LEVITON.COM/CROSSTALK 1

NEWSLETTER> US

IN THIS ISSUE

Three Keys to a Better AV User Experience in Classrooms

HDX Splice Modules Bring Field Splicing to Ultra-High-Density Networks

Understanding Distance Limits with Multimode Fiber

News You Can Use

Tech Tips

Word from the Field

LEVITON POLL

How are you currently connecting your source and your display or projector?

WiFi

Video over Ethernet/IP

HDBaseTExtension

ActiveExtension

PassiveCables

45%

12%

22%

16%

5%

From a February 2019 Leviton customer survey.

UPCOMING EVENTS

BICSI Fall Conference & Exhibition September 29 – October 3 Las Vegas, Nevada

Classroom AV systems should not be complex. In an education environment, a simpler system encourages student engagement, is easily integrated into the learning setting, and is upgradable for a longer-lived solution. And it is far more likely to accommodate the classroom infrastructure, school budgets, and end-user needs.

When designing an AV system for a classroom setting, there are three keys to a positive user experience: extension for AV signals, minimal components, and intuitive interface and controls.

1EXTENDING SIGNALS: Know When Passive AV Cables are Not Enough

Most AV applications will require some form of signal extension. For example, HDMI cables are

often expected to work at lengths of 40 to 50 feet. However, in reality they are only trustworthy up to about 35 feet for 1080p signals. Their reliability for 4K is much shorter.

While the VGA analog signal standard was sunsetted several years ago and is officially obsolete, we still see many schools with VGA computers, laptops, and projectors. VGA cables typically can reach out to about 100 feet.

For standard USB cables, the range is approximately 16 feet, but it is greatly reduced to only 10 feet when used with USB 3.x devices.

continued on pg. 2

New HDX LC and MTP® Fiber Splice Modules make fiber optic network deployment easier, cleaner, and safer. The modules integrate fiber adapter bulkhead and splice holders, eliminating the need for splice trays. The MTP module is the first on the market, offering three 12-fiber connectors, creating an ideal option for network migrations up to 400 Gb/s. And the unique LC pigtail assembly allows for single

fiber or mass fiber fusion splicing.

Additionally, the HDX Splice Modules are part of the HDX platform of frames, rack-mount enclosures, panels and wall-mount enclosures. The platform addresses the need

for ultra-high density and easier network manageability. The new splice modules have the same patching form factor as HDX cassettes and adapter plates, and

the same method for inserting and removing from enclosures and panels. This creates consistency and familiarity for all areas of the network, across

installations and throughout future MACs. Learn more.

Vol. 10 | Jul/Aug 2019

THREEKeys to a Better

AV USER EXPERIENCE

in ClassroomsBy Bill Lauby, Sr. Product Manager, Leviton Network Solutions

HDX Splice Modules Bring Field Splicing to Ultra-High-Density Networks

Your Source for Industry News & Insight

CrossTalk

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LEVITON.COM/CROSSTALK 2

Three Keys to a Better AV User Experience in Classrooms continued from pg. 1

Below are recommended maximum lengths for different AV links, compared to maximum lengths using AV extenders:

HDMI® (1080p)

HDBaseT™ 100 m Extender over category cable

100 m 328 ft

HDMI Cable 12-15 m 40-50 ft

VGA (Obsolete)

VGA with Extender over category cable

100 m 328 ft

VGA Cable 30 m 100 ft

USB

USB 2.0 with Extender over category cable

100 m 328 ft

USB 1.1 with Extender over category cable

50 m 164 ft

USB 1.1 Cable 4.8 m 16 ft

Signal extenders can extend all of these options over category cable using a variety of technologies. To accommodate today’s high-bandwidth ultra-high-definition HDMI signals in an education environment, deploying extenders is a good option because they reduce system complexity while fitting within a school’s limited budget, and simple control capabilities are an easy add-on. And using a system built on HDBaseT™ technology embraces that simplicity by allowing the integration of multiple signals on a single system and cable, covering the full range of AV technology.

2SYSTEM DESIGN: Minimize the Number of Components

A simple AV system with minimal components will have a lower initial purchase price and installation

cost, and a greatly reduced total system maintenance and upgrade budget. When designing an AV system with the goal of reducing components and system complexity, two options are available: centralized or decentralized systems.

CENTRALIZED AV SYSTEMCentralized AV systems offer the benefits of greater control and easier overall system management. Every classroom system can be monitored and controlled from a single administrative location, including power use and the ability to automate some processes.

However, a centralized AV system is complex, not only in number of components but in the difficulty of installation and long-term maintenance needs. A single component failure can impact not one but multiple rooms — or even the entire school. This increases the potential for a high system lifecycle cost that may be beyond most school budgets.

DECENTRALIZED AV SYSTEMDecentralized AV systems are based on individual self-contained classrooms that are not patched into the building telecommunication room. This design is far simpler than a centralized system, and it reduces the installation and component costs. Maintenance and upgrades can be made on a room-by-room basis, rather than requiring a system-wide shut-down, reprogramming, or repair.

There are drawbacks to this approach. Since each room comprises a separate AV system, no central administrative control or monitoring is available, though some overall system control and automation can be added using web-based monitoring applications often supplied with the projector or display operating system. For the majority of schools, however, a decentralized system will meet their needs both now and as AV technology evolves.

3AV SET-UP: Keep it Simple and Intuitive

Classroom AV system users come with a range of technical skill sets, from savvy to easily intimidated.

But in general, teachers and administrators want AV systems that have intuitive ON/OFF controls, instant ON capability, and clear feedback that the system is working. They need easy and fast connections to all devices in the classroom, and consistent system-wide dependability without frequent support from an IT professional.

Basic control panel systems and autoswitching wallplates make system access effortless and instantaneous. Choose autoswitching wallplates that accept at least two HDMI (HD 1080p and UHD 4K) inputs and a VGA+ audio input for those legacy connections. These wallplates offer the ability to switch to the active input without user interaction. Add a dedicated push-button control panel with simple ON/OFF, VOLUME, and SOURCE selections to accommodate non-technical users.

Control Panel

Autoswitching

Interactivity can also be added with USB extension between the source and interactive projector that requires only another tested Category cable link and USB plug-and-play transmitter and receiver pair. This easy-to-install system eliminates network security vulnerabilities and maintenance, while minimizing classroom disruptions by unfamiliar users such as substitute teachers and new staff.

USB Extender Set

70V Mixing Audio Amplifier

Finally, audio enhancement is easily accomplished with the addition of an amplifier and ceiling speakers. Depending on user preference, room configuration, and usage, the choice of amplification and speakers can vary from a 4/8 Ohm stereo amplifier with a pair of speakers to a more distributed system, employing a 70 V amplifier with many ceiling mounted speakers for complete room coverage. With a simple connection to the projector or display audio output, a complete system is achieved with only four components.

By focusing on simplicity and ease of use, network installers and IT managers can provide system longevity, reliable performance, and end-user satisfaction. Learn more about Leviton’s IT/AV systems for classrooms.

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LEVITON.COM/CROSSTALK 3

NEWS USEYOU CANINDUSTRY

IN MAY, BICSI introduced two international data center standards and a new data center specialty manual:

• ANSI/BICSI 002-2019, Data Center Design and Implementation Best Practices has been updated to respond to recent data center and technology developments.

• The new BICSI 009-2019, Data Center Operations and Maintenance Best Practices covers operations for data centers ranging from small enterprise to hyperscale.

• The new manual: Essentials of Data Center Projects (EDCP) offers “a holistic view of the overall data center project, from conceptualization to planning, implementation and project closeout.”

PRODUCT WITH THE INCREASE of security cameras and IoT sensors mounted in exposed locations, and even high bandwidth Ethernet on the factory

floor or industrial environment, your network performance has the potential to suffer due to external environmental factors.

Check out new Berk-Tek Leviton Technologies Cat 6A Cabling Systems for light- to heavy-duty industrial and harsh environments. The systems include DuraPort® Jack Housings and Patch Cords that are IP67 rated to safeguard connectivity from dust and debris. Learn more.

YESTERDAY'S NEWS 1999 — 20 years ago, the 802.11b (WiFi 1) and 802.11a (WiFi 2) wireless standards were released. 802.11b has a data rate of 11 Mbit/s and operates at 2.4 GHz. 802.11a has a data rate of up to 54 Mbit/s in the 5-6 GHz range, but has a shorter range then 802.11b.

Multimode optical fiber is the most common media choice for both backbone and horizontal distribution within the local area network (LAN) including campuses, buildings, and data centers. Let’s take a closer look at the types of multimode fiber options based on bandwidth and distance needs.

1 GB/S NETWORKSThe majority of enterprise fiber networks today still run 1000BASE-SX, delivering up to 1 Gb/s over multimode. OM1 cable will support 1000BASE-SX out to 275 meters, and that distance jumps to 550 meters with OM2 cable. OM3 and OM4 came after the 1000BASE-SX standard was written, so the distances up to 860 meters listed in the chart below are based on the gigabit Fibre Channel values. When IT managers require distances upwards of 860 meters, they will likely want to consider single-mode cable instead of multimode.

10 GB/S NETWORKSMany enterprise networks are moving beyond 1000BASE-SX and transitioning to 10 gigabit networks, such as 10GBASE-SR. This is where distance considerations really come into play. A network using OM1 has a maximum distance of 275 meters for 1000BASE-SX, but it would see a distance limit of only 33 meters for 10GBASE-SR. Similarly, OM2 fiber for 1000BASE-SX has a 550 meter limit, but drops down to 82 meters for 10GBASE-SR. The introduction of OM3 increased that distance to a more usable 300 meters in the enterprise.

Designation Modal Bandwidth @ 850 nm (MHz.km)

Duplex LC MPO

1000BASE-SX 10GBASE-SR 40GBASE-SR4 100GBASE-SR4

Meters Feet Meters Feet Meters Feet Meters Feet

OM1 200 275 902 33 82— — — —

OM2 500 550 1,808 82 269

OM3 2,000 860 2,822 300 984 100 328 70 230

OM4 4,700 860 2,822 400 1,312 100 328 100 328

The distance limit for 10 Gb/s over OM4 is listed at 400 meters in the above chart. This limit is set by TIA and IEEE standards based on worse case assumptions. However, these distances can likely extend out to 500 or 550 meters. The 400-meter limit is based on the transceiver having a spectral width of 0.65 nanometers, but most of these transceivers today are 0.47 nanometers, so you can typically extend farther than 400 meters. That’s a conversation you need to have with the cabling manufacturer.

40 AND 100 GB/S NETWORKSWhen considering multimode for 40 gigabit Ethernet — namely 40GBASE-SR4 using four transmitters and four receivers — you will need an MPO-style connector, and you can’t use older OM1 or OM2 fiber. Also, the distance limits will drop to 100 meters for OM3 and 150 meters for OM4. The original intent of 40GASE-SR4 was for the data center, with the vast majority of the links in data centers under 100 meters. But enterprise links are typically much longer than 100 meters. These networks will likely deploy 10GBASE-SR throughout the campus, and then 40GBASE-SR4 in server rooms or communications rooms.

Moving to 100GBASE-SR4 reduces the supported length further to 70 meters over OM3 and 100 meters over OM4, which is why we are seeing an increase in the deployment of OM4 fiber and the consideration of single-mode, as it is not so distance limited.

Learn more about multimode fiber options through our on-demand webinar “Demystifying Enterprise Fiber.”

Understanding

DISTANCE LIMITS with Multimode Fiber

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LEVITON.COM/CROSSTALK 4

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TECH TIPSTerminating FastCAM® ConnectorsWhile termination of the Leviton FastCAM Fiber Connector is quite simple, there are a few processes that will aid in achieving consistently successful results.

THE FASTCAM WEDGE CLIPEach FastCAM connector should arrive in the open position and ready to use. The wedge clips may become disengaged during shipping. You can reset the wedge by first squeezing the clip from the sides to disengage the wedges and then push down on the wedge over each tab. You should hear two clicks (the two positions where the wedge engages with the connector).

PREPPING THE FIBER• Before cleaving, remove all acrylate (the thin protective coating around the fiber). If acrylate is present, proper cleaving won’t occur.

• Make sure the fiber is properly cleaned after stripping. When the fiber is properly cleaned, you should hear a squeak.

• If the fiber does not feel like it will properly insert, re-strip the fiber, make sure the acrylate is fully removed and the fiber is properly cleaned of debris.

INSERTING FIBER INTO THE CONNECTORIf you are experiencing difficulty inserting your fiber into the connector, review the following steps:

• Never force a fiber into the connector.

• Make sure the wedge clips are properly engaged and the Cam is fully open (a bright light in window 1) when using a VFL.

• Gently twist the fiber as it is being inserted into the connector. While the light in window 1 may not fully disperse, a noticeable dim will occur indicating a proper insertion.

• Leviton recommends using a visual fault locator to ensure that the fiber is terminated properly.

See our step-by-step video for terminating the 900 micron fiber FastCAM Connector.

We received the note and photo below from a Leviton certified network installer in Ohio, praising our new Cable Management Clip.

“Wanted to share this picture with everyone. The techs in the field really like this new cable management clip. Also, the completed result looks AWESOME.”

Check out the new Cable Management Clip at the Leviton website.

WORD FROM THE FIELD

Squeeze each side to release the wedge clips

Window 2

Window 1

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