tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101575152024-03-12T22:24:09.931-04:00L-com Global ConnectivityNews, announcements, and product information from the connectivity experts at L-com.David Fallonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10392921214310434579noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10157515.post-7143157513067882112013-02-26T08:34:00.002-05:002013-02-26T08:34:38.928-05:00Information about RG Coaxial Style<h1 id="blogtitle">RG-style Coaxial Cable</h1> <span id="byline">(<a href="mailto:blogger@L-com.com" title="Email L-com's Blog Team">blogger@L-com.com</a>)</span>
<a href="http://lcomproducts.blogspot.com/2012/06/antenna-coaxial-cable-types.html"><img id="heroimage" src="http://www.l-com.com/images/coax_view1.jpg" width="275px" height="267px" alt="Exposed view of an RG-style coaxial cable with call-outs" title="Exposed view of an RG-style coaxial cable with call-outs" /> </a>
<p class="lcomnormal">Following our popular post about <a href="http://lcomproducts.blogspot.com/2012/06/antenna-coaxial-cable-types.html">Antenna Coax Cable Types</a> where we talked about the low-loss style coaxial cable used in antennas, we wanted to spend a moment talking about the RG-style coaxial cable. </p>
<p class="lcomnormal">RG is sometimes attributed to mean "Radio Guide". The different standard RG numbers were originally set by the US government long ago. In fact, the actual letters stood for:</p>
<ul class="ulists">
<li> R = "Radio Frequency"</li>
<li> G = "Government"</li>
<li> U = "Universal Specification"</li>
<li> A, B, C, etc., = Added after the standard number to indicate a modification from the original standard, such as to change the center conductor from solid to stranded to improve flexibility</li>
</ul>
<p class="lcomnormal">So, a cable referred to as RG188A/U is really the universal standard 188, with modification "A", set up by the government for radio frequency use. Today, RG references are no longer precise and are more of a general reference. Individual vendors may have slightly varied specs for the same RG cable, so it is important to understand those specs for your application.</p><a name='more'></a>
<h2 class="blogsubtitle"><a name="what_is_coax"></a>What is Coaxial Cable?</h2>
<img width="550" height="218" src="http://www.l-com.com/lcom_emails/2005/111505/coaxial_diagram.jpg" alt="Classic breakdown of a coaxial cable showing axis" title="Classic breakdown of a coaxial cable showing axis" />
<p class="lcomnormal">It's probably a good idea to start with an explanation of what <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coaxial_cable">coaxial cable</a> really is. The design was created to take advantage of radio frequency waves and contain them through a cable to provide a communication signal. To do that, an engineer designed a cable with two axis separated by a "dielectric", usually made of plastic, so that the wave could run between them. In coaxial cable, there is always a center or inner conductor and an outer conductor that is often just called the shield. The thickness and density of the dielectric aids in controlling the wavelength and impedance of the cable.</p>
<h3 class="blogsubtitle">Differences between RG-style and Low-loss style</h3>
<img width="280" height="138" src="http://www.l-com.com/images/coax_shielding.jpg" align="left" alt="Coaxial signal in cable" title="Coaxial signal in cable" /><p class="lcomnormal"> One of the first concepts that is important to RG-style coax is impedance. All coaxial cables, including low-loss styles, have impedances, which is an idealized measurement of the resistance to the flow of the current. Since conditions shift along the length of the cable, coaxial cables are usually referred to by their characteristic impedance. Low-loss cables almost always have a ~50 Ohm impedance. RG-style coax can vary, but the most common are ~50 Ohm and ~75 Ohm. Usually, the 50 Ohm cables are used in various forms of data communication, while the 75 Ohm cables are used in video or audio transmission.</p>
<p class="lcomnormal">Beyond impedance, low-loss coax and RG-style coax look very similar. They usually can be terminated with the same type of connectors (though the connectors must be designed for the particular coaxial size in order to fit), and both styles include a broad range of outer diameters and weights. However, there is a clear difference in the attenuation of the two different styles, especially at higher <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/rg-coax-cable-applications.pdf?cmp=blogger"><img src="http://www.l-com.com/images/Blogger/RG-coax-cable-application-thumbnail.JPG" align="right" width="235" height="305" border="0" alt="Thumbnail of the RG coax cable application download" title="Thumbnail of the RG coax cable application download" /></a>frequencies. Since wireless communication is associated with higher frequencies, RG-style coax is usually a poor choice for wireless systems. </p>
<h3 class="blogsubtitle">Applications</h3>
<p class="lcomnormal">So if it isn't for wireless, what can you do with RG-style coax? There are actually a range of applications for which RG-style is best, usually involving high to ultra-high frequencies (HF to UHF). A few examples include home entertainment, GPS systems, CCTV and security video, and various forms of telecommunications. L-com provides a broader explanation on its <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=L&ID=204&cmp=blogger">coaxial tutorial page</a>, as well as a <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/rg-coax-cable-applications.pdf?cmp=blogger">downloadable pdf RG guide</a> that breaks down the most common RG types.</p>
<h3 class="blogsubtitle">Learn more</h3>
<p class="lcomnormal">There are a lot of resources available online for more information:</p>
<p class="lcomnormal">Blog post: Antenna Coaxial Cable Types<br />
<a href="http://lcomproducts.blogspot.com/2012/06/antenna-coaxial-cable-types.html?cmp=blogger">http://lcomproducts.blogspot.com/2012/06/antenna-coaxial-cable-types.html</a></p>
<p class="lcomnormal">RG Coax Cable Applications (pdf download)<br />
<a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/rg-coax-cable-applications.pdf?cmp=blogger">http://www.l-com.com/content/rg-coax-cable-applications.pdf</a></p>
<p class="lcomnormal">Newsletter: Coaxial Products to Fill Every Need<br />
<a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=N&ID=9685&cmp=blogger">http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=N&ID=9685</a></p>
<p class="lcomnormal">Newsletter: Tips on Selecting the Right Coaxial Cable<br />
<a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=N&ID=9671&cmp=blogger">http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=N&ID=9671</a></p>
<p class="lcomnormal">Newsletter: Coaxial Connectors 101<br />
<a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=N&ID=9474&cmp=blogger">http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=N&ID=9474</a></p>
<p class="lcomnormal">Newsletter: Coaxial Crimping Tools<br />
<a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=N&ID=9473&cmp=blogger">http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=N&ID=9473</a></p>
<p class="lcomnormal">Newsletter: Coaxial Cabling - What is it and where is it used?<br />
<a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=N&ID=110&cmp=blogger">http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=N&ID=110</a></p>
<p class="lcomnormal">Coaxial Cable Tutorial<br />
<a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Coaxial-Cabling-Tutorial.html?cmp=blogger">http://www.l-com.com/content/Coaxial-Cabling-Tutorial.html</a></p>
<div class="quicknote">
<p>Quick note: L-com stocks a wide range of <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=15&cmp=blogger">RG-style coaxial cable assemblies</a>, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=24&cmp=blogger">connectors</a>, and <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=137&cmp=blogger">bulk cable</a>, along with most adapters and couplers, terminators, tools, kits, and wall plates on its <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productcenter.aspx?id=8&cmp=blogger">Coaxial Product Center</a>. If you know the connector and bulk cable types, you can also use their <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfinder/finder.aspx?FinderID=11&cmp=blogger">Cable Assemblies Product Wizard</a> to zero in on the part you need.</p>
</div>David Fallonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10392921214310434579noreply@blogger.com045 Beechwood Drive, North Andover, MA 01845, USA42.730656 -71.11020589999998317.208621500000003 -112.41879989999998 68.2526905 -29.801611899999983tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10157515.post-64390423449628257042013-01-28T13:15:00.000-05:002013-01-28T13:15:17.646-05:00Get the 2013 L-com Master Catalog<h1 id="blogtitle">2013 Master Catalog is Out!</h1> <span id="byline">(<a href="mailto:blogger@L-com.com" title="Email L-com's Blog Team">blogger@L-com.com</a>)</span>
<a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/CatalogRequest.aspx?cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Catalog Request"><img id="heroimage" src="http://www.l-com.com/images/catalog-cover.jpg" width="240px" height="290px" alt="L-com's Newly Released 2013 Master Catalog" title="L-com's Newly Released 2013 Master Catalog" /> </a>
<p class="lcomnormal">Each year L-com produces a <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/master-catalog/index.html?cmp=blogger">Master Catalog</a>, usually with around 260 or so pages of technical information. Yes, it does list hundreds or even thousands of wired and wireless connectivity products, but it is much more than an ordinary catalog as it contains a lot of other helpful things. To start off, the first few pages are a helpful, full-color visual index. Know what you need but not sure what L-com calls it or where they put it? This index helps narrow down where to look! The back of the catalog contains a regular text-based index to get more granular.</p><a name='more'></a>
<h2 class="blogsubtitle"><a name="info"></a>Free Technical Info</h2>
<p class="lcomnormal">As soon as you open the catalog, you can tell it's not your grandfather's electrical component catalog. Instead of thin, black and white newsprint pages, the L-com catalog has clean, glossy pages filled with beautiful full-color images. The catalog is broken up into more than twenty product category sections, and each section starts with a helpful tutorial that contains tips, diagrams, frequently asked questions, tables and matrices, and even definitions of common terms.</p>
<p class="lcomnormal">But the help doesn't end with the tutorials. As you flip through each section, you'll see dozens of helpful tips embedded in the regular listings. These help you get oriented and determine which product meets your needs. They also address common questions that readers often ask when viewing that particular page. </p>
<p class="lcomnormal">At the end of the catalog, there are two pages dedicated to identifying common connector types and their names. Check out the helpful chart of coaxial connectors, audio/video connectors, and even closeup pictures of D-Subminiatures and Centronics connectors! The catalog is practically a helpful reference book for the connectivity industry.</p>
<h3 class="blogsubtitle"><a name="products"></a>Then The Products</h3>
<p class="lcomnormal">All of this technical information comes with the catalog, but the main attractions are the listings of hundreds of unique product families. L-com says they have over 22,000 unique SKUs on their website, which is a lot to stuff into just 260 pages of catalog. Yet L-com does it with grace and elegance, listing the most popular product lines and explaining part numbering systems that allow you to get more complex items, like to specify by length, color, or style. Their designers worked very hard to get the maximum number of items while not turning it into a confused jumble. Instead, you have clearly delineated subsections, each with a headline and paragraph of copy explaining what the listed items are. The listings are in table format and include the discounts for larger-quantity orders.</p>
<h3 class="blogsubtitle"><a name="free"></a>All this Free</h3>
<p class="lcomnormal">The biggest beauty of L-com's catalog is that it is free. Simple. Easy. Just <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/CatalogRequest.aspx?cmp=blogger">fill out the form</a> on their website and in a number of days it will arrive at your doorstep or desk, ready for use. L-com fulfills catalog requests each week from around the world, shipping at no charge. They can also include a catalog in the box when they ship your order, if you'd like. </p>
<p class="lcomnormal">Not ready to give up your address to L-com? They also have a <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/master-catalog/index.html?cmp=blogger">free "flip book" style online catalog</a>! This is a Flash-based catalog you can view in your Internet browser without needing to give any information away. If you would rather download parts or all of the catalog so you can view them offline, L-com even makes .pdf versions of their catalog downloadable from their website. And though the entire catalog is fairly large to download (nearly 35 MB), you can also download just the section you are interested in, such as just the fiber optic section, or just the antenna section.</p>
<p class="lcomnormal">You can even download individual pages. And that means that if you want just a tutorial, for instance, without the listing of products, L-com makes that available to you. This is a company that does not force you to view its product listings in order to get the tutorials, a company that does not charge you for its catalog, and a company that tries its best to help you learn and understand the technology it sells. </p>
<div class="quicknote">
<p>Quick note: To get a free catalog shipped to you, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/CatalogRequest.aspx?cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Catalog Request">fill out this form</a> on L-com's website. Or, you could always <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/ContactUs.html?cmp=blogger">contact them</a> with the information needed to send out the catalog, or to ask questions. They mail using the US post office, but they can accommodate requests to mail other ways if you need it.</p>
</div>David Fallonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10392921214310434579noreply@blogger.com045 Beechwood Drive, North Andover, MA 01845, USA42.730656 -71.11020589999998318.986669500000005 -112.41879989999998 66.4746425 -29.801611899999983tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10157515.post-37207313085138466442013-01-14T10:00:00.000-05:002013-01-14T10:00:10.640-05:00L-com's New Ruggedized Ethernet Cabling Line<h1 id="blogtitle">Ruggedized Ethernet Cabling</h1> <span id="byline">(<a href="mailto:blogger@L-com.com" title="Email L-com's Blog Team">blogger@L-com.com</a>)</span>
<a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=N&ID=603&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title=""><img id="heroimage" src="http://www.l-com.com/product_images/detail/PWD_TRD8RG6-_.JPG" width="250px" height="165px" alt="L-com's new ruggedized Ethernet cables with IP68 connectors" title="L-com's new ruggedized Ethernet cables with IP68 connectors" /> </a>
<p class="lcomnormal">L-com <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=P&ID=10204&cmp=blogger">recently introduced a new line of ruggedized Ethernet cables</a> so I thought I would post on some of the features of these cables and why they matter. Ethernet, as you know, has seeped in to nearly every facet of business and life. Now, connectivity is not only essential in homes and offices, but often in industrial sites, large-scale construction sites, harsh environments such as jungles and deserts, and in dangerous or active combat zones. In many cases, cellular connectivity is available, but not all. What happens when you have a location that requires a physical Ethernet structure, but the location itself is damaging or corrosive to that structure?</p><a name='more'></a>
<h2 class="blogsubtitle"><a name="ingress-protection"></a>Ingress Protection - IP68 Rated</h2>
<p class="lcomnormal">One aspect of ruggedized Ethernet cables is that they are IP68 rated. What does that mean? IP stands for Ingress Protection, and is a standardized method of determining how resistant to ingress, such as dust, dirt, sand, and moisture, a connection is. <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/FAQ.aspx?Type=FAQ&ID=4896&cmp=blogger">There is a great FAQ about IP ratings on L-com's website here.</a> The IP68 rating is the highest rating attainable, meaning when properly mated the connection should be completely protected against dust and protected against long periods of immersion in water under pressure. Your application may not require quite that degree of protection, but it is usually best to err on the side of caution and get a cable that is more protected than you need.</p>
<h3 class="blogsubtitle"><a name="double-shielding"></a>Double Shielding - STP</h3>
<img width="250" height="165" class="subimage" src="http://www.l-com.com/product_images/detail/PWD_TFCPUR5730.JPG" align="left" hspace="12" alt="Double shielded twisted pair (STP) cable stripped" title="Double shielded twisted pair (STP) cable stripped" /><p class="lcomnormal">Ethernet cables are typically composed of four twisted pairs of conductors. The twisting in the conductors allows the data to move quickly and be resistant to EMI/RFI. This kind of cabling is typically called UTP, which stands for Unshielded <a href="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/tips/tip_cat5_cat6.pdf?cmp=blogger">Twisted Pair cabling</a>. Unshielded cable is usually preferred because it is lighter, cheaper, and the shield needs to be drained and is often unnecessary.</p>
<p class="lcomnormal">But there are circumstances when Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) is required. The shield, when properly drained at both ends, absorbs and re-directs much of the Electro-magnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). These random signals that interfere with the data signal can dramatically slow down a network as the nodes need to re-send the packets frequently. In extreme cases, such as near heavy-duty power lines or large magnetic devices, the signal will not be able to link at all. The shielding in the ruggedized cables protects against this interference much better than non-shielded cables.</p>
<h3 class="blogsubtitle"><a name="jacket-material"></a>Jacket Material - FR-TPE</h3>
<p class="lcomnormal">Flame Retardant Thermoplastic Elastomer sounds like a mouthful, but FR-TPE jacketed cables are required in some applications. The durable and flexible compound that makes up the jacket is resistant to both UV and oils, which can break down the jacket over time and eventually destroy the cable. Also, the material will resist burning, which will greatly reduce the chance of a fire in one location "leaping" to another by burning along the cable jackets installed behind a wall or over a ceiling.</p>
<h3 class="blogsubtitle"><a name="transversely-sealed"></a>Transversely Sealed, Hooded RJ45 Connectors - ZnNi or ANOD</h3>
<img width="250" height="165" src="http://www.l-com.com/product_images/detail/PWD_ECRJ0203U00.JPG" class="subimage" align="left" alt="Close up of transversely sealed Ethernet RJ45 jack from L-com Global Connectivity" title="Close up of transversely sealed Ethernet RJ45 jack from L-com Global Connectivity" /><p class="lcomnormal">Often, the inside of a device is sensitive to the environment and the outer shell or chassis is meant to protect it. In these cases, no matter how well the chassis blocks out the elements of the outer environment, connector points in the chassis are a weak point. In these cases, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/tips/TIP_TRANSVERSELY-SEALED-MEANING.PDF?cmp=blogger" title="Download pdf tip about Transversely Sealed Meaning">transversely sealed</a> jacks are required to ensure the two environments don't mix. L-com's <a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=3543&cmp=blogger">transversely sealed ruggedized jacks</a> are designed to prevent moisture from penetrating the connector while submerged under 1 meter for up to two days! </p>
<p class="lcomnormal">Another important consideration of the connectors on ruggedized Ethernet products is the conductivity. I mentioned earlier that the shield on the <a href="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/tips/TIP_GROUNDING-RJ45-RUGGEDIZED-JACKS.PDF?cmp=blogger" title="Download pdf tip about grounding RJ45 ruggedized jacks">cable must be drained</a>. This is done by electrically connecting it to ground. In some cases, the chassis itself is electrically connected to ground, so using a Zinc-Nickel (ZnNi) finished connector will allow the shield to drain directly into the chassis once it is mated. But, there are other cases where the chassis is not electrically grounded. In those cases, Anodized Aluminum (ANOD) finished connectors will prevent the EMI/RFI riding on the shield from draining and instead carry it through the jack into the chassis where it can be drained internally.</p>
<div class="quicknote">
<p>Quick note: L-com's <a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=3775&cmp=blogger">eight new ruggedized Ethernet cable lines</a> and <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=3543&cmp=blogger">ruggedized jacks</a> are available off-the-shelf to serve your harsh environment Ethernet applications. We stock these products so you can rely on us to deliver the high quality that our brand represents. <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=3541&cmp=blogger">Check out all of our harsh environment Ethernet products</a> and <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/ContactUs.html?cmp=blogger">contact us</a> if you need a custom product! </p>
</div>David Fallonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10392921214310434579noreply@blogger.com045 Beechwood Drive, North Andover, MA 01845, USA42.730656 -71.11020589999998317.208621500000003 -112.41879989999998 68.2526905 -29.801611899999983tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10157515.post-7718840361636970412013-01-03T10:00:00.000-05:002013-01-03T10:00:09.979-05:00Panel Mounting Instructions for D-Sub Adapters<h1 id="blogtitle">How to Panel Mount D-Subminiature Connectors</h1> <span id="byline">(<a href="mailto:blogger@L-com.com" title="Email L-com's Blog Team">blogger@L-com.com</a>)</span>
<a href="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/tips/tip_pnlmount_adptrs.pdf?cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Panel Mount D-Sub Tip as pdf"><img id="heroimage" src="http://www.l-com.com/images/Blogger/mounted-d-sub.jpg" width="315px" height="285px" alt="A D-Sub Adapter Bulkhead Mounted" title="A D-Sub Adapter Bulkhead Mounted" /> </a>
<p class="lcomnormal">As L-com mentioned in <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=N&ID=9897&cmp=blogger">one of its newsletters</a>, D-Subminiature connectors are still used in many applications because of their versatility and lock down mating hardware. Especially in devices that still use serial data to communicate, D-Subminiature is the best solution and so D-Sub adapters are still very popular. One popular application for an adapter is to mount it on a panel creating a port for operators to plug their devices into. Though D-Subs are easy to use, some of the techniques involved in panel mounting the adapters are not intuitive, so this post will go over some tips. </p><a name='more'></a>
<h2 class="blogsubtitle"><a name="hole-size"></a>Panel Mount Hole Size</h2>
<p class="lcomnormal">D-Subminiature connectors come mainly in <a href="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/tips/tip_panel_openings.pdf?cmp=blogger">five different shell sizes</a> or "footprints". The shape is unique, but it isn't hard to find <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=2030&cmp=blogger">hole punches</a> that will work. When you determine the size of the hole, it is important to know if the connector is high density or not. High density connectors have an extra row of pins allowing more pins to fit in the same footprint. A DB15 connector does not use the same footprint as an HD15 connector, even though they both have the same number of pins.</p>
<p class="lcomnormal">L-com has a great video on <a href="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/video_clips/video.aspx?ID=6686&cmp=blogger">how to tell the difference between high density and low density D-Sub connectors</a>, as well as a handy <a href="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/tips/tip_panel_openings.pdf?cmp=blogger">recommended panel openings chart</a> for D-Subs.</p>
<h3 class="blogsubtitle"><a name="hardware"></a>Panel Mounting Hardware</h3>
<p class="lcomnormal">Common D-Subminiature adapters, sometimes called <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=107&cmp=blogger">Gender Changers</a> or Gender Benders because they have the same gender connector on both sides, come with mounting hardware typically used for mating directly to a cable. When panel or bulkhead mounting, however, the hardware that comes with the adapter is too short to accommodate the extra space taken up by the panel. That means you will have to completely remove the hardware that comes with it, and use different <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=955&cmp=blogger">jack screws</a> and <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=956&cmp=blogger">hex standoffs</a> of the appropriate sizes.</p>
<p class="lcomnormal">According to a recent L-com press release, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=P&ID=10212&cmp=blogger">they now have gender changers available that do not have the standard mounting hardware installed</a>, which can save you the step of having to remove the hardware if you don't need it.</p>
<div class="quicknote">
<p>Quick Note: There is a handy .pdf document outlining <a href="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/tips/tip_pnlmount_adptrs.pdf?cmp=blogger">the steps to easily panel mount adapters here</a>, as well as <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=L&ID=387&cmp=blogger">a free video</a> that makes it even clearer. Also, if you need them, L-com has <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=1852&cmp=blogger">pre-punched wall plates</a> and <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=111&cmp=blogger">rack panels</a> that you can populate yourself. </p>
</div>
David Fallonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10392921214310434579noreply@blogger.com045 Beechwood Drive, North Andover, MA 01845, USA42.730656 -71.11020589999998317.208621500000003 -112.41879989999998 68.2526905 -29.801611899999983tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10157515.post-44251782485393302542012-12-27T11:00:00.000-05:002012-12-27T11:00:00.637-05:00Low Smoke Zero Halogen Overview<h1 id="blogtitle">LSZH Jackets</h1> <span id="byline">(<a href="mailto:blogger@L-com.com" title="Email L-com's Blog Team">blogger@L-com.com</a>)</span>
<a href="http://search.l-com.com/search?keywords=lszh&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title=""><img id="heroimage" src="http://www.l-com.com/images/Blogger/smoke_sxc_1386164_thumbnail.jpg" width="250" height="302" alt="Smoke image from http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1386164" title="Smoke image from http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1386164" /> </a>
<p class="lcomnormal">Our friends at Anixter published a great whitepaper recently on Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) in the cabling industry. If you haven't seen it, it is listed on <a href="http://www.cablinginstall.com/articles/2012/11/anixter-lszh-best-practices.html" target="_blank">Cabling Installation & Maintenance's website here</a>. Of course, we can't say it better than they just did, but we wanted to give a brief overview of what LSZH is for those who work in our industry but don't know much about it (yet). </p>
<p class="lcomnormal">LSZH is a compound used to make the jackets of certain signal-grade cables. Most cables have always been and are still made with a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pvc" target="_blank">polyvinyl chloride (PVC)</a> jacket. The PVC used on cables is a soft, flexible, durable plastic material that protects the copper wire within from shorts, corrosion, and most kinks. It is also relatively cheap, and in most cases has no disadvantages.</p><p class="lcomnormal">So, if you just need a patch cable or a USB cable for a general application, PVC is probably what you'll get and is fine.</p>
<p class="lcomnormal">However, there are limits to the applications of PVC. <a name='more'></a> One of these is in poorly ventilated locations where lots of cables may be used in a small area, especially if there may be any difficulty in escaping the location in the event of a fire. That's because PVC releases dense smoke and toxic gasses when burned. This smoke can quickly obscure the area and can even incapacitate people unable to get out to fresh air quickly. If you think about it, there are several applications where this would be a factor:</p>
<ul class="ulists">
<li>Enclosed, windowless rooms with single points of entry, such as a wiring closet in a large building</li>
<li> Military vehicles where occupants may be at risk and cannot exit the vehicle if it catches fire</li>
<li>Airplanes and submarine vehicles where it is impossible to get ventilation or get outside in the event of a fire</li>
<li>Underground locations like tunnels, subway platforms, and mines</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="blogsubtitle">How to Get LSZH Cables</h2>
<p class="lcomnormal">If you are installing or integrating cabling, especially dense cabling or multiple cables in a small area, in one of those applications, you may want to price out LSZH alternatives even if they are not strictly required by the specifications of the job. L-com carries a variety of LSZH bulk cable and cable assemblies, including:</p>
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="lcomnormal">
<tr>
<th width="319" valign="top">
LSZH Cable Assemblies </th>
<th width="319" valign="top">LSZH Bulk Cable</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="319" valign="top"><p><strong>Audio/Video</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=6685&cmp=blogger">DVI-D Single Link Cable Assemblies</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=6686&cmp=blogger">DVI-D Dual Link Cable Assemblies</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=7604&cmp=blogger">DVI-D Single Link with 45 Degree Angle Male on One End</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=7605&cmp=blogger">DVI-D Dual Link with 45 Degree Angle Male on One End</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=7550&cmp=blogger">HDMI Cable Assemblies</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=2622&cmp=blogger">VGA Cables with Breakaway Feature</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=2620&cmp=blogger">VGA Super Thin Cable Assemblies, M/M</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=2621&cmp=blogger">VGA Super Thin Cable Assemblies, M/F</a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>D-Subminiature</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=493&cmp=blogger">9, 15, and 25-Pin Cable Assemblies</a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Telecom and Ethernet</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=1488&cmp=blogger">Cat 5e Single Shielded Patch Cords</a></li>
<li><a href="http://search.l-com.com/search?keywords=lszh+double+shielded+patch+cords&cmp=blogger">Cat 5e Double Shielded Patch Cords</a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Fiber Optic</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://search.l-com.com/search?keywords=duplex+62.5%2F125+lszh&cmp=blogger">Duplex 62.5/125 </a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=1979&cmp=blogger">Duplex 50/125</a></li>
<li><a href="http://search.l-com.com/search?display_type=&keywords=duplex+9%2F125+lszh&cmp=blogger">Duplex 9/125</a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>USB</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=3025&cmp=blogger">Standard USB 2.0 A-B Cables</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=3396&cmp=blogger">Latching USB 2.0 A-B Cables</a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>SCSI</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=2421&cmp=blogger">SCSI-3 HPDB68 M/M Cables</a><strong></strong></li>
</ul></td>
<td width="319" valign="top"><p><strong>D-Subminiature</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=289&cmp=blogger">9, 15, and 25 Conductor Bulk Cable</a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Telecom and Ethernet</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=2725&cmp=blogger">Cat 6 Shielded Bulk</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=7621&cmp=blogger">Cat 5e Shielded Bulk</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=7627&cmp=blogger">Cat 5e Double Shielded Bulk - Gray</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=41853&cmp=blogger">Cat 5e Double Shielded Bulk - Red</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=7624&cmp=blogger">Cat 5e Double Shielded Bulk - Black</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=7628&cmp=blogger">Cat 5e Double Shielded Bulk - Gray</a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>USB</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=7106&cmp=blogger">USB 2.0 Compliant Bulk</a></li>
</ul></td>
</tr>
</table>
<p class="lcomnormal"> </p>
<div class="quicknote">
<p>Quick note: If you are interested in more articles about LSZH, L-com has published several in its <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/article.aspx?Type=N&cmp=blogger">newsletter archive section here</a>. Articles include "<a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=N&ID=10193&cmp=blogger">LSZH USB Cable Assemblies</a>", "<a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=N&ID=10034&cmp=blogger">PVC, LSZH, and Polyurethane: Know your cable jacket choices</a>", and "<a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=N&ID=9771&cmp=blogger">LSZH for Data Cables</a>". You can also <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/EmailNewsletter.aspx?cmp=blogger">sign up for free</a> to get the email newsletters each week.</p>
</div>
David Fallonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10392921214310434579noreply@blogger.com045 Beechwood Drive, North Andover, MA 01845, USA42.730656 -71.11020589999998317.208621500000003 -112.41879989999998 68.2526905 -29.801611899999983tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10157515.post-27112640805579959252012-12-17T11:00:00.000-05:002012-12-17T11:00:01.872-05:00Helpful Features of CPE Wireless Access Points<h1 id="blogtitle">Wireless Access Point CPE's</h1> <span id="byline">(<a href="mailto:blogger@L-com.com" title="Email L-com's Blog Team">blogger@L-com.com</a>)</span>
<a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=N&ID=10071&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title=""><img id="heroimage" src="http://www.l-com.com/lcom_emails/2011/100511/CPE_Units.jpg" alt="L-com's CPE Units Are Feature Packed, Convenient, and Cost Effective" title="L-com's CPE Units Are Feature Packed, Convenient, and Cost Effective" /> </a>
<p class="lcomnormal">There are a lot of wireless applications out there today, with more uses for wireless connectivity springing up all the time. The problem is that as applications expand into more and more unique needs and environments, the wireless access points that worked for one application may not work for another. That forces you to buy a range of equipment to cover all the different places and setups that you are going to need.</p>
<p class="lcomnormal">There are a few all-in-one solutions, though, like the <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=7388&cmp=blogger">L-com CPE units</a>. <a name='more'></a> CPE stands for <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=N&ID=10071&cmp=blogger">Customer-premises equipment</a>, and generally refers to equipment set up on premises to allow other local equipment to access broader communication services, often controlled off-premises. But L-com's CPE's are designed with versatility in mind, and they have a lot of professional features and capabilities built-in that allow them to function in a variety of ways. Among the features are:</p>
<ul class="ulists">
<li>Outdoor rated (IP55) for indoor or outdoor operation</li>
<li>Included mast-mount kit allows for quick and/or temporary setups on-the-go </li>
<li>Power supplied by the included PoE injector and power supply</li>
<li>Omnidirectional antenna(s) are built in as well as a port to attach an optional external antenna</li>
<li>Allows a range of wireless Ethernet security methods to ensure secure data transfer</li>
<li>Selectable bandwidth settings or MIMO RF output</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="blogsubtitle"><a name="what_CPEs_do"></a>But what do they do?</h2>
<p class="lcomnormal">All of these features make them very adjustable for the various environments and networks, but the best part is that they have four "modes" of operation, allowing them to fill a number of roles depending on what you need.</p>
<ul class="ulists">
<li><strong>Wireless Access Point - </strong>As a basic wireless access point, each CPE unit can be plugged into a wired network and provide wireless access to it. In this case, the security features come in handy to prevent unauthorized access.</li>
<li><strong>Wireless Client</strong> - As opposed to providing wireless connectivity, the unit can be set to receive a wireless signal and convert into a port to which a wired-only device can be connected. </li>
<li><strong>Wireless Bridging</strong> - Instead of providing general wireless access to a network, two units can be used to wirelessly connect only to each other, effectively bridging a gap wirelessly and allowing the two separate wired networks to communicate. This is helpful in connecting commercial buildings in a campus together without running wires between them.</li>
<li><strong>Wireless Repeater</strong> - In this setup, the unit does not need to be connected via wires at all. It will pick up a wireless network signal and then re-broadcast it wirelessly, extending the range of a single access point without needing to run wires between them. This is very helpful to get around physical or geographical structures, like buildings, trees, or hills, that may block the signal from a single wireless transmission.</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="blogsubtitle"><a name="where_use_CPEs"></a>Where would something like this be helpful?</h2>
<img class="subimage" src="http://www.l-com.com/images/Blogger/CPE_application.png" alt="Detail of L-com's Application Overview Diagram Showing a CPE Unit Installed" title="Detail of L-com's Application Overview Diagram Showing a CPE Unit Installed" width="141" height="326" border="0" align="left" hspace="12" /><p class="lcomnormal">Being indoor/outdoor rated and quick and easy to set up and take down, these units are great for special events like conventions and trade shows, for parks and recreation facilities, and for connecting together residential or commercial buildings without needing to run Ethernet cables between them. The units could be permanently installed, or brought along to a location and installed only as long as wireless connectivity is needed there. And since each unit can adjust to the four different modes, you don't need four different units for the different applications. </p>
<p class="lcomnormal">There are lots of locations where it is simply impossible to run an Ethernet cable, like historic sites, rocky or densely overgrown areas, and busy or high-traffic locations. These CPE units could be used in these places to create wireless hotspots, allow wired surveillance cameras to be set up, or add secure connectivity outside of a home or business. They can be remotely powered with <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productcenter.aspx?id=3075&cmp=blogger">PoE injectors</a> and <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=6252&cmp=blogger">indoor/outdoor Category 5e bulk cable</a> terminated with a <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=7482&cmp=blogger">field-installable sealed plug</a>, or they can be plugged in to a nearby AC outlet.</p>
<p class="lcomnormal">L-com currently carries two CPE wireless access points: a <a href="http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=33464&cmp=blogger">2.4 GHz 802.11n version</a>, and a <a href="http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=33466&cmp=blogger">5 GHz 802.11a/n version</a>. Both come complete with installation hardware, power supply, and software. Priced at under $100 each, the value of what you get is extremely high. Check out the item pages to download free datasheets, user manuals, and 2D engineering drawings!</p>
<div class="quicknote">
<p>Quick note: L-com has a lot of general and niche wireless equipment and they're making more all the time. Along with these CPE's, you can get a range of <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productcenter.aspx?id=2018&cmp=blogger">wireless RF amplifiers</a>, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productcenter.aspx?id=2012&cmp=blogger">signal splitters and filters</a>, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productcenter.aspx?id=2005&cmp=blogger">antennas</a>, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=15&cmp=blogger">low loss coaxial cables</a>, and <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productcenter.aspx?id=303&cmp=blogger">name-brand active equipment</a>. In addition, they feature a ton of free technical help, including new <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Tips.html#wirelesslanampstips?cmp=blogger">wireless video tips</a> and <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/TechnicalResources.html?cmp=blogger">application overview diagrams</a>.</p>
</div>David Fallonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10392921214310434579noreply@blogger.com045 Beechwood Dr., North Andover, MA 01845, USA42.6987024 -71.135057542.605302900000005 -71.292986 42.7921019 -70.977129tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10157515.post-25680713876342198742012-11-20T08:00:00.000-05:002012-11-20T08:00:11.303-05:00Power over Ethernet (PoE): A Modern Solution<h1 id="blogtitle">The evolving standards of PoE</h1> <span id="byline">(<a href="mailto:blogger@L-com.com" title="Email L-com's Blog Team">blogger@L-com.com</a>)</span>
<a href="http://www.l-com.com/productcenter.aspx?id=3075&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" ><img id="heroimage" src="http://www.l-com.com/images/Blogger/PoE-Diagram-mid-only.png" width="401px" height="151px" alt="Part of L-com's diagram showing two of the four PoE system models" title="Part of L-com's diagram showing two of the four PoE system models" /> </a>
<p class="lcomnormal">The IEEE standards for providing PoE have been around for almost a decade now, but the actual technology to accomplish this is even older. The original concept was pretty simple: Category 5 cabling has eight conductors, but the standard really only used four of them. The low-voltage power could be run along the unused conductors to provide enough power for most simple devices. Through the use of an "injector" at one end and a "tap" at the other end, the power could travel along without noticeable problems with the data. Within a few years, manufacturers of many different types of IP equipment began implementing designs that would accept power directly from the cable, eliminating the need for a "tap". Next, manufacturers of the Ethernet switching equipment developed <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=2570&cmp=blogger">PoE Injector Hubs</a> to directly inject the power into the cable, eliminating the need for an "injector". But there were three big problems:</p><a name='more'></a>
<ul class="ulists">
<li>Adoption of PoE wasn't universal, meaning there was a lot of equipment that still required power and did not accept PoE directly</li>
<li>Different manufacturers were doing PoE in different ways, requiring both the power sourcing equipment to match the method used by the remote powered equipment </li>
<li>While 10Base-T and 100Base-T speeds did not use all eight conductors in the Ethernet cable, 1000Base-T (and beyond) does require all conductors</li>
</ul>
<img width="249" height="165" src="http://www.l-com.com/product_images/detail/PWD_BT-CAT5-P1.JPG" align="left" hspace="12" alt="L-com Cat5 Power Over Ethernet Passive PoE Midspan/Injectors" title="L-com Cat5 Power Over Ethernet Passive PoE Midspan/Injectors" /><p class="lcomnormal">The first problem is being addressed over time, but for now you can still use PoE on just about anything so long as you have a separate device to inject or tap the power from the cable. Since these devices occur in the middle of the span of the cable, they are often collectively called midspans. PoE midspans are widely available and often provide a lot of useful features, such as lightning and surge protection, easy methods to install or mount the device, and multiple ports in a single device to simplify the setup. </p>
<p class="lcomnormal">In 2003 the IEEE came out with standard IEEE 802.3af, designed to fix the second problem. Nowadays, if you buy a piece of equipment that is PoE ready, you must make sure that it supports the IEEE standard pinout and power requirements. If it does not, you may not be able to use the PoE features with all midspans or switches or risk damaging it. Some midspans and switches auto-detect the PoE method to prevent this.</p>
<p class="lcomnormal">The third problem was fixed in 2009 with the IEEE 802.3at standard, sometimes called PoE plus. It uses a technique called phantom power, which had been used in telephones for decades, to run both data and power on the same pairs. In addition, the new standard provides better power management and larger max power available to the equipment at the end.</p>
<h2 class="blogsubtitle"><a name="applications-for-PoE"></a>Applications for PoE</h2>
<p class="lcomnormal">You may not know it, but PoE may be in use all around where you work. In addition to the use in security cameras, which are ever more prevalent today, PoE is common in VoIP phones and equipment, networking equipment, intercom and other public address or "paging" systems, remote sensors, and wireless access points. In fact, PoE is even used in things like lighting, emergency buttons (used to signal a problem on a production line, for instance), kiosks in stores to process payments, door access and keycard devices, RFID, and lots more.</p>
<p class="lcomnormal">Today, through the use of midspans, virtually any small piece of IP equipment can be powered without direct access to an AC line. Newer midspans are becoming smaller, or are integrating the power supply module into the same housing, allowing PoE products to be installed in very tight spaces like weatherproof enclosures. </p>
<div class="quicknote">
<p>Quick note: L-com has a full line of PoE products to help utilize this advanced technology in your remote installations. Visit the <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productcenter.aspx?id=3075&cmp=blogger">L-com PoE Product Center</a> to also see a helpful diagram of the four most common PoE setups, or <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/What_Is_PoE.html?cmp=blogger">download the free whitepaper</a> that explains all of the details of PoE you could ever want.</p>
</div>David Fallonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10392921214310434579noreply@blogger.com0North Andover, MA, USA42.6987024 -71.135057542.605345400000004 -71.292986 42.7920594 -70.977129tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10157515.post-57524425102120430792012-08-07T10:00:00.000-04:002012-08-07T10:00:08.519-04:00Weatherproof Enclosures for All Types of Weather<h1 id="blogtitle">Applications for Weatherproof Enclosures</h1> <span id="byline">(<a href="mailto:blogger@L-com.com" title="Email L-com's Blog Team">blogger@L-com.com</a>)</span>
<a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=N&ID=9883&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Newsletter about Weatherproof Enclosures"><img id="heroimage" src="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/diagrams/D_NB141207-4H0_2.GIF" width="300" height="283px" alt="Diagram of a PoE Powered Weatherproof Enclosure" title="Diagram of a PoE Powered Weatherproof Enclosure" /> </a>
<p class="lcomnormal">When we talk about <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productcenter.aspx?id=3225&cmp=blogger">weatherproof enclosures</a>, we <em>really mean</em> weatherproof. Not just a simple plastic box to keep out the occasional light rain, but heavy duty boxes, many of them NEMA rated, designed for one purpose: provide extreme protection for the sensitive electronic equipment that you must install outdoors. </p>
<p class="lcomnormal">Extreme protection involves many things: protection from dust, dirt, grease, and oil; protection from water, either light sprinklings or outright downpours; protection from theft and tampering when installed in an unsecure location; and protection from unusual heat and sub-zero cold. While there are <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/NEMAEnclosures.html?cmp=blogger">a huge variety of weatherproof enclosures</a> out there, the biggest challenge of installing electronics outdoors is temperature fluctuation.</p> <a name='more'></a>
<a name="heating_options"></a><h2 class="blogsubtitle">Installations in Cold Environments: Heating Options</h2>
<img class="subimage" width="274" height="181" src="http://www.l-com.com/product_images/detail/pwd_nb141207-400.jpg" align="left" alt="NEMA Enclosures and Weatherproof Enclosure Products" /> <p class="lcomnormal">Slightly cold temperatures are not usually a problem for electronics. In the process of normal operation, they generate some heat and, so long as they are relatively dry, slight cold won't hurt anything. It's when you get down to <em>really</em> cold temperatures (anywhere in the 30°F/0°C range) that problems start. For most of these applications, a <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=3240&cmp=blogger">heated enclosure</a> will serve, though there are <a href="http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=30095&cmp=blogger">sub-zero heated enclosures</a> available with extra insulation and a stronger heater system to withstand temperatures as low as -30°F/-34°C.</p>
<p class="lcomnormal">All of these systems work with a thermostat-controlled heating system that does not turn on until the temperature drops to a certain level (usually around 40°F/4°C). Once on, they provide soft, radiant heat that, when coupled with the enclosure's insulation, provides a good environment for electronics to operate in, regardless of what is going on outside of the enclosure. Power can be provided using an 802.3af Power-over-Ethernet supply, which can be "tapped" inside the router with a <a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=3081&cmp=blogger">standard PoE midspan</a>. The heater is mounted underneath the mounting plate and does not require an AC plug, allowing you maximum space to mount the equipment you need.</p>
<a name="cooling_options"></a><h3 class="blogsubtitle">Installations in Hot Environments: Cooling Options</h3>
<a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Weatherproof_Enclosure_Examples.html?cmp=blogger"><img class="subimage" border="0" width="200" height="227" src="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/nema_examples/nema_d-link_300.jpg" align="right" hspace="12" alt="Weatherproof Enclosure Example" title="Weatherproof Enclosure Example" /></a><p class="lcomnormal">Because most electronics produce heat when they are operating, warmer conditions are a much more common, and more challenging, application. For many of these, a simple <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=3238&cmp=blogger">vented weatherproof enclosure</a> may be all you need. These enclosures feature vents in the door that are small (so to prevent unauthorized tampering with the equipment within) and downward-facing (to prevent rain and splashed water from getting in through the vents). They will allow a transfer of air from within and without the enclosure that is enough to keep the electronics from overheating in most environments. </p>
<p class="lcomnormal">However, in environments where the air is still or greater cooling is required, there are <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=3239&cmp=blogger">enclosures equipped with cooling fans</a> to maximize airflow and protection for the equipment. These enclosures can have either one inbound fan, or two fans with one inbound and the other outbound. They usually include filters to prevent dust and dirt from being sucked in by the fan, which can be removed and cleaned periodically. Like the heated enclosures, they can get power from PoE taps or midspans installed in the enclosure.</p>
<a name="combined_cooling_heating_options"></a><h3 class="blogsubtitle">Enclosures for Frequently Changing Temperatures</h3>
<p class="lcomnormal">Coming from someone in New England, where <a href="http://quotationsbook.com/quote/41293/" target="_blank">the oft-repeated saying</a> is: "If you don't like the weather in New England, just wait a few minutes", I know that temperature changes outside really can frequently vary. Therefore, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=3241&cmp=blogger">enclosures with <em>both</em> heating and cooling elements</a> are very justified in many applications. They provide the best of both worlds, with thermostat-controlled heaters and fans to ensure the equipment within is provided extreme protection.</p>
<div class="quicknote">
Quick note: L-com not only carries the connectivity equipment you need, but they carry a huge variety of <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productcenter.aspx?id=3225&cmp=blogger">weatherproof enclosures</a> and NEMA enclosures of <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=3228&cmp=blogger">sizes big and small</a> and <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=3229&cmp=blogger">various materials</a> to fit nearly any application on Earth. They can do custom mounting plates with holes to install any type of equipment, and can even pre-install some of the equipment you need so setup is quick and easy (<a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Weatherproof_Enclosure_Examples.html?cmp=blogger">click here for some examples</a>). For a quick peek at what's available, see <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/NEMAEnclosures.html?cmp=blogger">this comparison matrix</a>.
</div>David Fallonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10392921214310434579noreply@blogger.com0North Andover, MA 01845, USA42.6696364 -71.085432542.5762354 -71.243361 42.7630374 -70.927504tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10157515.post-16685454355431054422012-07-25T02:30:00.000-04:002012-07-25T13:56:36.710-04:00Three Quality Grid Antenna Factors<h1 id="blogtitle">3 Factors in a Quality Grid Antenna</h1> <span id="byline">(<a href="mailto:blogger@L-com.com" title="Email L-com's Blog Team">blogger@L-com.com</a>)</span>
<blockquote class="blockquotebox">Grid Antenna - A type of antenna which employs an open-frame grid as a reflector, rather than a solid one. The grid spacing is sufficiently small to ensure that waves of the desired frequency cannot pass through, and are hence reflected back toward the driven element.</blockquote>
<p class="lcomnormal"><a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=N&ID=603&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title=""><img id="heroimage" src="http://www.l-com.com/product_images/detail/PWD_HG2415EG-_.JPG" width="250" height="165" alt="A typical grid antenna mounted on a pole or mast" title="A typical grid antenna mounted on a pole or mast" style="clear:both;" /></a><a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=N&ID=10084&cmp=blogger">Grid antennas</a> are very popular for directional wireless applications. They provide a nice, controlled beam width and a high relative gain, and their grid construction makes them resistant to wind. But there are a lot of options out there, ranging from the very cheap to the very expensive. How do you know what you need? What are the factors you should consider before you place your order? We have three suggestions that make sense.</p><a name='more'></a>
<h2 class="blogsubtitle">1: The Packaging Must be Transportable</h2>
<p class="lcomnormal">Grid antennas, like the <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/hyperlinkbrand.html?cmp=blogger">HyperLink brand</a> grid antenna pictured above, are great once installed, but first you have to get them to the installation site, assemble them correctly, and then mount them wherever they belong. Before purchasing a grid, make sure it is packaged appropriately for a large-but-delicate piece of high-tech equipment. They usually come disassembled, but they should not be awkward to transport, and they should be protected from transport damage. A good manufacturer will send you the antenna in a package that you can leave it in until you are at the install site.</p>
<p class="lcomnormal">There's a pretty neat video of someone assembling a grid antenna <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/article.aspx?ID=9390&type=L&cmp=blogger">here</a>.</p>
<h3 class="blogsubtitle">2: The Grid Material Must Be Weatherproof and Durable</h3>
<p class="lcomnormal">Just because the antenna has a grid for wind-resistance doesn't mean the material doesn't matter. 99% of the time these antennas are installed outdoors, so you need a material that is light yet strong, and <img width="221" height="221" src="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/more_info/PMI_HG2415EG-_2.JPG" align="left" hspace="12" alt="HyperLink EG Series Grid Antenna tilted" />you need the construction to be properly designed. A great grid antenna uses weather-resistant die-cast aluminum, with precisely arranged grid holes to produce the correct signal. Aluminum is light, and the die-cast manufacturing process makes a strong, sturdy grid that will provide years of use no matter what climate you are in.</p>
<h3 class="blogsubtitle">3: The Mounting Options Must Match Your Installation Site</h3>
<p class="lcomnormal">How many times have we heard from installers who buy a great grid antenna, have it transported to the site, then they assemble it for use, only to find out they can't mount it correctly? The most common mounting method for a grid antenna is "mast mounting", or mounting on a round, vertical pipe at one end of the target area. A good manufacturer knows this and provides the correct mounting hardware for setup. It should use U-bolts big enough for a mast up to 2" in diameter, and it should include all you need to tilt and aim the antenna appropriately. Also, make sure it can be installed for either vertical or horizontal polarization. It would definitely ruin your day to get one on-site only to find out it is the wrong polarization. </p>
<div class="quicknote">
Quick note: L-com <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=P&ID=10064&cmp=blogger">has released</a> an update to its popular HyperLink grid antenna line, including <a href="http://search.l-com.com/search/keywords-2.4_GHz_Die-cast_Grid_Antennas--res_per_page-12?cmp=blogger">2.4 GHz</a>, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=31235&cmp=blogger">3.5 GHz</a>, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=6110&cmp=blogger">5.8 GHz</a>, and <a href="http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=33983&cmp=blogger">824-960 MHz grid antenna</a> options. The new products improve the HyperLink value by offering a great price on the best quality construction available. These new "EG" style grid antennas fulfill all of the factors above and more, setting a high benchmark for antenna manufacturers to follow. If you are researching grid antennas for a purchase, you should look at <a href="http://search.l-com.com/search/Category-Antennas--keywords-grid_antenna?cmp=blogger">L-com's antenna products</a> first for the best comparison to other manufacturers. </div>David Fallonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10392921214310434579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10157515.post-27323039800566452142012-07-16T10:00:00.000-04:002012-07-16T10:54:00.717-04:00Shielded Waterproof USB Cables, Bulkheads, and Covers<h1 id="blogtitle">Waterproof USB: Shielded vs. Unshielded</h1> <span id="byline">(<a href="mailto:blogger@L-com.com" title="Email L-com's Blog Team">blogger@L-com.com</a>)</span>
<a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=6748&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Link to this product"><img id="heroimage" src="http://www.l-com.com/product_images/detail/pwd_wpusbaxsh-_m.jpg" width="250px" height="165px" alt="Shielded Waterproof USB 2.0 Cable with Type A Female to Type A Male" title="Shielded Waterproof USB 2.0 Cable with Type A Female to Type A Male" /> </a>
<p class="lcomnormal">A lot of people already know about L-com's large selection of <a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=3028&cmp=blogger">waterproof and IP67 rated USB cables, panel-mount adapters, and connector covers</a>. But do you know about the various shielding options available? In order to ensure the high-speed connection that USB technology offers, it is important to ground the shield in the cable, and that goes the same for the waterproof cables.</p><a name='more'></a>
<h2 class="blogsubtitle"><a name="usb_wp_products"></a>USB Weatherproof Products</h2>
<img border="0" width="250" height="165" src="http://www.l-com.com/product_images/detail/PWD_WPCVR-SHLD-USB.JPG" align="left" alt="Shielded Waterproof Cap for USB IP67 Cables" title="Shielded Waterproof Cap for USB IP67 Cables" /><p class="lcomnormal">But let's take a step back and look at the different kinds of products for USB that are IP67 rated (or functionally waterproof). The most basic options are USB cables, which usually have a waterproof connector at one end (with either a "hood" around the male connector or threads around a female connector for a hood to screw on to and panel mount). Options include <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=2176&cmp=blogger">waterproof USB Type A female bulkhead to regular Type A male</a>, which is the most common, but there are also <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=6496&cmp=blogger">waterproof USB Type B male to regular Type B male</a>, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=2175&cmp=blogger">waterproof USB Type A male to regular Type B male</a> , and <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=2674&cmp=blogger">waterproof USB Type B female bulkhead to regular Type A male</a>. There's even a <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=6554&cmp=blogger">mini B 5 position version</a>!</p>
<p class="lcomnormal">For adapters, the most common are the <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=2177&cmp=blogger">waterproof Type A jack to flying leads</a>, and the <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=2673&cmp=blogger">waterproof Type B jack to flying leads</a>. The 10" long lead wires can be soldered to a PCB or even terminated in other, non-standard connectors. This allows you to build a waterproof box or chassis with the USB female jack available to mate to. For tricky, field installations, L-com also has <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=7416&cmp=blogger">field install USB Type A and Type B connectors</a> that are handy to have in an emergency.</p>
<p class="lcomnormal">Finally, there are a variety of waterproof covers to put over the female jacks when not in use. L-com carries an unshielded version with a <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=2180&cmp=blogger">chain lanyard</a> and one with a <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=6593&cmp=blogger">rubber lanyard</a>. In either case, the cover can be tied up close to the mounted jack so it is easy (and hopefully, unforgettable) to cover the port when you disconnect from it. There's also <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=6557&cmp=blogger">replacement gaskets and nuts</a> to help with panel mounting.</p>
<h3 class="blogsubtitle"><a name="why_shield"></a>Why shield USB?</h3>
<img src="http://www.l-com.com/images/blogger/USB_2_0_cable_construction.png" alt="USB 2.0 Cable Construction Showing the Braid and Foil Shield" width="500" height="70" border="0" />
<p class="lcomnormal">The USB standard has a <a href="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/tips/tip-types-of-shielded-cabling.pdf?cmp=blogger">double-shield</a> in the cables, one a braid shield, the other a foil shield. Whenever you have shielded cable, that shield needs to <em>drain</em> or else the electromagnetic interference will build up and erode the signal quality. Sometimes, the USB link is drained at the source, but not always. For those cases, and if you aren't sure, it is best to use a shielded waterproof cable (like L-com's <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=6748&cmp=blogger">Type A female to Type A male</a>, or <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=6749&cmp=blogger">Type A male to Type B male</a>) and a <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=6750&cmp=blogger">shielded USB cover</a>. That way the accumulated EMI can drain either (or both) at the source or at the panel.</p>
<p class="quicknote">Quick note: L-com has everything from <a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=3023&cmp=blogger">common USB cables</a> to complex <a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=3429&cmp=blogger">panel mount adapter solutions</a> available. Browse their <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productcenter.aspx?id=3005&cmp=blogger">USB product center</a> for a range of products, but also check out <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=3102&cmp=blogger">USB panel mount lightning protectors</a> and even <a href="http://search.l-com.com/search?keywords=usb+kvm&cmp=blogger">USB KVM switches and extenders</a>.</p>David Fallonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10392921214310434579noreply@blogger.com0North Andover, MA 01845, USA42.6696364 -71.085432542.5762354 -71.243361 42.7630374 -70.927504tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10157515.post-67063909883066761172012-07-10T10:00:00.000-04:002012-07-10T10:00:02.804-04:00How Important are Right Angles in Connectivity?<h1 id="blogtitle">Why Use a Right Angle Cable or Adapter?</h1> <span id="byline">(<a href="mailto:blogger@L-com.com" title="Email L-com's Blog Team">blogger@L-com.com</a>)</span>
<a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=N&ID=10073&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="In the Age of Right Angles Newsletter"><img id="heroimage" style="border-color:black; border-style:solid; border-width:1px;" src="http://www.l-com.com/images/Blogger/ra_d-sub_comparison.jpg" width="222px" height="475px" alt="Compare a bent cable to L-com's right angle D-sub adapter" title="Compare a bent cable to L-com's right angle D-sub adapter" /> </a>
<p class="lcomnormal">L-com offers <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=N&ID=10073&cmp=blogger">a lot of right angle products</a>, including <a href="http://search.l-com.com/search?keywords=right+angle+cable&cmp=blogger">cable assemblies with right angle connectors at the ends</a>, and <a href="http://search.l-com.com/search?display_type=&keywords=right+angle+adapter&x=0&y=0&cmp=blogger">adapters that allow cables to bend at 90°</a>. And they're continuing to add more right angle equipment every month, as <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=P&ID=10082&cmp=blogger">this recent press release</a> shows. One question is: why? Why are right angle products so popular, and why is their popularity gaining? What is the problem that they are solving?</p><a name='more'></a>
<h2 class="blogsubtitle"><a name="a_disconnect"></a>A Disconnect: System Design and the Real World</h2>
<p class="lcomnormal">IT professionals and computer hardware technicians have known for years that straight connectors <a href="http://computershopper.com/feature/75-pc-building-tips-pc-cabling" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" >are a pain</a> in the tight space within a computer chassis. For that reason, a variety of <a href="http://www.alliedelec.com/search/searchresults.aspx?dsNav=Ntk:Primary|ic+connectors+right+angle|3|,N:106-4294887229&SearchType=0" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" >right angle header connectors</a>, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=3423&cmp=blogger">PCB connectors</a>, and <a href="http://search.l-com.com/search?keywords=SATA+Right+Angle&cmp=blogger">SATA cables</a> have evolved. But many manufacturers have been slow to produce right angle products for outside the box.</p>
<p class="lcomnormal">Part of that is the disconnect between a system design and the real world. When an engineer sits down to create a system, they are thinking of dozens, maybe <a href="http://wp.tlt.psu.edu/frw5014/2012/03/22/system-design/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" >hundreds of factors</a>. One thing they don't often (and perhaps shouldn't need to) think about is the space outside of a port for a connector to mate to it. In the real world, however, products are becoming smaller, more portable, and they're sharing space with more equipment than ever before. That means the carefully and artfully designed system will actually be shoved into a corner under or right next to other equipment, all of which needs space for cables to connect. </p>
<p class="lcomnormal">Perhaps it's time to realize that this scenario is more common than not, and so right angle cables, adapters, and connectors should be the norm. If you supply your department with cables and adapters in various angles, you make life much easier for the technicians that have to figure out how to bend the cable to fit the device it plugs in to. Also, you will extend the life of the cable and of the port by reducing the strain placed on them.</p>
<div class="quicknote">
Quick note: L-com's right angle selection is without peer! From <a href="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/tips/TIP_TRD_RIGHT-ANGLE.PDF?cmp=blogger">patent-pending technology</a> to ensure high-quality <a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=3145&cmp=blogger">right angle Ethernet cables</a>, to a huge variety of <a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=3191&cmp=blogger">right angle USB cables</a>, L-com has you covered! Check out their wildly popular <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=2589&cmp=blogger">right angle D-Subminiature adapters</a> with options for up-angle and down-angle, and all of their <a href="http://search.l-com.com/search/Category-Audio%2FVideo--keywords-right_angle?cmp=blogger">right angle audio/video equipment</a>!
</div>David Fallonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10392921214310434579noreply@blogger.com0North Andover, MA 01845, USA42.6696364 -71.085432542.5762354 -71.243361 42.7630374 -70.927504tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10157515.post-34941497166311079912012-06-28T10:00:00.000-04:002012-06-28T10:00:08.416-04:00Dust Caps for Electrical Connectors<h1 id="blogtitle">Covers for Your Connectors</h1> <span id="byline">(<a href="mailto:blogger@L-com.com" title="Email L-com's Blog Team">blogger@L-com.com</a>)</span>
<a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=N&ID=603&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title=""><img id="heroimage" src="http://www.l-com.com/product_images/detail/pwd_cib24cb.jpg" width="250px" height="165px" alt="L-com's unique cover for CN24 connectors on IEEE-488 GPIB products" title="L-com's unique cover for CN24 connectors on IEEE-488 GPIB products" /> </a>
<p class="lcomnormal">When you look at an entire link between devices, from terminal to server, for instance, the highest vulnerability point is at the connectors. That's because they are two separate products, most often a jack and a plug, that must correctly mate and allow the signal to pass with minimal loss. It's no surprise that the more connections you have in a link, the greater the loss overall.</p>
<p class="lcomnormal">Because they are so important and vulnerable, many people buy inexpensive <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=N&ID=603&cmp=blogger">connector covers</a> to protect the connectors from anything that could harm them, including things like dust and particulates, moisture, and damage from moving or shipping the device or cable. Did you know that investing a small amount in dust cap protectors could dramatically extend the life of your devices and cables? </p><a name='more'></a>
<h2 class="blogsubtitle"><a name="types_covers"></a>Types of Connector Covers</h2>
<img width="250" height="165" src="http://www.l-com.com/product_images/detail/PWD_MP45J.JPG" align="left" hspace="12" alt="RJ45 Protective Covers for Jacks, Pkg/100" title="RJ45 Protective Covers for Jacks, Pkg/100" /><p class="lcomnormal">Today, there are many options for covering and protecting connectors and jacks. The most common are <strong>friction-fit plastic protective covers</strong>. These are simple molded plastic pieces that fit snuggly into a jack or over a plug. Inexpensive, they are often the best choice for cables and even most jacks. Friction fit connectors include covers for USB Type A and B <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=6823&cmp=blogger">male</a> and <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=2419&cmp=blogger">female</a>, and <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=6536&cmp=blogger">USB Mini B5 and Micro B covers</a>; <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=1760&cmp=blogger">RJ45 (8p x 8c) covers</a>; <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=6726&cmp=blogger">DVI</a> and <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=6763&cmp=blogger">HDMI video connector dust covers</a>; <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=2782&cmp=blogger">universal connector</a> and <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=2781&cmp=blogger">coupler fiber dust caps</a>; and <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=2615&cmp=blogger">D-Subminiature covers</a>.</p>
<img width="250" height="165" src="http://www.l-com.com/product_images/detail/PWD_DML009S.JPG" align="right" hspace="12" alt="Shielded D-Sub Cover for DB9F/HD15F" title="Shielded D-Sub Cover for DB9F/HD15F" />
<p class="lcomnormal">Another popular cover type is the <strong>assembled-fit caps</strong>. These are usually for D-Subminiature connectors or others that have screw locks to hold them in. L-com carries a line of assembled-fit covers for <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=1889&cmp=blogger">DB9 and HD15 (VGA) connectors</a>, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=1302&cmp=blogger">DB25 and HD44 connectors</a>, and <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=1244&cmp=blogger">IEEE-488 GPIB (HPIB or CN24) connectors</a>. Since these covers are often metal and connect to the shielded part of the cover, they can be very effective at preventing EMI/RFI on open ports.</p>
<p class="lcomnormal">One final cover type of note is the <strong>threaded-fit cover</strong>. These covers, often circular, have actual threads to allow them to screw over the connector, sort of like a hood. When coupled with a sealing gasket, these <img width="250" height="165" src="http://www.l-com.com/product_images/detail/PWD_ANM-CAP01.JPG" align="left" hspace="12" alt="Type-N Protective Cap for Female, with Chain" title="Type-N Protective Cap for Female, with Chain" />covers can even provide <a href="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/tips/tip_waterproofconnectors.pdf?cmp=blogger">IP67 rated protection</a>. L-com carries some options like this <a href="http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=7305&cmp=blogger">waterproof USB cover</a> and this <a href="http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=26292&cmp=blogger">shielded USB cover</a>, these for <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=7812&cmp=blogger">RJ45 (8p x 8c) jacks</a>, and this for <a href="http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=11090&cmp=blogger">fiber LC duplex connectors</a>. In each of these cases, however, the covers only work with the corresponding IP67 or waterproof plugs and jacks. For coaxial covers, there are <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=1279&cmp=blogger">some that screw on</a>, but without a sealing gasket they do not meet IP67 ratings.</p><p class="lcomnormal"> </p>
<div class="quicknote">
Quick note: There are about as many cover types as there are connector types, probably even more. If you have a specific need, my advice is to <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/ContactUs.html?cmp=blogger">contact L-com</a>. Besides the extensive product offering on <a href="http://www.l-com.com/?cmp=blogger">their website</a>, they also <a href="http://www.l-com.com/ProductConfigurator.aspx?cmp=blogger">custom manufacture products</a> and may be able to provide a solution you hadn't thought of.
</div>David Fallonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10392921214310434579noreply@blogger.com0North Andover, MA, USA42.6987024 -71.135057542.605345400000004 -71.292986 42.7920594 -70.977129tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10157515.post-74652546559581248152012-06-21T16:00:00.000-04:002012-06-21T16:00:04.860-04:00Fiber vs. Copper in LANs<h1 id="blogtitle">The Fiber Optic Technology Future</h1> <span id="byline">(<a href="mailto:blogger@L-com.com" title="Email L-com's Blog Team">blogger@L-com.com</a>)</span>
<a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=N&ID=9947&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Common Fiber Problems Article"><img id="heroimage" src="http://www.l-com.com/product_images/detail/LG_FOBBISNGB6-M.JPG" width="250px" height="250px" alt="Fiber Optic Cable Fanned Out" title="Fiber Optic Cable Fanned Out" /> </a>
<p class="lcomnormal">The emerging field of <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productcenter.aspx?id=11&cmp=blogger" title="Fiber Optic Product Center">fiber optics</a> is no longer emerging; it's here. That's because manufacturers get better at making fiber cables and lasers each year, all amidst <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peak_copper" target="_blank" title="Wikipedia: Peak Copper">some of the highest prices for copper</a> we've seen. Already, dead-run fiber networks are cheaper and greener than twisted pair cabling. Fiber is here. Are you ready?</p><a name='more'></a>
<h2 class="blogsubtitle"><a name="newrules"></a>The New Rules of Fiber</h2>
<p class="lcomnormal">If you are not used to working with fiber, you may assume it has similar factors as an Ethernet UTP or STP cable: run it at 90 degree angles from power cables in the wall, and terminate it with a jack at each workstation or drop point. However, fiber optics are very different from copper cables (if you are interested in all the differences, there's <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Fiber-Optic-Tutorial.html?cmp=blogger" title="Fiber Optic Tutorial">a great tutorial on fiber optics here</a>), and so the old rules no longer apply. Instead, you have <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=N&ID=9947&cmp=blogger" title="Common Fiber Problems Article">a whole new set of problems</a> that you need to look out for. Here are a few of the most common.</p>
<h3 class="blogsubtitle"><a name="cleanliness"></a>Cleanliness is King</h3>
<p class="lcomnormal">In a copper world, dirt and dust can erode a connection over time. Therefore, in an industrial setting where a lot of dust might be present, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=3541&cmp=blogger" title="IP67 and Harsh Environment Ethernet Products">IP67 rated and harsh-environment Ethernet cables</a> are best to extend the life of your network. In fiber, however, dirt and dust don't just erode a connection, they kill it altogether. Dust particles that are far too tiny to see, residue from cleaning products, and even the oil from a fingerprint can outright stop a fiber signal from connecting. Therefore, a technician working on a fiber network <em>needs</em> <a href="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/video_clips/video.aspx?ID=6485&cmp=blogger" title="Video: How to clean a fiber optic connector">fiber optic cleaning supplies</a>. Some examples of what you'll require are:</p>
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<td style="padding-top:auto; padding-bottom:auto;">
<a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=461&cmp=blogger"><img border="0" width="72" height="50" src="http://www.l-com.com/product_images/thumbnail/PWT_FO1.JPG" alt="FiberClean by Hellermann/Tyton" /></a></td>
<td valign="top"><p class="lcomnormal"><a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=461&cmp=blogger"><strong>Hellermann/Tyton's Fiberclean- Fiber Optic Connector Cleaning System</strong></a><br />
This convenient and economical solution uses a hand-held device with a "cleaning window" to clean most fiber connectors. View a <a href="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/tips/tip_clean_fiber_cable.pdf?cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Download pdf Tip Using Fiber Cleaner">pdf</a> or <a href="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/video_clips/video.aspx?ID=6485&cmp=blogger" title="Video Tip Using Fiber Cleaner">video</a> of how it works!</p></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="padding-top:auto; padding-bottom:auto;"><a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=3127&cmp=blogger" title="SC, FC and ST cleaner"><img border="0" width="72" height="50" src="http://www.l-com.com/product_images/thumbnail/PWT_FOC-SC250.JPG" alt="SC, FC and ST cleaner" /></a></td>
<td valign="top"><p class="lcomnormal"><strong><a href="http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=11018&cmp=blogger" title="Senko's Fiber Optic Cleaners">Senko's Fiber Optic Cleaner for SC, FC and ST simplex connectors</a></strong><br />
This Smart Cleaner is a high-performance device designed for cleaning the ferrule end faces of SC, ST and FC connectors with UPC and APC polishes. See the <a href="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/manuals/M_SCK-SC250.PDF?cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Download a pdf user's manual">User Manual</a>.</p></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><p style="padding-top:auto; padding-bottom:auto;"><a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=3128&cmp=blogger" title="LC and MU Cleaner"><img border="0" width="72" height="50" src="http://www.l-com.com/product_images/thumbnail/PWT_FOC-SC125.JPG" alt="LC and MU Cleaner" /></a></p></td>
<td valign="top"><p class="lcomnormal"><strong><a href="http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=11019&cmp=blogger" title="Senko's Fiber Optic Cleaners">Senko's Fiber Optic Cleaner for LC and MU simplex connectors</a></strong><br />
This Smart Cleaner is a high-performance device designed for cleaning the ferrule end faces of LC and MU connectors with UPC and APC polishes. See the <a href="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/eng_drawings/DS-FOC-SC125.pdf?cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Download a pdf user's manual">User Manual</a>.</p></td>
</tr>
</table>
<p class="lcomnormal">In addition, you may want to stock up on some general fiber optic cleaning materials:</p>
<div align="center">
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="275">
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<a href="http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=1661&cmp=blogger"><img border="0" width="72" height="50" src="http://www.l-com.com/product_images/thumbnail/PWT_FOC-CA.JPG" alt="Can of compressed air for blowing dust off surfaces" /></a></td>
<td valign="top"><a href="http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=1663&cmp=blogger"><img border="0" width="72" height="50" src="http://www.l-com.com/product_images/thumbnail/PWT_FOC-KN.JPG" alt="Box of kimwipes for cleaning surfaces" /></a></td>
<td valign="top"><a href="http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=1660&cmp=blogger"><img border="0" width="72" height="50" src="http://www.l-com.com/product_images/thumbnail/PWT_FOC-AP.JPG" alt="Alcohol pads disolve many types of dirt and oils" /></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top"><p class="lcomnormal" style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=1661&cmp=blogger" title="Compressed Air">Compressed Air</a></p></td>
<td valign="top"><p class="lcomnormal" style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=1663&cmp=blogger" title="Box of Kimwipes">Box of Kimwipes</a></p></td>
<td valign="top"><p class="lcomnormal" style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=1660&cmp=blogger" title="Premoistened Alcohol Pads">Premoistened Alcohol Pads</a></p></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<h3 class="blogsubtitle"><a name="matching_cores"></a>Matching the Cores</h3>
<img class="subimage" src="http://www.L-com.com/images/Blogger/core_mismatch.jpg" alt="Core Mismatch" width="300" height="119" align="left" hspace="12" title="Core Mismatch" /><p class="lcomnormal">In <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Telecom-Modular-Tutorial.html?cmp=blogger" title="Telecom/Modular Tutorial">twisted pair cables</a>, there are different sizes and styles. You can have a cable backbone using 22 AWG copper, and then patch cords using thinner 26 AWG copper. Chances are the backbone used solid conductors, while the patch cords use stranded. You may also have a shielded cable somewhere in the mix, which you know has to be grounded at both ends. But aside from the grounding, all of these different components easily connect together.</p>
<p class="lcomnormal">Not so with fiber optics. Your 62.5/125 fiber will not work properly if you connect it to a single mode switch. And if you use a 50/125 fiber cable, you'll find it isn't backwards compatible with a network composed of the larger 62.5/125. If these terms are confusing you, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/video_clips/vc_fiberterms.html?cmp=blogger" title="Video: Understanding Fiber Core Sizes">see a helpful video here that explains it better</a>. </p>
<p class="lcomnormal">Fortunately, most fiber optic cable manufacturers will not only stock cables in all three of the most common diameters, they will also offer <a href="http://www.l-com.com/ProductConfigurator.aspx?cmp=blogger" title="Custom Cables">custom fiber optic manufacturing services</a>, where they will build exactly what you need at exactly the right length. L-com, for instance, offers this service without any minimum order quantities, and with ultra-short lead times because of their domestic manufacturing capabilities.</p>
<h3 class="blogsubtitle"><a name="polishing"></a>Polishing the Connectors</h3>
<img class="subimage" width="337" height="67" src="http://www.l-com.com/lcom_emails/2012/011712/fiber_polish_tip.jpg" align="right" hspace="12" alt="A view of the three most common fiber polish types" /><p class="lcomnormal">Another factor to consider with fiber cabling is the polish used on the connectors. This is one of the new considerations that makes terminating a fiber cable in the field so difficult. Because light can be reflected back at the connection point, a special polish is needed, and that is much easier to do in a factory. </p>
<p class="lcomnormal">There are three polish types that are common: PC, ultra PC (or UPC), and angled PC (or APC). While PC is the general standard, you should always check to see if your active equipment calls for the more stringent UPC polish type. Applications requiring APC are not common, but when you need APC there are even more factors to consider… Since because of the angle in APC, the two connectors at a connection point must line up, which is nearly impossible for round connectors like the ST and FC types. There are "keyed" versions of FC connectors that can allow this, but most of the time you would need a rectangular connector like an SC or LC. Also, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=95&cmp=blogger" title="Fiber optic attenuators">fiber optic attenuators</a> and <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=2949&cmp=blogger" title="Fiber optic adapters">adapters</a> must be specially made for APC applications.</p>
<h3 class="blogsubtitle"><a name="fiber_help"></a>Getting Fiber Optic Help</h3>
<p class="lcomnormal">Don't be ashamed to seek help if you are dealing with fiber optic products for the first time. There are many pit-holes like the above. Consider hiring a professional fiber optic contractor, and <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/ContactUs.html?cmp=blogger" title="L-com's Contact Us Page">call the tech support professionals offered</a> by your cable manufacturer with your questions. Learning about these problems ahead of time can save you a lot of headaches later.</p>
<div class="quicknote">Quick note: L-com has been providing <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productcenter.aspx?id=11&cmp=blogger" title="Fiber Optic Solutions">fiber optic solutions</a> for over fifteen years now, and has seen a lot of the problems that occur. Take advantage of their <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/ContactUs.html?cmp=blogger" title="L-com's Contact Us Page">free phone or email tech support</a>. Also, be sure to browse their extensive line of <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=89&cmp=blogger" title="Fiber Optic Cable Assemblies">fiber optic cables</a>, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=94&cmp=blogger" title="Fiber Optic Adapters">adapters</a>, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=95&cmp=blogger" title="Fiber Optic Attenuators">attenuators</a>, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=93&cmp=blogger" title="Fiber Optic Connectors">connectors</a> and <a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=272&cmp=blogger" title="Fiber Optic Kits">kits</a>, and much more. They provide a <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Fiber-Optic-Tutorial.html?cmp=blogger" title="Free Fiber Optic Tutorial">free fiber optic tutorial</a> in the technical resources on their website, and can help you get your network fiber-ready today.</div>David Fallonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10392921214310434579noreply@blogger.com0North Andover, MA, USA42.6987024 -71.135057542.605345400000004 -71.292986 42.7920594 -70.977129tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10157515.post-81276337766450424252012-06-13T10:00:00.000-04:002012-06-13T10:00:13.865-04:00Lightning Protection: A Little Reminder<h1 id="blogtitle">How To Protect Your Electronic Equipment</h1> <span id="byline">(<a href="mailto:blogger@L-com.com" title="Email L-com's Blog Team">blogger@L-com.com</a>)</span>
<a href="http://www.L-com.com/home.aspx?cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title=""><img id="heroimage" src="http://www.l-com.com/images/Blogger/lightning_final.jpg" width="200px" height="250px" alt="Lightning ;)" title="Lightning ;)" /> </a>
<p class="lcomnormal">As we enter the "high lightning" season, L-com likes to remind people of the dangers of leaving permanent or semi-permanent cabling installations unprotected from surges. There are a couple of parts to this overall problem. First, you have to realize the danger is with every installation of conductive material. The copper in Ethernet networking cables, or in coaxial cables that link up an antenna, or in the process control lines that prevent system failures; they all can have surges and the surges can all have the same catastrophic effects. Some people think this only happens with a direct strike, but even indirect strikes nearby can be destructive. Second, you have to take the time to find the appropriate lightning protection for your system. And third, you have to install the lightning protection properly so it is grounded.</p><a name='more'></a>
<p class="lcomnormal">L-com does its best to <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=N&ID=10029&cmp=blogger" title="Lightning Protectors Newsletter">remind users of the importance of lightning protection</a>, but their real strength and contribution is <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productcenter.aspx?id=2064&cmp=blogger" title="Lightning Protectors Product Center">making lightning protection available</a> and <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Lightning-Surge-Protectors-Tutorial.html?cmp=blogger" title="Lightning Protectors Tutorial">easy to research</a> on their website and in their catalog. A lightning and surge protector for a power line is easy to find, but signal electronics tend to have unique requirements. That is because the protector must allow the signal to go through with minimal loss, but also provide iron-clad protection against transient voltages. So where do you begin?</p>
<h2 class="blogsubtitle"><a name="LPTypes">Lightning and Surge Protector Types</a></h2>
<p class="lcomnormal">A good place to start looking is L-com's <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productcenter.aspx?id=2064&cmp=blogger">Lightning Protectors Product Center</a> on their website. Once there, look for the signal line type you are trying to protect. L-com offers solutions for each of these:</p>
<ul class="ulists">
<li><a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=2082&cmp=blogger" title="Coaxial Lightning Protectors">Coaxial data cables</a> (including cables connected to antennas)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=3150&cmp=blogger" title="Video Lightning Protectors">Coaxial video cables</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=2113&cmp=blogger" title="Data Line Lightning Protectors">Data lines</a> (Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6 cables typically used in Ethernet LANs)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=3061&cmp=blogger" title="Phone Line Lightning Protectors">Phone lines</a> (Telephone, DSL, and T1)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=2114&cmp=blogger" title="Serial Line Lightning Protectors">RS422-485 lines</a> (serial communication)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=3107&cmp=blogger" title="Load Cell/RTD Line Lightning Protectors">Load Cell/RTD lines</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=3129&cmp=blogger" title="AISG/RET Line Lightning Protectors">AISG/RET lines</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=3104&cmp=blogger" title="AC/DC Control Line Lighting Protectors">AC/DC Control lines</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=2115&cmp=blogger">Outdoor speakers and Public Address Systems</a> (PA systems)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=3345&cmp=blogger" title="4-20 mA Current Loop Lightning Protectors">4-20 mA Current Loop systems</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=3661&cmp=blogger" title="PTZ Camera Lightning Protectors">Pivot/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ) cameras</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=3102&cmp=blogger" title="USB Line Lightning Protectors">Permanent USB cable runs</a></li>
<li>And several others…</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="blogsubtitle"><a name="DataLineLPs">Data Line and Ethernet Protectors</a></h3>
<p class="lcomnormal">Among the most complicated systems to protect are the <a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=2113&cmp=blogger" title="Data Line Ethernet Lightning Protectors">data line systems</a> (often your <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Telecom-Modular-Tutorial.html?cmp=blogger" title="Premise Wiring Tutorial">premise wiring</a> or Category rated wiring), such as the cabling that connects computers in an office to the network. There are a lot of reasons these systems require special attention:</p>
<ul class="ulists">
<li>They are often extensive, run in walls, under floors, above ceilings, and through Plenums to every corner of a building</li>
<li>They usually carry high-speed data that is very sensitive to noise and signal loss</li>
<li>They sometimes have special circumstances like Power over Ethernet that have to be taken into consideration</li>
<li>They can require protection in a variety of locations, including offices, industrial places, and outdoors</li>
<li>Equipment on either end of a data line can be very sensitive to transient voltages and can be very expensive to replace or re-install</li>
</ul>
<p class="lcomnormal">Finding suitable protection for your network is important and requires some strategizing. One clever resource to help you find the right protector is L-com's handy <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Data_Line_Protector_Comparison.html" title="Compare Lightning Protection Options">Lightning Protector Comparison Chart</a>. This can help you zero in on the protectors that will suit you best.
<div class="quicknote">Quick Note: Don't forget to install protectors at either end of a data line, especially long ones and ones that are plugged in to expensive equipment.
</div>
<h3 class="blogsubtitle"><a name="InstallingLP">Installing Lightning Protection</a></h3>
<p class="lcomnormal">While L-com offers a lot of <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/HyperLink-Lightning-Protector-Diagrams.html?cmp=blogger" title="Lightning Protector Diagrams">educational information about lightning protectors</a>, they do not do installations. You may be tempted to install the lightning protectors you buy yourself, but we strongly suggest you hire or use a licensed electrician to do it. Lightning protectors are only effective if they are properly installed and grounded. Mistakes made in the installation process can nullify the protection and may even add more dangers. </p>
<div class="quicknote">Quick Note: In addition to the extensive Technical Resources on L-com's website, they offer dedicated sales reps and trained technical support. If you have questions, give them a call at 800-341-5266 or send an email to <br /><a href="mailto:sales@L-com.com" title="L-com Sales Services Department">sales@L-com.com</a>.</div>
<div class="imagecredits">Image Credits:<br />
<a href="http://www.sxc.hu/photo/340402" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Lightning ;)">Lightning ;)</a></div>David Fallonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10392921214310434579noreply@blogger.com0North Andover, MA, USA42.6987024 -71.135057542.605345400000004 -71.292986 42.7920594 -70.977129tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10157515.post-60844549384891994412012-06-05T10:00:00.000-04:002012-06-05T10:00:05.087-04:00Antenna Coaxial Cable Types<h1 id="blogtitle">What kind of coax cable do antennas need?</h1> <span id="byline">(<a href="mailto:blogger@L-com.com" title="Email L-com's Blog Team">blogger@L-com.com</a>)</span>
<a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=N&ID=10022&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Low Loss Cables for Antenna Systems"><img id="heroimage" src="http://www.l-com.com/lcom_emails/2012/041012/400seriesspecs.jpg" width="301px" height="124px" alt="Low Loss Cable Diagram" title="Low Loss Coax Cable Diagram" /> </a>
<p class="lcomnormal">As a <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productcenter.aspx?id=2005&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="L-com's Selection of Antennas">major US Antenna manufacturer</a>, L-com gets this question quite often. After all, if you are searching for an antenna, you may not think about the cabling requirements up front. But every antenna needs to be connected to a radio, and often the radio and antenna are not placed close together, so a <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Coaxial-Cabling-Tutorial.html?cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Coaxial Cabling Tutorial">coaxial cable</a> is necessary.</p>
<p class="lcomnormal">So what kind of cable do you need? <a name='more'></a>There are a couple of factors you should ask yourself:</p>
<ul class="ulists">
<li>How far apart is the radio from the antenna?</li>
<li>How much signal loss can your application tolerate before the signal doesn't link?</li>
<li>Will the cable be run between walls, rooms, or floors of a building, like in a Plenum air space?</li>
<li>Will the cable need to bend and flex for your application or can it lay still?</li>
</ul>
<p class="lcomnormal">In most cases, you will need a "low-loss" cable for your antenna, like <a href="http://search.l-com.com/search?keywords=ca-+series&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="CA-series Cables">L-com's CA- series</a>. The higher the number, the thicker the cable and the better the signal loss rating.</p>
<h2 class="blogsubtitle"><a name="CA-400SeriesBulk">CA-400 series bulk cable and cable assemblies</a></h2>
<p class="lcomnormal">The <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=N&ID=10022&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="CA-400 Series Cable Options">CA-400 series cable</a> is usually the best choice as it combines excellent signal loss characteristics with a reasonably lightweight, small diameter cable. Because of its popularity, bulk cable and cable assembly options are frequently available off-the-shelf. For applications where fire codes require a special jacket, you can get <a href="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/tips/tip_plenum.pdf?cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Plenum Cable Tip Download (.pdf)">Plenum rated bulk cable</a>; for high-flex applications, you can get an <a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=3143&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Ultra Flex Version of CA-400 Cable">ultra-flex version</a>. </p>
<a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Coaxial-Cabling-Tutorial.html?cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Coaxial Cabling Tutorial"><img src="http://www.l-com.com/images/coax_view2.jpg" width="243px" height="250px" alt="Exploded View of a BNC Connector" title="Exploded View of a BNC Connector" align="left" /></a>
<h3 class="blogsubtitle"><a name="coaxialconnectortypes">Connector types</a></h3>
<p class="lcomnormal">The other thing you have to consider is what type of connector you need. Usually, this will be dictated by the antenna and the radio, because you need a cable that can mate to those two units. But sometimes coaxial connectors can be confusing, especially when you consider <a href="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/tips/tip_id_reverse_polarized.pdf?cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Download Tip on Reverse Polarity (.pdf)">reverse-polarity connectors</a>. Browsing an <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/ConnectorChart.html#coaxial?cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Coaxial Connector Chart with High-res images">online coaxial connector chart with high-res images</a> can help a lot. There are also handy <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/RadioConnectorCrossReference.html?cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Radio connector type cross reference guides">radio connector type cross reference guides</a>.</p>
<p class="lcomnormal">Once you identify what you need, you should check the availability of a <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=15&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Factory-manufactured finished coaxial cables">factory-manufactured finished coaxial cable</a> at the proper length and with the connectors already attached. If you can't find what you need, you may be able to go the <a href="http://www.l-com.com/ProductConfigurator.aspx?cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Custom cable configurator">custom cable route</a>, though be prepared for minimum order requirements. Another option is to buy bulk coaxial cable and connectors and make the cable yourself.</p>
<h3 class="blogsubtitle"><a name="makingcoax">Making a coaxial cable assembly</a></h3>
<p class="lcomnormal">There are <a href="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/catalog_page/2K12M1_189-Coaxial-Connectors.pdf?cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Download connector crimping instructions (.pdf)">instructions online</a> to help with this process, but in brief you will need <a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=137&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Bulk coaxial cable">bulk coaxial cable</a>, the <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=24&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Coax connectors">connector(s)</a>, and proper <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=N&ID=9473&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Stripping and crimping tools for coax">stripping and crimping tools</a>. Make sure the connector you get is sized to fit on the coaxial cable diameter you are using (if you don't, it's awfully difficult to shoehorn it on there…) You may also want to get <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=6426&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Cabling tape">tape</a> or <a href="http://search.l-com.com/search?keywords=heatshrink+tubing&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Shrink tubing">shrink tubing</a> to cover the crimped section of the cable to protect it.</p>
<div class="quicknote">Quick Note: L-com carries a huge variety of <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=15&cmp=blogger">finished coaxial cable assemblies</a>, so you may want to try the <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfinder/finder.aspx?FinderID=11&cmp=blogger">product wizard feature</a> to narrow down your search. If it turns out that you need a custom cable, try the <a href="http://www.l-com.com/ProductConfigurator.aspx?cmp=blogger">custom cable configurator online</a>.</div>David Fallonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10392921214310434579noreply@blogger.com0North Andover, MA, USA42.6987024 -71.135057542.605345400000004 -71.292986 42.7920594 -70.977129tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10157515.post-18121511330591891062012-05-31T10:00:00.000-04:002012-05-31T10:00:00.169-04:00USB Problems and How To Fix Them<h1 id="blogtitle">Unique USB Fixes to Common Problems</h1> <h3 id="byline">(<a href="mailto:blogger@L-com.com" title="Email L-com's Blog Team">blogger@L-com.com</a>)</h3>
<a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=L&ID=9988&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="USB Product Video"><img id="heroimage" src="http://www.l-com.com/lcom_emails/2012/032012/usb-cable-video-email.gif" width="250px" height="165px" alt="USB Product Video" title="USB Product Video" /> </a>
<p class="lcomnormal"><a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/USB-Tutorial.html?cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="USB Tutorial Page">USB products</a> are everywhere. From cell phones, smart phones, digital cameras, tablet computers, camcorders, and just about <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/FAQ.aspx?Type=FAQ&ID=4829&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="FAQ: What kinds of USB peripherals can I connect to my PC?">every other gadget</a> uses USB connectors on it. So you are very likely to need a <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=3006&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="USB Cable Product Center">USB cable</a>, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=3007&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="USB Adapters Product Center">adapter</a>, or other connectivity item as a common fact of modern life.</p>
<p class="lcomnormal">But USB isn't perfect. <a name='more'></a>Common <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=N&ID=9916&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="USB Unique Products">USB problems</a> include:</p>
<ul class="ulists">
<li>Friction fit connectors popping out of their jacks if pulled or vibrated</li>
<li>Difficulty mounting a USB female on a panel or faceplate</li>
<li>Sensitivity of USB to dirt, dust, moisture, and other ingress</li>
<li>Plugging in a USB connector in tight spaces</li>
</ul>
<p class="lcomnormal">Fortunately, solutions to these problems are not hard to get, as you can <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=L&ID=9988&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="USB Product Overview Video">see from this video</a>. USB connectivity equipment is commercially available and often costs very little compared with the headaches of dealing with the problems above. </p>
<h2 class="blogsubtitle"><a name="LatchingUSBCables">Latching USB Cables</a></h2>
<a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=N&ID=9812&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Latching USB Technology Newsletter"><img class="subimage" width="235" height="118" src="http://www.l-com.com/lcom_emails/2011/041911/usb-latches-drawing.jpg" align="left" alt="Latching USB Drawing" title="Latching USB Drawing" /></a><p class="lcomnormal">USB connectors use what's called "friction fit" to hold the plug in the jack when connected, which you may notice as you plug or unplug a USB cable. This is as opposed to things like screw or lock connectors, which maintain a firmer connection. Friction fit isn't a problem, and in fact makes it very quick and easy to plug and unplug a cable without having to unscrew it or unlock it. However, in some applications, the friction fit design is a problem. Consider military vehicles that may experience frequent and jerky vibrations as they are driving across a battlefield. If occupants are using USB devices, the vibration is often enough to disconnect them, and often the connection is critical.</p>
<p class="lcomnormal"><a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=N&ID=9812&cmp=blogger">L-com's latching USB cables</a> use a unique design modification to the type A male connector. It adds tiny spring latches on the sides that can be depressed by squeezing the sides of the molding behind the connector. Once mated, the latches spring out and hold the connector firmly in place. Also, and following with the military applications, L-com offers <a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=3396&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="LSZH rated latching cables">LSZH rated latching cables</a> for applications where cable burning is a concern and halogen gasses cannot be tolerated. If you have a USB application and you've noticed that the friction fit is a problem, consider getting <a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=3115&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Latching USB Cables Products">one of these</a>.</p>
<h2 class="blogsubtitle"><a name="BulkheadUSBAdapters">Bulkhead USB Adapters</a></h2>
<a href="http://www.l-com.com/lcom_emails/2011/122011/USB_ECF_ECJ.JPG" target="_blank" title="Click for full sized image"><img class="subimage" width="209" height="251" src="http://www.l-com.com/lcom_emails/2011/122011/USB_ECF_ECJ.JPG" align="left" hspace="12" alt="ECF Style Diagram" title="ECF Style Diagram" /></a><p class="lcomnormal">The opposite of the Type A male issue above is how to <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=3007&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="USB Panel Mount Jacks">mount female jacks</a> so you can mate to them easily. Again, one of the advantages of USB is that it is quick and easy to plug and unplug your portable devices. But sometimes your computer or other USB host device is in an inconvenient spot, maybe behind an equipment rack, deep under your desk, on a shelf, or sometimes even in another room. In these cases, the ability to mount a female USB port somewhere that you can easily reach is a huge help.</p>
<p class="lcomnormal"><a href="http://search.l-com.com/search?keywords=bulkhead+usb&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Bulkhead USB Products">Bulkhead USB products</a> come in various types, but the most common two are <a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=3429&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="ECF Flange Mount USB Adapters">the "ECF" flange mount styles</a>, and <a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=3027&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Side-flange mount cables">the side-flange mount styles</a>. The "ECF" styles use a sturdy, firm flange above and below the jack that can be screwed to the outside of the panel. The side-flange mount styles have smaller flanges to the sides of the jack, which can be screwed either outside or inside the panel. Either type comes with advantages, but in general if you need a sturdy mount, use the ECF style, if you need to mount in a small space with a small footprint, use the side-flange style.</p>
<div class="quicknote">Quick Note: There are other styles for mounting available, such as <a href="http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=23746&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Keystone Style Panel Mount USB Coupler">this Keystone style panel-mount USB coupler</a> and <a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=3028&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Round USB Panel Mount Jacks and Cables">these interesting round jacks and cables</a>. But these are more apt to be used in waterproof and dust proof applications, so we'll talk more about them next.</div><br />
<h2 class="blogsubtitle"><a name="WaterproofUSBOptions">Waterproof USB Options</a></h2>
<a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=3028&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Waterproof USB Cables and Adapters"><img class="subimage" width="135" height="70" src="http://www.l-com.com/lcom_emails/2006/011706/wp_usb_nl.jpg" align="left" hspace="12" alt="Waterproof USB Cable Connectors" title="Waterproof USB Cable Connectors" /></a><p class="lcomnormal">Water and electricity don't mix well. Also, dust and dirt in a connector can seriously impact the connection. So any electronic cable, even a low-voltage signal cable, must remain ingress-free. In most cases, this isn't a problem. But sometimes you need to provide USB connectivity in an environment that may involve splashes or sprinkles of water, or dirt and dust. In these cases, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/tips/tip-waterproof-usb-connector-ratings.pdf?cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Waterproof USB Connector Ratings Tip">waterproof cables and connectors</a> with <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=N&ID=9277&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Ingress Protection (IP) Information Newsletter">Ingress Protection (IP) ratings</a> could be your answer.</p>
<p class="lcomnormal">In order to work properly, you usually need matching <a href="http://search.l-com.com/search?keywords=waterproof+USB+jack&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Search for Waterproof USB Jack">jacks</a> with <a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=3028&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Waterproof USB Cables with Male Plugs">cable plugs</a>, along with <a href="http://search.l-com.com/search?keywords=waterproof+usb+cover&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Waterproof USB Covers">waterproof covers</a> to protect the connectors when not mated. There is a good variety of panel-mount USB jacks available, with <a href="http://search.l-com.com/search?keywords=waterproof+USB+jack&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Waterproof USB Jacks with Flying Leads">flying leads</a>, <a href="http://search.l-com.com/search?keywords=waterproof+usb+cable+female&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Finished Waterproof USB Cables with Female Connectors">finished cables</a>, or <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=7416&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Field Install Waterproof USB Connectors">field-install solder cups</a> on the inside of the panel (the side presumably protected from ingress). These usually use a screw barrel body to allow the male cable connector to screw a waterproofing hood to it.</p>
<h2 class="blogsubtitle"><a name="RightAngleUSBProducts">Right Angle USB Products</a></h2>
<img class="subimage" width="250" height="165" src="http://www.l-com.com/product_images/detail/pwd_uadaa90-1.jpg" align="left" hspace="12" alt="USB 2.0 Type A Low Profile Right Angle Adapters" title="USB 2.0 Type A Low Profile Right Angle Adapters" /><p class="lcomnormal">If you need to get a USB cable into a tight space, you've no doubt noticed the immense difficulty with bending the back of the connector at a tight angle. USB cables have a <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/FAQ.aspx?Type=FAQ&ID=4786&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="FAQ: Minimum Bend Radius">minimum bend radius</a> of 10x the outer diameter of the cable, and exceeding that can add stress to the connector on the cable and the jack that it is connected to. Fortunately, widely available and moderately priced <a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=3431&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Right Angle USB Adapters">right angle adapters</a> and <a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=3191&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Right Angle USB Cables">cables</a> can easily solve the problem. Make certain you understand what kind of an angle you need, however. It is sometimes difficult to tell the difference between the "top" and "bottom" of a USB Type A connector, but it will only plug in one way. If you get the wrong angle, the adapter or cable won't mate. Fortunately, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/tips/TIP_USB-RA.PDF?cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Helpful Guide to Right Angle USB Cables">this helpful guide</a> shows close-ups of the connectors to explain which angle you need. Also, you can always look into Flexible USB options, like <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=6548&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Flexible USB Adapters">flexible adapters</a> and <a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=3153&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Flexible USB Cables">flexible cables</a>.</p>
<div class="quicknote">Quick Note: There's a lot more out there for USB applications, such as <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=N&ID=9916&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Customizable USB Products Newsletter">customizable USB products</a>, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=10560&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Passive USB Extenders">passive USB extenders</a>, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=263&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Active USB Converters">active USB converters</a>, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=37848&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Wireless USB Equipment">wireless USB equipment</a>, and a range of <a href="http://search.l-com.com/search?display_type=&keywords=usb+3.0&x=0&y=0&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="USB 3.0 Items">USB 3.0 items</a>. Check out a <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/USB-Tutorial.html?cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Comprehensive USB Tutorial">comprehensive USB tutorial here</a>. </div>David Fallonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10392921214310434579noreply@blogger.com0North Andover, MA, USA42.6987024 -71.135057542.605345400000004 -71.292986 42.7920594 -70.977129tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10157515.post-63168028716019812032012-05-24T10:00:00.000-04:002012-05-24T10:00:12.413-04:00How to Create RJ45 Ethernet Ports at Drop Points<span id="blogtitle">RJ45 couplers: what is available</span> <span id="byline">(<a href="mailto:blogger@L-com.com" title="Email L-com's Blog Team">blogger@L-com.com</a>)</span>
<a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=L&ID=10007&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="L-com's RJ45 Coupler Overview Video"><img id="heroimage" src="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/video_clips/RJ45-Coupler-Overview/rj45-coupler-Overview.jpg" width="250px" height="147px" alt="RJ45 Coupler Overview Video" title="RJ45 Coupler Overview Video" /> </a>
<p class="lcomnormal">L-com carries a lot of stuff. In fact, the <a href="http://www.L-com.com" target="_blank" title="L-com web site">L-com web site</a> boasts over 15,000 unique product pages. But among all those varied parts, one of the most popular items fits in the palm of your hand and weighs approximately 1 oz. What is it? An Ethernet jack! Here, we're going to talk briefly about Ethernet jacks, but don't miss L-com's <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=L&ID=10007&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="L-com's RJ45 Coupler Overview Video">exclusive video</a> on the topic!</p><a name='more'></a>
<p class="lcomnormal">A "jack" is the term we use for female connectors. A jack is often mounted on something so you can easily patch or plug in a cable when you need to. RJ45 jacks are used to terminate the <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=84&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="L-com's Bulk Ethernet Cabling">twisted-pair wiring</a> in a wall or device to a convenient point so you can plug your computer or networked equipment in easily. If you look around your office, you're very likely to find wall plates with female RJ45 connectors or "jacks" mounted in them.</p>
<span class="blogsubtitle"><a name="EthernetJacks">Jack Options</a></span>
<a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=L&ID=10007&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="View a Video On RJ45 Couplers"><img class="subimage" src="http://www.l-com.com/lcom_emails/2012/041712/engineer-rj45-coupler.gif" width="250px" height="156px" align="left" alt="View a Video On RJ45 Couplers" title="View a Video On RJ45 Couplers" /></a>
<p class="lcomnormal">There are two main questions to ask when you know you need an Ethernet jack: where is it going to be mounted and what type of cable is it terminating. You need to know how you want to mount it first. Are you mounting to a wall plate or panel? How thick is the mounting plate? Do you want it to be extra stable in case someone abuses the port? Does it need to be water/dust resistant? Next, you'll have to know what you have behind the jack. Is it shielded cable? Is it category rated? Is it already terminated with a plug (male connector)? </p>
<br /><br />
<span class="blogsubtitle"><a name="EthernetJacks">Mounting Styles</a></span>
<p class="lcomnormal">The easiest place to start is to consider how you want to mount the jack. One method is the "keystone" style. These jacks come with a spring retainer on the bottom and a fixed retainer on the top. <a href="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/tips/tip_keystone_wallplate.pdf?cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Download a .pdf tip showing typical keystone mounting technique">Mounting them</a> is usually quick and easy (see a <a href="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/video_clips/video.aspx?ID=6685&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Video of keystone mounting technique">video here</a>). Also, there are plenty of <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=444&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="L-com's Wall Plate and Surface Mount Boxes Product Center">keystone style wall plates</a> to choose from. However, there are a couple of sacrifices for using keystone style jacks:</p>
<ul class="ulists">
<li>The "keystone" style isn't independently standardized, so if you are using products from different manufacturers you risk them not fitting correctly</li>
<li>The retainers aren't foolproof; someone who abuses the jack by jamming the plug in too harshly may push the jack out of its mounting plate</li>
<li>The plate that you mount the jack to must be around 0.062" (about 1.5mm) or less; any larger, and the clips may not hold</li>
</ul>
<a href="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/diagrams/D_ECF_EJC.JPG" target="_blank" title="L-com's ECF Style Dimensions"><img class="subimage" src="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/diagrams/D_ECF_EJC.JPG" align="right" width="208px" height="250px" alt="L-com's ECF Style Dimensions" title="L-com's ECF Style Dimensions" /></a>
<p class="lcomnormal">If any of these factors are a problem for your application, you may want to consider upgrading to L-com's <a href="http://search.l-com.com/search?keywords=ecf+style&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Search L-com's Web Site for ECF Style Products">"ECF" style</a> flange-mount couplers. These jacks have a flange on the top and bottom that can be securely screwed to your plate or panel. This increases the stability of the jack and allows you to mount to virtually any panel thickness without problem. You can also combine the keystone and ECF styles with handy <a href="http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=26542&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="ECF to Keystone Style Adapters">ECF/keystone adapters</a>. <a href="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/tips/tip_ecf_kit.pdf?cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Download a .pdf Showing How to Mount ECF Style Products">Mounting an ECF style</a> jack or adapter is still pretty easy (see a <a href="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/video_clips/video.aspx?ID=6681&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Video Showing How To Mount ECF Couplers">video here</a>), and the ECF style is an L-com standard, meaning the <a href="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/diagrams/D_ECF_EJC.JPG?cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Download a .pdf Showing the ECF Standard Hole Dimensions">panel holes</a> will all be the same.</p>
<p class="lcomnormal">A final consideration is water/dust contamination. If there is a chance that a jack may get wet or grimy, you should consider using <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=1791&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Sealed RJ45 Couplers">sealed couplers</a>. There are now many options for providing <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=3541&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Harsh Environment and IP67 Grade Ethernet Products">Ethernet connectivity in harsh environments</a>, including jacks, cables, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=7487&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Liquid Tight Cable Glands">cable glands</a>, and <a href="http://search.l-com.com/search?display_type=&keywords=rj45+jack+cover&x=20&y=12&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Search For RJ45 Jack Covers">jack covers</a>.</p>
<span class="blogsubtitle"><a name="EthernetJacks">Cable Termination Types</a></span>
<p class="lcomnormal">Once you have the jack mount-type down, it's time to consider what you are terminating to the jack. If you already have a terminated cable (a cable with a male RJ45 on it), a simple <a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=75&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="RJ45 Couplers List">RJ45 coupler</a> will do. But, if you have bare wires, you will need a <a href="http://search.l-com.com/search?keywords=110+style+jack&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Search For 110 Style Jacks">110 punch-down style jack</a>. Of course, there are <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=L&ID=9913&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Video On How To Use a Tool-less Ethernet Jack">tool-free versions</a>, but many installers prefer a good <a href="http://search.l-com.com/search?keywords=idc+110+tool&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Search For IDC 110 Tools">110 punch tool</a> to speed up the job. Whichever way you do it, make sure you have a jack that matches or exceeds the <a href="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/tips/tip_cat5_cat6.pdf?cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Download a .pdf Showing UTP Category Differences Between Cat5e and Cat6">category rating</a> of your cable, and if you use shielded twisted pair (STP) cables, you must <a href="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/tips/tip_utp_stp.pdf?cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Download a .pdf Showing UTP and STP Installation Guidelines">install them properly</a>.</p>
<div class="quicknote">Quick note:<br />
If you have questions about Ethernet jacks, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/ContactUs.html?cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Contact Us Page on L-com.com">contact us</a> for free technical advice! L-com is your source for everything <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productcenter.aspx?id=10&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Ethernet Cabling Product Center">Ethernet cabling</a>, and we sell a variety of top-brand <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productcenter.aspx?id=3001&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" alt="Ethernet Splitter & Ethernet Switch Product Center" title="Ethernet Splitter & Ethernet Switch Product Center">Ethernet switches</a>!</div>David Fallonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10392921214310434579noreply@blogger.com0North Andover, MA, USA42.6987024 -71.135057542.605345400000004 -71.292986 42.7920594 -70.977129tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10157515.post-52525638466732864012012-05-17T10:00:00.000-04:002012-05-17T10:00:04.752-04:00The Physical Infrastructure of Your LAN<span id="blogtitle">How to build a high performance network</span> <span id="byline">(<a href="mailto:blogger@L-com.com" title="Email L-com's Blog Team">blogger@L-com.com</a>)</span>
<a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=181&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title=""><img id="heroimage" src="http://www.l-com.com/product_images/detail/PWD_WMRK_SERIES.JPG" width="250px" height="165px" alt="A typical rack enclosure for network infrastructure" title="A typical rack enclosure for network infrastructure" /> </a>
<p class="lcomnormal">An <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=N&ID=9548&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="The Building Blocks of High Performance Networks">Ethernet network</a> is composed of three things: active equipment (routers, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productcenter.aspx?ID=3001&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Ethernet switches">switches</a>, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productcenter.aspx?ID=303&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="WiFi Access points">AP's</a>, servers, etc.), passive equipment (<a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?ID=84&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Ethernet bulk UTP and STP cable options">bulk cable</a>, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=64&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Ethernet cable assemblies">cable assemblies</a>, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?ID=243&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Modular plugs">connectors</a>, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?ID=72&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Ethernet adapters, couplers and splitters">adapters</a>, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?ID=244&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Ethernet Keystone jacks">jacks</a>, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=2073&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="2.4 GHz WLAN antennas">antennas</a>, etc.), and a framework (<a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=504&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="19 inch relay racks and open frame racks">racks</a>, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=505&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="19 inch server rack enclosures">enclosures</a>, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productcenter.aspx?ID=3000&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="19 inch rack panels and patch panels">patch panels</a>, <a href="http://search.l-com.com/search?keywords=the+CL+series&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Cable run ladders and hardware options">cable run ladders</a>, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=444&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Ethernet face plates, wall plates, and surface mount boxes">faceplates</a> at the drop point, etc.). Today, I'd like to talk about the third part: the network framework.</p><a name='more'></a>
<p class="lcomnormal">It seems strange to me that the framework is often the last thing thought of when building a network. In reality, it should be the first. The framework is the <span style="font-style:italic">skeleton</span> on which everything else hangs, and without which the whole network becomes unwieldy, awkward, and difficult to manage. This is especially true for larger networks, like in large office buildings, factories, and campuses. If you go out and buy all the active and passive equipment first, you're setting yourself up for big headaches when it comes time to put it all together. The framework comes first in all but the most rudimentary home network.</p>
<span class="blogsubtitle"><a name="Plan">It starts with a plan</a></span>
<p class="lcomnormal"><a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Telecom-Modular-Tutorial.html?cmp=blogger" target="_blank"><img class="subimage" src="http://www.l-com.com/images/telecom-tutorial-telco-closet.gif" align="left" width="250px" height="177px" border="0px" alt="An example of a rack set up" title="An example of a rack set up" /></a>Before you do anything, step back and take a look at the physical structure of your network. Do you already have the beginning of a framework, such as a wiring room or closet, pre-run in-wall wiring and wall jacks at the various drop points? If not, that's where you should start. Depending on the overall size of your network, you will need a secure room large enough to centralize the common network equipment like routers, switches and servers. Next, you will need cables run from that closet to the drop points. Finally, each drop point needs a way to connect in to the network, using either an Ethernet jack mounted on a faceplate, or a surface-mount Ethernet box. </p>
<p class="lcomnormal">Spend some time thinking about the ideal setup for these three areas. Wiring rooms often need to be ventilated or cooled and should be large enough to expand in if you need to. The wiring should be extensive enough to accommodate the shifting of cubicles, offices or factory setups in the future, and it must be up to local fire and building codes. Drop points should be aesthetic enough to blend in with the office décor but still be clearly marked so someone months or years later doesn't have to guess what the port is for.</p>
<span class="blogsubtitle"><a name="Racks">Racks and cable management</a></span>
<p class="lcomnormal">Probably the most expensive and time consuming part of your framework is running the cables to the drop points. But after that is the <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productcenter.aspx?ID=3000&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Rack equipment">rack</a> and <a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=239&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Cable management equipment">cable management</a> equipment. It may be tempting to go cheap on this, but think before you do so. Beyond just the quality of the rack equipment construction, you must make sure it fits in your overall plan. It has to be the right size and height to fit your equipment. It must have proper <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=N&ID=471&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Thermal Management Best Practices">thermal management</a>. Keep in mind that, while the rack itself is probably semi-permanent, the equipment and configurations on it are anything but. So the rack must be in a position where someone can get to it, behind it, and around it to do the work. The harder you make it to maneuver around your rack setup, the bigger the risk of expensive and time-consuming challenges somewhere in the future. Consider <a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=237&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Wall, table top, or ceiling mount racks that tilt">tilt or swinging pivot style</a> racks if possible.</p>
<p class="lcomnormal"><a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Telecom-Modular-Tutorial.html" target="_blank"><img class="subimage" src="http://www.l-com.com/images/telecom-tutorial-office-drop.gif" align="right" border="0px" width="250px" height="115px" alt="Typical Office Drop Point" title="Typical Office Drop Point" /></a>It's also a good idea to think a little about <a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=239&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Wire and cable management accessories">wire and cable management</a>. A wiring room can easily become a mess of spaghetti-like bundles of cable. Cables get looped on the floor where they can be stepped on, they get bent at weird angles to reach the ports, they get stretched and twisted and crowded together. Investing in various types of cable management equipment where cables can be gently routed around to wherever they need to go will help a lot as your network grows and changes. Also think about innovative solutions like cables with <a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=66&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="L-com's Shark Fin snagless molded boot cables">boots specifically made for crowding</a>, or <a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=3145&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Right Angle Ethernet Cable Assemblies">right-angle cable assemblies</a> that prevent kinking and crushing.</p>
<span class="blogsubtitle"><a name="Wireless">Despite its promises, wireless technology won't save the day (yet)</a></span>
<p class="lcomnormal">Wireless Ethernet has come a long way since the early days of the IEEE 802.11 standards. Modern WiFi has speed and performance to rival wired networks in many environments. But don't think you won't need a framework if you're setting up your building with wireless Ethernet. Wireless technology still requires about the same, and sometimes more, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productcenter.aspx?ID=303&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="WiFi Equipment">active equipment</a> to run efficiently. And that active equipment needs somewhere to go. Furthermore, you can't have a wireless network without an <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=2073&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="2.4 GHz antennas">antenna</a> somewhere. Even the cutting-edge <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesh_networking" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Wikipedia article explaining MESH networking">MESH network technology</a> needs at least one antenna with good gain to function. And even today, wireless networks are not quite as reliable as wired networks, meaning it's often a good idea to run at least some cables in your building to compensate for low signal strength and signal outages common to wireless LANs.</p>
<div class="quicknote">Quick note:<br />
L-com sells both <a href="http://www.middleatlantic.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Link to Middle Atlantic Products web site: www.middleatlantic.com">Middle Atlantic Products</a> and its own brand of <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productcenter.aspx?ID=3000&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="L-com Racks and Panels Product Center">quality racks, panels and enclosures</a>. Also, they have over 200 models of <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=2073&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="2.4 GHz WiFi antennas product center">2.4 GHz WiFi antennas</a> for IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n and other networking applications. </div>David Fallonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10392921214310434579noreply@blogger.com0North Andover, MA, USA42.6987024 -71.135057542.605345400000004 -71.292986 42.7920594 -70.977129tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10157515.post-34063024736898140262012-05-08T13:41:00.000-04:002012-05-18T14:35:21.664-04:00What is L-com?<span id="blogtitle">What is L-com?</span> <span id="byline">(<a href="mailto:blogger@L-com.com" title="Email L-com's Blog Team">blogger@L-com.com</a>)</span>
<a href="http://www.l-com.com/home.aspx?cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title=""><img id="heroimage" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZH93y3UMPkg/T6gNtojTRII/AAAAAAAAAKQ/jjzS7qaxNnw/s1600/lcom-global-logo_blog.jpg" width="250px" height="45px" alt="L-com Global Connectivity" title="L-com Global Connectivity Logo" /> </a>
<p class="lcomnormal">L-com Global Connectivity was founded in 1982 as a family-run business to supply the burgeoning connectivity industry with quality cables, connectors, adapters, and other passive signal connectivity equipment. Today, L-com is still a privately held corporation headquartered in North Andover, MA, with four locations world wide. One of those locations, in Boca Raton, FL, is HyperLink Technologies, a quality wireless manufacturer that L-com <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=P&ID=443&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="L-com Aquires HyperLink Technologies Press Release">acquired</a> in 2007 and incorporated into its overall product offering. As a whole, L-com Global Connectivity is one of the world's most comprehensive and high-quality sources for both wired and wireless connectivity products. Not only does L-com have a huge in-stock product offering, available on its <a href="http://www.l-com.com/home.aspx" target="_blank"title="L-com.com eCommerce site">L-com.com eCommerce site</a>, but they are a premier supplier of <a href="http://www.l-com.com/ProductConfigurator.aspx?cmp=blogger" target="_blank"title="L-com's Custom Cable Configurator Page">custom built products</a> for large scale military, aerospace, and OEM companies. Though the way we connect electronics has changed quite a bit over the years, L-com still provides its <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=L&ID=9772&cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="L-com's Awards, Recognitions, Honors and Milestones">award winning customer service</a>, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/CatalogRequest.aspx?cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="Click here to request a free L-com catalog">free print catalog</a>, and <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/TechnicalResources.html?cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="L-com's Technical Resources Page">free technical information</a> on its web site.</p><a name='more'></a>
<p class="lcomnormal"><a href="http://lcomproducts.blogspot.com/" title="L-com Blogger Page"><img src="http://www.L-com.com/images/Blogger/blogger_in_draft.jpg" align="left" width="185px" height="64px" alt="Blogger.com Logo" title="Blogger.com Logo" /></a>The <a href="http://lcomproducts.blogspot.com/" title="L-com Blogger Page">L-com Connectivity Blogger Page</a> is where we will continue to provide free information on the latest connectivity technologies, innovative products, and company updates. Please consider signing up for our RSS feed by clicking the "EASILY SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG" link on the top of the right-hand column. You can also follow this blog by email. Just add your email address to the box at the bottom of the right-hand column. We are committed to updating this blog often starting in May, 2012.</p>
<p class="lcomnormal">In addition to this blog, L-com makes it easy to <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/ContactUs.html?cmp=blogger" target="_blank" title="L-com's Contact Us Page">contact us</a> or interact with us on many popular social media platforms. We have an active presence on <a href="https://plus.google.com/108126533042052278685?prsrc=3" target="_blank" title="L-com's Google + Account">Google +</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/LcomGlobal" target="_blank" title="L-com's Facebook Account">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/lcomglobal" target="_blank" title="L-com's Twitter Account">Twitter</a>, and all of our informative videos are available on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/mediadept" target="_blank" title="L-com's Youtube Account">Youtube</a>. Feel free to leave a comment on this blog as we read every comment. </p>David Fallonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10392921214310434579noreply@blogger.com0North Andover, MA, USA42.6987024 -71.135057542.605345400000004 -71.292986 42.7920594 -70.977129tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10157515.post-88305968128194213792007-02-26T11:10:00.000-05:002007-02-26T11:39:17.364-05:00Serial Cables - Serial Data Communication<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Xb42L-GFIwM/ReMNAT4KXxI/AAAAAAAAADY/-WIx7DEntbk/s1600-h/pwd_cs2n9mm-_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Xb42L-GFIwM/ReMNAT4KXxI/AAAAAAAAADY/-WIx7DEntbk/s320/pwd_cs2n9mm-_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5035883107317341970" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Serial Connectivity </span><span style="font-size:85%;">(<a href="mailto:customerservice@L-com.com">customerservice@L-com.com</a>)<br /><br />As technology has advanced and we've needed to pass more and more data more and more quickly between devices, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RS232">serial communication</a> has become more important. Serial communication transmits data in a precise series so that minimum skewing or modulation occurs. While it isn't as fast as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallel_communications">parallel communication</a> in short distances, it is superior, especially in long distances and when speed isn't exactly an issue, to older standards.<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:85%;">In order to make sure that all manufacturers that used serial communication could connect together, the EIA/TIA created the <a href="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/diagrams/D_ADAPTOR_CABLE_A.JPG">RS-232 standard</a>. This way, serial keyboards, joysticks, scanners, and other equipment could be connected to terminals like computers. That same standard is followed today, but affects mainly the devices being connected, not the connection itself. Two devices with RS-232 compliant ports should be able to connect with any serial cables.</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Xb42L-GFIwM/ReMNIT4KXyI/AAAAAAAAADg/y_eW4kI0mmg/s1600-h/D_CSNULL9_-_.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Xb42L-GFIwM/ReMNIT4KXyI/AAAAAAAAADg/y_eW4kI0mmg/s320/D_CSNULL9_-_.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5035883244756295458" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The most common connector type on a serial cable is the <a href="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/eng_drawings/SD9P-OD1.pdf">DB-9 connector</a>. This D-Subminiature style connector has 9 pins in a "D" shaped footprint. L-com carries a wide variety of <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=102">these types of cables</a>, including economy D-Sub cables, deluxe, and premium (double shielded) style. These are all molded and factory terminated and tested.<br /></span></span>David Fallonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10392921214310434579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10157515.post-12944596325462960942007-02-21T14:34:00.000-05:002007-02-21T15:40:15.409-05:00Coaxial Crimp Tools<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Xb42L-GFIwM/RdyjHT4KXwI/AAAAAAAAADM/JcSGx4EW4w4/s1600-h/pwd_ht301a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Xb42L-GFIwM/RdyjHT4KXwI/AAAAAAAAADM/JcSGx4EW4w4/s320/pwd_ht301a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5034077829483618050" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Coax Crimping Tools</span> <span style="font-size:85%;">(customerservice@L-com.com)<br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Coax cables are <a href="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/catalog_page/LC031_Building_Your_Own_Coaxial_Cable_Assembly.pdf">relatively easy to put together</a>, if you have the right equipment and know what you're doing. That is because most <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=24">coax connectors</a> are "crimp style". That isn't to say all of them are, but twist-ons don't always get as great a connection, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=1008">solder styles</a> are sometimes sensitive to bending and flexing, and <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=140">compression styles</a> are just rare.<br /><br />If you are going to be making a lot of <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=15">coax cable assemblies</a>, you'll need a <a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=139">coax crimping tool</a>. These are fairly wrench-like in shape and design, but in the jaws of the devices there is a "hex" shaped hole. Different coax connectors require different sized hexes to properly crimp them.<br /><br />When you are buying coax connectors, make sure to check with the manufacturer what the crimping dimensions are. At L-com, we usually put them on the engineering drawing, which you can freely download from our site. Once you know the crimping dimensions, make sure that you have or that you get a crimping tool with the correct sized hex die. Many crimping tools have the dies already permanently attached so you don't have to worry about losing extra pieces. But other crimp tools are more like frames for interchangeable dies, allowing you to use the same tool in multiple situations.<br /><br />If you need help selecting a tool for your job, <a href="mailto:support@L-com.com">contact us</a> at L-com and we will walk you through it!<br /></span></span></span>David Fallonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10392921214310434579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10157515.post-44153770321836588642007-02-15T15:41:00.000-05:002007-02-15T16:05:19.951-05:00Category Rated Modular Couplers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=2106"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 163px; height: 163px;" src="http://www.l-com.com/product_images/detail/lg_ECF504-C6.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Modular Couplers for Phone and Ethernet</span> (<a href="mailto:customerservice@L-com.com">customerservice@L-com.com</a>)<br /><br />One of the great things about <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=L&ID=206">modular networks</a> is that they're... well... modular! Networks in these cases are easily set up and customizable to whatever architecture you'd like to employ.<br /><br />A key component of modular networks are the <a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=75">couplers</a>. Most often these are designed to be panel mountable, so they can be mounted either in a <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=2562">wiring closet rack panel</a>, or in a <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=444">faceplate</a> or <a href="http://www.l-com.com/category.aspx?id=444">wall plate</a> at a workstation.<br /><br />Because modular couplers have become so ubiquitous, a large variety of colors, shapes, and make-ups are now available. L-com carries a line of modular couplers called the <a href="http://www.l-com.com/search.aspx?q=%27ecf*%27&join=All&Filter=Modular">ECF series</a> that have a flange that can be screwed down to a panel. Apart from that, a popular style of panel-mount coupler is the <a href="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/video_clips/VC_TDG1026.HTML">keystone style</a>. These are designed to snap-in to holes cut to the correct dimensions.<br /><br />Make sure, when you source your coupler, that you get one that meets your applications. For instance, if you are going to be using shielded twisted pair cabling (STP), you should get shielded modular couplers as well. Also, a network will run at the speed of the lowest category rated component. So, if you have a Category 5e network set up, don't try to put a Category 3 coupler in it because that will slow the whole network. You can use a higher category rated coupler, such as a Cat 6 coupler, but don't go lower.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=2677"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 168px; height: 168px;" src="http://www.l-com.com/product_images/detail/lg_UJ5T568.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />At L-com, you can get the panel dimensions from our couplers on the <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/CADEngineering.aspx">engineering drawings</a>, download-able for free from the item level page of each coupler.David Fallonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10392921214310434579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10157515.post-48843915029889783432007-02-07T08:52:00.000-05:002007-02-07T09:19:21.600-05:00L-com.com Web Site Update<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Updates to L-com.com</span> <span style="font-size:85%;">(<a href="mailto:customerservice@L-com.com">customerservice@L-com.com</a>)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">I apologize that </span></span></span>I hadn't written a blog entry in so long, but we've been cooking up lots of events here at L-com. The <a href="http://www.l-com.com/home.aspx">L-com.com</a> web site is now updated with all sorts of enhancements. The first that you'll notice is the image on our home page is now a rotating gif and is clickable. Clicking on the item family that you see will bring you to a page where you can browse that kind of item.<br /><br />In searches, you will notice that the page numbers are listed rather than just a "next" and "previous" button, as we had before. This will let you flip through our huge connectivity product listings more easily. We've also updated the search engine on our site to be a little more intuitive.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Xb42L-GFIwM/RcnecA-t8uI/AAAAAAAAACo/S2a7S_QtRvI/s1600-h/Pages.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Xb42L-GFIwM/RcnecA-t8uI/AAAAAAAAACo/S2a7S_QtRvI/s320/Pages.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5028795031816631010" border="0" /></a><br />You may notice that on the left-hand side of our pages the navigation has changed slightly. We now list "<a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/shopByCategory.aspx">Shop By Type</a>" above "<a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/shopByCategory.aspx">Shop By Category</a>", and we've included a link to <a href="http://www.l-com.com/search.aspx?q=Overstock%20and%20Sale%20Items&join=All">Overstock and Sale Items</a>.<br /><br />The biggest changes, though, are when you place an order online. We want the process of shopping online to be as convenient as calling or faxing orders to us.<br /><br />First, when you add a cable, connector, adapter, or other connectivity product to your cart, you won't be sent to the cart page and have to back up if you want to add more items. Instead, you'll get a message that your cart has been updated and you'll stay where you are until you've finished shopping. You may see the cart icon at the top of the page blink red when there's something in it just to remind you that its there.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Xb42L-GFIwM/Rcne6w-t8wI/AAAAAAAAAC4/BcV1JPSPo8c/s1600-h/shopping.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Xb42L-GFIwM/Rcne6w-t8wI/AAAAAAAAAC4/BcV1JPSPo8c/s320/shopping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5028795560097608450" border="0" /></a><br /><br />When you check out, if you are a new user, you won't need to enter your password up front. We'll let you go through the whole process first. You will have to put in a user name and password at the end, but we won't make you re-type all your information. We'll take it from your billing address. Speaking of the billing address, if you want to copy that to the shipping, you can easily do that now, no need to manually type it in.<br /><br />Is that it? No, there's lots of other little enhancements all over the site. <a href="http://www.l-com.com/home.aspx">Check it out!</a> Explore the whole line of products, check out the free technical information, and be sure to <a href="mailto:update@L-com.com">let us know</a> if you have suggestions or ideas! We maintain our website for you, after all, to make shopping easier for you and more convenient.David Fallonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10392921214310434579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10157515.post-78926548196252263112007-01-29T10:04:00.000-05:002007-01-29T10:22:25.004-05:00L-com Connector Chart<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">What do you call this connector?</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:85%;">(customerservice@L-com.com)<br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Xb42L-GFIwM/Rb4QvZs5hVI/AAAAAAAAACQ/USPriAU864k/s1600-h/ConnectorChart1"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 229px; height: 192px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Xb42L-GFIwM/Rb4QvZs5hVI/AAAAAAAAACQ/USPriAU864k/s320/ConnectorChart1" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5025472640731153746" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Like any industry, the connectivity industry has its jargon and <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Glossary.aspx">unique terms</a>. Among the more frustrating is the complicated names of connector types. Do you need a BNC or an RCA? Do you have a DB15 or an HD15? What the heck is the difference between a MD6 and a PS/2?<br /><br />Fortunately, one of L-com's more popular pages on its web site, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/home.aspx">www.L-com.com</a>, is the <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/ConnectorChart.aspx">connector chart</a> page. This is a free page that anyone can access to see pictures of connectors next to their names. Need a closeup? Click on any of the pictures and you can get a blown-up version to compare to your own product.<br /><br />The connector chart is just one of the free educational benefits to L-com's web page, which includes <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Tips.aspx">tips</a>, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Tutorials.aspx">tutorials</a>, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Tips.aspx">video tips</a>, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/article.aspx?Type=N">educational newsletters</a>, and <a href="http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=L&ID=213">white papers</a>. On top of that, you can get CAD models, engineering drawings, and more details on most of our products for free as well! So, even if you're not ready to buy connectivity products, if you have an interest in them our site is worth a visit. Check it out here: <a href="http://www.l-com.com/home.aspx">www.L-com.com</a>.<br /></span></span></span>David Fallonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10392921214310434579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10157515.post-19468196047524522402007-01-22T10:16:00.000-05:002007-01-23T08:58:08.226-05:00Industrial Rated Networking Equipment<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.l-com.com/product_images/detail/PWD_SWTC-WJRR8.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 251px; height: 165px;" src="http://www.l-com.com/product_images/detail/PWD_SWTC-WJRR8.JPG" alt="" border="0"></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">IP67 and Harsh Environment Rated Active Networking Equipment</span> <span style="font-size:80%;">(<a href="mailto:customerservice@L-com.com">customerservice@L-com.com</a>)</span><br /><br />The benefits of connectivity are everywhere, nowadays. This includes factories, controlled environments, and even the outdoors. But the equipment needed to set up and maintain a network is often sensitive to dust, water, temperatures, changes in voltage, etc. So in these situations, you need an <a href="http://www.l-com.com/search.aspx?q=%27industrial%20ethernet%27&join=All&Filter=Networking%20and%20Other%20Equipment">industrial rated Ethernet device</a>.<br /><br />The most common Ethernet networking devices that need to be protected from the harsh environment are <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=2819">Ethernet routers</a> and <a href="http://www.l-com.com/search.aspx?q=%27industrial%20ethernet%20switch%27&join=All">Ethernet switches</a>. <a href="http://www.l-com.com/search.aspx?q=%27hirschmann%27&join=All">Hirschmann</a> and <a href="http://www.l-com.com/search.aspx?q=%27GarrettCom%27&join=All">GarrettCom</a> are two manufacturers that provide excellent quality industrial rated products, though there are many on the market.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/more_info/PWM_TWISTER.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 331px;" src="http://www.l-com.com/multimedia/more_info/PWM_TWISTER.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>In addition to switches and routers, you may need <a href="http://www.l-com.com/search.aspx?q=%27industrial%20media%20converter%27&join=All">media converters</a>, <a href="http://www.l-com.com/familylist.aspx?id=317">cables</a>, and peripheral devices like <a href="http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=8618">IP cameras</a>. You may also want to consider getting a <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=2744">IP67 rated enclosure</a>, or using <a href="http://www.l-com.com/productfamily.aspx?id=2745">sealing grommets</a> to allow cables to go between harsh environments and office environments without letting the elements seep in.<br /><br />If you have very specific requirements for your active device, <a href="mailto:support@L-com.com">let L-com know</a>! We may be able to contact our many manufacturing partners and find a device that fits your needs.David Fallonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10392921214310434579noreply@blogger.com0