PUSH FOR VERIFICATION

Currently part of our overall service in order to supply network infrastructure, involves the supply and installation of generic copper and fibre optic cabling. In order to ensure that we deliver quality installations, as part of our overall networking solution, FastNetworks are corporate members of BICSI.

A problem that we all have within the generic cabling industry is one of independent verification of structured cabling components and overall performance. We are told, all the time, from structured cabling manufacturers that their particular components are superior to all others. It is only by INDEPENDENT VERIFICATION that this can be proved. The industry in the UK appears to avoid this issue, in general the main marketing thrust now is CAT 6, CAT 6 and more CAT 6, it is doubtful at this stage if an end User will ever require a full 200M Cat 6 link.

In order to show system integrators and end Users alike the quality of generic cabling systems, them some independent means of cabling system verification should be available. Some generic cabling manufacturers do have independent test results available for inspection, the question of was the product tested from a distributor or supplied by the manufacture – is another question.

Without independent generic cabling verification, what should all concerned look for? There are a number of manufacturers who guarantee their cabling components for “APPLICATIONS” - a strange term in the IT world i.e. nothing to do with desktop applications, but network applications. Application compliance is compliance with the networking standard i.e. IEEE 802.3, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet. While there is no mention of these items within the standards, it is a good point to take advantage of.

To summarise, End Users should take what is on offer and consider the following:

  • Ask and request independent test results of generic system components
  • Look for application compliance and consider this a good point.
  • Consider the issue of patch cables and backward compatibility.
  • Obtain extras i.e. additional warranties from the system integrator.

 FastNetworks June 2001