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IN THIS ISSUETop Network Infrastructure Trends in 2018

Six Tips for Presenting with Technology

New 2018 Network Solutions Digital Catalogs Now Available!

Ask The Experts

Standards SnapShot

News You Can Use

Tech Tips

LEVITON POLLFrom a recent Leviton customer poll

Within the next year 8%

2-3 years 27%

5+ years 16%

No plans 49%

When do you expect to install Category 8?

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How people present information has evolved significantly in recent years. As smartphones, tablets, and laptops have become common in conference rooms and classrooms, understanding how emerging audiovisual technologies support these devices and engage your audience can be just as important as knowing your subject matter.

While the basics for giving a good presentation haven’t changed, today’s technology offers new ways to make your presentations — from sales pitches to corporate meetings to national conferences — strong, memorable, and effective.

6 Tips forPresenting with Technology

UPCOMING EVENTSFEBRUARY 4 - 82018 BICSI Winter Conference & ExpositionOrlando, Florida

Visit us at booth 901, and don’t miss these Leviton presentations:

• Simplifying Your K-12 and Conference Room AV Applications and Installations Feb. 5, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.

• Demystifying Enterprise Fiber Networks Feb. 7, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

• Exploring Cat 8: Understanding Applications Installation and Testing Feb. 7, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

We caught up with Brad Leland, Vice President of Sales for Leviton Network Solutions, for his outlook on the state of structured cabling in 2018.

What are the biggest developments in data center networks?Data centers everywhere are moving quickly to address bandwidth demands. While 10 Gb/s transceiver modules currently make up a large portion of the market, 100 Gb/s is starting to make a big move, driven largely by cloud environments. This year, eight speeds will be available on the market, including 200 and 400 Gb/s, creating an unprecedented number of options for data center managers to evaluate and design their networks to support.

The migration path for enterprise data centers will take advantage of multimode cabling while moving to 10, 40, and 100 Gb/s in the future, while cloud provider networks will move to 100 Gb/s uplinks and 25 Gb/s at the server in the near future. We can also expect future migrations to 200 and 400 Gb/s uplinks and 50 and

100 Gb/s at the server. When comparing optical fiber systems for these higher speeds, cloud service providers are increasingly adopting single-mode over multimode systems.

In addition to fiber, new 25GBASE-T and 40GBASE-T standards give data centers an affordable and flexible option at the access layer, where Category 8 cable and connectivity brings the familiarity of an RJ45-based infrastructure.

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Top Network Infrastructure Trends in 2018

Your Source for Industry News & Insight

CrossTalk NEWSLETTERVol. 9 | Jan/Feb 2018

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ASK THE EXPERTSQ: In horizontal cabling, what’s the difference between a Transition Point and a

Consolidation Point?

A: The Transition Point or TP is a connection within the horizontal cabling that allows for a change of cable type within the cable run, such as plenum to non-plenum cable. When using a TP, one cable sub-section runs from the Telecommunications Room to the TP. The other sub-section runs from the TP to the work area. This allows for different types of cable in the permanent link. A consolidation point or CP is a connection within the horizontal cabling that creates a subsection from the Telecommunications Room to the CP, and a sub-section from the CP to the work area. A CP and TP may not be used together in the same permanent link. A CP is typically used where the work area is regularly reconfigured. When moves happen, it is necessary to replace only the subsection of cabling from the CP to the work area. This simplifies moves, adds, and changes. It is often used where work areas are modular furniture workstations.

Leviton has released new digital 2018 product catalogs that include the latest copper and fiber cabling systems for data center and enterprise networks. The catalog features Category 8 connectors and patch cords, new SDX Wall-Mount Enclosures, and an expanded line of AV extenders for classrooms and conference rooms.

Customers in Europe and the Middle East also have new catalogs specific for their region. For more catalog information, please visit Leviton.com/catalogs.

NEW 2018 Network Solutions Digital Catalogs Now Available!

Top Network Infrastructure Trends in 2018 • continued from pg. 1

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We often get asked about wireless networks, and whether they will replace traditional networks in the workplace. How is wireless changing things?While wireless networks cover more of the workplace, cabling systems aren’t going away. For example, 802.11ac enterprise wireless access points (WAPs) have seen significant adoption in recent years, with the capability to deliver 1.3 Gb/s today and up to 6.7 Gb/s in the future. However, businesses won't see the true benefits of these higher speeds without the right cabling infrastructure out to the WAP.

To get the most out of 802.11ac, the Telecom Industry Association (TIA) recommends using Cat 6A cables in new installations, which will give you higher data rates and increased power. The organization also suggests a minimum of two drops for every WAP, so future upgrades take less time. Also, Cat 6A is the cable you’ll need to prepare for the next generation wireless network, 802.11ax which will allow for wireless data rates up to 10 Gb/s, and is due for release in 2019.

Power over Ethernet continues to gain traction. What is leading to its adoption?PoE is expected to continue its upward growth trajectory in the coming decade. PoE-enabled port and device sales are projected to grow from $45 million in 2015 to $1 billion by 2021, according to a global forecast by MarketsandMarkets Research. Much of this growth comes from the benefits of long term cost savings, more centralized network control, greater operational efficiencies, and the ability to integrate newer technology into the network.

PoE encompasses a tremendous range of devices and applications, including lighting, WAPs, IP cameras, and industrial devices. However, these systems need the right cabling and network design in place, especially when supporting devices that require faster network speeds or more power. Twisted-pair cabling transmitting upwards of 100 watts can encounter potential overheating issues that may affect transmission performance. Similar to wireless cabling recommendations, industry standards groups like TIA recommend Category 6A cable in order to meet high-wattage PoE requirements and support future network upgrades.

Learn more about the latest network trends and technologies at Leviton.com/ns/whitepapers.

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Avoid “Death by PowerPoint” Applications like Microsoft PowerPoint, Apple Keynote, Google Slides, and Prezi can either improve or impede your engagement with your audience. A good guideline

to follow is the 10, 20, 30 Rule: Prepare 10 slides, present for 20 minutes, and keep your font sizes at 30 points or higher. Originally created for venture capital pitches, this recommendation is just as effective for sales presentations, informational talks, and technical sessions. And be sure to save time for questions or discussion.

Take Advantage of UHD and 4KHD, UHD, and 4K displays are making their way into boardrooms, classrooms, and conference halls. Having access to these stunning visual technologies

can enhance your presentation, but you must be aware of how the infrastructure supporting these technologies can impact the performance of your multimedia presentation. By relying on Leviton 4k-capable extension devices, end-users gain greater flexibility and the full benefit of these high-performance video technologies.

Let Your Voice be HeardEven the most polished presentation will fall flat if the audience can’t hear the presenter. Leviton Mixing Audio Amplifiers offer a compact, easy way to power speakers in a variety of venues, from classrooms to conference rooms to auditoriums. Available in 70V mono and stereo options, these versatile audio solutions offer 40-watt output, RS-232, and IR control.

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)Today, bringing a laptop on a sales call is standard practice, and using a tablet to enhance a presentation is becoming accepted. However, there’s no guarantee your device will be protected from becoming compromised when bringing it into an office, school, or conference room. At the same time, organizations can’t be sure personal devices logged onto their Wi-Fi won’t compromise the network.

A wired connection is the fastest way to allow BYOD technologies to access an AV system. Wireless connections may seem convenient, but they require security access, password authentication, and can cause extra drag on an already taxed network. Relying on wireless connectivity alone makes it difficult for an organization to provide quick and stable connections. Smart AV network designs incorporating Leviton IT/AV Control solutions allow rapid sharing and collaboration by connecting multiple devices to a projector or display while being segmented to maintain network security and integrity.

Take Control HDBaseT integrates RS-232 and IR signals into its platform; in addition to transmitting your presentation, it also provides the capability to control power, source

selection, and volume from a convenient central location over the existing category cabling infrastructure. This reduces the number of physical cables strung around the room and gives you and your guests complete display control.

Know Your Distance Depending on your venue, the presentation source and the display might be side-by-side at a conference table, on opposite sides of a room, in different rooms altogether,

or even patched to a telecommunications room from another floor of the building. An HDMI® signal can only be trusted to travel about 15 feet on a standard passive HDMI cable. With HDBaseT, you have the option to extend HDMI signals up to 230 or 330 feet over existing category cabling. HDBaseT offers a standard for reliable signal extension so you don’t have to worry about the distance between your source and display, whether it’s 10 feet or 300 feet.

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To learn more about existing technologies that can help streamline your presentation and better engage your audience, download our white paper, “Understanding IT/AV and HDBaseT Control Systems,” at Leviton.com/ns/whitepapers

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NEWS USEYOUCAN

YESTERDAY’S NEWS2007: Ten years ago the Open Handset Alliance introduced the Android operating system for mobile phones.

INDUSTRYThe Ethernet Switch – Data Center market revenue jumped to a record high in the third quarter of 2017, growing 12 percent year-over-year, according to a Dell’Oro Group quarterly report. The report also found that 40 GbE revenue dropped to about half of the 100 GbE revenue in the third quarter.

IEEE created a study group to address the use of visible light to support wireless LAN

applications. The 802.11 Light Communications Study Group will look into the use of solid state lighting such as LED lighting to transmit high bandwidth data wirelessly.

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PRODUCTThe new Opt-X Unity Single-Mode 24-Fiber System gives data center and enterprise network managers the most flexibility for migrating to 40, 100, 200, and 400 Gb/s speeds. The system includes Opt-X Unity trunks, harnesses, and array cords, as well as HDX or e2XHD cassettes.

Leviton’s Cat 6A Universal Tool-Free Plug offers easy field termination without special tools and terminates from 26- to 22-gauge solid or stranded conductors.

COMPANYIn October 2017, Home Depot presented Leviton with the Partner of the Year award as the leading supplier from among over 100 electrical vendors. The award recognized Leviton's performance, service, and products in addition to the strong relationship established over the years.

ANSI/TIARecently Published Standards

TIA-942-B Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Data Centers. The updated standard addresses new Category 8 and OM5 media types.

TIA-1179-A Healthcare Facility Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard. The revised standard sets Category 6A as the minimum for twisted-pair backbone and horizontal cabling. It also recommends OM4 as the minimum for multimode fiber cabling.

ANSI/TIA-568.1-D-1 Commercial Building Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard Addendum 1: Updated References, Accommodation of New Media Types. The changes recognize Category 8 copper and OM5 fiber.

TIA-606-C Administration Standard for Telecommunications Infrastructure

ANSI/TIA-5048 Automated infrastructure management (AIM) systems requirements, data exchange and applications

TIA-TSB-5046 Standard Process for Sustainable Information Communications Technology Manufacturers. The TSB provides recommendations for a process to establish, implement and document sustainable practices for manufacturers of ICT equipment and infrastructure.

Standards Approved for Publication

ANSI/TIA-862-B-1 Intelligent Building Systems Cabling Standard Addendum 1: Accommodation of New Media Types will recognize Category 8 copper and OM5 fiber.

ANSI/TIA-4966-1 Education Facilities Cabling Standard Addendum 1: Accommodation of New Media Types will recognize Category 8 copper and OM5 fiber.

IEEE

IEEE 802.3bs Media Access Control Parameters, Physical Layers and Management Parameters for 200 Gb/s and 400 Gb/s Operation was approved in December 2017. The standard includes specifications for 200 and 400 Gb/s over 25 Gb/s per lane.

IEEE 802.3cd Media Access Control Parameters for 50 Gb/s and Physical Layers and Management Parameters for 50 Gb/s, 100 Gb/s, and 200 Gb/s Operation is targeting a September 2018 publication.

IEEE 802 LMSC Executive Committee granted approval to four calls for interests and the formation of a Study Group within IEEE 802.3 to develop:

• PAR and CSD modification to IEEE P802.3cg to add 10 Mb/s Backplane Ethernet to that project.

• PAR and CSD responses for beyond 10 km Optical PHYs for 50 Gb/s, 100 Gb/s, 200 Gb/s, and 400 Gb/s Ethernet within IEEE 802.3.

• PAR and CSD responses for 100 Gb/s per Lane for Electrical Interfaces and Electrical PHYs within IEEE 802.3.

• PAR and CSD responses for next-generation 200 Gb/s and 400 Gb/s PHYs over fewer multimode fiber pairs than in existing Ethernet projects and standards.

STANDARDS SNAPSHOTKeeping you up to date on important developments from IEEE, TIA, and BICSI.

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Terminating Fiber in the FieldThere are three basic approaches to terminating fiber connections in the field: adhesive connection and field polishing, mechanical connectors with no polishing, or fusion splicing using pigtail assemblies. Let’s take a brief look at each.

Field Polish / Adhesive TerminationsAdhesive connectors are a very common option. With these terminations, a 1- or 2-part system adhesive is injected into the connector, and the fiber is inserted. An accelerator or “primer” can be used to cure the adhesive more rapidly.

Adhesive terminations are the least expensive option. However, they are very craft sensitive, so labor costs are a consideration. Also, a word of caution: The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) has tightened its requirements for single-mode return loss (reflectance) at .35 dB. Meeting those requirements becomes much more challenging with field polish connections. With enterprise networks moving to higher speeds, return loss is now more of a concern than ever. Minimizing return loss requires improving your polishing procedures, or choosing a factory polished connector such as those used in mechanical terminations.

How to Terminate Fast-Cure Connectors to 900 μm FiberWatch the video at: https://youtu.be/a1xIrn8Qqgs

FastCAM: 900 μm FiberWatch the video at: https://youtu.be/HdN8HX1ohEY

How to Terminate the Leviton Opt-X Splice ModuleWatch the video at: https://youtu.be/-7VDwB5H6IU

Fusion SplicingFusion splicing is another option that uses factory polished connectors and will provide excellent insertion and return loss. However, it too is more expensive than field polishing, requiring a greater capital investment as it requires both a precision cleaver and a fusion splicer. The good news is the cost of fusion splicers has come down in price significantly in recent years.

Leviton offers pigtails and splice modules to protect and organize heat shrink fusion spliced fibers inside an enclosure. The modular design enables faster field splicing and simple management of pigtails within the housing. Splice modules eliminate the need for individual splice trays within a fiber enclosure. The video on the right shows how to terminate Leviton Opt-X SDX Splice Modules.

Factory Polish / Mechanical ConnectionsTraditionally, mechanical connectors were considered a temporary “quick-fix” solution. However, the technology in mechanical connectors has advanced over the years, and the advantages have made them a higher quality long-term solution. With mechanical connectors, the end-faces are factory-polished and highly controlled, leading to better insertion loss and return loss. However, this connector will cost more than field polished connectors and will require a precision cleaver.

Leviton FastCAM connectors are pre-polished, field-installable connectors that eliminate the need for hand polishing, bonding, or epoxy in the field. See our past tips for installing FastCAM.

Email: crosstalk@leviton.com

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