PERFORMANCE OF PREMISE WIRING SYSTEMS AT EXTENDED FREQUENCIES

Alien Crosstalk has been identified by the IEEE 802.3 10 Gig Ethernet subcommittee as the critical noise parameter that must be controlled to implement 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GBase-T) on copper cabling networks. Test data shows that Quabbin’s next-generation patch cable, DataMax® 10Gig, minimizes this problem.

In keeping with its tradition of patch cord innovation and development, Quabbin Wire & Cable introduces its next-generation LAN stranded patch cable, DataMax® 10Gig. This 500 MHz stranded patch cable has excellent resistance to Power Sum Alien Crosstalk (PSAXT) noise with more than 10 dB margin over the TIA/EIA-568-B.2-10 proposed minimums, shown as the red line in the graph below. This helps to implement reliable 10GBase-T Ethernet transmission for Category 6A channels.

PSAXT is the total interference transmitted from the pairs in adjacent cables into the pairs of the victim cable. Since this noise is not a signal generated by the victim, transceiver cancellation circuitry can not be "trained" to cancel it out from the intended data stream. Because 10GBase-T Ethernet protocol is signaling at high data rates and low signal levels, it is particularly susceptible to very low noise levels. For these reasons the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet subcommittee identified Alien Crosstalk as the critical noise parameter that must be controlled to successfully implement 10 Gigabit Ethernet on copper balanced pair cabling systems.

The graph above illustrates typical performance for a bulk 100-meter DataMax 10Gig (P/N 1606 ) cable in the TIA’s proposed 6-around-1 configuration using a model 8751 Hewlett Packard Network Analyzer. The measured values are very close to the noise-floor of the analyzer.

Alien Crosstalk noise levels are inherently low and subject to attenuation as they propagate toward the10GBase-T transceivers at the channel ends. Thus, PSAXT is predominantly a channel end-effect. Since patch cords are usually installed at both ends of a channel, successful transmission of 10 Gigabit Ethernet often depends on patch cable PSAXT performance. Cords made with DataMax 10Gig cable provide the needed performance headroom for Category 6A channels.

The cables have an impedance of 100 Ohms and a UL/CSA CM rating. They are either shielded or unshielded, have a dual-layer jacket, and are RoHS compliant. The design is relatively small, does not use an internal spline, or have over-sized copper conductors. Therefore, these stranded cables can be easily terminated using unshielded high-performance modular plugs with standard dimensions. Pricing is less than European Category 7 shielded designs. These cables could also be furnished with Zero Halogen Low Smoke (ZHLS) jackets.

For termination, an appropriate length of outer jacket is cut away. The inner jacket and insulated conductors are then prepared and terminated as required by the specific plug being used. The outer jacket is then usually covered by a strain-relief boot or shrink-tube.

Since the early 1990’s, Quabbin Wire & Cable has led the industry in the development and manufacture of four-pair, 24 AWG stranded UTP and ScTP patch cable. Quabbin is proud to build upon that heritage with the introduction of DataMax 10Gig patch cable for the next generation of Local Area Networks. For more information on DataMax 10Gig patch cable or for a sample, contact Quabbin’s Sales Department (800/368-3311) at 10 Maple Street, Ware, MA 01082-1597.

Stranded Copper Patch Cable Minimizes Alien Crosstalk Noise for 10GBase-T Applications