C H A P T E R T W E N T Y - T W O

BUILDING TELECOMMUNICATION
SYSTEMS

1831, American, Samuel Morse patented the first functional

22.1 TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS electrical communication system: the electric telegraph with its
system of electrical impulses identified as dots and dashes that
Historical Perspective eventually became known as Morse Code.
Methods of communicating over long distances have evolved The first message sent by electric telegraph was “What
over many millennia. Although carrier pigeons were used to hath God wrought,” from the Supreme Court Room in the U.S.
convey messages from about 700 B.C.E., the first long-distance Capitol to the railway depot at Baltimore on May 24, 1844.
communication systems were based on signals of sound and Three decades later, in 1861, there were over 2000 telegraph of-
light (e.g. drums and horns, smoke signals and beacon fires). fices in operation across America and the East and West coasts
Signal fires alerted the British of the arrival of the Spanish were connected. Six years later, the first transatlantic cable was
Armada in 1588 C.E. The Chinese used rockets as signals to laid, connecting England and the United States. The telegraph
warn of an imminent attack on the Great Wall. Native Americans flourished as a method of long-distance communication through-
communicated by covering and uncovering a bonfire with a out the world.
blanket to produce smoke signals or by beating drums. The On March 10, 1876, in Boston, Massachusetts, Alexander
British Navy sent signals at night by raising and lowering a Graham Bell invented an electrical speech machine that trans-
lantern, which coincidentally was the same way Paul Revere mitted voice over wires and became known as the telephone.
was signaled with news of the arrival of the British. In Bell’s assistant, Thomas Watson, fashioned the device from a
instances when clear vision was difficult (e.g., fog), bells or funnel, a cup of acid, and copper wire attached to a wooden
whistles and fired weapons sent signals. Until almost 1800, stand. “Mr. Watson, come here, I want you!” were the first
traditional long-distance communication was by horse-mounted words accidentally spoken into the new invention. Four years
dispatch riders. later in 1880, the first telephone company, American Bell, was
In 1793 Frenchman Claude Chappe developed an optical formed and over 30 000 phones were in use. Within 40 years
telegraph (semaphore) system of stations built on rooftops or (about 1920), over ten million American Bell System telephones
towers that were visible from a great distance. Each semaphore were in service.
station consisted of a column-like tower with a moveable beam. In 1895, Italian inventor Gugliemo Marconi demon-
Attached to the beam were two moveable arms. The beam and strated the first radio transmission that was received out of a
arms were swiveled with ropes, conveying different signal pat- line of sight (about 2 miles) on the grounds of his family estate
terns representing upper- and lowercase letters, punctuation in Italy. Six years later in Newfoundland, Canada, Marconi’s
marks, and numbers. A set of patterns was translated into words radio received a weak signal that was sent across the Atlantic
by an observer at another station, who then sent it on to the next Ocean by one of his associates in Cornwall, England. The sig-
station. This system allowed the French to send a concise mes- nal was an “S” sent in Morse Code format, “dot, dot, dot.” It
sage over 100 miles (160 km) in less than 5 min as long as vis- demonstrated that radio waves could bounce off the upper at-
ibility was good. Swede A. N. Edelcrantz developed another mosphere. The first true radio message was sent a year later.
type of optical telegraph system with ten collapsible iron shut- Less than 50 years after the telephone was invented, transat-
ters, which when placed in various positions formed combina- lantic communications from New York to London became op-
tions of numbers that were translated into letters, words, or erational with signals transmitted by radio waves.
phrases. Crude semaphore systems were also used in Boston, In 1865, Italian physicist Giovanni Caselli invented a
New York City, and San Francisco at that time. pantelegraph for transmitting pictures, the first commercial fax
Communications by sending electrical signals over wires system. On May 19, 1924, the first transmission of pictures
came only after the demonstration of electromagnetism by over telephone wires was publicly demonstrated. On January
Danish physicist Christian Oersted in 1820 and electrical flow 23, 1926, John Logie Baird of Scotland gave the first public
by Michael Faraday and others before him. In 1830, American demonstration of a mechanical television with images of living
Joseph Henry transmitted the first practical electrical signal by human faces, not just outlines or silhouettes. It was with this
sending electricity through a long set of wires to produce elec- use of radio waves that transmission of pictures took a major
tromagnetism that was used to ring a bell. The next year, in step toward the television we use today.

793
794 CHAPTER 22

New engineering and scientific discoveries continued dur- Telecommunication Networks

ing the last half of the twentieth century with the gradual intro-
duction of automatic switching devices, Teletype machines, A telecommunications network is a collection of communica-
transatlantic cables, microwave and fiber optic technologies, com- tion equipment and devices that are interconnected so they can
munications satellites (e.g., Telstar I in 1962), personal comput- communicate in order to share data, hardware, and software or
ers, fax machines, wireless (cellular) phone service, and the perform an electronic function. The network includes a series
Internet. Today’s telecommunications industry includes simple of connecting points called nodes (e.g., a telecommunication
voice telephone calls, fax transmissions, video conferencing, terminal such as a telephone receiver or computer) that are in-
cable TV, access to the Internet, high-speed data communications, terconnected with cables (wiring). Networks can also intercon-
satellite communications, and surfing the World Wide Web. nect with other networks and contain subnetworks.
In design and layout of communication networks, the
term topology describes the configuration of a network, includ-
Fundamentals of ing its nodes, connecting cables and equipment. It describes the
Telecommunications Systems manner in which the cable is run to individual workstations on
By industry definition, telecommunication is the transmission, the network. As shown in Figure 22.1, there are three basic net-
emission, or reception of signs, signals, writing, images, work topologies: the bus, the star, and the ring. Acronyms and
sounds, or information of any nature by wire, radio, optical, or abbreviations used in the telecommunications industry are
other electromagnetic systems. A telecommunication system shown in Table 22.1.
uses electricity, light (visible and infrared), or radio waves to
transmit signals that carry voice and data transmissions.
Telecommunication systems function when a transmitter
converts sound waves (e.g., those created when a person speaks
into a telephone mouthpiece) or data into signals, which travel
along wires or through the air before reaching their destination.
When a receiver intercepts the signals, they are converted back
into useful data or sound waves that become distinguishable by the
human ear and recognized by brain. A transceiver is a telecommu-
nications device that functions as a transmitter and receiver.
Historically, telecommunications systems such as a tele-
phone system have used analog transmission. Modern systems
use digital transmission technology. The following is a descrip-
tion of these transmission formats:
Analog transmission in an electronic network is the con-
version of useful sound or data into electrical impulses. It
is capable of transmitting both voice and nonvoice mes-
sages (e.g., telex, telegrams, data). However, nonvoice
transmissions are bulky when transmitted in an analog
format, so they cannot be transmitted rapidly.
Digital transmission in an electronic network involves a
transmission of a signal that varies in voltage to represent
one of two separate states (e.g., on and off or 0 and 1). In
an optical network, digital signaling can involve either
pulsating (on and off) light or a variation in the intensity
of the light signal. Digital transmission over radio sys-
tems (microwave, cellular, or satellite) can be accom-
plished by varying the amplitude of the wave. Digital
transmission technology offers a rapid method of voice
and nonvoice transmission.
In telecommunications systems, bandwidth is the range
between the highest and lowest frequencies of transmission,
measured in hertz (Hz), cycles per second. Bandwidth varies
with the type and method of transmission. It is a measure of the FIGURE 22.1 The basic network topologies used in building
information capacity. telecommunication systems: the bus, the ring, and the star.
TABLE 22.1 ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY.

ACR Attenuation to cross-talk ratio m Meter

ANSI American National Standards Institute MAC Media access control (layer)
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials MAC(s) Moves, adds, and changes
ATM Asynchronous transfer mode MAU Medium attachment unit
AUI Attachment unit interface Mbs Megabits per second
AWG American Wire Gauge MC Main cross-connect
BER Bit error rate MDF Main distribution frame
BICSI Building Industry Consulting Service International MHz Megahertz
CCITT International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative mm Millimeter
Committee
NBC National Building Code
COAX Coaxial cable
NEC National Electrical Code
COSAC Canadian Open Systems Application Criteria
NEMA National Electrical Manufacturers Association
CSA Canadian Standards Association
NeXT Near-end cross-talk
CSMA/CD Carrier sense multiple access/collision detection
NI Network interface
EF Entrance facility
NIR Near-end cross-talk to insertion loss ratio
EIA Electronic Industries Association
NIST National Institute of Standards and Technology
EMI Electromagnetic interference
nm Nanometer
EMI Electrical metallic tubing
NRZ Nonreturn to zero
EP Entrance point
OSI Open systems interconnection
ER Equipment room
PBX Private branch exchange
Ethernet Precursor to, and almost identical with, the IEEE802.3
PVC Polyvinyl chloride
standard
PWA Provisioned work area
FDDI Fiber distributed data interface
RCDD Registered communications distribution designer
FIPS PUB Federal Information Processing Standard Publication
RFI Radio frequency interference
FTE Field test equipment
ROI Return on investment
HC Horizontal cross-connect
SQL Structured query language
HVAC Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
STP Shielded twisted pair
Hz Hertz
TBITS Treasury Board Information Technology Standard
IC Intermediate cross-connect
TC Telecommunications closet
IDC Insulation displacement contact
TIA Telecommunications Industry Association
IEC International Electro-Technical Commission
TO Telecommunications outlet
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
TP/PMD Twisted pair/physical media dependent
ISDN Integrated services digital network
TR Token Ring
ISO International Organization for Standardization
TSB Telecommunications System Bulletin
ITU International Telecommunications Union—
Telecommunications Standardization Section UTP Unshielded twisted pair
kHz Kilohertz UL Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
km Kilometer WA Work area
LAN Local area network WAN Wide area network
LED Light emitting diode X Cross-connect

795
796 CHAPTER 22

A bus topology connects each workstation (node) to a Types of transmission media include the following.
single cable trunk. All signals are broadcast to all workstations.
Each computer checks the address on the signal as it passes Copper Wiring
along the bus. If the signal’s address matches that of the com-
Historically, copper wiring has been the principal telecommu-
puter, the computer processes the signal. If the address does not
nications transmission medium. It consists of one or more pairs
match, the computer takes no action and the signal travels down
of solid copper wires. Bundles of pairs of twisted insulated cop-
the bus to the next computer. Next, in a star topology, all work-
per wires form the majority of the telephone lines in the United
stations (nodes) are connected to a central unit called a hub.
States and elsewhere. See Photo 22.1.
Home runs are cables that extend from the hub to the terminal
Twisted pair cable consists of pairs of copper wires that
without splicing or other connections. This configuration
are twisted to certain specifications. Each pair is twisted with a
allows cables to have a direct link between entrance facilities/
specified number of twists per inch to help eliminate interfer-
equipment room equipment, telecommunications closet devices,
ence from adjacent pairs and other electrical devices; the
and workstation equipment (e.g., computers, printers, telephone
tighter the twisting, the higher the supported transmission rate
receiver, and so on). Third, a network that is wired in the ring
but the greater the cost. Each signal on a twisted pair requires
topology connects workstation equipment and devices in a point-
both wires. Because some telephone sets or desktop locations
to-point serial manner in an unbroken circular configuration.
require multiple connections, a twisted pair is sometimes in-
Not all networks are the same. The various types
stalled in two or more pairs, all within a single cable. Typically,
provide different services, use different technology, have dif-
twisted pair cable has four pairs of wires inside the jacket.
ferent resources and require users to follow different proce-
Twisted pair comes with each pair uniquely color coded when
dures. Networks can be distinguished in terms of spatial
it is packaged in multiple pairs.
distance between nodes such as local area networks (LAN),
Twisted pair wiring is available in shielded and un-
metropolitan area networks (MAW), and wide area networks
shielded versions. Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) wiring con-
(WAN). Large telephone networks and networks using their
sists of multiple pairs of twisted insulated copper conductors
infrastructure (such as the Internet) have sharing and ex-
bound in a single sheath. It is unshielded from electromagnetic
change arrangements with other companies so that large
waves and therefore is sensitive to electrical interference. UTP
WANs are created. In building telecommunication systems,
wiring is adequate for basic voice, fax, or data communica-
LANs are used. LANs connect computers and hardware such
tions. For some applications, a twisted pair is enclosed in a
as printers located relatively close together and sharing
shield and is known as shielded twisted pair (STP) wiring. An
resources, equipment, and files. Types of LANs include the
outer covering or shield is added to the ordinary twisted pair
Ethernet, ARCnet, and Token Ring, each having their own
wires; the shield functions as a ground. STP is suitable for en-
method of transmitting data.
vironments with electrical interference; however, the extra
The transmitting medium used in networks can be copper
shielding can make the cables quite bulky. Thus, the more com-
wire, glass, or plastic (fiber optic cable), and air (microwave
mon type of wire used is not shielded. STP is commonly used
and radio wave). A signal sent through a telecommunications
in Token Ring networks and UTP in Ethernet networks, where
network can be sent through any or all of these media.
it is referred to as 10baseT.
The quality of UTP will vary from telephone grade to ex-
Transmission Media tremely high-speed cable. The Telecommunications Industry
Association (TIA), an offshoot of the Electronic Industries
Cable is the most common medium through which voice and
data usually move from one network device to another. It serves
as the pipeline of a telecommunication system. There are sev-
eral types of cable in use, including copper wire, coaxial cable,
and optical fibers. Copper wiring used in building telecommu-
nication transmission is being replaced by optical fibers be-
cause they have much greater signal capacity. Wireless
transmission capabilities are also used in buildings and are re-
placing the need for hard-wired direct connections.
Connectors are the devices that connect cable to the net-
work device (e.g., computer, printer, entertainment center, and
so forth). Connectors may come with the equipment purchased
or it may be necessary to purchase them individually. Connec-
tions on a cable system tend to be the weakest element in any PHOTO 22.1 Twisted pair copper cable. (Used with permission
network, so they must be made properly. of ABC)
BUILDING TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS 797

TABLE 22.2 ANSI/TIA/EIA STANDARD 568 CATEGORIES (CAT) OF TWISTED PAIR CABLING.

Category Maximum Data Rate Usual Application

CAT 1 Less than 1 Mbps Used for basic voice telecommunications (e.g., telephone, intercom) and limited power circuit cables
(e.g., alarm and doorbell wiring).
Not suitable for networking applications.

CAT 2 4 Mbps Mainly used in the IBM cabling system for Token Ring networks.
CAT 3 16 Mbps Used in low-speed data applications, primarily for telephone wiring and 10BaseT Ethernet.

CAT 4 20 Mbps Rarely used. Primarily for Token-Ring networks.

CAT 5 100 Mbps Provides optimal performance for all data and phone systems and has become the standard for
1000 Mbps (4 pair) high-speed applications. Will run with peak accuracy, efficiency, and throughput. Primarily for 10BaseT
Ethernet, and 100BaseT Ethernet.
CAT 5e 100 Mbps

CAT 6 Up to 250 Mbps Extremely fast broadband applications.

CAT 7 Up to 600 Mbps Super-fast broadband applications.

Association (EIA), has established TIA/EIA standards of UTP The primary types of coaxial cabling are as follows:
and rated categories of wire as shown in Table 22.2.
Thin coaxial cable is also referred to as thinnet. Thinnet
In addition to the EIA/TIA standards, the U.S. standard
is about 1⁄4 inch (8 mm) in diameter and is very flexible. It
for wire conductor size applied to copper electrical power and
looks like regular TV cable. The 10Base2 designation
telephone wiring is American Wire Gauge (AWG). The gauge
refers to specifications for thin coaxial cable. The 2 refers
refers to wire thickness: the higher the gauge number, the thin-
to the approximate maximum segment length being 200 m
ner the wire. Wiring used for typical household power circuit-
(654 ft), but the maximum practical segment length is
ing is AWG 14 or 12, greater on circuits serving large equipment.
actually 185 m (605 ft).
Telecommunications wire is thinner, typically AWG 22, 24, or
26. Because thicker wire carries current more efficiently Thick coaxial cable is referred to as thicknet. 10Base5
(because it has less electrical resistance over a specific length), a refers to the specifications for thick coaxial cable. The 5
thicker wire is more efficient for longer distances. For this rea- refers to the maximum segment length being 500 m
son, where extended distance is required, a company installing (1635 ft). Thick coaxial cable has an extra protective
a network might prefer telephone wire with the lower gauge, plastic cover that helps keep moisture away from the cen-
thicker wire of AWG 22. 22 AWG wire is typically used in tele- ter conductor. This makes thick coaxial a better choice
phone and UTP wire. when running longer lengths in a linear network. A disad-
RJ45 connectors are the standard female connectors used vantage of thick coaxial is that it does not bend easily and
in a telecommunication system for UTP cable. A slot allows the is difficult to install. Thicknet is not commonly used ex-
RJ-45 to be inserted only one way. RJ stands for registered cept as a backbone within and between buildings.
jack, implying that the connector follows a standard borrowed Triax cable is a type of coax cable with an additional
from the telephone industry. The RJ45 is an eight-pin connector outer copper braid insulated from signal carrying con-
used for data transmission or networking and some business ductors. It has a core conductor and two concentric con-
telephones. Pins are numbered 1 through 8 with a locking clip ductive shields.
at the top. Telephone connectors, referred to as RJ11 or RJ12, Twin axial cable (Twinax) is a type of communication
have four or six pins, respectively. transmission cable consisting of two center conductors
surrounded by an insulating spacer, which in turn is sur-
Coaxial Cable rounded by a tubular outer conductor (usually a braid,
foil, or both). The entire assembly is then covered with an
Coaxial cable has two conductors: an inner solid wire sur-
insulating and protective outer layer. It is similar to coax-
rounded by an outer braided metal sheath. The conductors both
ial cable except that there are two conductors at the center.
run concentrically along the same axis; thus the name coaxial
(COAX). Insulation separates the two concentric conductors, Common types of coaxial cable are shown in Table 22.3.
and a hard casing protects the entire cable. Several coaxial ca- Coaxial cable is very effective at carrying many analog
bles can be arranged in bundles protected by an outer sheath- signals at high frequencies. In contrast to twisted pair wires,
ing, called a jacket. coaxial has a much higher bandwidth to carry more data, and
798 CHAPTER 22

TABLE 22.3 COMMON TYPES OF AXIAL CABLE.

Cable Type Illustration Description

Coaxial cable Coaxial cables are constructed with an inner conductor surrounded
by a dielectric, which is enclosed by an outer conductor that also
acts as a shield. A protective jacket covers the outer conductor and
also acts as insulation.

Dual-shielded coaxial cable Dual-shielded coaxial cables have two outer conductors, or shields,
enclosing the dielectric. Dual shielding is needed for strength and
abrasion resistance. Offers a decrease in attenuation and the
possibility of unwanted external signals.

Twin axial cable Twin axial cable is composed of two insulated single conductor
cables or hook-up wires twisted together, having a common shield
and protective jacket.

Triaxial cable Triaxial cable is coaxial cable with one inner conductor and two
shields all separated with dielectric material. Triaxial cable signals
may be transported by both the inner conductor and the inner shield
while the outer shield is at ground potential.

offers greater protection from noise and interference. Although signal per fiber (used in telephones and cable TV); and
coaxial cabling is difficult to install, it is highly resistant to sig- multimode fibers that are used to transmit many signals per
nal interference. In addition, it can support greater cable lengths fiber (used in computer networks, local area networks).
between network devices than twisted pair copper cable. The most common connectors used with fiber optic cable
High-capacity coaxial cable is widely used in cable tele- are the ST and SC connectors. The ST connector is barrel
vision systems because it is capable of carrying many TV and shaped, similar to a BNC connector. The SC connector has a
radio signals simultaneously. Coaxial cable is used by tele- squared face and is easier to connect in a confined space.
phone and cable television companies from the central office to Optical fiber carries much more information than copper
the user. It is also widely installed for use in business and wire and is in general not subject to electromagnetic interfer-
school LANs. Gradually, existing coaxial lines are being re- ence. This makes it ideal for environments that contain a large
placed by optical fibers. amount of electrical interference. This characteristic has made
The most common type of connector used with coaxial it the standard transmission medium for connecting networks
cables is the Bayonet Neil-Concelman (BNC) connector. A between buildings.
BNC male connector has a pin that connects to the primary Fiber optics refers to the technology in which communi-
conducting (core) wire and then is locked in place with an outer cation signals in the form of modulated light beams are trans-
ring that turns into locked position. Different types of adapters mitted over a glass fiber transmission medium. The light in a
are available for BNC connectors, including a T-connector, bar- single optical fiber travels through the core by reflecting from
rel connector, and terminator. the mirror-like cladding, a physical principle called total inter-
nal reflection. Light reflects from the cladding no matter what
angle the fiber itself is bent. Because the cladding does not ab-
Optical Fibers
sorb any light from the core, the light wave can travel great dis-
Optical fibers are long, thin strands of very pure silicon glass or tances. Light is generated by a laser or a light-emitting diode
plastic about the diameter of a human hair. A single optical fiber (LED). Lasers have more power than LEDs, but vary light out-
consists of three elements: a core, the thin glass center of the put more with changes in temperature and are more expensive.
fiber where the light travels; cladding, the outer material sur- A fiber optic relay system transmits and receives a light
rounding the core that reflects the light back into the core; and a signal that is transmitted through an optical fiber. An optical
buffer coating, a plastic coating that protects the fiber from dam- transmitter produces and encodes the light signal that is sent
age and moisture. Each strand can pass a signal in only one di- through the optical fiber. An optical receiver that decodes the
rection, so fiber optic cable on a network typically consists of at signal receives the light signal. The receiver uses a photocell or
least two strands: one for sending and one for receiving. photodiode to detect the light signal, decodes it, and sends an
Hundreds or thousands of optical fibers are arranged in electrical signal to a computer, TV, or telephone. Over long dis-
bundles called optical cables. The cable’s outer sheathing, tances, an optical regenerator is needed to boost the light signal.
called a jacket, protects these bundles. Optical fibers come in One or more optical regenerators may be spliced along a long
two types: single-mode fibers that are used to transmit one cable to amplify the degraded light signal.
BUILDING TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS 799

TABLE 22.4 COMMON TYPES OF ETHERNET CABLE IN USE. consists of a number of computers, each equipped with a wire-
less networking interface card. Each computer can communi-
Maximum cate directly with all of the other wireless-enabled computers
Distances
and equipment (e.g., printers). An access point or base station
Cable Type Specification Meters Feet wireless network has a computer or receiver that serves as the
point at which the network is accessed. It acts like a hub, which
Unshielded twisted pair 10BaseT 100 325
Thin coaxial 10Base2 185 600
provides connectivity for the wireless equipment.
Thick coaxial 10Base5 500 1635 Two modes of transmission are used in fixed wireless
Fiberoptic 10BaseF 2000 6540 systems in buildings: infrared and radio frequency. Infrared
Unshielded twisted pair 100BaseT 100 325 (IR) wireless is the use of technology in devices or systems that
Unshielded twisted pair 100BaseTX 220 719 convey data through infrared radiation. Radio frequency (RF)
wireless transmits data through radio wavelengths. Infrared ra-
diation is electromagnetic energy at wavelengths somewhat
The most common wavelengths of light signals in a fiber
longer than those of visible red light. Radio wavelengths are
optic system are 850 nm, 1300 nm, and 1550 nm, which are
much longer than infrared wavelengths. The shortest wave-
all wavelengths within the nonvisible, infrared area of the elec-
length IR borders visible red in the electromagnetic radiation
tromagnetic light spectrum. Single-mode fibers have small
spectrum; the longest wavelength IR borders radio waves. Both
cores (about 0.00035 in or 9 !m diameter) while multimode
infrared and radio wavelengths are invisible to the unaided eye.
fibers have larger cores (about 0.0025 in or 62.5 !m diameter).
IR wireless is used for short- and medium-range commu-
Optical fibers made from plastic require a much larger core
nications. Some systems operate in a line-of-sight mode, which
(0.04 in or 1 mm diameter) and transmit visible red light
means that there must be a visually unobstructed straight-line
(wavelength " 650 nm) from LEDs.
path through space between the transmitter (source) and re-
As light passes through the optical fiber, the light signal
ceiver (destination). Other systems operate in diffuse mode,
degrades over its length. Degradation is principally caused by
where the system can function when the source and destination
impurities in the glass or plastic. The extent that the signal de-
are not directly visible to each other. However, IR wireless can-
grades depends on the purity of the medium and the wavelength
not pass through walls, so a link is not possible between differ-
of the transmitted light (e.g., higher wavelengths tend to have
ent rooms in a building or between different buildings (unless
less degradation). The finest optical fibers offer signal degrada-
they have facing windows). Despite these limitations, most IR
tion of less than 10% per km at wavelengths 1550 nm.
wireless systems offer a level of security comparable to that of
Fiber optic cable has the ability to transmit signals over
hard-wired systems. It is difficult, for example, to eavesdrop on
much longer distances than coaxial and twisted pair cabling and
a well-engineered, line-of-sight, IR communications link.
can carry information at much greater speeds. This capacity
IR wireless technology can be used in home entertain-
broadens communication possibilities to include services such
ment control units; robot control systems; medium-range, line-
as video conferencing and interactive services. The cost of fiber
of-sight communications (e.g., cordless microphones, headsets,
optic cabling is comparable to copper cabling; however, it is
modems, printers, and other peripherals).
more difficult to install and modify. 10BaseF refers to the spec-
RF wireless technology uses radio waves to send and re-
ifications for fiber optic cable carrying Ethernet signals. Com-
ceive information, similar to a garage door opener, baby monitor,
mon types of Ethernet cable in use are shown in Table 22.4.
walkie-talkie, or portable phone. It can transmit data through
walls and between nearby buildings. This characteristic offers
Wireless
flexible linking capability between communication devices.
Wireless is a term used to describe telecommunications in However, communication on RF wireless is less private; it is
which electromagnetic waves (instead of some form of wire) much easier to eavesdrop on a RF communications link in com-
carry the signal. Wireless communications can take several parison to IR wireless and hard-wired system technologies.
forms: microwave, synchronous satellites, low-earth-orbit Wi-Fi (derived from the term wireless fidelity) is the pop-
satellites, cellular, and personal communications service (PCS). ular expression used to describe high-frequency wireless local
In every case, a wireless system eliminates the need for a com- area network (WLAN) technology. Wireless hotspots provide
plex hard-wired infrastructure. Fixed wireless is the operation Internet access using wireless network devices installed in pub-
of wireless devices or systems in homes and offices, and in par- lic locations. By installing an inexpensive PC card, a laptop
ticular, equipment connected to the Internet by the use of spe- computer can send and receive data at a very high speed, to any
cialized modems. A fixed wireless network enables users to other computer in range. Wi-Fi technology can be set up for use
establish and maintain a wireless connection throughout or be- either free or with a paid subscription in public places such as
tween buildings, without the limitations of wires or cables. airports, hotels, coffee shops, civic plazas, conference centers,
There are two types of wireless networks: peer-to-peer school buildings, and libraries where the user can access e-mail
and access point or base station. A peer-to-peer wireless network or the Internet without being directly connected with wiring to
800 CHAPTER 22

a local network. It can serve as a LAN in a building that has not systems. The communications industry recognized the need to
been pre-equipped with cable. Wi-Fi technology can be used at define a cost-effective, efficient cabling system that would sup-
home where a computer can be connected to the Internet any- port the widest possible range of applications and equipment.
where in the home without being wired. As a result, Wi-Fi is The EIA, TIA, and a large consortium of leading telecom-
the pre-eminent technology for building general purpose wire- munications companies worked cooperatively to create the
less networks. American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/TIA/EIA-568-
Wi-Fi technology can be used for both data and voice 1991 Commercial Building Telecommunications Wiring Stan-
(e.g., telephone) transmission. It is rapidly gaining acceptance in dard. Additional standards documents covering pathways and
the business world as an alternative to a wired LAN. However, spaces, administration, cables, and connecting hardware were
unless adequately protected with security safeguards (e.g., fire- subsequently released. The ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-1991 was re-
walls and encryption techniques), Wi-Fi technology can be sus- vised in 1995, and is now referred to as ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-A
ceptible to access from the outside by unauthorized users who Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard.
simply access the Internet for free or pirate company secrets. The goal of these standards is to define structured cabling a
The transmission media chosen for a network is related to telecommunications cabling system that can support virtually
the topology, protocol, and size of the network. In some cases, any voice, imaging, or data application that an end-user chooses.
a network will use only one type of cable, while other networks As the acceptance of standards-compliant structured ca-
will use a variety of cable types, and others will rely upon wire- bling has grown, the price of installed networking equipment
less technology. has dropped and performance has exponentially increased. The
physical layer has evolved into an affordable bandwidth-rich
business resource.
Electromagnetic Interference
Electrical current flow in power lines generates an electromag-
netic field that surrounds the electrical conductor. Electrical
Telecommunication Cabling
equipment, especially large motors, generators, induction
and Pathways
heaters, arc welders, x-ray equipment, and radio frequency, mi- Telecommunication cabling is the medium through which voice
crowave, or radar sources, also produce a powerful electromag- and data move from one telecommunication device to another.
netic field. The ballasts of fluorescent and high-intensity Cabling physically carries electrical or optical signals to and
discharge (HID) fixtures also produce a significant electromag- from devices and equipment in a telecommunication system.
netic field. Cabling media typically used include UTP and STP copper
A telecommunication cable placed within an electromag- wire, coaxial cable, and optical fibers. Wireless technology can
netic field will have its telecommunication signal affected. This also be used.
is known as electromagnetic interference. Because of potential A pathway is a passageway, and thus a path, for cable to
for electromagnetic interference, voice and data telecommuni- travel when interconnecting devices, components, and equip-
cations cabling should not be run adjacent and parallel to power ment in a telecommunication system. Pathways are typically a
(electrical) cabling unless the cables are shielded and raceway, a channel, or trough designed to hold wires and cables
grounded. For low-voltage telecommunication cables, a mini- (e.g., conduit, cable trough, cellular floor, electrical metallic
mum 5-in (125 mm) distance is needed from any fluorescent tubing, sleeves, slots, underfloor raceways, surface raceways,
lighting fixture or power line over 2000 volt-amperes (VA) and lighting fixture raceways, wireways, busways, auxiliary gutters,
up to 24 in from any power line over 5000 VA. In general, and ventilated flexible cableways). Raceways may be metallic
telecommunications cabling is routed separately, or several feet or nonmetallic and may totally or partially enclose the cabling.
away from power cabling. For similar reasons, telecommunica- Pathways can carry existing cable and that easily allow
tions cabling must be routed away from electrical equipment. additional cabling to be installed to accommodate the addition
of equipment or upgrades in technology. In a building telecom-
munications system, pathways typically run between the build-
ing entrance facilities/equipment rooms, telecommunication
22.2 STRUCTURED BUILDING closets, and the work area where telecommunication equipment
TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS and devices are used by building occupants.
A backbone is a generic term used to describe a main
Wiring and Cabling Standards
pathway or cabling media that interconnects a number of
Prior to 1991, the manufacturers of electronics equipment con- telecommunication devices. A backbone is used to connect net-
trolled the specifications of telecommunications cabling. End- works in a building or in separate buildings. Fiber optic cable is
users were frequently confused by manufacturers’ conflicting typically used for this type of backbone. Drop cables may be
claims concerning transmission performance and were forced attached from the backbone to connect individual workstations.
to pay high installation and administration costs for proprietary Common types of backbone cabling are provided in Table 22.5.
BUILDING TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS 801

TABLE 22.5 COMMON TYPES OF BACKBONE CABLING IN USE. schematic of a structured telecommunications cabling system.
These subsystems are described in the following sections.
Maximum Backbone
Distances
Interbuilding Backbone
Cabling Types Meters Feet
The interbuilding backbone is the cabling and pathways outside
Twisted Copper Wire of the building, including the cables carrying local exchange
100 ohm UTP (24 or 22 AWG) carrier (LEC) services (e.g., outside telephone company), Inter-
for voice transmission 800 2625 net service provider services, and private branch exchange
150 ohm STP for data transmission 90 295 (PBX) telecommunication cable (e.g., private phone network
between buildings at a school campus or business park). Sim-
Optical Fiber Cables ply, the interbuilding backbone caries telecommunication serv-
Multimode optical fiber (62.5>125 µm) ices to the building.
for voice/data transmission 2000 6560
Single-mode optical fiber (8.3>125 µm) Building Entrance Facilities
for voice/data transmission 3000 9840
The building entrance facility is an entrance to the building for
both public and private network service cables. It includes the ca-
Structured Cabling Systems bles, connecting hardware, protection devices, and other equip-
ment needed to connect the interbuilding backbone cabling to the
A structured cabling system is the cabling, devices, and equip- backbone cabling in the building. See Photos 22.2 and 22.3.
ment that integrate the voice, data, video, and electronic man-
agement systems of a building (e.g., safety alarms, security
access, energy management and control systems, and so on).
Design and installation of structured cabling systems adheres to
national and international standards.
In commercial buildings, structured telecommunications
cabling systems include seven subsystems. Figure 22.2 is a

PHOTO 22.2 Internet service building entrance. (Used with

permission of ABC)

FIGURE 22.2 A schematic of a structured telecommunications PHOTO 22.3 Local exchange carrier (LEC) and private branch
cabling system. exchange (PBX) building entrance. (Used with permission of ABC)
802 CHAPTER 22

In buildings with a finished floor area larger than

20 000 ft2 (1870 m2), a secured (locked), dedicated, enclosed
room is recommended for the building entrance. An industry
standard is to allow 1 ft2 (0.1 m2) of 3⁄4-in (20-mm) plywood
wall-mount area for each 200 ft2 (19 m2) area of finished floor
area. The plywood allows mounting capabilities for equipment
and panels. In large buildings, rack-mounted and freestanding
frames may also be required to support entrance equipment
within the build entrance facilities.

Telecommunications Equipment Room

A telecommunications equipment room is a centralized space
for housing main telecommunications equipment. It is a large,
dedicated, centralized room that provides a controlled environ-
ment to house equipment, connecting hardware, splice clo-
sures, grounding and bonding facilities, and protection
apparatus. Equipment rooms typically accommodate equip- PHOTO 22.5 Electrical panelboard providing filtered “clean” power
to telecommunications room equipment. Battery-backup provides an
ment of higher complexity than telecommunications closets
interruptible power supply. Note the fire alarm and manual pull station
(see below); however, any or all of the functions of a telecom-
nearby. (Used with permission of ABC)
munications closet may be performed in an equipment room
(see patch panels). A telecommunications equipment room
serves a building or multiple buildings in a campus or business The equipment room should be located away from
park environment. See Photos 22.4 and 22.5. sources of electromagnetic interference (e.g., transformers, mo-
The building entrance facilities should be located adja- tors, x-ray equipment, induction heaters, arc welders, radios,
cent to or contained within the equipment room to allow shared radar systems, and so on). Air conditioning should be provided
air conditioning, security, fire control, lighting, and limited ac- (24 hours/day, 365 days/year, at temperatures of 64° to 75°F,
cess. An industry standard is to allow 0.75 ft2 (0.07 m2) of with 30% to 55% relative humidity). General lighting (50 foot-
equipment room floor area for each 100 ft2 (9 m2) of user work- candles @ 3 ft above floor) and a minimum of two dedicated
station area, or about 1 to 2 ft2 (0.1 to 0.2 m2) of equipment 15 A, 120 V ac duplex convenience receptacles on separate cir-
room floor area per workstation, with a minimum floor area of cuits should be provided. Additional duplex convenience recep-
150 ft2 (14 m2). At least two walls should be covered with 8 ft tacles should be placed at 6 ft (2 m) intervals around the
(2.6 m) high, 3⁄4 in (20 mm) thick, fire-rated plywood to attach perimeter. Emergency power should be considered and supplied.
equipment.
A secured (locked), dedicated equipment room is recom- Telecommunications Closet
mended. Doors providing access to an equipment room should be
A telecommunications closet is a dedicated room on each
at least 36 in (900 mm) wide by 8 ft (2.45 m) high. Piping, duct-
floor in a building that houses intermediate voice and data
work, mechanical equipment, or electrical wiring should not enter
telecommunications equipment and related cable connec-
the equipment room. The room should not serve as an unrelated
tions. A large building will have several telecommunications
storage room (e.g., for storage of paper and cleaning supplies).
closets, and more than one on a floor. The telecommunica-
tions closet should be located in a space that is central to the
work areas it serves. A telecommunications closet is shown in
Photo 22.6.
Each telecommunications closet serves as a location
where junctions between the backbone pathway and horizontal
pathways are made at one or more patch panels. A patch panel
is a mounted hardware unit containing an assembly of rows of
connecting locations in a communications system, called ports.
A port is receptacle that is a specific place for physically con-
necting a device or piece of equipment to another. In a network,
a patch panel is located in a telecommunications closet to serve
as a type of switchboard-like device that allows network cir-
PHOTO 22.4 Telecommunications room and equipment, including cuiting arrangements and rearrangements by simply plugging
server, router and switches. (Used with permission of ABC) and unplugging a patch cord. A patch cord is a type of jumper
BUILDING TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS 803

PHOTO 22.6 Telecommunications closet. (Used with permission PHOTO 22.8 Telephone patch panel and cables. (Used with permis-
of ABC) sion of ABC)

cable that is used to create a connection from one port in a When possible, telecommunications closets should be
patch panel to another port. (See Photos 22.7 and 22.8.) stacked vertically above each other on each floor. An industry
A locked, dedicated telecommunications closet is rec- standard is to provide at least three 4-in (100 mm) diameter
ommended. The recommended closet size is 10 ft # 12 ft sleeves (a stub of conduit through the floor) per 50 000 ft2
(3 m # 4 m), about 120 ft2 (11 m2) for each 10 000 ft2 (940 m2) (4676 m2) of finished floor area served. An equivalent
useable floor area served. More than one telecommunications 4 in # 12 in (100 mm # 300 mm) slot may be used in lieu of
closet per floor is required if the distance to a work area ex- three sleeves. If closets are not vertically aligned, then 4 in
ceeds 300 ft (90 m), or if the floor area served exceeds (100 mm) diameter horizontal conduit runs are required, with
10 000 ft2 (940 m2). no more than two 90° bends between pull points. When there are
Two walls in a telecommunications closet should be cov- multiple telecommunications closets on a single floor, it is rec-
ered with 8 ft (2.6 m) high, 3⁄4 in (20 mm) thick, fire-rated ply- ommended that these multiple closets be interconnected with at
wood to attach equipment (e.g., patch panels). Power, lighting, least one 3-in (75 mm) diameter conduit or an equivalent path-
and air conditioning requirements for a telecommunications way. To prevent the spread of fire, provisions for a firestop are
closet are the same as for a telecommunications equipment required in every opening that penetrates the telecommunica-
room (see previous section). (See Photo 22.9.) tions closet compartment (e.g., walls and floors).

Backbone Pathway
Within a building telecommunications system, the backbone
pathway connects the entrance facilities/equipment room to the
telecommunications closets for cabling that interconnects equip-
ment and devices in these spaces. It contains several backbone

PHOTO 22.7 Patch panels and patch cables. (Used with permission PHOTO 22.9 Wall-mounted telecommunications panels. (Used with
of ABC) permission of ABC)
804 CHAPTER 22

(main) cables that carry the heaviest telecommunications traffic Horizontal Pathways
throughout the building. It is usually a vertical arrangement that
Horizontal pathways connect the backbone cabling entering
connects floors in a multistory building. However, the same
the telecommunications closet with the terminal equipment in
function may be served by a lateral backbone for horizontal
the work area (e.g., computers, data terminals, telephones, and
distribution in a large building with spacious floors.
so on). Horizontal pathways can include underfloor ducts em-
A building’s backbone pathway consists of the backbone
bedded in concrete decks or slabs, modular/cellular (raised)
cables, intermediate and main cross-connects, mechanical ter-
floors, underground trench ducts, and raceways (e.g., conduits,
minations, and patch cords used for backbone-to-backbone
cable trays, recessed molding). A raised floor system is shown
cross-connection, connections between floors (risers), and ca-
in Photos 22.13 and 22.14.
bles between an equipment room and building cable entrance
The most commonly used horizontal pathway consists of
facilities.
cable bundles run from the telecommunications closet along
The backbone pathway can hold any type or combina-
J-hooks or cable trays suspended above a plenum ceiling. Once
tion of transmission media, but cabling typically includes
a work area is reached, the cabling fans out and individual cable
UTP, STP, and optical fiber cable. Backbone cabling distances
drops through interior walls, support columns, or chases, even-
are dependent on the type of system, data speed, and the man-
tually terminating at a telecommunications outlet.
ufacturer’s specifications for the system electronics and the as-
The horizontal cabling system extends from the work
sociated components used (e.g., adapters, line drivers, and so
area (workstation) outlet to the telecommunications closet and
on). All cables in the backbone pathway are typically strung in
consists of horizontal cabling, telecommunications outlet, table
a star topology. This configuration allows modifications to be
terminations, and cross-connections. Types of media used for
made without the hassle of having to pull new cables. (See
horizontal cabling include UTP, STP, and optical cable, each
Photos 22.10, 22.11, and 22.12.)
extending from the telecommunications closet to the work area
at a maximum distance of 294 ft (90 m).

PHOTO 22.10 Horizontal backbone cabling in a wire tray. (Used with PHOTO 22.12 Horizontal backbone cabling entering a firewall. The
permission of ABC) openings are sealed with an approved firestopping material. (Used with
permission of ABC)

PHOTO 22.11 Bundled horizontal backbone cabling. CAT 3 PBX

telephone cable, CAT 5e data transmission cable, interduct sheathing
containing fiberoptic cable, and two bundled interduct sheathings
containing fiberoptic cable. (From rear to front of photograph). (Used PHOTO 22.13 Raised floor system (open) containing cabling. (Used
with permission of ABC) with permission of ABC)
BUILDING TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS 805

PHOTO 22.14 Raised floor system (closed). (Used with permission PHOTO 22.16 A work area above a raised floor system. (Used with
of ABC) permission of ABC)

All cables in horizontal pathways should be strung in a

star topology so cables directly link the telecommunications
closet with each telecommunications outlet. Again, this
arrangement allows alterations to be made without the hassle of
having to pull new cables.
An industry standard is to size horizontal pathways by
providing 1 in2 (645 mm2) of cross-section area for every 100 ft2
(9.3 m2) of workspace area being served. Easy access to the hor-
izontal cabling is desirable. A pull box, splice box or pulling
point is required for any pathway where there are more than two
90° bends, a 180° reverse bend or length more than 100 feet.
PHOTO 22.17 A workstation. (Used with permission of ABC)
Work Area
The work area is the space containing workstation (terminal)
equipment and components. The workstation components in-
clude equipment and devices (e.g., telephones, personal com-
puters, graphic or video terminals, fax machines, modems) and
terminal patch cables (e.g., modular cords, PC adapter cables,
fiber jumpers, and so forth) that connect work area equipment
to the network. Work area wiring is designed to be relatively
simple to interconnect so that modifications and additions can
be easily accomplished. The work area can also be served by a
wireless access point. (See Photos 22.15 through 22.19.)
PHOTO 22.18 A workstation connection with telecommunications
and power outlets. (Used with permission of ABC)

A typical telecommunications outlet is made in a

2 in # 4 in (50 mm # 100 mm) electrical box with horizontal
cabling terminating at a connector on the faceplate covering
the box. It is necessary to consider the number and type of de-
vices to be connected when selecting the outlet capabilities and
capacities. Industry practice is to provide a minimum of two
telecommunications outlet/connectors at each work area. At
areas where telecommunications use is anticipated to be heav-
ier than normal (e.g., reception areas, secretarial areas, and
control desk areas), additional outlets will be required. Patch
cables connect work area equipment and devices to a telecom-
PHOTO 22.15 A wireless access point (station). (Used with permission munications outlet. A maximum length of 33 ft (10 m) is typi-
of ABC) cally allowed for work area patch cables.
806 CHAPTER 22

that distributes these services to locations throughout the house

in a way similar to how an electrical panelboard distributes and
controls flow of electricity.
A single metal box typically serves as the distribution
center. It is a stand-alone piece of equipment that contains dis-
tribution devices. It provides universal access to various net-
working elements within the home as well as connection to
service providers. The service center must allow the wiring sys-
tem to be customized periodically as the network evolves to
accommodate future technologies. The distribution center must
be located in a place that is readily accessible to cabling main-
tenance. Home telecommunication components and wiring are
shown in Photos 22.20 through 22.22.

Universal Multiuse Outlets

The telecommunications outlets in a room determine the serv-
PHOTO 22.19 A telecommunications outlet with coded female ices that are available in that room. Universal multiuse outlets
connectors. (Used with permission of ABC)
can be customized to a consumer’s specific needs based on the
services that are desired in each room (e.g., cable, Internet
22.3 ADVANCED WIRING SYSTEMS
FOR HOMES
Advanced Home
Wiring Systems
An advanced home wiring system allows a homeowner to inte-
grate the control and management of the following subsystems:
• Communication subsystem (e.g., intercom, phone,
message recording, fax and e-mail)
• Entertainment subsystem (e.g., whole-house stereo,
VCR, cable, digital and satellite television, and home
theater system)
PHOTO 22.20 An advanced home wiring system service center
• Home office subsystem (e.g., computers, printers and with security and wireless capabilities. (Used with permission of ABC)
scanners)
• Environmental control/energy management subsystem
(e.g., control of HVAC equipment, water heater, light-
ing and other appliances)
• Security/property protection subsystem (e.g., video
surveillance with closed circuit TV, control entry gates
and garage doors, control lawn irrigation)

Wiring System Components

An advanced home wiring system is typically consists of three
main components.

Service Center
The service center, sometimes called the central hub or
distribution center, is the central part of the system that accepts
incoming services and distributes services throughout the
home. It is where all external communication services enter the
residence, including cable TV, telephone, digital satellite PHOTO 22.21 Home telecommunication wiring. (Used with
transmission, and Internet service. It serves as a central hub permission of ABC)
BUILDING TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS 807

video. Even after the wiring system installation is complete,

outlets can be changed to meet the changing needs of the
homeowner.

High-Performance Cabling
Several types of high-performance cable are used, including
CAT 5 UTP copper wire and coaxial cable. Wireless transmis-
sion technologies can also be used. In the future, fiber optic
cable may eventually become a medium of choice for some
audio/video applications.
Pathways for cabling run between the service center and
the outlets. For new construction, cable is run in concealed
PHOTO 22.22 A residential computerized control panel with IPOD pathways such as ducts and conduits. Provisions should also be
capabilities. (Used with permission of ABC) made for conduit for cable pathways to allow for pulling addi-
tional wiring in the future. For retrofits of an existing structure,
access, telephone, and so on). These outlets are designed to wiring can be concealed in attics or crawl spaces wherever pos-
support a full range of communication technologies with a sible. For exposed retrofit cabling, the cables should be enclosed
variety of flexible configurations, including voice, data, and in a protective surface-mount raceway.

STUDY QUESTIONS

22-1. Describe the analog and digital transmission formats. d. Patch cord
22-2. Sketch the three types of wiring topologies used in a e. Telecommunications outlet
telecommunications network.
22-10. How does electrical equipment (e.g., motors, genera-
22-3. Identify and describe the types of transmission media tors, and so on) affect telecommunication signals?
used in a telecommunications network.
22-11. How does fluorescent and HID lighting affect telecom-
22-4. Identify and describe the main subsystems of a struc- munication signals?
tured cabling system for a building telecommunica-
22-12. Identify and describe the components of an advanced
tions network.
home wiring system.
22-5. Describe UTP and STP wiring.
22-6. Describe the types of coaxial cable. Design Exercises
22-7. Describe the function of a fiber optic system. 22-13. Make a visit to a residence with an advanced home
22-8. Describe types of wireless communications used in wiring system. Make a sketch of the system and identify
buildings. chief components of and their locations in the system.
22-9. Describe the following components: 22-14. Make a visit to a commercial building with a telecom-
munications network. Make a sketch of the telecommu-
a. Pathway
nications network and identify chief components and
b. Drop cables their locations in the system. Describe the location,
c. Patch panel physical size, and function of each component.