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IN THIS ISSUEQ&A: Office Huddle Spaces

Milford Regional Medical Center

Standards Snapshot

News You Can Use

Tech Tips

Ask The Experts

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Huddle spaces have become an integral part of office workplaces, and many require a different combination of IT and audiovisual solutions than traditional conference rooms. We talked to Leviton product manager Bill Lauby to find out what makes huddle spaces unique.

Q&A: Office Huddle Spaces

What is a Huddle Space?

A huddle space or huddle room takes a looser approach to collaboration in the workplace. Instead of reserving a large conference room, small groups of employees — maybe three to six people — will use these areas for short or impromptu meetings. They have become a popular addition to offices in recent years, providing a flexible space that is increasingly affordable as the cost of displays continues to drop.

LEVITON POLLData Centers : We recently asked 60 end users and specifiers:

For upcoming 40 and 100G deployments, what are your fiber cabling plans?

• Use OM3 or OM4 fiber 57%

• Use new OM5 fiber, when available

20%

• Use single-mode fiber 23%

Milford Regional Medical CenterThe Prescription for a Future-Proofed and Advanced IP Network

Serving more than 20 towns, Milford Regional Medical Center (MRMC) is a full-service, nonprofit community and regional teaching hospital with acute-care facilities in the heart of Milford, Massachusetts. Having projected that patient numbers for emergency care will rise to 70,000 as the local population continues to grow, MRMC initiated an expansion of both its emergency department and intensive care unit (ICU) facilities.

Throughout the planning stage, staff assessed the most advanced technologies and innovations that would best meet patient needs while supporting emerging video telemetry, telemedicine, and other high-bandwidth medical advancements. To carry out its vision for advanced IT, data, security, surveillance, and network future proofing, MRMC turned to A/Z Corporation as its single-source design-build and engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) partner.

A/Z Corporation has worked with MRMC on multiple mission-critical projects, including the MRMC Cancer Center, and has cultivated an eight-year trusted relationship. A/Z collaborated closely with the hospital’s project management company, Murphy and McManus, to evaluate a number of cabling and interconnect manufacturers. They decided to move forward with Berk-Tek Leviton Technologies, recognizing the combined strength of innovative Berk-Tek cabling and advanced Leviton connectivity.

UPCOMING EVENT

SEPTEMBER 11-15BICSI Fall ConferenceSan Antonio, Texas

OM4+ Meets High Expectations: A Practical User Case

Get an inside look at eBay’s high-density 40-gigabit networks. Their award-winning design includes custom-built connectivity and extended-reach multimode fiber.

Webinar:Thurs., Aug. 18, 201611 a.m. (PDT) / 2 p.m. (EDT)

data centereBayGO INSIDE AN

Your Source for Industry News & Insight

CrossTalk NEWSLETTERVol. 7 | July/Aug 2016

LEVITON.COM/CROSSTALK 2

How is a huddle space different than traditional conference rooms?

Huddle spaces are often designed to be more open areas that don’t take up unnecessary space, but can still be partitioned off for privacy when needed.

From an audiovisual perspective, these areas keep things simple and user-friendly. Most include a display and a conference camera, but not much more. You’re not likely to find a dedicated computer. Instead, these areas are left open for staff to bring and connect their own laptops or tablets. This approach will become commonplace as more companies adopt Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies.

In the diagram above, the autoswitching wallplate connects to a Leviton HDMI extender receiver at the display. The receiver also uses Power over HDBaseT™ (PoH) to power the autoswitching wallplate. This frees floor or table outlets for device power and charging.

Some IT managers are hesitant to allow personal laptops and tablets on the company network, as they might compromise security. The above configuration for huddle spaces provides a safe scenario, as it offers wired HDMI and VGA connections to the display while staying off the network. And users have an instant connection without delays for authentication.

You can learn more about Leviton solutions for huddle spaces at Leviton.com/ITAV.

HD Display HDMI Cable 41900

AC Power

24 VDC

HDMI Extender Receiver41910-HTR

HDMI+VGA Autoswitching HDBaseT Extender41920-HRC

Cat 6A Patch Cord6AS10

Decora® Stainless Steel Wallplate 84409-040

PC

HDMI

Laptop

AUDIO

VGA

Tablet

HDMI

Audio Cable

Category-Rated Patch Cord

HDMI Cable

VGA Cable

Power

Q&A: Office Huddle Spaces • continued from pg. 1

What does Leviton offer to address AV needs in huddle spaces?

We’ve made it easy for users to connect their devices to displays or projectors, over easy-to-install category-rated cable. This year we introduced an autoswitching wallplate for two HDMI® and one VGA source, supporting seamless content and screen switches. This makes it easy for anyone to get connected, whether they have a laptop, tablet, or PC. Just plug-and-play and you’re good to go.

Pay us a visit at BICSI Booth 537,to see the latest in data center connectivity and preview the new Category 8 solutions for 40GBASE-T.

Also, don’t miss these seminars from Leviton experts:

Learn from Leviton at the BICSI Fall Conference

September 11-15 San Antonio, Texas

Cabling and Connectivity for High Power PoE

Presenter: Brett Hanson, RCDD Tuesday, September 13 • 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Get an overview of the PoE market, PoE standards, and recommended best practices for high-wattage PoE.

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About HDBaseT - But Were Afraid to Ask

Presenter: Bill Lauby Wednesday, September 14 • 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

We’ll answer some practical questions common to both AV newbies and pros, and cover application examples, differences in specs, future migration capabilities, and more.

The Method Behind the Magic - Multifiber Testing

Presenter: Dennis Manes, RCDDWednesday, September 14 • 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Get a better understanding of the tools and processes needed to enhance network performance while minimizing time spent on site.

Tues.9/13

Wed.9/14

Wed.9/14

LEVITON.COM/CROSSTALK 3

“A/Z selected Berk-Tek Leviton Technologies because the two partnered companies had recognized early on that communication networks were moving towards “Everything IP” and had designed its products specifically with leading-edge bandwidth, wireless, and Power over Ethernet (PoE) properties for high-performance IP transmission,“ said Robert R. Nault, RCDD, A/Z Corporation’s technology solutions development manager. According to Nault, the dedication of service, stringent testing beyond industry standards, and the advantages of Berk-Tek’s cable designs were important factors when choosing Berk-Tek Leviton Technologies’ structured cabling solutions.

Leviton angled panels offer excellent patch cord bend radius and easy installation.

Milford Regional Medical Center • continued from pg. 1

To achieve MRMC’s vision and provide a greater return on infrastructure investment, A/Z used Berk-Tek’s LANmark™-1000 Category 6 Plenum UTP cables, Leviton eXtreme® Category 6 UTP QuickPort® Connectors, and Leviton 48-port Angled Patch Panels. To support MRMC’s network backbone, Berk-Tek’s 96-strand armored plenum OM3, 50-micron laser-optimized multimode fiber cable, and Leviton Opt-X® 2000i SDX Rack-Mount Enclosures with LC connectors were deployed. Berk-Tek’s 12-strand single-mode optical fiber cable was also used for the backplane.

“We partnered with Berk-Tek Leviton Technologies to deliver the project on time — and beyond customer expectations,” said Nault. A/Z’s extensive in-house design and engineering capabilities allowed it to serve as a one-source design build and EPCM provider that ultimately saved MRMC approximately $50,000 in project costs.

We partnered with Berk-Tek Leviton Technologies to deliver the project on time — and beyond customer expectations.

“”

Expanding to Provide Better Patient Care

Fully operational as of October 28, 2015, MRMC’s new building doubled the size of its lower Level 1 emergency department to nearly 30,000 square feet to accommodate an increase from 30 to 52 beds, and included new X-ray/CAT scan rooms, 10 behavioral health rooms, and a larger waiting room that connects to five treatment rooms just for children.

The medical center’s Level 1 ICU expansion included an increase from 4,600 to 13,000 square feet to facilitate a new telemetry floor with 24 state-of-the-art private patient rooms. This allows the hospital to convert multi-patient rooms in other areas to private rooms without reducing capacity. The pre-wired data and VISICU audiovisual system in MRMC’s new ICU facility is ready to launch the latest in telemetry technologies, allowing intensivists (physicians who specialize in ICU patient care) to remotely collaborate in real-time with other physicians and university medical researchers to diagnose patients and determine the best possible treatment and plan of care.

Installation Highlights and Future-Proofing

More than ever, health care infrastructures are burdened by exploding data storage, stringent security regulations, and ever-increasing gigabit speeds and bandwidth requirements. To address these growing trends, 12-strand single-mode fiber cable was installed in the emergency room and ICU IDFs, ensuring MRMC is ready to meet future bandwidth demands driven by continuous emerging medical technologies.

From the data center located in Milford Regional’s Gannett Building (700 feet from the new expansion), redundant 96-strand OM3 fiber cable was pulled to the lower level IDF closet in the new emergency room area. This process was repeated to the level 1 ICU IDF. Cable runs went back to the data center for termination to create a reliable, redundant fiber backbone critical to any health care facility.

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Milford Regional Medical Center • continued from pg. 5

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

Category 8In June, TIA standards for Category 8 were approved. ANSI/TIA-568-C.2-1 specifies Category 8 to support 25 Gb/s and 40 Gb/s, at distances between 5 to 30 meters. And in July, IEEE ratified 802.3bq, which defines 25G/40GBASE-T over Cat 8.

To learn more about Category 8, go to Leviton.com/Cat8.

WBMMFTIA subcommittee TR42.12 approved new standards for Wideband Multimode Fiber (WBMMF). TIA-492AAAE also went through a similar comment resolution process that was editorial in nature and was approved for publication by the TR42.12 Subcommittee. Comments resolved were from the ballot 3 which also closed in April.

The official name for WBMMF is not settled, as the IEC-11801 data center cabling group owns the naming responsibility and currently there are three equal and divided naming preferences: OM4w, OM5w, and OM5.

See our May/June article on Understanding Wideband Multimode Fiber.

To support the new expansion’s advanced voice, data, video, and HDTV over IP requirements; more than 100 AXIS IP surveillance cameras; and VISICU telemetry technologies, Berk-Tek’s LANmark-1000 Category 6 copper cables were selected. Eight-foot relay racks were also deployed to support future growth and expansion.

Modular fiber adapter plates make it easy to transition between array backbone cables.

“The superior design and properties of Berk-Tek’s Cat 6 cables, as well as strategic placement of cables, diminished alien crosstalk for high-performance transmission,” said Nault. The LANmark-1000 cables also connected more than 100 wireless access points, ensuring every room in the new emergency and ICU expansion reliably supports crucial wireless devices for medical applications and mobile devices used by health care staff and patients. And, with patented Leviton Retention Force Technology (RFT), MRMC could rest easy knowing each connector would deliver long-lasting performance for the life of their wireless network.

Leviton’s patented Retention Force Technology enhances system longevity, ensuring unequaled durability and reliability required of demanding applications. The internal polymer spring supports tines and increases their resilience. Even when 4- or 6-pin plugs are inserted, the spring returns the tines to their pre-stress position, protecting against damage and saving on costly repairs.

LANmark-1000 Plenum Category 6 UTP copper cables, with Leviton eXtreme

Cat 6 UTP connectors, met the HDTV over IP, telemetry, voice, data, video, and security goals for MRMC.

By deploying Berk-Tek Leviton Technologies’ industry-leading fiber and copper connectivity, MRMC can rely on a robust, future-proofed IP network. Having achieved their network vision for a new emergency room and ICU expansion, MRMC is ready to respond proactively, efficiently, and cost effectively to emerging medical technology. With the support of a cutting-edge network infrastructure MRMC will continue to meet the growing requirements of their physicians, staff, patients, and communities they serve, delivering the best health care available.

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NEWS USEYOUCAN

YESTERDAY’S NEWS1856: 160 years ago, Nikola Tesla was born on July 10 in Smiljan, Lika, part of present-day Croatia. He made numerous scientific discoveries over his lifetime, and is regarded as the father of the radio and modern electrical transmission systems.

WEBCheck out our ever-growing library helpful videos, including tips for choosing the right fiber enclosures, steps for installing IT/AV controls, and solutions for health care networks. Go to Youtube.com/Leviton.

ASK THE EXPERTS

INDUSTRYWhile still early in development, 400G solutions are expected to

see deployment by the end of this year. 400G optical components have been introduced over the past year, and hyperscale data centers and service providers will begin deploying 400G connections within and between data centers to meet growing bandwidth demands, according to research group Heavy Reading.

By 2017, half of all server units will ship to cloud data centers, as more cloud offerings become available and barriers to adoption disappear, according to a July 2016 report by research firm Dell’Oro Group.

COMPANYThis year, Leviton Manufacturing celebrates its 110-year anniversary! The company was founded in 1906 by Isidor Leviton, who began his business in New York City making mantle tips for gas lighting, and then soon moved onto electric lamp components. Also, this year Network Solutions celebrates 30 years as a division of Leviton.

You can get a full timeline of Leviton’s storied history at our website.

Which one is best for home networks?

Cat 5e and Cat 6 are the most common cable types used in residential networks. Both systems deliver bandwidth significantly greater than Cat 3, work with 1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet, and meet ANSI/TIA-586-A standards. Both meet residential gigabit requirements, are backwards compatible to Cat 5 and Cat 3, and support patch cord plug and connector interoperability. However, while Cat 5e cabling may be marginally more cost effective, Cat 6 provides greater performance (up to twice the bandwidth) and better network flexibility.

Cat 6 delivers enhanced signal-to-noise ratio, providing greater data throughput than Cat 5e. Better signal-to-noise ratio and data throughput translates into faster downloading and streaming. The improved performance also increases the reliability of premises networks by reducing network errors and associated downtime. Superior transmission performance and 250 MHz bandwidth make it easier to implement emerging applications and new network devices.

A whole-house network supported by a structured cabling infrastructure is crucial to providing the reliability, security, and versatility needed to enhance performance. While Cat 5e structured cabling may have served most home networks sufficiently in the past — and may save a few dollars in the short term — Cat 6 will provide the superior transmission and flexibility needed to guarantee higher bandwidth while preparing the home to integrate with emerging network technologies.

To discover more solutions for optimizing the home network, visit: Leviton.com/CH.

5Email: crosstalk@leviton.com

QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? IDEAS?We want to hear from you!

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© 2016 Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.

400GCat 5e vs Cat 6

Q: Do you offer fiber enclosures that will fit a 23-inch rack?

A: All Leviton rack-mount fiber enclosures fit standard 19-inch racks and cabinets, but we also offer mounting brackets that allow enclosures to fit 23-inch installations. 23-inch Rack-Mount Ears (5REAR-023) are available for UHDX Rack-Mount Enclosures, and 1RU HDX and SDX Enclosures can use 23-inch brackets (5R1RU-023) to adapt to the longer width.