A Telecommunications Association Volume 25 • Number 3 • May/June 2004 Wireless Design Reference Manual First Stop on the Road to RCDD/Wireless Specialty “Call me on my cell.” “I’m going hiking the rest of this week, but I’ll have my laptop so I can check and respond to e-mail.” “Maybe I can make that meeting. Let me check—my PDA’s in my pocket.” “If you ever need to find Bill, just send him a text message.” These are common phrases in today’s society, from the household to the business sector and everywhere in between. Cell phone numbers are now routinely included on business cards and in directories. Many companies provide laptops for their employees. Personal digital assistants (PDAs) are found in most pockets, purses, or briefcases. On the popular TV show, American Idol, audience members can call in their choice for the winner or send a text message. Because of the widespread use of cell phones, laptops, PDAs, and other wireless devices, major service providers are implementing wireless access virtually everywhere, along highways, in malls, RV parks, large buildings, and public areas. Companies are providing wireless coverage areas within their facilities to provide more flexibility and increase productivity. (continued on page 9) BICSI Update, page 4 Cable Management, page 6 Wireless Technologies, page 10 Telecom in Ten Contest, page 13 RhinoPRO Office labels don't. labels stick. Use RhinoPRO 5000 and your labels will always stick around. You know the feeling. You visit an installation and labels are at your feet. Good news: Tough, new RhinoPRO 5000 has been designed and tested for top performance all around your workplace. The secret to the RhinoPRO solution is the labels – and the tool itself. RhinoPRO labels stay stuck! • RhinoPRO split-back labels have permanent adhesives, so they stay put – on cables, wires, flat, textured and rough surfaces. And thermal printing means they won’t smudge. You don’t use an office label maker to wrap cable, do you? The RhinoPRO 5000 printer is built for speed and efficiency – for professionals like you. • RhinoPRO 5000 is tough – and includes a full one-year warranty. How many cheap office labelmakers shatter on you in a year? FREE shipping. A 30-day guarantee. Plus a one-year warranty. Get RhinoPRO 5000 with no risk. It’s priced so everybody can carry one. If you’re not proud of your new labels, return RhinoPRO 5000 for the full purchase price within 30 days. Meanwhile, return that office labeler to the office before it gets hurt. It just wasn’t meant to perform tricks in an industrial setting. To receive RhinoPRO 5000, shipped absolutely free with its one-year warranty, visit: www.dymo.com/industrial • Exclusive “hot keys” provide one-touch operation for wire wrapping, patch panels, terminal blocks and more. Tired of guessing with the space bar to make patch panel labels? How do you sign YOUR work? TM 2004 BICSI OFFICERS PRESIDENT Russ Oliver, RCDD/LAN Specialist, CTC Communications, Waltham, MA; 781-522-8730; [email protected] PRESIDENT-ELECT John Bakowski, RCDD/LAN/OSP Specialist, Bell Canada, Toronto, Canada; 416-981-0650; [email protected] SECRETARY Steve Calderon, RCDD/LAN/OSP Specialist, IT Design Corp., Westlake Village, CA; 805-777-0073; [email protected] TREASURER Edward Donelan, RCDD/LAN Specialist, Telecom Infrastructure Corp., Brewster, NY; 800-394-7464; [email protected] U.S. NORTHEAST REGION DIRECTOR Christine Klauck, RCDD/LAN Specialist, The Siemon Company, Watertown, CT; 860-945-5889; [email protected] U.S. SOUTHEAST REGION DIRECTOR Jerry Allen, RCDD, Emory University - Network Communications, Atlanta, GA; 404-727-0309; [email protected] U.S. NORTH-CENTRAL REGION DIRECTOR Brian Hansen, RCDD/LAN Specialist; All Systems Installation, Inc., Golden Valley, MN; 800-778-5632; [email protected] U.S. SOUTH-CENTRAL REGION DIRECTOR James (Ray) Craig, RCDD/LAN Specialist, ComNet Communications, Inc., Carrollton, TX; 972-245-5022; [email protected] U.S. WESTERN REGION DIRECTOR Stephan Fowler, RCDD, Encompass Network Services, Tempe, AZ; 480-505-6828; [email protected] CANADIAN REGION DIRECTOR Roman Dabrowski, RCDD, Bell Canada, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; 416-657-2021; [email protected] EUROPEAN REGION DIRECTOR John Laban, RCDD/LAN Specialist, KnowHow Ntworks, Ltd., London, England, United Kingdom +44 7710 124487; [email protected] BRAZILIAN REGION DIRECTOR Carlos Carvalho, Corning Brasil Ind e Com. Ltda, +11 3089-7424; [email protected] ACTING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Mel Lesperance, RCDD, BICSI, Tampa, FL; 813-903-4703 or 800-242-7405; [email protected] COMMITTEE CHAIRS: BICSI CARES John Discenza, General Cable, North York, Ontario, Canada; 416-791-2401; [email protected] • CODES Phil Janeway, RCDD, Time Warner Telecom, Indianapolis, IN; 317-713-2333; [email protected] • EDUCATION ADVISORY Allan Anderson, RCDD, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ; 520-621-6718; [email protected] • EXHIBITOR ADVISORY Carol Everett Oliver, RCDD, Everett Communications, Holliston, MA; 508-533-7117; [email protected] • ETHICS Carl Bonner, RCDD/OSP Specialist, Network Communications Supply Company, Milton,FL; 850-626-6863; [email protected] • GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS Thomas Larsen, RCDD, BellSouth, Atlanta, GA; 404-927-7348; [email protected] • INSTALLATION David Cranmer, RCDD, The Highlands Group, Odessa, FL; 813-920-7414; [email protected] • LONG RANGE PLANNING Richard E. Reed, RCDD/OSP Specialist, Data Comm Training, Mechanicsburg, PA; 717-795-9373; [email protected] • MEMBERSHIP & MARKETING ADVISORY Ed Boychuk, Convergent Technology Partners, Flint, MI; 810-720-3820; [email protected] • REGISTRATION & SPECIALTIES SUPERVISION R. “Bob” Erickson, RCDD/LAN Specialist, SBC, Haysville, KS; 316-529-3698; [email protected] • STANDARDS Theron J. (T.J.) Roe, RCDD, Garrett Communications, Inc., Wilmington, DE; 302-235-0995; [email protected] • TECHNICAL INFORMATION & METHODS Thomas C. Rauscher, Archi-Technology LLC, Rochester, NY; 585-424-1952; [email protected] The BICSI News is published bimonthly for BICSI, Inc., and distributed to BICSI members and BICSI Registered Installers, Level 1; Installers, Level 2; Technicians; and Residential Installers. Articles of a generic nature are accepted for publication; however, BICSI reserves the right to edit these for space or other considerations. Opinions expressed in articles in this newsletter are those of the writers and not necessarily of their companies or BICSI. BICSI does not edit the sponsoring advertiser’s material. © Copyright BICSI, May 2004. BICSI and RCDD are registered trademarks of BICSI, Inc. Printed in the USA The First Hundred Days Just a few short months ago, in my inaugural speech as BICSI President, I outlined an agenda for our association that I believe will improve our service to members and enhance BICSI’s role as a world leader in the telecommunications industry. That agenda was broken down into three timelines: first 100 days, my two-year term in office, and long term goals. I’m happy to report that the 100 day plan is complete. Here is a capsule summary. Look for more details in the upcoming Region News. • Membership was discounted for students, active duty military, and retirees (see page 4). New Web courses will be offered soon (see page 4). • The Communications, Life Safety, and Automation Design Institute is up and running (visit CLADI.org). • BICSI has a new ad hoc Ethics Committee with Chair Carl Bonner, RCDD/LAN/OSP Specialist. • The Wireless Design Reference Manual will debut in June with courses and a Wireless Design Specialty Exam right behind it (see page 10). Plans have begun to develop a Wireless Certificate Program in early 2005. This is only the tip of the iceberg. BICSI volunteers and staff are hard at work assessing CECs and specialty renewal time frames, investigating ways to improve installer and technician retention, upgrading BICSI training classes, and working on many other projects. Stay tuned, and share your ideas–I’m only an e-mail away. New Region Director We welcome Carlos Carvalho, Corning Brazil, as BICSI’s new Director representing members in Brazil. The Board of Directors appointed Carlos to replace Paulo Marin, Ph.D., who resigned his position in February because of overwhelming work responsibilities. Thanks so much, Paulo, for your time and efforts supporting BICSI. Thanks also to Carlos who will serve through the remainder of this year. Message from the President Sad News BICSI members around the world and especially those in the Middle East/Africa District were saddened to learn of the death of John Case, RCDD, on March 18. Based in Gaborone, Botswana, John was a tireless supporter of BICSI throughout southern Africa. In fact, at the 2004 Winter Conference, John was awarded the BICSI Member of the Year for his outstanding efforts in promoting BICSI’s educational programs and for his commitment to professional development within the telecommunications industry. John has been described by friends and colleagues as a BICSI missionary, bringing training and education to his corner of the world, often with his own resources. John organized BICSI training throughout southern Africa resulting in 10 RCDDs, and two BICSI conferences John Case, RCDD (including BICSI Cares!) were held in Botswana under his leadership. He will be missed. Help RUSSELL OLIVER, RCDD/LAN Specialist e-mail: [email protected] BI you CSI s BICSI e nter better erve Invites all $50 to win… members world0 G ift C AMEX a wide to log on to the heq BICSI Web site at ue! www.bicsi.org to complete a membership survey. Here’s your opportunity to provide honest feedback on current BICSI membership benefits, products and services, as well those you’d like to see in the future. After completing the survey, you will be entered into a grand prize drawing for a $500 American Express Gift Cheque! These cheques are good virtually everywhere, including stores, movie theaters, sporting events, restaurants, hotels, museums, and more. Note: Surveys must be completed by Friday, May 28 at noon Eastern Time (USA). Log on today! 3 BICSI NEWS May/June 2004 BICSI Update What’s New at BICSI? ERC Update, Annual Report, scholarships, Web course, flash cards, membership discounts, and more to come! ERC Update Enclosed with this issue of the BICSI News is the update to the 2004 Educational Resource Catalog (ERC). It includes descriptions of new BICSI courses and schedules for the remainder of the year. You will also find details about new publications and upcoming conferences. View the entire catalog at www.bicsi.org. 2003 Annual Report Visit www.bicsi.org to view of copy of BICSI’s 2003 Annual Report with association facts, figures, and activities around the world. The annual report will only be published electronically. 2004 Scholarships BICSI offers an annual scholarship for members and their immediate families for telecommunications education. The application deadline for the Ray Gendron/BICSI Cares Scholarship is July 30, 2004. Information and applications may be downloaded at www.bicsi.org. To receive material by fax or mail, call or email BICSI. TDMM Flash Cards You asked for it—you’ve got it! TDMM Flash Cards have been one of the most member requested items over the past years. Based on the 10th edition Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual, BICSI’s new flash cards are an ideal way to study for the RCDD exam. The 1000 card set has questions and answers written in the exam format and includes chapter references. With the flash cards, TDMM material is easier to read, easier to digest, and easier to remember. The TDMM Flash Cards sell for $125, or for $99 with registration in any DD course. Member Discounts To make membership easier and more accessible, BICSI is now offering membership dues Web-based Training Coming in June 2004 Prepare for the LAN Exam Candidates for the LAN Specialty exam will soon have another way to study. BICSI announces the LAN Specialty Interactive Test Prep. This Web-based tool will allow the user to take multiple simulated tests from a bank of more than 600 questions taken from the 5th edition Network Design Reference Manual (NDRM). Users will be able to take maximum advantage of their study time by customizing tests on specific subject matter areas. More than just “electronic” flash cards, the Interactive Test Prep provides the user with specific feedback on areas of weakness. The full practice test contains the same proportion of core chapter questions as the exam. Local Area Networks (LAN) Train on your own schedule! BICSI now adds the convenience of Web access to its standards-based, vendorneutral training. The LAN Web-Based Training Module is a self-paced program covering all aspects of LAN compo- BICSI NEWS May/June 2004 4 nents, operations, and standards. Taken from Chapter Two of the NDRM, 5th edition, the module was designed for members studying for the LAN Specialty, those seeking LAN CECs, and those needing specific information in this area. Network Storage Learn the basics of network storage on demand! BICSI’s Network Storage Web-Based Training Module is a selfpaced program covering network storage fundamentals, attached storage, storage area networks, and backups. Taken from Chapter 10 of the NDRM, the module was designed for those needing specific information on network storage, members seeking LAN CECs, and those taking the LAN Specialty exam. For more information, call BICSI, 800-242-7405 (toll free USA/Canada) or +1 813-979-1991 e-mail: [email protected] visit www.bicsi.org at the reduced price of $75 for full-time students, active-duty military personnel, and retired individuals. The discount is only applicable for individual BICSI membership. Members in these categories retain full membership rights and privileges. To take advantage of this discount, submit your membership or renewal application with the additional material listed below. To get an application, visit www.bicsi.org, click on membership or call 800-2427504 (toll free USA/Canada) or +1 813-979-1991. Membership applications may be submitted by mail, fax, or e-mail. Student Membership Full-time students must submit a photocopy of a student I.D. card and a copy of a current transcript or course schedule. Active Duty Military Membership Active duty military personnel must submit a copy of their orders. Retired Membership Retired individuals, age 62 or older, must submit proof of age and a letter stating that he or she is retired. Proof of age may be any valid form of ID that indicates name and year born. The letter may be written by the member or past employer and must be signed. BLEND MIXED MEDIA SMOOTHLY. PROTOCOLS Ethernet Fast Ethernet 10/100 SX Gigabit Ethernet ATM DS3/E3 T1E1 V.35 Token Ring And more… ADVANCED FEATURES AutoCross™ LinkAlert ™ Auto-Negotiation Far End Fault Pause Last Gasp Full Read/Write SNMP Software Management Security Group Control String Loop Back Control Alarm Indication Signal (AIS) PLATFORMS Stand-alone Modular chassis Multiport Unmanaged or managed Broad range of environments INTERFACES ST SC MTRJ LC Single Fiber RJ45 Coax/BNC Transition converts mixed media in your network. Your Recipe For Mixed Environments Seven vital reasons you should use conversion technology from Transition. 1) Save money with media conversion 2) Extend the distance of existing network 3) Support numerous protocols 4) Utilize existing equipment while implem enting fiber 5) Provide unique solutions to networking problems 6) Have complete control and security with software 7) Built to perfection/ lifetime warranty Point System™ SNMP Manageable Modular Chassis FREE ONLINE SEMINARS www.transition.com 9 5 2 . 9 4 1 . 7 6 0 0 f a x VISIT US ON THE WEB AND YOU CAN LEARN MORE WITH FREE ONLINE SEMINARS. 1.800.526.9267 9 5 2 . 9 4 1 . 2 3 2 2 The Conversion Technology Experts Cable Management Micromanaging the Cross-Connect Networking technology is constantly changing. A typical 10/100/1000 switch now packs 48 ports of connectivity with power-over-UTP into a single rack-mounting unit (RMU). Work is underway on a copper cable that will handle the next speed—10 Gig file transfers up to 100 m (328 ft). How long do will it be before 100 Meg wireless is available for the office and home? Communications technologies drive the development of DAVID W. KNAPP cable, connectors, and cable dknapp@ management products. chatsworth.com Networks rely on the quality of the channel to maintain bandwidth for simultaneous data transmission over all pairs of a cable. Maintaining the physical properties of cable during installation and use is critical to a high-quality network. So how is cable managed? The preferred cable management solution involves a freestanding two-post 19 in EIA rack with side-mounted cable management troughs. This widely available solution uses minimal floor space and provides good support for cables and equipment. The sidemounted trough does not interfere with rack-mounting space and provides easy, open access to cables. Use double-sided versions to separate premise cable from patch cords. When selecting this type of trough, look for edge-protected pass-through ports, so that equipment cords can interconnect front-to-rear between switches and computers or routers. Also, look for edge protection where cables enter and exit the trough. With port density on the rise and cable size increasing, more cable management About the Author space is needed. Larger David W. Knapp capacities of cable can be is a technical writer managed in wider or deeper for Chatsworth troughs. Most cable manageProducts, Inc., a ment manufacturers offer leading manufacturer multiple widths of cable of structural support managers. Some also offer equipment. He may multiple depths—helpful be reached at where floor space is limited. dknapp@ When planning cable fill, chatsworth.com. consider a 40 precent fill fac- BICSI NEWS May/June 2004 6 tor—required for conduit but optional for cable troughs. This method provides additional space within the trough to maintain good bend radius for cables and patch cords as well as room for future growth. Remember, bend radius requirements apply to patch cords, which are part of the channel. Individual cable openings that align with each rackmounting space are an enhancement to the basic trough and may be used especially on the front side of the rack where patch and equipment cords are managed. Openings allow cables to exit into the exact rack space where they will be connected and should be large enough to support cable port requirements— for example, 24 cables per RMU for a patch panel or 48 cables per RMU for a switch. However, the ideal opening will also be edge-protected and rounded to provide physical protection and a radius for the cables as they transition from vertical to horizontal and into the rack-mounting space. Most manufacturers that offer this solution use a composite material to create the fingers. Be sure to consider the strength of the fingers. Some designs require fingers to be removed to create larger openings, which may reduce strength and result in possible sharp edges. Also, will the fingers sufficiently support large cable bundles when loaded? The fingers often need to support a cover. If fingers deflect easily, the cover may not stay on when the trough is full of cable. The cover hides and protects cables when closed. Ideally it should attach with a hingedlocking closure and be easy to open and remove. When managing cable, the layout of the rack is also important in determining the route of patch cords. A single 7 foot high (45 RMU) rack can handle up to three connections each for 288 users. Switches and patch panels may be on the same or adjacent racks. When on the same rack, patch cords will connect top-to-bottom along both sides of the rack. When on adjacent racks, patch cords will connect side-to-side across both racks. Organize equipment to minimize crossover of patch cords by grouping switches and patch panels. Control the path of the patch cord as much as possible between connections. Use horizontal managers above and below flat-face patch panels to guide patch cords to connections. Use jumper trays above groups of switches and patch panels as a side-to-side or rack-to-rack pathway. Maintain bend radius for patch cord slack by using cable spools within the vertical managers. Angled-face patch panels can be used to eliminate horizontal management—and gain port density— as long as the vertical managers provide by-rack-mount-space cable management for the patch cords. Deliver premise cable from overhead using a cable tray (ladder rack) and require a radius drop at the exit point for each vertical manger. Elevate the cable tray above the racks to get the full benefit of the radius drop. This practice will also let you make rack changes in the future, if necessary, without (continued on page 8) Extending the LAN in a Campus Environment by ALLTEL Communications Products Building A 3Com Switch Tripp Lite UPS Today’s Network Designer is faced with many challenges when creating and implementing a local area network. Capital budgets have been slashed at many businesses and yet the demand for reliable connectivity is on the rise. For those designers who are engaged in providing LAN solutions for a campus environment, additional factors must be addressed. These factors include distance limitations, flexibility, and power protection. This article will discuss a cost-effective and reliable solution for extending wireless LAN in a campus environment. In a LAN design, the cost for Ethernet switches comprises a large portion of the total equipment costs. Ethernet switches are traditionally deployed in telecommunications rooms that are located within 90 meters of the work area outlet. In a campus environment, the number of Ethernet switches in the design increases as the distance between work areas increases. In a traditional campus design, each building would require an Ethernet switch to serve the local users. This design is both expensive and lacks flexibility. Multiple switches must be maintained and monitored. Redundancy must be built into each switch, and the port counts for each building are relatively fixed. To reduce the cost of the electronics and increase the flexibility of the design, let us consider a more innovative approach. In certain applications, a wireless LAN can augment a traditional wired LAN and extend network coverage to outlying buildings with a minimal investment. In this scenario, a stack of 3Com 4400 series switches are installed in building A. Users are connected to the 3Com switches with traditional structured cabling. In addition, 2 3Com AP8250 802.11g wireless access points are installed in building A to augment the wired LAN and provide connectivity for visiting employees and guests. The wireless access points in building A are powered using Power over Ethernet. This eliminates the need for local power at the access point. To provide power protection Building B ADC OptEnet Copper ADC FL1000 Fiber Building C Building D Tripp Lite UPS Tripp Lite UPS Tripp Lite UPS ADC OptEnet ADC OptEnet ADC OptEnet ADC FL1000 ADC FL1000 ADC FL1000 and to increase network availability, a Tripp Lite SMART1500XL2UA and BP36V15-2U is installed into the rack. The Tripp Lite solution has advanced power status monitoring software, automatic remote shutdown capabilities and 30 minutes of runtime. For buildings B, C, and D on the campus; network coverage will be provided via 3Com AP8250 wireless access points. Copper Ethernet ports from the 3Com 4400 series switch in building A are patched into an ADC OptEnet Optical Extension Platform. The ADC OptEnet is a carrier-class, intelligent, scalable platform that is capable of handling Ethernet and SONET media transitions. In this scenario, the OptEnet is used to convert 10/100 Ethernet electrical signals to optical. The Ethernet signals are routed from the OptEnet into an ADC Fiber Management Tray (FMT). The FMT terminates the multi-fiber cables that connect buildings B, C, and D to building A. This single rack-unit tray features sliding radius limiters for error-proof slack management and sliding adapter packs for easy connector access. In buildings B, C, and D; the fiber is routed from an ADC FL1000 fiber panel into ADC OptEnet Modular Media Converter. After the Ethernet signal is converted from optical back to electrical, the 3Com AP8250 wireless access point is patched into the RJ45 interface. To increase network reliability, a Tripp Lite Internet350U is installed with each access point. The Tripp Lite Internet350U is a wall-mountable UPS that provides complete protection from brownouts, blackouts, and surges. Through innovative network design, costs can be contained while LAN coverage is extended in a campus environment. In the example described above, campus-wide connectivity is provided from a single stack of Ethernet switches in building A. By centralizing the electronics and serving the outlying buildings via fiber, several advantages are realized. Maintenance, monitoring, and upgrades are limited to a single switch. This saves time and money. In addition, network flexibility is increased. Ports from the centralized switch stack can easily be re-deployed as the needs of the business change. Wireless coverage in buildings B, C, and D allow for complete reconfiguration of these spaces without network downtime. Fiber connectivity between the buildings extends the allowable distance between the Ethernet switch and the wireless access points. By introducing media conversion into the design, a lower cost copper Ethernet switch can be deployed instead of a dedicated fiber Ethernet switch. Costs are contained while flexibility and redundancy is maximized. As Network Designers are challenged to do more with less, ALLTEL is prepared to help. Our Technology & Products Planning Group can design a custom, multi-vendor solution to meet the needs of today’s networks. In addition, ALLTEL can provide custom kitting and pre-configuration of network components. Stop by booth No.1009 at the BICSI Spring Conference to learn more. To begin your network design today, call 678-351-8001 or 1-800-5-ALLTEL extention 8001. Visit our website at www.alltelcpi.com to download complete specs for the products mentioned in this article. advertising supplement RSSC Report RCDD/LAN Specialty Exam Facts The LAN Specialty Subcommittee of BICSI’s Registration and Specialties Supervision Committee has announced the core chapters of the Network Design Reference Manual (NDRM), 5th edition, to study for the RCDD/LAN Specialty Exam. About 85% of the exam questions are drawn from the core chapters. NDRM Core Chapters • Chapter 2: Local Area Networks • Chapter 4: Internetworking • Chapter 5: Network Cabling • Chapter 6: Wireless Networking • Chapter 7: Telecommunications Circuits • Chapter 8: Ethernet Technologies • Chapter 9: Internet Protocol Infrastructure • Chapter 11: Network Security • Chapter 12: Network Management The questions on the exam will be taken from content found in all of the manual chapters. Candidates will not be tested on the material in Appendices A-C, which are included as reference material only. The format of the RCDD/LAN exam is similar to that of the RCDD exam. It consists of 115 questions drawn from the BICSI Network Design Reference Manual, 5th edition. The exam is closed book. The questions are true/false and multiple choice. A high percentage of the questions are multiple choice. There is a 1½ hour time limit for the exam. No reference materials, calculators, or study aids are permitted in the examination room. The minimum passing score is 78%. The RCDD/LAN Specialty: The Process and Exam Applications lists further details. You may view the application online at www.bicsi.org or call BICSI, 800-242-7405 (toll free USA and Canada) or +1813-979-1991. Micromanaging the Cross-Connect (continued from page 6) moving the cable tray. Use the manufacturer’s fabricated bends when making turns in the cable tray to help maintain cable radius. Make sure that the cable tray has sufficient width to allow 50 percent fill and will not exceed 6 inches in depth. For example, an 18 inch-wide cable tray will support 288 users with three connections each (864 cables). Verify cable fill for the type of cable with the cable tray manufacturer. “In the long run, active participation in good cable management practices will help you keep up with the continually changing cabling technologies and standards.” Use one equipment manufacturer, if possible, when designing support structure. Configure your installation BICSI NEWS May/June 2004 8 completely without concern for compatibility issues or hardware kitting differences. When selecting an equipment manufacturer, ask for layout assistance. Many manufacturers will provide CAD drawing blocks and load/fill tables for racks, cable tray and cable management products in addition to product data sheets. The manufacturer may also have free design tools (configuration software), a training or certification program, or a free layout service. In the long run, active participation in good cable management practices will help you keep up with the continually changing cabling technologies and standards. New BICSI Manual (continued from page 1) Wireless networks are accelerating the rate by which voice, data, video, monitoring, and alarm services are converging into a single network. These networks must be highly mobile and very flexible. Network designers must be able to provide for these services and integrate them into a seamless and manageable data stream. Infrastructure must be able to accommodate the bandwidth required for these services and allow for organized physical and technological growth. “It is vitally important for designers to have wireless knowledge, and it will only become important in the future,” says BICSI President Russell Oliver, RCDD/LAN Specialist. “In keeping with its role as an industry leader, BICSI will introduce a Wireless Design Specialty later this year.” BICSI established its registration programs to provide a level of assurance to the industry and to consumers that an individual is proficient in a certain area. Candidates for registration are required to pass rigorous exams and keep their knowledge through continuing education. Wireless Design Reference Manual “All BICSI registrations and specialties start with a technical manual as basis of the exam,” continues Oliver. “So, we’re happy to announce the publication of BICSI’s Wireless Design Reference Manual (WDRM).” A prototype of the new WDRM will make its debut at the Spring 2004 Conference in Baltimore, MD. It will be available for purchase in late May in binder format and on CD-ROM in late June. The new manual continues the BICSI tradition of providing comprehensive vendor-neutral, standards-based material. The WDRM is written and edited under the direction of Systems Design Subcommittee of the Technical Information & Methods (TI&M) Committee, which is charged with writing and updating BICSI’s technical manuals and developing additional technical publications. Dave Labuskes, RCDD/LAN/OSP Specialist served as subcommittee chair and project manager of the Wireless Design Reference Manual. He coordinated the efforts of volunteer writers and subject matter experts. “It was an extraordinary pleasure to work with the so many talented people who contributed time and effort to this new manual, and a privilege to be able to make this contribution to the industry” says Labuskes. The WDRM provides current, in-depth information on a wide spectrum of wireless design material. Indexed and illustrated with a complete glossary, the manual’s 10 chapters include: • Introduction to Wireless Design • Wireless Regulations, Standards, Codes, and Organizations • Overview of Wireless Fundamentals • Components of a Wireless System • General Wireless Design Considerations • Point-to-Point and Point-toMultipoint Systems • Distributed Antenna Systems • Cellular and Paging Systems • Personal Area Networks • Wireless Local Area Networks • Bibliography and Resources • Glossary • Index Courses, Specialty Exam, Certificate Program BICSI will offer wireless courses in summer 2004. The first exam for the RCDD/Wireless Design Specialty will make its debut August 30, 2004, at the Fall Conference. BICSI also plans to offer a Wireless Certificate Program in early 2005. Details will be provided in the BICSI News and online at www.bicsi.org 9 BICSI NEWS May/June 2004 Wireless Technologies JULIE PAULSON practicalbiz@ aol.com PHIL KLINGENSMITH, RCDD/OSP Specialist [email protected] Wireless, a World of Possibilities The world of wireless technology has many opportunities, but a wireless call is still nothing more than a call seeking a home, normally a wired network or device. Wireless is a viable solution for buildings where the walls may not be altered, as well as historic sites or for businesses that have frequent user moves, such as universities and retailers. This technology is most likely to benefit these industries: aerospace, education, government, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, logistics, retail, transportation, museums/historical (see sidebar). Wireless is easy to install. It is flexible and secure, provided the system is properly designed and engineered. For a basic wireless installation with one or two access points, off-the-shelf equipment is appropriate and easily obtainable. However, it is common for security to be overlooked on these devices. All come with standard wireless encryption protocol (WEP) security, which must be activated. Off-the-shelf equipment is C A not appropriate when there are more than two access points. A qualified system designer must be involved. Security must also E meet the client's expectations. To understand security, first D consider topology, the physical or logical arrangement of a telecommunications system. Figure 1. Basic mesh topology The most effective wireless solutions use mesh topology. BICSI's Telecommunications A Dictionary, 2nd edition, defines mesh topology as a topology where each device or network is HUB connected to all other devices or networks by multiple paths. B Mesh topology is the way the Internet and cell phone networks work together. Each device in the system behaves as Figure 2. Basic hub topology a router, and each has equal importance in the system (Figure 1). Another commonly used topology is hub topology, where the hub is most important, and all users must go through the hub to access other users (Figure 2). B C Figure 3. Mesh topology routing around a malfunction Wireless Case Study From 1852 to 2004, Kelton House Modernizes Its Back Office Compass Telecommunications Consulting Company was asked to install both a new telephone system and a new data system at Kelton House, Columbus, Ohio, USA. This small museum was built in 1852, of solid construction with brick walls 18 inches thick. Kelton House is a fine example of Victorian architecture and a public site of the underground railroad, an escape route for runaway slaves before and during the BICSI NEWS May/June 2004 10 American Civil War. The museum has been beautifully restored, without exposed wire. The museum’s administration wished to come into the 21st century by updating the telephone and computer equipment in their third floor offices and adding a learning station in the basement next to the underground railroad room. Another building on a contiguous property serves as the headquarters for the Junior League of Columbus. The Junior League shares services with the Kelton House. Both groups had been limping along with a dialup system that was incredibly slow, and only one computer at a time could access the Internet. In addition, the quality of the telephone lines was poor, leading to frequent disconnects and slow sign-ons. When the system was being designed, the clients asked to share the same digital subscriber line (DSL), to minimize expense. Together, both groups needed 15 new telephones, no new pathways, intercom door entry and a door opener, so staff on a top floor could screen visitors before opening the door automatically. Furthermore, although both organizations wanted high speed and easy transfer of databases between them, they also wanted a moderate level of security. They did not want the casual hacker to gain access to their records. For the telephone system, the decision was made to use existing internal wiring, in order not to disturb walls. A modern key system was implemented. The brains of the key system and the DSL line were installed Wireless Technologies To give a real world example of these topologies, consider the major airlines that have hubs through which they route their planes to various cities. Think about the dysfunctions, which arise when there is a problem at the hub. For example, bad weather at the hub can and does prevent connections from being made. Other airlines use a system similar to mesh topology. Bad weather in one city only causes a dysfunction at that one site. Other cities simply reroute and avoid the problem (Figure 3). In a mesh topology, each node distributes intelligence and management, a concept analogous to the World Wide Web. Traffic decisions are made at each node, but the system may be managed globally. Quick and less costly deployments are possible with minimum human intervention to operate the network. There are two types of mesh networks. One mentioned earlier is through the device itself. The cell phone, laptop, or sensor acts as a relay. There are issues and challenges with device-based mesh topology that include security, bandwidth, usage permissions, and mass of participants. Hackers may breach the system. Bandwidth may be inappropriate for the high speed applications. Unauthorized users may try to share systems; and any of us who have tried to use our cell phones during a local emergency know that too large a mass of participants can cause the system to fail. The second type of mesh topology uses intelligent nodes to provide device connection and allows devices to communicate among each other via wireless connections. With proper system design, this type of mesh topology can self-organize, selftune, and self-heal. This topology can eliminate the problems described for device-based mesh topology. Mesh Topology Design To understand a mesh topology system, one must consider four interacting processes: • • • • Discovery Path selection Management Security Discovery A discovery process enables the network to dynamically link itself together. A node joins the network via a multicast message to identify other nodes and available paths. The network discovers new users, registers, and publishes information about them to other network elements. Path Selection Path selection is the best path choice for traffic, continually using signal strength, error-in rates, congestion, and latency to make this determination. Each node selects the best path based on several criteria and then routes traffic based on current network conditions. The node recognizes when users enter or leave the system. Should a node be removed from the network, the others automatically find new paths and recover from the outage. (continued on page 12) in the basement at Kelton House. For the data system, Compass decided a wireless solution would deliver everything the clients wanted: six computer work stations, with high speed DSL access on each; minimum wireless access points; maximum, but flexible penetration and clean power. Each computer had to be backed up by uninterruptible power supply (UPS). The wireless system installed included four computer stations, three in the office of the museum and one in the underground railroad learning station, with the IEEE 802.11g (54 Mb/s) standard. One access point, purchased off the shelf, was installed and a firewall located at the router. In English House, the building next door, two computer work stations were installed with one access point, the same as that in Kelton House, at the same 802.11g standard. The English House telephones were from the key system originally installed in Kelton House. The key system was programmed to route calls and faxes to their appropriate locations. Each organization had indi- vidual answering and message center applications. At both access points, normal WEP security was activated. Security activation is often the most overlooked point in a wireless installation. Consultants provide an excellent service when they ensure the normal security measures provided with the router are not overlooked. Problems One might think wireless would not work within and between houses with 18-inch thick walls. Such was not the case. The wireless system works extremely well, at high speeds, and no latency. Furthermore, the basic security of the system is adequate, thanks to the wireless standard and the firewall. However, there were other problems. First, electromagnetic interference (EMI), created problems with the key system, the door intercom, and the door strike release. The high voltage electrical wiring had been installed when the house was first electrified, and the interference was so strong, therefore a wireless system to open the door was out of the question. Next, each time the power failed, the key system’s programming reverted to factory settings, losing the custom settings, so even the key system had to be backed up by the UPS. Also, there was static on the line. A thorough examination of the “spaghetti” wiring in the basement revealed two grounds in the grounding system, which meant one had to be eliminated. Finally, the new key system had a faulty card, which prevented the proper programming of its use. The manufacturer replaced the card. Solutions The resulting system is reliable, secure and has improved productivity in the offices. At Kelton House, everyone is sharing a common calendar, so there is no longer a danger of double booking. Databases are transferred quickly and easily. Messages are taken by mailbox, facilitating return answers. The client’s objectives were met. 11 BICSI NEWS May/June 2004 Wireless Technologies Wireless, A World of Possibilities (continued from page 11) Management A management process provides the tools and facilities to monitor, diagnose, tune, configure, meter, and log network activity. Any node provides entry by a system administrator, with automatic element discovery and display. The management and control messages use the same paths as data traffic, so they must be lightweight to conserve bandwidth. Each element is Internet Protocol (IP)addressable for fine-grained management and configuration. Security A security process protects the resources from unauthorized access and provides privacy for both management and user traffic. A node blocks user entry until authentication and encryption are complete. Each node authenticates itself and encrypts its path through the network. Each path is encrypted and each node is authenticated. This process provides mitigation against hijacking, eavesdropping, and various penetrating attacks. Network Operation The network operation follows these steps: • A new node joins the mesh using a discovery protocol to multicast its presence to listeners on the network. • Existing nodes recognize the new node and reconfigure and return the network to incorporate it. They cache and publish information. • Path selection yields the best quality of service characteristics, regardless of the order in which the nodes are initialized. • Nodes automatically reconfigure and retune when a node is taken off-line. • All new nodes are mutually authenticated to a radius server before they can begin operation. • All transmissions are encrypted via advanced encryption standard (AES). Wireless Security Security is a major concern in wireless technology. The IEEE 802.11i Standard, currently under development, will improve security for wireless networks by improving authentication, encryption, and message integrity. This standard includes automated encryption standard (AES). AES uses a long, randomly generated encryption key, so it can encrypt each packet of data with its own separate key, making this standard virtually unhackable. The Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) Alliance has implemented many of 802.11i's key provisions in a stop-gap security standard called WiFi protected access (WPA). WPA is available now, and some recently shipped products may have WPA added to them with a firmware upgrade. On September 1, 2003, the WiFi Alliance began requiring all IEEE 802.11 products to have WPA in order to carry the WiFi compliant seal of approval. WPA is an interim fix until IEEE 802.11i standards are approved. It includes temporal key integrity (TKIP) to replace static WEP keys, and a message integrity checksum (MIC) to protect TKIP keys. New mesh products introduced in 2003 have intelligent Attend a Region Meeting! Combined Region Meeting U.S. North-Central and U.S. South Central June 2004 St. Louis, MO area U.S. Southeast Region June 24, 2004 Richmond, VA area U.S. Northeast Region June 11, 2004 Providence, RI All are invited. CECs awarded. Advance registration required, 800-242-7405 or [email protected] For more Region Meeting information, visit www.bicsi.org BICSI NEWS May/June 2004 12 access points, which are selforganizing, self-tuning, and selfhealing. These products offer the highest level of security now, utilizing long string random numbering devices. These products offer real convergence among different types of equipment, with different types of standards. There are new products that extend the reach of local area wireless networks up to 250 miles, with security as good or better than wired solutions. Wireless Possibilities Mesh topology pays off by eliminating wired connections between nodes, immediately reducing deployment costs, and thus, capital costs. It also eliminates the need for human intervention for moves, adds, and changes, considerably reducing operational expenditure costs over time. Wireless is simple to install and maintain, provided there is a good design at the outset of the project. Consultants are available to design, install, and support the new wireless functionality. Wireless designs should include products that are application specific. Mesh topology offers the highest levels of security and the fastest speeds. Extended coverage can easily be added to any wireless network. About the Authors Julie Paulson, MBA, is President of Practical Business, a consulting firm providing practical solutions to business problems. Paulson worked on the Kelton House Project and has consulted on telemedicine applications. She may be reached at practicalbiz@ aol.com. Phil Klingensmith, RCDD/OSP Specialist, BICSI Master Instructor, is President of Compass Telecommunications Consulting, a design, training and implementation consulting company. He may be reached at [email protected]. Telecom in Ten Contest Contest and Codes Report Get out your crystal ball and fast forward to the year 2014. BICSI members and installers, fast forward 10 years and describe cutting edge products, services, and/or changes that you foresee in our industry in the year 2014! In a minimum of 200 words, describe your futuristic idea. Imagine innovative, vendor-neutral equipment/tools, procedures, buildings, codes/standards, etc., that you think could change our industry. Participants may submit sketches and diagrams, videos, and handmade items along with their written description. Entries will be judged by a panel of industry experts, based on creativity, usefulness, and the realistic potential of the idea. Be as creative as you would like. Prizes will be awarded in the following categories. • Equipment/tools • Procedures • Buildings • Codes/Standards • Other Grand Prize Winner An overall grand prize winner will be chosen and given free registration, a travel voucher, and hotel accommodations to the BICSI 2005 Winter Conference, January 24-27, at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Orlando, FL. Category Winners Free registration to a BICSI course of your choice. All Entries Eligible for Drawings Each Telecom in Ten entry will be placed in a drawing for various BICSI prizes: manuals, free membership, shirts, hats, etc. Enter several times and increase your chances of winning! Limit three entries per person/group. Deadline and Entry Form Contest entries must be postmarked/dated by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (USA) on September 30, 2004 and sent to BICSI World Headquarters, 8610 Hidden Parkway, Tampa, FL 33637-1000. Each entry must be accompanied by an official entry form available online, www.bicsi.org, or call of 800-242-7405 (toll free Part 30th USA/Canada) or +1 813 I’s 979-1991, fax: +1 BICS iversary 813 971-4311, or Ann bration! e-mail: [email protected]. The winner will be Cele notified by early December 2004 and will be announced in the January/February 2005 issue of BICSI News. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 90A Meeting Report During a fire, air-handling systems have the potential to spread smoke, hot gases, and flames to areas far beyond the fire’s origin. They can also supply air to the fire. The NFPA 90A standard prescribes the minimum requirements for fire protection of air handling systems to restrict the spread of smoke and fire, maintain the fire-resistive integrity of building components and elements, and minimize ignition sources and combustibility of system elements. Because all cabling, electrical and low voltage (including telecommunications cabling) is within the purview of this standard, BICSI is now attending these committee meetings. The NFPA 90A and NFPA 90B Report on Proposal (ROP) review meeting of the Air Conditioning Technical Committee was chaired by Jeffrey Mattern on February 18, 2004, in Phoenix, Arizona. The committee reviewed and acted on 187 proposals to NFPA 90A-2002 and approximately three proposals to NFPA 90B-2002. NFPA staff will finalize the paperwork and distribute the ballots for committee vote. While the committee reviewed all the proposals, they primarily accepted those formulated by the task groups at the August 19-21, 2003 meeting in Santa Ana, California. Public proposals that were similar to those of the task groups were accepted in principal, while most other proposals were rejected. The six proposals submitted on BICSI’s behalf were rejected. This was expected, but submission was necessary to ensure that comments could be made on these sections during the Report of Comment (ROC) review meeting, which will be held beginning December 8, 2004 in Washington DC. The membership of the Air Conditioning Technical Committee is currently comprised of 32% manufacturers, 20% special experts, 12% enforcing authority, 12% installer/ maintenance, 12% users, 8% insurance, and 4% applied research /testing laboratories. The telecommunications experts on the committee are Frank Peri, Communications Design Corporation, representing the Association of Cabling Professionals, Frederic Clarke, and Benjamin Clarke, no association affiliation. 13 DONNA BALLAST, RCDD BICSI Standards Representative [email protected] BICSI NEWS May/June 2004 Classes and Conferences Upcoming Courses and Conferences For a complete course list or for more information about these conferences or courses, please contact BICSI +1 800-242-7405 (USA/Canada toll free) or +1 813-979-1991 or visit www.bicsi.org July 2004 Conferences May 3-6, 2004 BICSI Spring Conference Baltimore Convention Center Baltimore, MD, USA June 5-6, 2004 BICSI Middle East Conference Crown Plaza, Bahrain Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain July 26-28, 2004 BICSI South Pacific Conference Royal Pines Resort Ashmore, Queensland Australia August 30-September 2, 2004 BICSI Fall Conference Washington State Convention and Trade Center Seattle, WA, USA 8-9 7-9 7-11 11-16 7-9 12-16 7-11 12-16 RES100: Introduction DD100: Residential Network to Voice/Data CablingCabling Theory,Systems, Tampa, Long FL Beach, CA DD102: RES150: Designing ResidentialTelecommunications Network Cabling Theory Distribution and Hands-On, Systems,Tampa, Long Beach, FL CA IN200: RES100:Installer, Residential Level Network 2, Boston, Cabling MA Theory, Tampa, FL TE300: RES150:Technician ResidentialLevel, Network Tampa, Cabling FL Theory and Hands-On, Tampa, FL 12-16 13-16 7-9 15-16 7-11 18-23 19-21 PM125: BICSI Project Management Program, Albany, NY DD200: Telecommunications Distribution Systems Review, Chicago, IL RES100: Residential Network Cabling Theory, Tampa, FL DD100: Introduction to Voice/Data Cabling Systems, Tampa, FL RES150: Residential Network Cabling Theory and Hands-On, Tampa, FL DD102: Designing Telecommunications Distribution Systems, Tampa, FL PM200: Advanced Project Management, Albany, NY 7-9 19-23 19-23 7-9 7-9 19-23 7-9 19-23 7-9 26-28 7-9 26-30 7-9 26-30 7-9 28-30 TE300: RES100:Technician ResidentialLevel, Network Boston, Cabling MA Theory, Tampa, FL OSP110: RES100: Residential CO-OSP Cable Network Plant Cabling Design, Theory, Tampa, FL Tampa, FL IN200: RES100:Installer, Residential Level Network 2, Reno, Cabling NV Theory, Tampa, FL RES100: Residential Network Cabling: Cabling Theory, Theory,Tampa, Tampa,FL FL DD200: RES100: Telecommunications Residential Network Cabling Distribution Theory, Systems Tampa, Review, FL Tampa, FL RES150: RES100: Residential Network Cabling: Cabling Theory, Theory Tampa, and Hands-On, FL Tampa, FL TE300: RES100:Technician ResidentialLevel, Network Reno, Cabling NV Theory, Tampa, FL FO110: RES100:Fiber Residential Optic Network Network Design, CablingTampa, Theory,FL Tampa, FL August 2004 2-3 7-9 7-9 2-6 7-9 4-5 7-9 6-7 7-11 8-13 7-9 9-13 7-11 16-20 7-9 20-22 7-9 20-25 7-9 22-26 7-9 23-25 7-11 23-27 7-9 23-27 7-9 23-27 7-9 26-28 7-9 26-29 7-9 27-29 7-11 27-29 27-29 7-9 27-29 7-11 28-29 7-9 28-29 7-9 30-9/3 7-9 30-9/1 7-11 30-9/3 Questions, comments, article ideas? e-mail: [email protected] DA100: Introduction RES100: Residential Network to LANsCabling and Internetworks, Theory, Tampa, Tampa, FL FL RES100:Installer, IN200: Residential Level Network 2, Tampa, Cabling FL Theory, Tampa, FL RES100: Residential OSP100: Introduction Network to Customer-Owned Cabling Theory, Outside Tampa, Plant, FL Tampa, FL RES100: Introduction DD100: Residential Network to Voice/Data CablingCabling Theory,Systems, Tampa, Tampa, FL FL RES150: Designing DD102: ResidentialTelecommunications Network Cabling Theory Distribution and Hands-On, Systems,Tampa, Tampa,FL FL TE300: RES100:Technician ResidentialLevel, Network Tampa, Cabling FL Theory, Tampa, FL IN100: RES150:Installer, Residential Level Network 1, Tampa, Cabling FL Theory and Hands-On, Tampa, FL OSP101: RES100: Residential Site Survey Network and Media Cabling Selection, Theory, Seattle, Tampa, WA FL DD102: RES100: Designing ResidentialTelecommunications Network Cabling Theory, Distribution Tampa,Systems, FL Seattle, WA DA110: RES100: Designing ResidentialLANs Network and Internetworks, Cabling Theory,Seattle, Tampa, WA FL TT100: RES100:Testing, Residential Certifying, Network and Cabling Troubleshooting Theory, Tampa, Copper FL and Fiber, Seattle, WA IN200: RES150:Installer, Residential Level Network 2, Tampa, Cabling FL Theory and Hands-On, Tampa, FL OSP110: RES100: Residential CO-OSP Cable Network Plant Cabling Design, Theory, Seattle, WA Tampa, FL PM125: RES100: BICSI Residential ProjectNetwork Management Cabling Program, Theory,Seattle, Tampa,WA FL OF100: RES100:Optical Residential Theory Network and Technique, Cabling Theory, Seattle,Tampa, WA FL DD200: RES100: Telecommunications Residential Network Cabling Distribution Theory, Systems Tampa, Review, FL Seattle, WA DA200: RES100: LAN Residential Specialty Network Review,Cabling Seattle,Theory, WA Tampa, FL DA403: RES150: CATV Residential Distribution Network Design, Cabling Seattle, Theory WA and Hands-On, Tampa, FL DD120: Grounding and Protection Fundamentals for Telecommunications Systems, Seattle, WA RES100: Residential Network Cabling Theory, Tampa, FL FO110: Fiber Optic Network Design, Seattle, WA RES150: Residential Network Cabling Theory and Hands-On, Tampa, FL DD112: Introduction to Wireless Telecommunications Networks, Seattle, WA OSP200: RES100: Residential Customer-Owned Network Outside Cabling Plant Theory, Design Tampa, Review, FL Seattle, WA IN200: RES100:Installer, Residential Level Network 2, Seattle, Cabling WA Theory, Tampa, FL RES100: Residential Network Cabling: Cabling Theory, Theory,Tampa, Seattle, FL WA RES150: Residential Network Cabling Cabling:Theory Theoryand andHands-On, Hands-On,Tampa, Seattle,FL WA BICSI WORLD HEADQUARTERS 8610 Hidden River Pkwy., Tampa, FL 33637-1000 USA; +1 813-979-1991 or 800-242-7405 (USA/Canada toll free); fax: +1 813-971-4311; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: www.bicsi.org Acting Executive Director: Mel Lesperance, [email protected] Conference Manager: Maria Maggio, CMP, [email protected] Controller: Allen Ware, [email protected] Editor, BICSI News: Terry Cone, [email protected] Facilities Manager: David Hand, [email protected] International Development Director: Paulo Eduardo da Silva, RCDD, [email protected] IT Manager: James Barthle, [email protected] BICSI NEWS May/June 2004 Marketing and Member Services Manager: Brian Sadofsky, [email protected] Project Manager and Developer: Rich Jones, [email protected] Publications Manager: Frank Smith, [email protected] Registration Programs Manager: Jeanne Hand, [email protected] 14 Training Program Manager: Richard Dunfee, RCDD/OSP Specialist, [email protected] Governmental Relations Representative: Dick Reed, RCDD/OSP Specialist, 717-795-9373; [email protected] Standards Representative: Donna Ballast, RCDD, 512-471-0112; [email protected] Brazil Office Supervisor: Carlos Cesar Falci de Carvalho, +55 11 3816 1412; [email protected] UK Office Supervisor: Caroline Pirouet; +44 1206 579899; [email protected] Japan District Manager: Kazuo Kato; +81 3 3595 1451; [email protected] Mexico Office Representative: Gilberto Ferreira Ruiz, RCDD, +52 55 5763 9518; [email protected] South Pacific Office Manager: James Armytage; + 61 3 9813 3355; [email protected] Megger Takes the Lead in LAN Network Testing! 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