You’ve heard of the Bro Code and seen all the different Bro Tips, right? Well, OCC is abiding by the Pro Code and we’d like to start sharing some of our Protips™ that everyone in the structured cabling business should know about! Learn more about all of our Protips on our Facebook page.
This week’s blog comes from Jamey Calloway, Product Management Specialist
The growth of wireless access points and other IP-enable devices, such as surveillance cameras and building automation devices has created a need to change the way typical horizontal links and channels are configured for these applications. Devices such as wireless access points mounted in non-traditional locations (in the ceiling or high up on the wall) are not attached to the network using standard faceplate/jack and patch cord. The traditional method is being replaced with direct attachment where the horizontal cable is terminated with a field installable plug and then plugged directly into the equipment (See Figure 1).
Another market driving the direct attach method is IP surveillance and building automation systems. Total building automation and controls system is expected to be a $50 billion market by 2018. Cameras and other security devices are also connecting to the network without the standard faceplate/jack connection point. The security market is experiencing significant growth as more security devices are migrating from analog to digital (Ethernet based). These security devices are even being added to the network via the direct attach method in existing commercial space where the computer network is not growing.
Currently, installers in the field are utilizing modular plugs that are intended for patch cord construction to terminate Cat5e and Cat6 cabling. This practice is difficult, time consuming, yields unpredictable performance results and is not recommended by the TIA-568 standards. Also, these plugs do not accommodate the larger conductors utilized in Cat6A cabling. The increasing data rates of wireless access points and other devices now require a Cat6A cabling link to support 10G Ethernet. The latest IEEE 802.11ac wireless standard under development supports a theoretical data throughput of 6.9Gbps.
Clearly, the best method is to utilize Field Terminable Plugs designed specifically for field installation and to support Cat5e, 6, and 6A cabling infrastructure. These plugs feature a robust design for field installation, require no specialized tooling and the termination procedures are very similar to many tool-less modular jacks in the market. Due to growing demand and emergence of field installable plugs, industry standards such as TIA-862-A, Building Automation Systems Cabling Standard and BICSI-005D, Electronic Safety and Security (ESS) System Design now recognize the direct attach method of termination.
As the global PC market continues to decline (3.5% global market decline in 2012) and wireless-only devices, such as tablets (expected to grow 70% in 2013) and smart phones continue to grow, the demand for direct attached connectivity will also expand in order to support the wireless infrastructure for these devices. It is undeniable that the future enterprise networks will be a combination of wired and wireless connectivity. It is imperative that industry standards and practices keep pace with a changing market.
To keep pace, OCC plans to release a Field Terminable Plug this coming fall 2013. While these products are still in development, it is important to recognize the growing demand for field terminable hardware and the applications where our pending product line will fit.
You’ve heard of the Bro Code and seen all the different Bro Tips, right? Well, OCC is abiding by the Pro Code and we’d like to start sharing some of our Protips™ that everyone in the structured cabling business should know about! Learn more about all of our Protips on our Facebook page.
Energy predictions at the turn of the century were dire. The world was looking at a future of limited fossil fuels and an economy where gas would be $10.00 a gallon or higher in the United States. By now, cars and trucks were supposed to be running on fuel made from plant material, restaurant waste or hydrogen batteries that never need recharging. Electricity was supposed to be generated from solar panels, or wind generated turbines or neighborhood hydrogen power packs. Fossil fuels were to be extinct, a thing of the past. However, oil and gas companies have used technology to find oil and natural gas reserves so large that worries about running out have all but disappeared. The result of this technology is an abundance of fossil fuels yet to be tapped. Reports estimate that the United States is on track to become one of the world’s largest producer of oil and gas in a few years. Yet, these reserves aren’t limited to Texas, North Dakota and the deep waters (30,000 to 35,000 feet) of the Gulf of Mexico. Overseas, enormous reserves have been found in the deep waters of the North Sea, East and West Africa, Australia, South America and the Mediterranean.
While most view oil and gas rigs as big dumb chunks of steel with “fly by the seat of their pants” rough necks and roustabouts running everything, the amount of computing and data acquisition power aboard as well as the education level of the staff can be shocking. New geological imaging technologies let drillers find oil and gas trapped miles underground and thousands of feet undersea. Land Based oil rigs “walk” from one drill site to the next. And engineers located in Houston, Texas use remote-controlled equipment to drill for oil and gas in locations around the world.
The result of these new technologies has increased the demand for high speed data and increased bandwidth in automation, control and safety systems within the oil and gas markets. During OTC 2013 in Houston, Texas, a technical session was dedicated to the use and demands of fiber optic cable to support these new oil and gas technologies. During this session, white papers were submitted and supported by personnel from Shell, Chevron, Exxon/Mobil, BP, Schlumberger, Baker Hughes, Halliburton and others. The applications for fiber optic cable and harsh environment connectivity were widespread and diverse including:
The data demands of the oil and gas industry will continue to grow due to the increasing requirements to drill deeper wells in deeper water and longer horizontal drill runs while protecting personnel, the environment and equipment. OCC has products specifically designed for many of these types of 
demanding applications including:
The oil and gas industry has seen explosive growth in the technology they implore to find, drill, extract, and process these fossil fuels; which makes for a multitude of opportunities for OCC products. If you have questions about specific applications or products to meet the oil and gas industry, please contact us today for assistance!
You’ve heard of the Bro Code and seen all the different Bro Tips, right? Well, OCC is abiding by the Pro Code and we’d like to start sharing some of our Protips™ that everyone in the structured cabling business should know about!
OCC’s line of tactical fiber optic cables for deployable applications has always provided the most rugged and flexible method to deploy fiber over harsh terrain where a typical fixed cable installation is not possible. The polyurethane jacket on our deployable cables provides resistance to crush, impact, tear, and abrasion, and the cables provide excellent tensile strength. And because of their superior flexibility, deployable cables lie flat on the ground, retaining less reel memory when being deployed. Deployable composite copper/fiber cables provide an added level of versatility because they allow the user to supply low voltage power to devices that are connected by fiber.
OCC supplies composite deployable cables in standard configurations with up to 4 copper conductors, 18 to 12 gauge, which makes them ideal to pair with harsh environment connectivity solutions that offer copper and fiber connection. MHC-II connectors offer up to 8 copper and fiber connections while F-Link connectors can allow up to 33 copper and fiber connections. Customers in various markets are currently purchasing deployable composite cables and assemblies and using them in a number of applications. Some of these applications include:
OCC is ready to assist you in identifying the right deployable composite solution for your specific applications. Please contact your Sales Rep for assistance any time.
You’ve heard of the Bro Code and seen all the different Bro Tips, right? Well, OCC is abiding by the Pro Code and we’d like to start sharing some of our Protips™ that everyone in the structured cabling business should know about!
This week’s blog comes from OCC Regional Technical Manager, John Awad
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OCC products fit into a wide array of applications and industries. Our Limited Axcess solution is particularly geared toward the healthcare industry and needed segmentation in hospital room installation. This solution is appropriate any time you need to control who is accessing an open RJ-45 outlet, but still want certain appropriate persons or equipment to have immediate access. Keyed and color coded equipment cables are assigned for use to specific persons or departments, allowing access to the appropriate designated persons.
When it comes to hospitals and other healthcare facilities, wall outlets and equipment rooms now may contain a variety of different services being accessed through copper data patch panels mounted in racks and cabinets. Multiple structured cabling systems in a hospital or clinic might contain a Cat6 data network, Cat5e voice network, Cat6 television network, POE security camera system, access control systems, core network cross connect patch panel fields, and a separate 10G Cat6A data network for high speed and high bandwidth service. In addition, these specialized facilities such as hospitals and laboratories can contain electronic chart systems, patient monitor systems, electronic bed systems and bed alarms, overhead paging and background music, and specialized audio/ video systems. Different technicians or service providers are often assigned to each system, and they all historically have the same RJ-45 footprint.
For these applications, choose our Limited Axcess jacks at the wall outlet and in port panels in the equipment room. This keyed and color coded system limits access to particular outlets to only using the correct keyed and color coded patch cord and blocks out access by standard RJ-45 patch cords. This way, you are able to assign different colors and keys to individuals or systems in the cross connect area, equipment room, wall outlets or patient rooms without fear that they will access infrastructure or systems that they are not authorized for. The security keyed and color-coded end-to-end solutions put an extra level of security and separation into each service in the facility. This system is Cat6A rated and backwards compatible so you can use this for Cat6A, Cat6 or Cat5E needs.
OCC has many products and solutions to offer the healthcare industry. Be sure to ask your sales rep or local distributor about some of the products mentioned above when discussing your healthcare application needs!
Bill Smith, OCC’s Business Development Specialist, serves as a member of Society of Broadcast Engineers and has over 20 years of experience in Technical Sales in the Communication Industry.
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OCC’s reputation for providing products in harsh environments fits perfectly into the broadcast industry where down time is not acceptable. We have, and continue to provide, the broadcast market with fiber optic cables that are field-tested to withstand the most extreme handling. Our accessories for the broadcast market are no exception. OCC’s MARS reels are a significant improvement over the standard steel reels that traditionally have been used for many years in the industry. These steel reels are not only cumbersome in weight and size, but after only a few deployments, they tend to rust or even bend. As a result, companies are forced to discard these reels and purchase new ones which can be very costly to large companies or even sole proprietors.
What makes OCC’s reels different from the rest? The MARS Reels are a lightweight, modular system constructed of an impact modified polymer that is easily transported and is ideal for applications where cable needs to be deployed and reeled in quickly and stored efficiently. Companies that invest in our reels can maximize the use of these reels for many years without having to replace them due to environmental complications.
Due to the size and scope of events in the broadcast industry, cabling needs to be accessible to cameras and audio equipment in a fast and efficient manner. MARS reels have the flexibility to be fitted with fiber optic cable, power conductors, and copper communication cables. The MARS Reels are also offered in five sizes that can accommodate most applications.
Here are just a few of the applications where the MARS Reels are being used in the industry:
OCC is always looking for ways to better improve this product as new designs for different applications are requested. You can expect to see more of these improvements in the future as we continue to tailor our products to the industry’s needs. Be sure to look for us at NAB in April to learn more about our products and solutions!
OCC is very excited to have launched some new features and tools on the OCC website last week that we hope you will find to be helpful when perusing our website! Today we’re giving you a brief overview of some of the key tools and features you can expect to find on our updated website:
Industry Illustrations – To further promote OCC’s integrated product solutions, one of the new features on the OCC website is the addition of industry illustrations. These illustrations show industry specific diagrams that help identify where OCC products fit into that particular application. The diagrams open in a new window and OCC products are represented by red dots that appear in the diagram. When you click on these dots, a window appears detailing what the product is as well as gives a link to the product page on the OCC website. Initially we will be featuring the Oil and Gas Pipeline illustration. However, other industry specific illustrations will be added soon.
Video Integration – OCC has been busy over the last two years building a video library that we hope all of you have had a chance to view! This video library is housed on the OCC YouTube channel, but as part of our website updates, we have made our product videos available directly from our website under the Library tab of the main menu. In addition, we have integrated the videos into our product pages to give users a more virtual experience when looking at our products. OCC has also been creating more support videos that include termination instructions and installation best practices. All of these videos can now be found under the “Support” tab of the website. Although most of our videos are now available on the OCC website, please be aware that not all videos are available on the website. Please be sure to continue visiting and subscribing to the OCC YouTube channel for the most up to date listing of our video library.
Division 27 Spec Builder – Another exciting tool we are pleased to introduce is our Division 27 Specification Builder. This tool is available under the “Support” tab and is only assessable by Registered Users. So now is a good time to become one if you aren’t already! As part of a Master Spec for a project build, Division 27 (formerly Div 16 or 17) encompasses the communications section. This Builder allows users to create a complete Division 27 Spec that specifies OCC products. Unique features of the Division 27 Spec Builder allow users the ability to print, save, or return to started documents at a later date. This tool saves Architects, Engineers and Consultants (ACEs) time and money by completing and writing the Specification document for them.
Part Number Configurator- Finally, one of the major changes being implemented with the website updates is the addition of the part number configurator. This new tools gives you the capability to build your desired cable online and then download the spec sheet for that particular cable once complete. Registered Users will also have the option to contact their ISR/OSR directly if they require further information. The part number configurator is currently available for 90% of the cables featured in the OCC catalog and you will have the ability to save, print, or attach the generated spec sheets to emails.
With the addition of so many new tools on the website, we hope all of you who aren’t already Registered Users will become one so that you can fully take advantage of all the features on the OCC website. As with any new updates, we are aware that there have been some glitches on the website and are working to get all of these problems resolved as quickly as we can to better serve you! Be sure to comment below and let us know what you think!
