RE: [WIRELESS-LAN] Copper Cable Field Terminations for Access Points
Not sure how dated this information is, but it's worth keeping in mind depending on the vendor you use for new cable installation. Berk-Tek is the first to announce a system warranty for a modified permanent link utilizing a direct attach methodology. The configuration is now part of Berk-Tek's OASIS (Open Architecture Systems Interconnection Solutions) warranty which covers Berk-Tek UTP cable and recognized partner termination/connectivity equipment and provides a 15-year product and installation warranty through the OASIS certified security installers (CSI) program. Kevin Semrau Millersville University From: The EDUCAUSE Wireless Issues Constituent Group Listserv [mailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU] On Behalf Of Mark H. Wehrle Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 5:06 PM To: WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU Subject: Re: [WIRELESS-LAN] Copper Cable Field Terminations for Access Points Thanks everyone for your feedback. It was very helpful. We are planning to leave a service loop regardless of what we do, and are still discussing either approach. There is an article that was forwarded to me from one of my staff members. http://www.cablinginstall.com/articles/2012/05/direct-attach-cabling-method-explained-demonstrated.html http://www.graybar.com/applications/facility-maintenance/direct-attach Thanks again. --Mark W From: Hector J Rios hr...@lsu.edumailto:hr...@lsu.edu Reply-To: The EDUCAUSE Wireless Issues Constituent Group Listserv WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDUmailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU Date: Thursday, May 14, 2015 4:33 PM To: WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDUmailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDUmailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU Subject: Re: [WIRELESS-LAN] Copper Cable Field Terminations for Access Points Same thing here. We have always terminated the cable directly, with a service loop, and never had any problems. -Hector Rios Louisiana State University From: The EDUCAUSE Wireless Issues Constituent Group Listserv [mailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU] On Behalf Of Joey Rego Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 1:25 PM To: WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDUmailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU Subject: Re: [WIRELESS-LAN] Copper Cable Field Terminations for Access Points Hey Mark, If you are going to terminate the cable directly just make sure you have a service loop were possible just in case you need to tweak the location of the ap after install and final surveys. Joey Rego Network Security Administrator Information Technology 3601 North Military Trail Boca Raton, FL 33431 T: 561-237-7982 jr...@lynn.edumailto:jr...@lynn.edu 1-800-888-5986 | www.lynn.eduhttp://www.lynn.edu/ [cid:image002.jpg@01CF442D.90504330] From: The EDUCAUSE Wireless Issues Constituent Group Listserv [mailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU] On Behalf Of Philippe Hanset Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 2:14 PM To: WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDUmailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU Subject: Re: [WIRELESS-LAN] Copper Cable Field Terminations for Access Points I remember arguing with cabling crews about that exact issue: ME: I want to have the RJ-45 connector crimped on the cable for two reasons: -It saves money (on one jack and one patch cable, that's about $10 per AP) -It prevents patch cable theft (not huge but very annoying especially in Residence Halls) CABLING CREW: we want to terminate on a jack because: -It is a pain to terminate a RJ-45 connector on the cable (unless new connector designs exist) and the money saved in equipment is wasted in labor -We cannot properly label the circuit on a cable but we can do it on a jack In the end, they won the argument. Some may argue that terminating on a Jack also gives the option to add a longer patch cable if needed, but we always left a service loop anyway! Philippe Hanset www.eduroam.ushttp://www.eduroam.us On May 14, 2015, at 1:05 PM, Mark H. Wehrle weh...@isc.upenn.edumailto:weh...@isc.upenn.edu wrote: Good afternoon all, We are faced with some challenges in upgrading our access points in our residence halls this summer. Our existing installation has access points wall mounted and we terminate Cat5E cable on a Cat5E type biscuit jack on the wall near where the access point is mounted. From there we place a short cable from the jack to the access point. In current state, this makes for easier troubleshooting to decipher cable versus AP problems, however it's understood that there could be other problems associated with multiple termination points etc. In our current project, we are looking install access points with internal antennas and we are looking to move these to ceiling mounts in most/all of these rooms where we can. We made this choice because we've found that some students will vary the positions of antennas, which have impacted RF coverage and we have added more access points in some areas to compensate (we cannot easily get
RE: [WIRELESS-LAN] Copper Cable Field Terminations for Access Points
I found that when I was standing on a ladder with ceiling tile dust in my hair, my success rate with a punch down tool was much better than with a crimper. That was when I had hair...now I let the younger guys do it ;-) John From: The EDUCAUSE Wireless Issues Constituent Group Listserv [mailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU] On Behalf Of Nocifore,Matthew Sent: Friday, May 15, 2015 9:27 AM To: WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU Subject: Re: [WIRELESS-LAN] Copper Cable Field Terminations for Access Points Hi Mark. We feel that the investment in the cable plant, which has a much longer life expectancy than the APs, is worthy of proper termination and labeling. Drexel is currently on its 4th replacement cycle of APs and based on changing equipment sizes and antenna characteristics we have had to adjust AP locations many times. In some replacement cycles we have replaced our short length patch cords between AP and jack, sometimes due to the bends forced on the cables by the RJ location on the APs or other wear and tear. We did have internal discussion as you are having now before we expanded density in our dorms. Even in cases where we pull a cable out of an existing wire stations and move it up to ceiling height (as we have done frequently in our dorms) we still terminate the cable in a jack. The other important factor for us was maintaining a demarcation point to separate CPE from the wire plant. Particularly when working with other department's contractors.This will likely be increasingly important as the the Internet of Things used by University Facilities continues to expand. In the case of access points where the network organization is responsible for both the access point and the cable plant, the staff responsible for access point life cycle replacement (in-house without contracted labor) and break-fix are different from the cable installers. So even in our own organization we like the demarc segmentation. Even as TIA supports RJ plug terminated cables -- personally I'm still concerned about the quality of work that happens when field terminating an RJ plug. In new building construction, installer cable test results will not necessarily demonstrate that the installer managed to obtain proper strain relief in the RJ plug crimp.And the thought of having to do a quality job replacing an RJ plug, standing on a ladder in an occupied office or dorm room seems very daunting in comparison to repairing or re-terminating a punch down connection. Matt Matthew Nocifore, Executive Director Network Infrastructure Telecommunications, CTI Information Resources Technology Drexel University E: m...@drexel.edux-msg://98/matthew.nocif...@drexel.edu T: 215-895-2828 On May 14, 2015 (Thu), at 1:05 PM, Mark H. Wehrle wrote: Good afternoon all, We are faced with some challenges in upgrading our access points in our residence halls this summer. Our existing installation has access points wall mounted and we terminate Cat5E cable on a Cat5E type biscuit jack on the wall near where the access point is mounted. From there we place a short cable from the jack to the access point. In current state, this makes for easier troubleshooting to decipher cable versus AP problems, however it's understood that there could be other problems associated with multiple termination points etc. In our current project, we are looking install access points with internal antennas and we are looking to move these to ceiling mounts in most/all of these rooms where we can. We made this choice because we've found that some students will vary the positions of antennas, which have impacted RF coverage and we have added more access points in some areas to compensate (we cannot easily get into student rooms to inspect access points). The question I was asked before we move these jacks is whether we should save costs and time by just making a field termination of the Cat5E cable with an RJ45 connector crimped right on the cable then plug this cable directly into the access point and avoid the biscuit jack and short station cable. I'm wondering if anyone is doing this, was doing this and stopped, plans to do this etc? Does this present any problems like bad mechanical connection problems etc? Thanks for your feedback. --Mark Wehrle Phone: (215) 898-9664 Technical Director, ISC Network Telecom Operations Fax: (215) 898-9348 University of Pennsylvania 3401 Walnut Suite 221a Email:weh...@isc.upenn.edumailto:weh...@isc.upenn.edu Phila. PA 19104-6228 ** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/. ** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/. ** Participation
Re: [WIRELESS-LAN] Copper Cable Field Terminations for Access Points
Hi Mark. We feel that the investment in the cable plant, which has a much longer life expectancy than the APs, is worthy of proper termination and labeling. Drexel is currently on its 4th replacement cycle of APs and based on changing equipment sizes and antenna characteristics we have had to adjust AP locations many times. In some replacement cycles we have replaced our short length patch cords between AP and jack, sometimes due to the bends forced on the cables by the RJ location on the APs or other wear and tear. We did have internal discussion as you are having now before we expanded density in our dorms. Even in cases where we pull a cable out of an existing wire stations and move it up to ceiling height (as we have done frequently in our dorms) we still terminate the cable in a jack. The other important factor for us was maintaining a demarcation point to separate CPE from the wire plant. Particularly when working with other department's contractors.This will likely be increasingly important as the the Internet of Things used by University Facilities continues to expand. In the case of access points where the network organization is responsible for both the access point and the cable plant, the staff responsible for access point life cycle replacement (in-house without contracted labor) and break-fix are different from the cable installers. So even in our own organization we like the demarc segmentation. Even as TIA supports RJ plug terminated cables -- personally I'm still concerned about the quality of work that happens when field terminating an RJ plug. In new building construction, installer cable test results will not necessarily demonstrate that the installer managed to obtain proper strain relief in the RJ plug crimp.And the thought of having to do a quality job replacing an RJ plug, standing on a ladder in an occupied office or dorm room seems very daunting in comparison to repairing or re-terminating a punch down connection. Matt Matthew Nocifore, Executive Director Network Infrastructure Telecommunications, CTI Information Resources Technology Drexel University E: m...@drexel.edux-msg://98/matthew.nocif...@drexel.edu T: 215-895-2828 On May 14, 2015 (Thu), at 1:05 PM, Mark H. Wehrle wrote: Good afternoon all, We are faced with some challenges in upgrading our access points in our residence halls this summer. Our existing installation has access points wall mounted and we terminate Cat5E cable on a Cat5E type biscuit jack on the wall near where the access point is mounted. From there we place a short cable from the jack to the access point. In current state, this makes for easier troubleshooting to decipher cable versus AP problems, however it's understood that there could be other problems associated with multiple termination points etc. In our current project, we are looking install access points with internal antennas and we are looking to move these to ceiling mounts in most/all of these rooms where we can. We made this choice because we've found that some students will vary the positions of antennas, which have impacted RF coverage and we have added more access points in some areas to compensate (we cannot easily get into student rooms to inspect access points). The question I was asked before we move these jacks is whether we should save costs and time by just making a field termination of the Cat5E cable with an RJ45 connector crimped right on the cable then plug this cable directly into the access point and avoid the biscuit jack and short station cable. I'm wondering if anyone is doing this, was doing this and stopped, plans to do this etc? Does this present any problems like bad mechanical connection problems etc? Thanks for your feedback. --Mark Wehrle Phone: (215) 898-9664 Technical Director, ISC Network Telecom Operations Fax: (215) 898-9348 University of Pennsylvania 3401 Walnut Suite 221a Email:weh...@isc.upenn.edumailto:weh...@isc.upenn.edu Phila. PA 19104-6228 ** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/. ** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/.
RE: [WIRELESS-LAN] Copper Cable Field Terminations for Access Points
+1 Sent from my phone, please excuse brevity and/or misspelling. From: Oliver, Jeffmailto:jeff.oli...@uleth.ca Sent: 14/05/2015 18:22 To: WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDUmailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU Subject: Re: [WIRELESS-LAN] Copper Cable Field Terminations for Access Points Even in ceiling space (drop ceiling or not) it is always best to terminate on a jack and then use a short patch cable. Cheers, Jeff From: The EDUCAUSE Wireless Issues Constituent Group Listserv [mailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU] On Behalf Of Mark H. Wehrle Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 11:06 AM To: WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU Subject: [WIRELESS-LAN] Copper Cable Field Terminations for Access Points Good afternoon all, We are faced with some challenges in upgrading our access points in our residence halls this summer. Our existing installation has access points wall mounted and we terminate Cat5E cable on a Cat5E type biscuit jack on the wall near where the access point is mounted. From there we place a short cable from the jack to the access point. In current state, this makes for easier troubleshooting to decipher cable versus AP problems, however it's understood that there could be other problems associated with multiple termination points etc. In our current project, we are looking install access points with internal antennas and we are looking to move these to ceiling mounts in most/all of these rooms where we can. We made this choice because we've found that some students will vary the positions of antennas, which have impacted RF coverage and we have added more access points in some areas to compensate (we cannot easily get into student rooms to inspect access points). The question I was asked before we move these jacks is whether we should save costs and time by just making a field termination of the Cat5E cable with an RJ45 connector crimped right on the cable then plug this cable directly into the access point and avoid the biscuit jack and short station cable. I'm wondering if anyone is doing this, was doing this and stopped, plans to do this etc? Does this present any problems like bad mechanical connection problems etc? Thanks for your feedback. --Mark Wehrle Phone: (215) 898-9664 Technical Director, ISC Network Telecom Operations Fax: (215) 898-9348 University of Pennsylvania 3401 Walnut Suite 221a Email:weh...@isc.upenn.edumailto:weh...@isc.upenn.edu Phila. PA 19104-6228 ** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/. ** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/. ** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/.
Re: [WIRELESS-LAN] Copper Cable Field Terminations for Access Points
I remember arguing with cabling crews about that exact issue: ME: I want to have the RJ-45 connector crimped on the cable for two reasons: -It saves money (on one jack and one patch cable, that’s about $10 per AP) -It prevents patch cable theft (not huge but very annoying especially in Residence Halls) CABLING CREW: we want to terminate on a jack because: -It is a pain to terminate a RJ-45 connector on the cable (unless new connector designs exist) and the money saved in equipment is wasted in labor -We cannot properly label the circuit on a cable but we can do it on a jack In the end, they won the argument. Some may argue that terminating on a Jack also gives the option to add a longer patch cable if needed, but we always left a service loop anyway! Philippe Hanset www.eduroam.us On May 14, 2015, at 1:05 PM, Mark H. Wehrle weh...@isc.upenn.edu wrote: Good afternoon all, We are faced with some challenges in upgrading our access points in our residence halls this summer. Our existing installation has access points wall mounted and we terminate Cat5E cable on a Cat5E type biscuit jack on the wall near where the access point is mounted. From there we place a short cable from the jack to the access point. In current state, this makes for easier troubleshooting to decipher cable versus AP problems, however it's understood that there could be other problems associated with multiple termination points etc. In our current project, we are looking install access points with internal antennas and we are looking to move these to ceiling mounts in most/all of these rooms where we can. We made this choice because we've found that some students will vary the positions of antennas, which have impacted RF coverage and we have added more access points in some areas to compensate (we cannot easily get into student rooms to inspect access points). The question I was asked before we move these jacks is whether we should save costs and time by just making a field termination of the Cat5E cable with an RJ45 connector crimped right on the cable then plug this cable directly into the access point and avoid the biscuit jack and short station cable. I'm wondering if anyone is doing this, was doing this and stopped, plans to do this etc? Does this present any problems like bad mechanical connection problems etc? Thanks for your feedback. --Mark Wehrle Phone: (215) 898-9664 Technical Director, ISC Network Telecom Operations Fax: (215) 898-9348 University of Pennsylvania 3401 Walnut Suite 221a Email:weh...@isc.upenn.edu mailto:weh...@isc.upenn.edu Phila. PA 19104-6228 ** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/. ** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/.
RE: [WIRELESS-LAN] Copper Cable Field Terminations for Access Points
Hey Mark, If you are going to terminate the cable directly just make sure you have a service loop were possible just in case you need to tweak the location of the ap after install and final surveys. Joey Rego Network Security Administrator Information Technology 3601 North Military Trail Boca Raton, FL 33431 T: 561-237-7982 jr...@lynn.edumailto:jr...@lynn.edu 1-800-888-5986 | www.lynn.eduhttp://www.lynn.edu/ [cid:image002.jpg@01CF442D.90504330] From: The EDUCAUSE Wireless Issues Constituent Group Listserv [mailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU] On Behalf Of Philippe Hanset Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 2:14 PM To: WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU Subject: Re: [WIRELESS-LAN] Copper Cable Field Terminations for Access Points I remember arguing with cabling crews about that exact issue: ME: I want to have the RJ-45 connector crimped on the cable for two reasons: -It saves money (on one jack and one patch cable, that’s about $10 per AP) -It prevents patch cable theft (not huge but very annoying especially in Residence Halls) CABLING CREW: we want to terminate on a jack because: -It is a pain to terminate a RJ-45 connector on the cable (unless new connector designs exist) and the money saved in equipment is wasted in labor -We cannot properly label the circuit on a cable but we can do it on a jack In the end, they won the argument. Some may argue that terminating on a Jack also gives the option to add a longer patch cable if needed, but we always left a service loop anyway! Philippe Hanset www.eduroam.ushttp://www.eduroam.us On May 14, 2015, at 1:05 PM, Mark H. Wehrle weh...@isc.upenn.edumailto:weh...@isc.upenn.edu wrote: Good afternoon all, We are faced with some challenges in upgrading our access points in our residence halls this summer. Our existing installation has access points wall mounted and we terminate Cat5E cable on a Cat5E type biscuit jack on the wall near where the access point is mounted. From there we place a short cable from the jack to the access point. In current state, this makes for easier troubleshooting to decipher cable versus AP problems, however it's understood that there could be other problems associated with multiple termination points etc. In our current project, we are looking install access points with internal antennas and we are looking to move these to ceiling mounts in most/all of these rooms where we can. We made this choice because we've found that some students will vary the positions of antennas, which have impacted RF coverage and we have added more access points in some areas to compensate (we cannot easily get into student rooms to inspect access points). The question I was asked before we move these jacks is whether we should save costs and time by just making a field termination of the Cat5E cable with an RJ45 connector crimped right on the cable then plug this cable directly into the access point and avoid the biscuit jack and short station cable. I'm wondering if anyone is doing this, was doing this and stopped, plans to do this etc? Does this present any problems like bad mechanical connection problems etc? Thanks for your feedback. --Mark Wehrle Phone: (215) 898-9664 Technical Director, ISC Network Telecom Operations Fax: (215) 898-9348 University of Pennsylvania 3401 Walnut Suite 221a Email:weh...@isc.upenn.edumailto:weh...@isc.upenn.edu Phila. PA 19104-6228 ** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/. ** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/. This email is intended for the designated recipient only, and may be confidential, non-public, proprietary, protected by the attorney/client or other privilege. Unauthorized reading, distribution, copying or other use of this communication is prohibited and may be unlawful. Receipt by anyone other than the intended recipients should not be deemed a waiver of any privilege or protection. If you are not the intended recipient or if you believe that you have received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete all copies from your computer system without reading, saving, or using it in any manner. Although it has been checked for viruses and other malicious software, malware, we do not warrant, represent or guarantee in any way that this communication is free of malware or potentially damaging defects. All liability for any actual or alleged loss, damage, or injury arising out of or resulting in any way from the receipt, opening or use of this email is expressly disclaimed.
RE: [WIRELESS-LAN] Copper Cable Field Terminations for Access Points
We had the contractors use field installable, certified, CAT6 RJ45 ends on our AP circuits; throughout our new residence hall last year (46 of them). Has worked out great. And recent changes in the cable certification criteria now allow for such terminations in the testing. It would be a good argument as to which system is less/more labor intensive, never mind the cost issue. A practiced technician, in either scenario, would make a for good race. I’ll go with the direct connect termination, in the field, any time. Phil From: The EDUCAUSE Wireless Issues Constituent Group Listserv [mailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU] On Behalf Of Philippe Hanset Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 2:14 PM To: WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU Subject: Re: [WIRELESS-LAN] Copper Cable Field Terminations for Access Points I remember arguing with cabling crews about that exact issue: ME: I want to have the RJ-45 connector crimped on the cable for two reasons: -It saves money (on one jack and one patch cable, that’s about $10 per AP) -It prevents patch cable theft (not huge but very annoying especially in Residence Halls) CABLING CREW: we want to terminate on a jack because: -It is a pain to terminate a RJ-45 connector on the cable (unless new connector designs exist) and the money saved in equipment is wasted in labor -We cannot properly label the circuit on a cable but we can do it on a jack In the end, they won the argument. Some may argue that terminating on a Jack also gives the option to add a longer patch cable if needed, but we always left a service loop anyway! Philippe Hanset www.eduroam.ushttp://www.eduroam.us On May 14, 2015, at 1:05 PM, Mark H. Wehrle weh...@isc.upenn.edumailto:weh...@isc.upenn.edu wrote: Good afternoon all, We are faced with some challenges in upgrading our access points in our residence halls this summer. Our existing installation has access points wall mounted and we terminate Cat5E cable on a Cat5E type biscuit jack on the wall near where the access point is mounted. From there we place a short cable from the jack to the access point. In current state, this makes for easier troubleshooting to decipher cable versus AP problems, however it's understood that there could be other problems associated with multiple termination points etc. In our current project, we are looking install access points with internal antennas and we are looking to move these to ceiling mounts in most/all of these rooms where we can. We made this choice because we've found that some students will vary the positions of antennas, which have impacted RF coverage and we have added more access points in some areas to compensate (we cannot easily get into student rooms to inspect access points). The question I was asked before we move these jacks is whether we should save costs and time by just making a field termination of the Cat5E cable with an RJ45 connector crimped right on the cable then plug this cable directly into the access point and avoid the biscuit jack and short station cable. I'm wondering if anyone is doing this, was doing this and stopped, plans to do this etc? Does this present any problems like bad mechanical connection problems etc? Thanks for your feedback. --Mark Wehrle Phone: (215) 898-9664 Technical Director, ISC Network Telecom Operations Fax: (215) 898-9348 University of Pennsylvania 3401 Walnut Suite 221a Email:weh...@isc.upenn.edumailto:weh...@isc.upenn.edu Phila. PA 19104-6228 ** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/. ** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/.
RE: [WIRELESS-LAN] Copper Cable Field Terminations for Access Points
We actually terminate in a flush dual backbox and fish cable between it and the back of the AP / CCTV camera, and have the blank faceplate next to it. Allows us to access all of it from below the ceiling and test up to our demarc between our network and $contractors maintained camera . Sent from my phone, please excuse brevity and/or misspelling. From: Howard, Christophermailto:christopher-how...@utc.edu Sent: 14/05/2015 18:45 To: WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDUmailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU Subject: Re: [WIRELESS-LAN] Copper Cable Field Terminations for Access Points +1 also. We used to have RJ-45s terminated directly on the cable, but we have since stopped that and now terminate jacks and use a 1-2ft patch cable. We have not experienced any issues with this. Christopher Howard Senior Network Engineer University of Tennessee at Chattanooga From: Ian McDonald i...@st-andrews.ac.ukmailto:i...@st-andrews.ac.uk Reply-To: The EDUCAUSE Wireless Issues Constituent Group Listserv WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDUmailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU Date: Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 1:25 PM To: WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDUmailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDUmailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU Subject: Re: [WIRELESS-LAN] Copper Cable Field Terminations for Access Points +1 Sent from my phone, please excuse brevity and/or misspelling. From: Oliver, Jeffmailto:jeff.oli...@uleth.ca Sent: ?14/?05/?2015 18:22 To: WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDUmailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU Subject: Re: [WIRELESS-LAN] Copper Cable Field Terminations for Access Points Even in ceiling space (drop ceiling or not) it is always best to terminate on a jack and then use a short patch cable. Cheers, Jeff From: The EDUCAUSE Wireless Issues Constituent Group Listserv [mailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU] On Behalf Of Mark H. Wehrle Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 11:06 AM To: WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDUmailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU Subject: [WIRELESS-LAN] Copper Cable Field Terminations for Access Points Good afternoon all, We are faced with some challenges in upgrading our access points in our residence halls this summer. Our existing installation has access points wall mounted and we terminate Cat5E cable on a Cat5E type biscuit jack on the wall near where the access point is mounted. From there we place a short cable from the jack to the access point. In current state, this makes for easier troubleshooting to decipher cable versus AP problems, however it's understood that there could be other problems associated with multiple termination points etc. In our current project, we are looking install access points with internal antennas and we are looking to move these to ceiling mounts in most/all of these rooms where we can. We made this choice because we've found that some students will vary the positions of antennas, which have impacted RF coverage and we have added more access points in some areas to compensate (we cannot easily get into student rooms to inspect access points). The question I was asked before we move these jacks is whether we should save costs and time by just making a field termination of the Cat5E cable with an RJ45 connector crimped right on the cable then plug this cable directly into the access point and avoid the biscuit jack and short station cable. I'm wondering if anyone is doing this, was doing this and stopped, plans to do this etc? Does this present any problems like bad mechanical connection problems etc? Thanks for your feedback. --Mark Wehrle Phone: (215) 898-9664 Technical Director, ISC Network Telecom Operations Fax: (215) 898-9348 University of Pennsylvania 3401 Walnut Suite 221a Email:weh...@isc.upenn.edumailto:weh...@isc.upenn.edu Phila. PA 19104-6228 ** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/. ** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/. ** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/. ** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/. ** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/.
Re: [WIRELESS-LAN] Copper Cable Field Terminations for Access Points
+1 also. We used to have RJ-45s terminated directly on the cable, but we have since stopped that and now terminate jacks and use a 1-2ft patch cable. We have not experienced any issues with this. Christopher Howard Senior Network Engineer University of Tennessee at Chattanooga From: Ian McDonald i...@st-andrews.ac.ukmailto:i...@st-andrews.ac.uk Reply-To: The EDUCAUSE Wireless Issues Constituent Group Listserv WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDUmailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU Date: Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 1:25 PM To: WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDUmailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDUmailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU Subject: Re: [WIRELESS-LAN] Copper Cable Field Terminations for Access Points +1 Sent from my phone, please excuse brevity and/or misspelling. From: Oliver, Jeffmailto:jeff.oli...@uleth.ca Sent: ?14/?05/?2015 18:22 To: WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDUmailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU Subject: Re: [WIRELESS-LAN] Copper Cable Field Terminations for Access Points Even in ceiling space (drop ceiling or not) it is always best to terminate on a jack and then use a short patch cable. Cheers, Jeff From: The EDUCAUSE Wireless Issues Constituent Group Listserv [mailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU] On Behalf Of Mark H. Wehrle Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 11:06 AM To: WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDUmailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU Subject: [WIRELESS-LAN] Copper Cable Field Terminations for Access Points Good afternoon all, We are faced with some challenges in upgrading our access points in our residence halls this summer. Our existing installation has access points wall mounted and we terminate Cat5E cable on a Cat5E type biscuit jack on the wall near where the access point is mounted. From there we place a short cable from the jack to the access point. In current state, this makes for easier troubleshooting to decipher cable versus AP problems, however it's understood that there could be other problems associated with multiple termination points etc. In our current project, we are looking install access points with internal antennas and we are looking to move these to ceiling mounts in most/all of these rooms where we can. We made this choice because we've found that some students will vary the positions of antennas, which have impacted RF coverage and we have added more access points in some areas to compensate (we cannot easily get into student rooms to inspect access points). The question I was asked before we move these jacks is whether we should save costs and time by just making a field termination of the Cat5E cable with an RJ45 connector crimped right on the cable then plug this cable directly into the access point and avoid the biscuit jack and short station cable. I'm wondering if anyone is doing this, was doing this and stopped, plans to do this etc? Does this present any problems like bad mechanical connection problems etc? Thanks for your feedback. --Mark Wehrle Phone: (215) 898-9664 Technical Director, ISC Network Telecom Operations Fax: (215) 898-9348 University of Pennsylvania 3401 Walnut Suite 221a Email:weh...@isc.upenn.edumailto:weh...@isc.upenn.edu Phila. PA 19104-6228 ** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/. ** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/. ** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/. ** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/.
RE: [WIRELESS-LAN] Copper Cable Field Terminations for Access Points
Traditionally, plug terminations on solid conductor cables have been considered unreliable, but recently there have been some new products introduced to address that problem. While I can't speak to longevity, one design that caught my attentions was OCC http://www.google.com/url?sa=trct=jq=esrc=ssource=webcd=1ved=0CB4QF jAAurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.occfiber.com%2Fmain%2Fdownload.php%3Fd%3D232ei=u dlUVcLtGKGSsQThjoHACwusg=AFQjCNE6lbaeho8I_31bKjk52zkyQjhRvAsig2=elTAAn1h MUOt-XwNkPyyWQbvm=bv.93112503,d.cWccad=rja 's. It's a little larger than the traditional plug, which could be an issue in tight spaces, but it looks promising. From: The EDUCAUSE Wireless Issues Constituent Group Listserv [mailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU] On Behalf Of Mark H. Wehrle Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 1:06 PM To: WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU Subject: [WIRELESS-LAN] Copper Cable Field Terminations for Access Points Good afternoon all, We are faced with some challenges in upgrading our access points in our residence halls this summer. Our existing installation has access points wall mounted and we terminate Cat5E cable on a Cat5E type biscuit jack on the wall near where the access point is mounted. From there we place a short cable from the jack to the access point. In current state, this makes for easier troubleshooting to decipher cable versus AP problems, however it's understood that there could be other problems associated with multiple termination points etc. In our current project, we are looking install access points with internal antennas and we are looking to move these to ceiling mounts in most/all of these rooms where we can. We made this choice because we've found that some students will vary the positions of antennas, which have impacted RF coverage and we have added more access points in some areas to compensate (we cannot easily get into student rooms to inspect access points). The question I was asked before we move these jacks is whether we should save costs and time by just making a field termination of the Cat5E cable with an RJ45 connector crimped right on the cable then plug this cable directly into the access point and avoid the biscuit jack and short station cable. I'm wondering if anyone is doing this, was doing this and stopped, plans to do this etc? Does this present any problems like bad mechanical connection problems etc? Thanks for your feedback. --Mark Wehrle Phone: (215) 898-9664 Technical Director, ISC Network Telecom Operations Fax: (215) 898-9348 University of Pennsylvania 3401 Walnut Suite 221a Email: mailto:weh...@isc.upenn.edu weh...@isc.upenn.edu Phila. PA 19104-6228 ** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/. ** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/.
RE: [WIRELESS-LAN] Copper Cable Field Terminations for Access Points
Same thing here. We have always terminated the cable directly, with a service loop, and never had any problems. -Hector Rios Louisiana State University From: The EDUCAUSE Wireless Issues Constituent Group Listserv [mailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU] On Behalf Of Joey Rego Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 1:25 PM To: WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU Subject: Re: [WIRELESS-LAN] Copper Cable Field Terminations for Access Points Hey Mark, If you are going to terminate the cable directly just make sure you have a service loop were possible just in case you need to tweak the location of the ap after install and final surveys. Joey Rego Network Security Administrator Information Technology 3601 North Military Trail Boca Raton, FL 33431 T: 561-237-7982 jr...@lynn.edumailto:jr...@lynn.edu 1-800-888-5986 | www.lynn.eduhttp://www.lynn.edu/ [cid:image002.jpg@01CF442D.90504330] From: The EDUCAUSE Wireless Issues Constituent Group Listserv [mailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU] On Behalf Of Philippe Hanset Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 2:14 PM To: WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDUmailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU Subject: Re: [WIRELESS-LAN] Copper Cable Field Terminations for Access Points I remember arguing with cabling crews about that exact issue: ME: I want to have the RJ-45 connector crimped on the cable for two reasons: -It saves money (on one jack and one patch cable, that’s about $10 per AP) -It prevents patch cable theft (not huge but very annoying especially in Residence Halls) CABLING CREW: we want to terminate on a jack because: -It is a pain to terminate a RJ-45 connector on the cable (unless new connector designs exist) and the money saved in equipment is wasted in labor -We cannot properly label the circuit on a cable but we can do it on a jack In the end, they won the argument. Some may argue that terminating on a Jack also gives the option to add a longer patch cable if needed, but we always left a service loop anyway! Philippe Hanset www.eduroam.ushttp://www.eduroam.us On May 14, 2015, at 1:05 PM, Mark H. Wehrle weh...@isc.upenn.edumailto:weh...@isc.upenn.edu wrote: Good afternoon all, We are faced with some challenges in upgrading our access points in our residence halls this summer. Our existing installation has access points wall mounted and we terminate Cat5E cable on a Cat5E type biscuit jack on the wall near where the access point is mounted. From there we place a short cable from the jack to the access point. In current state, this makes for easier troubleshooting to decipher cable versus AP problems, however it's understood that there could be other problems associated with multiple termination points etc. In our current project, we are looking install access points with internal antennas and we are looking to move these to ceiling mounts in most/all of these rooms where we can. We made this choice because we've found that some students will vary the positions of antennas, which have impacted RF coverage and we have added more access points in some areas to compensate (we cannot easily get into student rooms to inspect access points). The question I was asked before we move these jacks is whether we should save costs and time by just making a field termination of the Cat5E cable with an RJ45 connector crimped right on the cable then plug this cable directly into the access point and avoid the biscuit jack and short station cable. I'm wondering if anyone is doing this, was doing this and stopped, plans to do this etc? Does this present any problems like bad mechanical connection problems etc? Thanks for your feedback. --Mark Wehrle Phone: (215) 898-9664 Technical Director, ISC Network Telecom Operations Fax: (215) 898-9348 University of Pennsylvania 3401 Walnut Suite 221a Email:weh...@isc.upenn.edumailto:weh...@isc.upenn.edu Phila. PA 19104-6228 ** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/. ** Participation and subscription information for this EDUCAUSE Constituent Group discussion list can be found at http://www.educause.edu/groups/. This email is intended for the designated recipient only, and may be confidential, non-public, proprietary, protected by the attorney/client or other privilege. Unauthorized reading, distribution, copying or other use of this communication is prohibited and may be unlawful. Receipt by anyone other than the intended recipients should not be deemed a waiver of any privilege or protection. If you are not the intended recipient or if you believe that you have received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete all copies from your computer system without reading, saving, or using it in any manner. Although it has been checked for viruses and other malicious
Re: [WIRELESS-LAN] Copper Cable Field Terminations for Access Points
Thanks everyone for your feedback. It was very helpful. We are planning to leave a service loop regardless of what we do, and are still discussing either approach. There is an article that was forwarded to me from one of my staff members. http://www.cablinginstall.com/articles/2012/05/direct-attach-cabling-method-explained-demonstrated.html http://www.graybar.com/applications/facility-maintenance/direct-attach Thanks again. --Mark W From: Hector J Rios hr...@lsu.edumailto:hr...@lsu.edu Reply-To: The EDUCAUSE Wireless Issues Constituent Group Listserv WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDUmailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU Date: Thursday, May 14, 2015 4:33 PM To: WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDUmailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDUmailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU Subject: Re: [WIRELESS-LAN] Copper Cable Field Terminations for Access Points Same thing here. We have always terminated the cable directly, with a service loop, and never had any problems. -Hector Rios Louisiana State University From: The EDUCAUSE Wireless Issues Constituent Group Listserv [mailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU] On Behalf Of Joey Rego Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 1:25 PM To: WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDUmailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU Subject: Re: [WIRELESS-LAN] Copper Cable Field Terminations for Access Points Hey Mark, If you are going to terminate the cable directly just make sure you have a service loop were possible just in case you need to tweak the location of the ap after install and final surveys. Joey Rego Network Security Administrator Information Technology 3601 North Military Trail Boca Raton, FL 33431 T: 561-237-7982 jr...@lynn.edumailto:jr...@lynn.edu 1-800-888-5986 | www.lynn.eduhttp://www.lynn.edu/ [cid:image002.jpg@01CF442D.90504330] From: The EDUCAUSE Wireless Issues Constituent Group Listserv [mailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU] On Behalf Of Philippe Hanset Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 2:14 PM To: WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDUmailto:WIRELESS-LAN@LISTSERV.EDUCAUSE.EDU Subject: Re: [WIRELESS-LAN] Copper Cable Field Terminations for Access Points I remember arguing with cabling crews about that exact issue: ME: I want to have the RJ-45 connector crimped on the cable for two reasons: -It saves money (on one jack and one patch cable, that’s about $10 per AP) -It prevents patch cable theft (not huge but very annoying especially in Residence Halls) CABLING CREW: we want to terminate on a jack because: -It is a pain to terminate a RJ-45 connector on the cable (unless new connector designs exist) and the money saved in equipment is wasted in labor -We cannot properly label the circuit on a cable but we can do it on a jack In the end, they won the argument. Some may argue that terminating on a Jack also gives the option to add a longer patch cable if needed, but we always left a service loop anyway! Philippe Hanset www.eduroam.ushttp://www.eduroam.us On May 14, 2015, at 1:05 PM, Mark H. Wehrle weh...@isc.upenn.edumailto:weh...@isc.upenn.edu wrote: Good afternoon all, We are faced with some challenges in upgrading our access points in our residence halls this summer. Our existing installation has access points wall mounted and we terminate Cat5E cable on a Cat5E type biscuit jack on the wall near where the access point is mounted. From there we place a short cable from the jack to the access point. In current state, this makes for easier troubleshooting to decipher cable versus AP problems, however it's understood that there could be other problems associated with multiple termination points etc. In our current project, we are looking install access points with internal antennas and we are looking to move these to ceiling mounts in most/all of these rooms where we can. We made this choice because we've found that some students will vary the positions of antennas, which have impacted RF coverage and we have added more access points in some areas to compensate (we cannot easily get into student rooms to inspect access points). The question I was asked before we move these jacks is whether we should save costs and time by just making a field termination of the Cat5E cable with an RJ45 connector crimped right on the cable then plug this cable directly into the access point and avoid the biscuit jack and short station cable. I'm wondering if anyone is doing this, was doing this and stopped, plans to do this etc? Does this present any problems like bad mechanical connection problems etc? Thanks for your feedback. --Mark Wehrle Phone: (215) 898-9664 Technical Director, ISC Network Telecom Operations Fax: (215) 898-9348 University of Pennsylvania 3401 Walnut Suite 221a Email:weh...@isc.upenn.edumailto:weh...@isc.upenn.edu Phila. PA 19104-6228 ** Participation and subscription information
