System Performance
August 2000
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Attenuation
PSNEXT
PSACR
PSELFEXT
Return Loss
Propagation Delay
Delay Skew
Bandwidth
Attenuation
All transmission networks, whether LAN or Wan, copper or fiber, are subject to
attenuation. That is, the transmitted signal strength decreases as it traverses the
transmission media. The amount of loss is referred to as attenuation, and is
typically a function of the physical properties of the transmission media and the
distance traveled, i.e., the longer the cable length, the more the signal is
attenuated. In WAN environments, active components such as amplifiers and
repeaters are used to overcome this effect. In LAN environments, without
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Delay Skew
Delay skew is the difference between the propagation delay between any two
pairs within the same cable sheath. Expressed in nanoseconds (ns=10-9 second),
lower values are better.
Bandwidth
Available bandwidth is the capacity of available frequencies of a
telecommunications channel. The greater the bandwidth, the greater is the
information carrying capacity of the channel in a given period of time. Frequency,
and therefore bandwidth, is measured in cycles per second (Hertz), higher values
are better.
Putting It All Together
Now that we have a basic understanding of the parameters that define the
performance of next generation structured cabling systems including TIAs
proposed Category 6 standard, lets consider how to rank these parameters in
order of importance.
Consider that the performance of cabling systems is, in simplest terms, a battle
of good and evil. Good is represented by signal strength across the channel and
evil is represented by the various noise sources that attack the signal along its
route. With this analogy it is easy to understand that few would argue that
Attenuation is the single most important parameter affecting cabling system
performance. Next is Bandwidth, as Bandwidth defines the information carrying
capacity of the channel. Return Loss, PSACR, PSNEXT, PSELFEXT, Delay
Skew and Propagation delay all are important, but follow Attenuation and
Bandwidth in terms of relative importance to the overall performance of the
channel. When considering your next generation structured cabling system, be
sure to obtain each manufacturers published performance data for each of these
key system parameters, ranked in the order of importance shown below. For
comparative reference, the table on the following page provides a comparison of
the current Category 6 proposed values for each parameter as well as
NORDX/CDTs guaranteed performance values for certified IBDN System
4800LX structured cabling systems.
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Category 6 Standard
(Draft)
31.7 dB
200 MHz
9.0 dB
0.2 dB
31.9 dB
14.2 dB
50 ns
555 ns
27.0 dB
300 MHz
10.0 dB
10.0 dB
37.0 dB
19.0 dB
25 ns
490 ns
To learn more about structured cabling concepts and our IBDN System 4800LX;
the only cabling system certified to perform Beyond Category 6, please visit
us on the web at www.nordx.com, or contact the NORDX/CDT sales office in
your area.
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