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[post_content] => Since its inception, USB has evolved rapidly, delivering faster speeds and more capabilities with each new version. This progress, however, has created confusion for AV professionals. The version numbers and marketing names have become inconsistent, leading to a situation where not all USB cables and ports behave the same.
For systems integrators, this creates a ‘capability soup’ that makes selecting the right hardware and cables unnecessarily complex and fraught. Consequently, it can result in unreliable installations, unexpected performance limitations and troubleshooting delays.
A new article from our partners at Kordz helps integrators cut through that confusion by explaining how USB versions, Thunderbolt, DisplayPort Alt Mode and tunnelling really work. With a clear understanding of these technologies, you can select the right cables and hardware for reliable, high-performance AV installations. The full article is available at www.kordz.com.
The Background: USB's History of Rapid Evolution
When USB was introduced in the 1990s, it simplified device connectivity by replacing serial and parallel ports with a single universal connection. USB 1.0 supported 12 Mbps, followed by USB 2.0 at 480 Mbps, plenty for peripherals like printers, keyboards and basic webcams of that age.
Speeds increased rapidly with USB 3.0 in 2008 (5 Gbps) but naming conventions soon became inconsistent:
What is a Lane in USB? A lane is a dedicated high-speed data pathway within a USB connection. USB-C connectors contain four lanes: two for transmitting and two for receiving data. Each lane consists of a twisted wire pair plus a drain, identified as TX1, TX2, RX1 and RX2 in the connector pinout.
In data-only connections, USB 3.2 Gen 1 and Gen 2 each use one lane in each direction. USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 doubles throughput to 20 Gbps by using two lanes each way. Devices and cables that support USB4 can use all four lanes dynamically, enabling up to 40 Gbps bidirectional bandwidth. USB 2.0 signals run separately on the D+ and D– pins, independent of the high-speed lanes.
Understanding USB specifications is only part of the challenge. In real-world installations, mixing data rates, DisplayPort capabilities and Power Delivery support can create a dozen potential combinations, not all of which are common or clearly labelled. To avoid costly mistakes and deliver dependable systems, we recommend you:
1. Check Port and Cable Capabilities. Never rely on connector shape or version names alone. Verify data speed, video support and power delivery for every port and cable in the chain.
2. Match Bandwidth to Application. Higher resolutions, multiple displays and fast storage require higher data rates. A cable rated for 10 Gbps may not handle two 4K displays or large video transfers without performance loss.
3. Understand Shared Bandwidth. On USB connections that carry both data and video, available bandwidth is divided. USB4 and Thunderbolt improve efficiency through PCIe tunnelling, but bandwidth limits will still apply to what is feasibly possible.
4. Choose Professional Grade, Clearly Labelled Products. Generic cables often lack full feature support or clear labelling. Professional grade USB-C solutions, like Kordz, are engineered for professional systems integration, delivering fully compliant, tested data, video and power performance and reducing troubleshooting time. Also look for USB-IF official certification marks, such as the ones carried by Kordz PRO Passive USB-C Cables.
USB-C is a powerful solution for today’s AV systems, capable of delivering data, video, and power through a single connection. With a clear understanding of its specifications and the right professional grade cables, integrators can deploy USB-C seamlessly and build installations that perform reliably.
Read this article in its entirety on www.kordz.com or learn more about Kordz USB solutions on the Future Ready Solutions website.
[post_title] => USB Demystified: What AV Integrators Need to Know About USB
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[post_content] => As we've discussed in previous articles, lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are rapidly gaining popularity with UPS manufacturers due to their long life, low maintenance and ecological benefits. Not to be confused with traditional lithium-ion which consistently makes the news due to overheating and fire risk, lithium iron phosphate technology is safe and stable even in warm conditions.
Why are lithium iron phosphate batteries gaining traction? As stated above, they're thermally safe; however, they also have a 3x greater average lifespan (8 – 10 years) than traditional lead acid batteries with very little maintenance required. Additionally, they are non-toxic and don’t contain cobalt, a metal with environmental and ethical issues.
The main downside to lithium iron phosphate is its upfront cost, and UPSs built with LiFePO4 batteries tend to have a higher initial cost but a lower overall cost considering their long life, low maintenance need and highly efficient performance. The good news is as more manufacturers embrace lithium iron phosphate technology the cost of UPS systems continues to decrease compared to those with other battery technologies. The Xtreme Power J90 is an excellent example, as we'll see below.
This article explores five popular UPS solutions that leverage lithium iron phosphate technology. Additional information is available on the Future Ready Solutions website.
J60: The World's Smallest UPS
J60C: Ultra-Slim Footprint in a 1RU Rack Space
P91: Advanced Online Double Conversion
J90: Affordable Online Double Conversion in a 1RU Rack Space
Li90: Three-Phase Online Double Conversion for the Whole Building
Fiber optic networking requires more than just high-quality cables — it depends on a range of specialized electronics to function efficiently. Media converters provide flexibility and backward compatibility. Network switches serve as the nerve centers for directing traffic. Transceiver modules enable fast, precise communication over fiber lines while offering the flexibility to adapt electronics in-the-field.
Understanding how each of these components fits into a fiber-based network helps ensure reliable, high-speed connections for today’s bandwidth-intensive applications.
All of these solutions are available on the Future Ready Solutions website or by contacting us at info@futurereadysolutions.com.
[post_title] => Networking over Fiber [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => networking-over-fiber [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-06-08 12:41:07 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-06-08 16:41:07 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://staging.futurereadysolutions.com/?p=180700 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [3] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 180877 [post_author] => 1 [post_date] => 2025-06-08 10:05:44 [post_date_gmt] => 2025-06-08 14:05:44 [post_content] => Integrations rarely stay indoors. Outdoor living spaces demand AV and internet, security cameras extend to the edges of properties, automated gates require connectivity, and remote buildings rely on network access. All of these connections drive the need for outdoor equipment enclosures. Future Ready Solutions' partner Altelix designs and manufactures a wide variety of weatherproof equipment enclosures in the United States based on common configurations and custom project requirements. They specialize in protecting electronics, cable, and connections from harsh weather and other environmental factors. However, as a full line manufacturer, Altelix's options are wide and choosing the proper enclosure can be daunting. We're often asked what's best construction material: fiberglass, polycarbonate, or steel? How do I handle power? What about extreme temperature fluctuations and security? This article addresses those questions and more. Popular Altelix solutions are available on the brand page and Future Ready Solutions offers their complete line, including custom built products and turnkey engineered kits. Please contact info@futurereadysolutions.com for assistance selecting an off-the-shelf or engineering a custom-built enclosure.| NEMA Rating | Protection Against | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| NEMA 1 | Basic indoor protection against dust, light contact | Indoor equipment rooms |
| NEMA 3 | Rain, snow, sleet, and windblown dust | Basic outdoor use (not waterproof) |
| NEMA 3R | Like NEMA 3, but no dust protection | Outdoor use (meter boxes, AC disconnects) |
| NEMA 3S | 3R + operable in ice formation | Harsh weather with freezing risk |
| NEMA 4 | Watertight (hose-directed water), dust | Outdoor enclosures, washdown areas |
| NEMA 4X | 4 + corrosion resistance | Marine, chemical, food processing |
| NEMA 6 | Temporary submersion in water | Below-grade or flood-prone areas |
| NEMA 6P | Prolonged submersion in water | Submersible pumps, wet wells |
| NEMA 12 | Indoor dust, dripping water, oil | Factories, dirty industrial settings |
| NEMA 13 | Like 12 + more protection against oil/coolants | Machine tool enclosures |
| IP Rating | Protection Against | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| IP20 | Finger-safe, no water protection | Indoor office equipment |
| IP54 | Dust protected, splash resistant | Light outdoor use, sheltered locations |
| IP65 | Dust-tight, protected from low-pressure jets | Outdoor enclosures, lighting |
| IP66 | Dust-tight, protected from strong jets | Harsh outdoor or industrial environments |
| IP67 | Dust-tight, immersion up to 1 meter | Outdoor, temporary flooding possible |
| IP68 | Dust-tight, continuous immersion | Submersible equipment |
| IP69K | Dust-tight, high-pressure washdown | Food processing, sanitation environments |
| Feature | Fiberglass | Polycarbonate | Steel (Powder-Coated & Stainless) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Moderate | Poor (powder), Excellent (stainless) |
| Impact Resistance | Good (can be brittle under impact) | Excellent | Excellent |
| Weight | Light | Light | Heavy |
| UV Resistance | Excellent | Moderate | Excellent |
| Modifiability | Fair | Easy | Difficult |
| Cost | Moderate to High | Low to Moderate | High (especially stainless) |
| Best Use | Wet and corrosive environments | Lightweight outdoor environments | Industrial and high-security environments |
The first step in choosing a fiber enclosure is understanding the constraints and needs of your installation.
While HDMI 2.2 presents tantalizing possibilities, it’s early days. Integrators should remain cautious, informed and strategic when designing AV systems to accommodate future advancements. By focusing on scalable, proven solutions, professionals can ensure seamless AV experiences today while preparing for the innovations of tomorrow.
For those seeking to stay ahead of the curve, Kordz will continue to provide industry insights and updates, ensuring that AV professionals are well-equipped for the HDMI 2.2 era—whenever it officially arrives.
For a deeper dive into HDMI versions, their features and impact, Kordz has published a series of valuable articles, HDMI Demystified, which explores the evolution of HDMI and what integrators need to know to stay on pace with the technological curve. You can read about the history and progression of HDMI connectivity on the Kordz website at www.kordz.com.
[post_title] => HDMI 2.2 & Beyond: What it Means for the AV Industry
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[post_content] => Fiber is surprisingly durable. Most cables boast a pull rating exceeding 200lbs and can survive installed bend radiuses smaller than 5mm. Couple this with constructions supporting wide temperature ratings and harsh outdoor weather and it's no wonder fiber has become the medium of choice for high-speed networking and telecommunications.
But what happens when the cable doesn't pass signal? Or even worse, it did pass signal and now it won't? Or perhaps the network speed isn't up to spec?
These problems are all commonly experienced in fiber optic installations and, often, they're fixed with basic troubleshooting and service.
This article explores the problems and troubleshooting steps for a typical fiber optic installation. But before we dive into the actions, it's important to first understand the construction and implementation of fiber cable and connectors.
And contaminants aren't the only issue. Fiber installed in uncontrolled environments can exasperate issues caused by dirt, oil, moisture and other detritus. For example, temperature fluctuations, including those from the heat output of the optical port on electronics, can lead to small misalignments that have a significant impact on signal loss. And, frustratingly, these misalignments often fluctuate with the temperature creating intermittent signal loss.
When integrating fiber-based systems, it's imperative that connectors, electronic ports, and any inline installation accessories such as patch panels, couplers, wallplates and adapters are clean to avoid loss from reflectance and signal dispersion within the fiber link.
Manufacturers are keenly aware contaminants will detrimentally affect a fiber-based system and dust caps are a standard feature on connectors, pre-terminated cables, couplers, electronics and other installation essentials. Dust caps should be kept in place as long as possible.
But what if you're servicing a retrofit with existing, pre-installed equipment? Or if the environment is particularly dusty, dirty or outdoors? Dust caps can't help an already compromised connection.
A click-style, also known as pen-style, cleaning tool is essential for any installer. Click cleaners use a special dust-free full contact cleaning process to remove contaminants on both fiber connectors and ports. They're easy to use -- simply "click" them on the connector and port ferrule. The only catch is they're specific to 1.25mm and 2.5mm ferrule sizes so you'll likely need one for LC connections and one for SC, FC, and ST connections.
If a click cleaner isn't available, traditional alcohol, wipes and swabs can and should be used.
[post_title] => Identifying (and Fixing) Fiber Performance Issues
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[post_content] => Fiber optic cable is surprisingly strong, durable and pliable; however, several best practices should be followed to ensure a successful cable installation.
The below article explores the best practices and tools commonly used to pull fiber optic cable. The Future Ready Solutions Tools & Test Equipment collection explores these solutions in greater detail.
Our News & Insights library is also a wealth of knowledge, and we offer articles that delve deeper into fiber optic termination tools and testers, the difference between different fiber cable constructions, and a variety of other fiber-related topics.
Pulling Fiber
Pulling Eye for Duplex and AOCs. The Cleerline SSF-PULLEYED is specifically designed for pulling pre-terminated simplex cables, duplex cables and active optical cables (including models built for HDMI, DisplayPort and USB) provided the connector head fits within the mesh sleeving.
Designed for the real-world rigors of cable installation, the SSF-PULLEYED incorporates PVC-jacketed aramid yarns for strength and a rotating clip to decrease cable twisting during the pull. It's ideally suited for both running cables in walls or in conduit.
The SSF-PULLEYED is easily reused -- simply remove the tape and attach the kit to a new cable.
Pulling Eye for Multi-Strand Cables & Bundles. The Cleerline SSF-PULLEYEM is specifically designed for pulling multi-strand cables, such as distribution and breakout constructions, and bundles that include multiple different individual cables.
Like the kit above, the SSF-PULLEYEM incorporates PVC-jacketed aramid yarns for strength and a rotating clip to decrease cable twisting during the pull. However, the SSF-PULLEYEM also features an aluminum locking nut, allowing the cable’s strength member to be attached to the pulling eye. This helps ensure only the strongest part of the cable is under tension.
The SSF-PULLEYEM’s pull sock is constructed of durable plastic mesh to ensure the entire cable bundle is kept secure during the pull.
Heavy Duty Pulling Sock. The Cleerline Heavy Duty Pulling Sock is available in three different constructions to accommodate non-terminated cables from 7 to 25mm in diameter.
The pulling socks feature extremely durable wire mesh that supports extra heavy cables, including those built with ruggedized jackets, aluminum interlocking armor and direct burial armor.
Each pulling sock offers a one meter total length for a secure attachment to the cable.
Additional information on these solutions and more is available in the Future Ready Solutions Tools & Test Equipment collection.
[post_title] => Pulling Fiber Optic Cable
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[post_content] => Fiber optic tools are very different than those used for coax, twisted pair and other copper-based cables. Fiber requires a level of precision when stripping, cleaving and preparing optical strands to ensure clean connections and pure light propagation.
The below article explores the tools commonly used to integrate and terminate fiber optic cable and connectors. The Future Ready Solutions Tools & Test Equipment collection explores these solutions in greater detail.
Our News & Insights library is also a wealth of knowledge, and we offer articles that delve deeper into fiber optic testers, the difference between mechanical splicing and fusion splicing, and a variety of other fiber-related topics.
But before we begin, it's important to understand why quality tools are necessary.
Ironically, the best scenario with damaged cable is a complete lack of performance -- we know it's broken and we can identify and repair the break. However, in many cases, the cable still passes light (though limited) and the performance degrades over time. These scenarios are much harder to troubleshoot and they often lead to the complete replacement of the cable.
Cleaver. The precision wheel cleaver cleanly cuts (or "cleaves") the fiber optic strand. A high-quality cleaver essentially scores and snaps the glass strand, ensuring a clean transmitting surface. Cleaving the fiber strand during termination is essential because other preparation tools, including the sheers and stripper described below, will crush and/or crack the glass during normal use.
View full cleaver details, including pricing and availability, here.
Explore the cleaver in complete tool kits here.
Sheers. Fiber optic kevlar and aramid yarn sheers are used for cutting fiber optic cables. Optical cables are surprisingly strong and kevlar sheers are essential for trimming the cable from the spool and cutting cables to length. A good sheers features a stainless-steel micro-serrated blade.
View full sheers details, including pricing and availability, here.
Explore the sheers in complete tool kits here.
Strippers. Fiber optic strippers remove the outer jacket and inner strand coatings from the fiber optic cable. Most strippers are available with three holes: the largest hole is designed for the outer cable jacket, the middle hole reduces the inner 900µm buffer to 250µm, and the smallest hole reduces a 250µm strand to 125µm. Actual use will be dictated by the cable and connectors you are working with (most fiber tools are universally compatible with a variety of different cable and connector types).
View the different options for strippers, including pricing and availability, here.
Explore the striper in complete tool kits here.
Slit & Ring Stripper. The slit and ring stripper provides the precise stripping of fiber optic cables by cutting the jacket in a circumference (also known as a spiral or ring cut) and allowing it to be pulled off. Designed specifically for the tolerances of fiber, the slit and ring stripper ensures the inner strands are not damaged during the installation process.
View full slit & ring stripper details, including pricing and availability, here.
Explore the stripper in complete tool kits here.
Radial Stripper. Similar to the slit and ring stripper, the radial stripper also cuts fiber optic cable jackets in a circumference and allowing it to be pulled off. However, the radial stripper supports much thicker multi-strand cables up to 1 inch in diameter.
View full radial stripper details, including pricing and availability, here.
Explore the stripper in complete tool kits here.
Visual Fault Locator. The visual fault locator, or VFL, generates a visible red laser which transmits through the fiber optic cable and connectors. It's essential for showing signal continuity and, depending on the type of connectors, can be used to troubleshoot termination. The VFL is also useful for finding out-of-spec cable bends and breaks because the red light is often visible through an overly torqued cable jacket.
Most VFLs are natively compatible with 2.5mm ferrule connections, such as SC, ST and FC-style connectors. LC connectors require a VFL adapter.
View full visual fault locator details, including pricing and availability, here.
Explore the visual fault locator in complete tool kits here.
Visual Fault Locator Adapter. The VFL adapter adapts a 2.5mm ferrule (such as those in SC, ST and FC connections) to the 1.25mm ferrule size used in LC connectors.
VFL adapters are available in different constructions; however, those with a barrel design are made for installing mechanical connectors with sliding tabs and click buttons.
View full visual fault locator adapter details, including pricing and availability, here.
Explore the visual fault locator adapter in complete tool kits here.
Cleaning Pen. Pen-style, or "click" style, fiber optic cleaners are used to clean up to 95% of contaminants from the optical lenses in connectors, couplers, adapters and electronics' ports. They are far more effective than traditional swab cleaning rods and alcohol wipes. Most cleaners are rated for 800 - 1000 clean cycles and they are specific to either 2.5mm (SC, ST, FC) or 1.25mm (LC) ferrules.
View the different options for cleaning pens, including pricing and availability, here.
Explore the cleaning pen in complete tool kits here.
Pull Eye. Pulling eyes, also known as pulling socks, are critical for installing fiber optic cable. They ensure the integrity of the cable and any pre-installed connectors during the fiber pull. Failure to use a pulling eye can result in stretched jackets and broken strands.
View the different options for pulling eyes, including pricing and availability, here.
Pulling eyes are not typically available in fiber tool kits. They are sold separately due to the wide availability of styles and options.
[post_title] => Understanding Fiber Optic Tools
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[post_content] => As we've explained in previous articles, fiber optic cable comes in a variety of configurations and constructions. We've explored the pros, cons and applications for both single mode and multimode fiber, and we've discussed the differences between traditional fiber and Cleerline SSF™.
However, another key attribute of any fiber optic integration is what cable construction to use.
The below article discusses common fiber optic jacket ratings, as well as the actual construction of popular cable formats. We'll discuss the environment and application where each format is typically deployed, including the pros and cons installers often face.
Additional information on fiber optic cables, connectors, connectivity and installation best practices is available in the Future Ready Solutions News & Insights Library.
Riser Rated (typically denoted as CMR, CL2R or CL3R). Riser rated cables tend to be the least expensive cable format. They are typically used for wiring in vertical spaces from floor-to-floor and have a basic fire rating. Riser rated cables are widely used in both commercial and residential installations.
Plenum Rated (typically denoted as CMP, CL2P or CL3P). Plenum rated cables are usually more expensive than riser rated cables. They are typically required by building code in plenum spaces above drop ceilings or below raised floors, especially in multiunit residential and commercial buildings. Plenum rated cables have a higher fire rating than riser cables. Plenum rated cables can go in riser spaces, but riser rated cables cannot go in plenum spaces.
Low Smoke Zero Halogen Rated (typically denoted as LSZH). Low smoke zero halogen rated cables are similar to plenum with fire rating, but they emit limited smoke and no halogen when exposed to heat. They are commonly found in Europe and in marine vessel construction (such as yacht building).
Outdoor Rated. A cable with an outdoor rating is designed for UV and water exposure. Outdoor rated cables are typically installed in conduit or corrugated pipe outdoors; however, they are not recommended for direct burial in soil because they lack protective armor. A plenum, riser or low smoke zero halogen rated cable can also have an outdoor rating.
Standard Armor (AIA). Armored cables rated for indoor installations typically leverage aluminum interlocking armor (also known as AIA). These cables are built in a distribution format with multiple fiber strands within a single jacket. Armored cables are significantly heavier, thicker and less pliable than non-armored cables; however, their armor make them ideal for exposed cable runs and environments with rodent activity.
Micro Armor. Micro armored cables deliver the strength of traditional AIA armoring with the pliability and size of a non-armored cable. Their secret is an ultra small helical stainless steel armor which permits tight bends while still protecting the internal fiber optic strands. Micro armor commands a premium price and it's not typically terminated in the field. Consider a factory-terminated premade cable if micro armoring is required.
Direct Burial Armor. Direct burial cables are also armored and are designed for direct burial in soil. Typically they are trenched between buildings or outdoor cable vaults. Unlike AIA and micro armored cables, direct burial cables feature a solid waterproof inner sheath that protects the fiber from moisture, heat, soil acidity and other outdoor element exposure. Most direct burial cables are built with stainless steel.
Duplex. Duplex (also known as siamese or zip-cord) cables feature two strands of fiber that are individually jacketed and connected with a central membrane.
Duplex cables are typically used for patching in shorter lengths; though many integrators choose to integrate duplex fiber in prewires because it's easy to terminate and robust for handling and connections.
The two strands in duplex are typically the minimum required for network and audio-visual signal distribution, and most wallplates, patch panels and SFP transceivers feature duplex connections.
Distribution. Distribution cables features multiple strands of fiber within a single outer jacket. Depending on the application, the strand counts can get very high and manufacturers such as Cleerline support distribution cables up to 288 total fibers.
Distribution cables are ideal for multi-signal distribution, such as from rack-to-rack or floor-to-floor, and they are available in a variety of formats including simplex (one strand), standard (multiple strands in a 900um construction) and micro (multiple strands in a 250um construction). Cleerline manufacturers micro distribution format cables because of the robustness of their SSF™ fiber.
Aluminum Interlocking Armored. Aluminum interlocking armored (AIA) cables feature multiple strands of fiber and overall metal armoring within a single outer jacket. AIA cables are essentially distribution cables with the added strength of aluminum armor.
AIA cables are ideal for environments with rough installations, exposed cable paths, rodents and other potential sources of abrasion, wear or damage.
AIA cables are commonly available in strand counts up to 144 total fibers.
Double Jacket Micro Distribution. Double jacket micro distribution (DJMD) cables provide a stronger alternative to standard distribution constructions without the bulkiness of armor. They feature a second outer jacket for increased durability, pull tension and protection.
DJMD cables are ideal for ducts, riser spaces and tray installations where abrasion during and after the installation is a concern. They also feature an indoor/outdoor rated jacket and water blocking yarns, allowing for the transition between indoor and outdoor environments without the need for junction boxes and enclosures.
Breakout. Breakout cables feature the single jacket construction of a traditional distribution cable with strengthened internal subunits similar to unzipped duplex cables.
Breakout cables are an ideal solution for room-to-room prewires and quick connections because they don't require build-up hardware such as fan-out kits or breakout kits -- you simply terminate connectors to each individual strand.
Cleerline manufactures breakout cables in four strand constructions using multimode OM3 fiber -- a common choice for both residential and commercial building infrastructure applications.
Outdoor Distribution. Similar to indoor distribution cables, outdoor distribution cables features up to 288 strands of fiber within a single outer jacket. However, unlike their indoor counterparts, outdoor distribution cables feature a UV and water-rated jacket, as well as water blocking yarns for enhanced protection and durability when exposed to wet and humid environments.
Outdoor-rated distribution cables are typically installed in conduit, duct or other protected raceways, as their thin jackets won't stand up well to impact, abrasion or rodents.
As with other outdoor-rated cables, outdoor distribution cables are typically colored black.
Rugged Outdoor Distribution. Rugged outdoor distribution cables expand on the standard distribution cable construction with a thickened outer jacket, internal water blocking tape layer and central PVC sleeve.
This "ruggedized" construction provides superior weather protection, rodent protection and strength while ensuring lightweight flexibility.
Rugged outdoor distribution cables are often stapled in place in above ground applications; however, they are not rated for the stressors of direct burial applications. Cables placed underground or directly in soil require a direct burial rating.
Armored Direct Burial. Armored direct burial cables are designed for soil exposure and underground installation without the need for conduit, duct or other protective raceways.
Available in strand counts up to 24 total fibers, armored direct burial cables feature corrugated steel armor and a UV and water-rated jacket.
In addition to underground applications, armored direct burial cables also support aerial installation when lashed to an overhead line, wire or strength member.
Duplex Hybrid Demarc. Duplex hybrid demarc cable is exclusively manufactured by Cleerline and is designed for interior and exterior telecommunication and broadband applications. Its physical construction is similar to a traditional duplex cable -- two fiber strands are connected with a central membrane. However, the two strands are not the same type of fiber -- one is Cleerline SSF™ single mode and the second is traditional bend-insensitive single mode.
This hybrid construction lends itself to prewires where different (and often undecided or unknown) connector and termination styles will be used.
Duplex hybrid demarc cable is an ideal choice for both residential and commercial installations where a service provider will connect fiber broadband at a later date.
Additional information on the above fiber optic cable constructions, including pricing and specification information, is available from the Future Ready Solutions website.
[post_title] => Understanding Fiber Optic Cable: Common Cable Constructions
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[post_content] => Since its inception, USB has evolved rapidly, delivering faster speeds and more capabilities with each new version. This progress, however, has created confusion for AV professionals. The version numbers and marketing names have become inconsistent, leading to a situation where not all USB cables and ports behave the same.
For systems integrators, this creates a ‘capability soup’ that makes selecting the right hardware and cables unnecessarily complex and fraught. Consequently, it can result in unreliable installations, unexpected performance limitations and troubleshooting delays.
A new article from our partners at Kordz helps integrators cut through that confusion by explaining how USB versions, Thunderbolt, DisplayPort Alt Mode and tunnelling really work. With a clear understanding of these technologies, you can select the right cables and hardware for reliable, high-performance AV installations. The full article is available at www.kordz.com.
What is a Lane in USB? A lane is a dedicated high-speed data pathway within a USB connection. USB-C connectors contain four lanes: two for transmitting and two for receiving data. Each lane consists of a twisted wire pair plus a drain, identified as TX1, TX2, RX1 and RX2 in the connector pinout.
In data-only connections, USB 3.2 Gen 1 and Gen 2 each use one lane in each direction. USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 doubles throughput to 20 Gbps by using two lanes each way. Devices and cables that support USB4 can use all four lanes dynamically, enabling up to 40 Gbps bidirectional bandwidth. USB 2.0 signals run separately on the D+ and D– pins, independent of the high-speed lanes.Understanding USB specifications is only part of the challenge. In real-world installations, mixing data rates, DisplayPort capabilities and Power Delivery support can create a dozen potential combinations, not all of which are common or clearly labelled. To avoid costly mistakes and deliver dependable systems, we recommend you:
1. Check Port and Cable Capabilities. Never rely on connector shape or version names alone. Verify data speed, video support and power delivery for every port and cable in the chain.
2. Match Bandwidth to Application. Higher resolutions, multiple displays and fast storage require higher data rates. A cable rated for 10 Gbps may not handle two 4K displays or large video transfers without performance loss.
3. Understand Shared Bandwidth. On USB connections that carry both data and video, available bandwidth is divided. USB4 and Thunderbolt improve efficiency through PCIe tunnelling, but bandwidth limits will still apply to what is feasibly possible.
4. Choose Professional Grade, Clearly Labelled Products. Generic cables often lack full feature support or clear labelling. Professional grade USB-C solutions, like Kordz, are engineered for professional systems integration, delivering fully compliant, tested data, video and power performance and reducing troubleshooting time. Also look for USB-IF official certification marks, such as the ones carried by Kordz PRO Passive USB-C Cables.
USB-C is a powerful solution for today’s AV systems, capable of delivering data, video, and power through a single connection. With a clear understanding of its specifications and the right professional grade cables, integrators can deploy USB-C seamlessly and build installations that perform reliably.
Read this article in its entirety on www.kordz.com or learn more about Kordz USB solutions on the Future Ready Solutions website.
[post_title] => USB Demystified: What AV Integrators Need to Know About USB
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