coupler 56
Cross connect TO/EO model with RJ45 Coupler 56
Interconnect LDP EO model with RJ45 Coupler 57
Cross connect LDP EO model with RJ45 Coupler 57
Heat distribution with PoE 63
IPC contact 64
Resistance behavior 65
IDC contact 65
Spark when disconnetion under load 66
Displacement contact point during plugging process 67
TCL influence 68
Good contact design 68
EMC radiation 69
Length restrictions 25G-ready 71
Sample test PL 72
Sample test 25G 72
Schematic representation of Cat. 8.1 channel with length specification 74
FO sample calculation LAN 90
FO sample Calculation DC 90

196
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

FO 3 Connector direct combined 91

FO 4 connector combined splice 91
FO 5 connector direct combined 92
Principal scheme for POLAN 93
POLAN sample configuration 94
POLAN calculation sample 96
Products for the realization of a POLAN 97
OF patch cord polarity 98
FO crossed backbone polarity 100
FO straight backbone polarity 101
Key Up and Key Down 102
MPO Type A and MPO Type B Cables 102
MPO polarity method A components 103
MPO polarity method A fan-out 103
MPO polarity method A 40/100G 104
MPO polarity method with R&M fan-out Trunk B 105
MPO polarity method R&M 40/100G Trunk B 105
MPO polarity method with R&M fan-out Trunk A 106
MPO polarity method R&M 40/100G Trunk A 106
Copper cable stored in good conditions 111
Copper cable stored in the wrong conditions 111
Unloading reel with bar 112
Correct lifting procedure 112
Correct cable routing 114
Proper direction for unrolling 115
Wrong direction for unrolling 115
Proper vertical riser installation 116
Correct fastening of vertical cables 116
Copper cable installation pulley 116
Cable management examples 117
Tools for terminating copper cables 118
Correct wiring 120
Incorrect wiring 120
Cabinet aisle protection 126
Efficient cable management 128
Tools for preparation and termination of fiber cables 129
LC APC connector FO Field 130
Assembled FO Field connector 131
Patch cable management with R&M ODF system 132

197
10. List of Figures

Patch cables with R&M’s Netscale 132

Sample test link PL 141
Sample test link CH 141
Sample test link MPTL 141
Sample test link PL with CP Method 1 142
Sample test link PL with CP Method 2 142
Measurement Evaluation Analysis 143
FO Cabling Permanent Link Configuration 147
FO Channel test configuration 148
Direct test not possible through splitter 149
Split installation in two parts and test main cable 149
And each outlet individually 149
Most Common Faults in Fiber Optic Installations 150
ISO 61300-3-35 SMF & MMF 150
Examples of cleaned fiber optic connector surfaces 151
Fiber endface cleaning equipment 152
Fiber endface inspection tool 152
«one Jumper» reference method 158
«one Jumper» method verification 159
«extended 3-Jumper» method verification 159
Measurement of a PL 160
Measurement of a CH 160
OTDR Loop measurement A to B 163
OTDR Loop measurement B to A 163
Test leads and loop reference connector verification 165
Test lead 1 & 2 reference connector verification 165
Test cables 1 & 2 and link 3 with APC connectors
(events not set, i.e. not visible) 166
Test cables 1 & 2 and link 3 with APC connectors
(events set and therefore visible) 166
Unidirectional loop measurement 168
MMF measurement end to origin 168
MMF measurement origin to end 168

198
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

199
11. Notes

200
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

201
11. Notes

202
 Go to
«Table of Contents»

203
Headquarters

Switzerland
Reichle & De-Massari AG
Binzstrasse 32
CH-8620 Wetzikon

www.rdm.com
Please choose your country
on our global website

R&M Blog Portal

www.blog.rdm.com

/reichle-&-de-massari-ag

/reichledemassari

@reichledemassari

/ReichleDeMassariAG

@reichle_massari

© Reichle & De-Massari AG – All rights reserved

H_Installation-Test_Guideline_04.20_EN_HQ

We are represented by almost 3000 qualified partners worldwide.

Find your local partner at: www.rdm.com