Compiled by Marcy Koff
Home network center
The residential home network center has a modular-designed center that configures easily to support every type of home network, including telephone, cable, satellite, closed-circuit TV, computer, home office, and audio. The device is made of heavy-gauge steel and fits conventional 2x4 stud framing, 16 inches on center, with no top or bottom framing required. Angled mounts from click-in modules provide optimum room to work, straightforward visibility, and simple connection points, according to company claims.
PASS & SEYMOUR/LEGRAND
SYRACUSE, NY
Uninterruptible power supplies
The Silcon DP300E series 400- to 500-kVA uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) are suitable for manufacturing, facilities, and information-technology environments. This patented technology offers operational efficiency that reduces the cost of electrical infrastructure equipment, installation, and day-to-day operation compared to double-conversion UPSs. Silcon's scalability enables units to be placed in parallel configuration.
AMERICAN POWER CONVERSION
WEST KINGSTON, RI
Fiber-optic connector system
The expanded E-2000 fiber-optic connector system incorporates several technological improvements as a result of the company's patented Active Core Alignment process and endface polishing. The system features 0.1-dB-maximum insertion-loss random mating and 85-dB-minimum return loss, as well as long-distance transmission and higher transmission frequencies with greater bandwidth.
DIAMOND USA INC.
CHELMSFORD, MA
ISP enclosures
Internet service provider enclosures protect and manage Internet data equipment. Based on the company's PS (Perfect System) enclosure design, the units feature 19-inch mounting rails, full-depth shelves, fully perforated front/rear doors that enable airflow, and Ergoform handles with security inserts. Single-, double-, triple-, and quadruple-door cabinet options are available to house multiple equipment bays and suit most Internet service applications. Continuous thermal management is maintained through climate control devices such as optional roof fan assemblies and temperature indicators. Other accessories include power strips, 19-inch component shelves, keyboard drawers, and twin casters.
RITTAL CORP.
SPRINGFIELD, OH
Wall-mounted cabinets
The NetCom series of WMC cabinets is suitable when reduced panel height and internal depth are required. A hinged wall-mounting back assembly accepts a wide range of cabling. Three knockouts on the top and bottom of the rear section provide cable and conduit entry. Cabinets mount standard 19-inch assemblies on two adjustable angles and come in 24- and 36-inch heights and 18- and 24-inch depths. Sixteen-gauge cold-rolled steel construction supports heavy loads. Front doors are solid or come with Plexiglas inserts, and front and rear doors lock for security.
PREMIER METAL PRODUCTS CO.
BRONX, NY
ST and SC connectors
FIELD-link SC and ST prepolished connectors enable terminations in less than 1 minute. Used in fiber-to-the- desk applications and central offices, the connector is factory-polished to provide consistent high-quality terminations that will eliminate return-loss concerns. No power is needed for these connectors, which makes them suitable for any situation.
ALCOA FUJIKURA LTD.
SPARTANBURG, SC
Cable stripper
The two-way cable stripper strips copper and fiber-optic cable. The unit's working parts consist of a depressing knob, cutting blade alignment screw, clamping lever, cable size adjusting screw, cutting blade, and blade depth adjustment. In quantities of one to nine, the unit costs $139.95, and in quantities of 10 to 49, $109.95 each.
FIBER-OPTIC TOOL & SUPPLIES INC.
NEOSHO, MO
Fiber-optic receiver module
The RXM-750 integrated fiber-optic receiver module is powered by a single 5-V power supply and housed in a 20-pin DIL package. The module is available with multimode fiber pigtail with either an ST or LC connector. It is suitable for SONET OC-1, OC-3, and OC-12 and other 45- to 750-Mbit/sec fiber-optic transmission applications.
VECTRON INTERNATIONAL
NORWALK, CT
MT-RJ connector
According to the company, this small-form-factor duplex connector is lower in cost and size than the now-standard duplex SC interface. It can be spaced the same as copper, effectively doubling the number of fiber ports. The connector uses the familiar RJ latching system found in copper systems and is, therefore, snag-proof. Cable assemblies incorporating this connector are available in many configurations.
EKRIS CABLE
NEW BRITAIN, CT
UPS systems
Smart Unison RT true online uninterruptible power-supply (UPS) systems in the 1,000- to 2,200-VA range use double-conversion technology to provide uninterrupted power. According to company claims, the systems provide superior online power conditioning and reliability at a price competitive with less-protective line-interactive UPSs. The units convert incoming AC power to filtered DC power, then resynthesize it back to distortion-free AC power. They can be used in rack-mount or tower applications without additional expense.
TRIPP LITE
CHICAGO
Fiber test kit
Designed for multimode fiber with ST connectors, the Fiber Test Kit determines if a fiber facility has fundamental continuity. It also determines whether the fiber falls within the acceptable range of total optical loss. Potential for eye injury is eliminated with Fiber Kit because it transmits and receives the light responding with a distinctive tone.
INDEPENDENT TECHNOLOGIES
OMAHA, NE
Fiber-optic coupler
These singlemode or multimode all-fiber couplers are available in standard, wavelength-flattened, or wideband varieties. Fully tested and Telcordia GR-1209-compliant, these fiber-optic couplers provide stable environmental performance, according to the company.
HOPE OPTIC COMMUNICATIONS CO. LTD.
SHANGHAI, CHINA
Cable assemblies
GigaWave cables exceed industry-standard Telcordia GR-326 Issue 3 specifications for endface geometry, while the TeraBand line surpasses Telcordia specifications and introduces new parameters to measure fiber endface quality. According to company claims, the high performance and reliability achieved by the cables are the result of a manufacturing process perfected through years of research and development. The process involves various proprietary procedures and strict quality control, resulting in cable free from defects in all critical areas of the fiber.
TELECT INC.
LIBERTY LAKE, WA
Earthquake-resistant cabinets
Seismic enclosures are designed to full Zone 4 earthquake compliance in accordance with Telcordia NEBS GR-63-CORE. The cabinets include reinforced seismic brackets and floor-mounting attachments. Standard features include a heavy-duty frame with reinforced corners and steel blocks, solid sides and cover, solid top, and 100-mm seismic base with cable-entry gland plate.
PENTAIR ELECTRONIC PACKAGING CO.
WARWICK, RI
Optical-fiber cables
These metal-clad optical-fiber cables (MOF) are assembled in an interlocked metal armor that eliminates the need for innerduct, thus saving time and labor. MOF can be assembled with any manufacturer's fiber for complete system flexibility. Applications include network backbones and industrial robotics or where physical protection or data security is required.
AFC CABLE SYSTEMS INC.
NEW BEDFORD, MA
Cushion grommet
Designed for the fiber-optics industry to protect electronic wires and cables from abrasion, the Spring-Fast Cushion Grommet adheres to any four-axis contour. The device has tight gripping spring fingers that reduce installed costs compared to the often-toxic adhesive-applied grommetting. Available in eight sheet thicknesses from 0.025 to 0.06 inch, the Spring-Fast Cushion Grommet is ISO 9002 certified.
DEVICE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
MARLBORO, MA
Fiber-management solution
This compact unit allows network operators to patch, splice, cross connect, and store up to 3,000 fibers in a variety of housings and configurations. Multiple cable-entry options streamline installation. Front access and a unique cable housekeeping arrangement make this high-density distribution frame easy to administer and maintain.
ALCATEL
CLAREMONT, NC