Don't underestimate the value of cabling skills

Today's blog post delves into the Cabling Installation & Maintenance mailbag...

Hi Patrick and Matt,

I read [your recently posted item regarding] Turck's white paper, Ethernet Cable: A Guideline to Implementing Solid or Stranded Cables. On page 2, referencing the TIA/EIA standards, the paper's author states, "By providing user-friendly instruction, as well as topology, connection points, termination points and media definitions, users can wire a building without prior knowledge or special skill."

Excuse me!

I have been in the cabling business all my life. I am highly offended by this statement. I am sure I am not the only one. I have worked with hundreds of cabling professionals over the years who are true craftsman and take pride in their work. I think the author has insulted anyone in our business who cables a building according to the specifications, building codes and especially those detailed individuals who make sure that every cable is dressed properly as if creating a masterpiece.

Just my two cents.

Regards,

Andrew C. Schmeltzer
Cable Technology Sales Engineer
Black Box Network Services


Hi Andy,

Your point is well taken: empirical data certainly suggests that the TIA/EIA specs for designing and implementing structured cabling infrastructure are only getting more complex -- which is exactly why the Fiber Optic Association (FOA) recently announced that it's creating its own standards for installers and users.

Thanks for the feedback!

Matt Vincent
Senior Editor, Cabling Installation & Maintenance

Google Fiber installations kick off

As reported at the Google Blog, after months of building-in new fiber infrastructure, the Internet search giant announced that it is officially starting to connect homes in Kansas City.

"There are two stages to getting you connected," Google informs its Kansas City customer base via the blog post. "First, we'll pull your fiber from the street to the side of your house; we’ve already done this for several houses in Hanover Heights. Then we'll get in touch with you to schedule the second stage, your in-home installation...If you live in Hanover Heights and see a new box on the side of your house (and have gotten a Google Fiber sticky note on your door), look for an email or phone call from us in the next few days to schedule an appointment. When the installer arrives, he/she will ask you about where you want your devices and then get to work."

Google Fiber has put together a short video to help customers further understand what to expect.

As noted by Light Reading, Google Fiber's 1Gbit/s broadband service carries a price tag of $70 per month, or can be had as part of a subscription TV bundle that starts at $120 per month. A "free" 5Mbit/s downstream and 1Mbit/s upstream service is being pitched to customers who pay a $300 construction fee.

Google's chief FTTH competition in the Kansas City area includes Time Warner Cable, AT&T, SureWest Communications and Comcast.