In the 2021 Cabling Innovators Awards, sponsored by Sumitomo Electric Lightwave, platinum level awards go to products and programs that are recognized as superb, offering groundbreaking approaches or establishing new levels of performance.
Here are the eight Platinum level honorees in the 2021 Cabling Innovators Awards program, described by the companies being honored.
AEM: TestPro CV100 Smart Building Test Kits
While the modern Smart Building can optimize operations, maintenance and overall cost, it also creates complexities that require more testing power than your traditional cable certifiers. With the right toolset in hand, those complexities can also create new revenue streams. AEM’s Smart Building Test Kits are thoughtfully designed, to help contractors and system integrators assure infrastructure readiness for Smart Building Deployments, and for those that want to expand, realize a path to a new revenue stream.
All TestPro Kits come with two full function test platforms. This means users have double the test equipment available to them when performing tests into the network switch or into the air to test wireless, and a Main and Remote, when performing bi-directional certification. Additionally, we pack multiple test functions into our adapters, giving users strong value for every dollar spent, which in turn results in a fast ROI.
While AEM offers TestPro Kitted solutions that focus in on say Copper Certification or Fiber Certification, all test adapters are compatible with our test platform and our Smart Building Test Kits cover the most extensive set of test function available in any handheld field test system, let’s break it down.
We offer two Smart Building Test Kits, the TestPro CV100 K60 and K61. The K61 adds Singlemode and Multimode Fiber/Hybrid Powered Fiber testing. Both kits provide Four Pair Copper Certification in accordance with the base ANSI/TIA 1152-A test standard. We take it a step further and include all optional parameters, which includes TCL, ELTCTL, DC Resistance Unbalance (in Pair & Pair to Pair), and we include TDR for Return Loss, NEXT, and Shield, all in a 6 second CAT6A Autotest. The system can also test Single Pair Ethernet in accordance with 802.3cg and currently supports an IEC 63171-6 and M12 X-Coded test adapters, with an LC test adapter on the horizon.
Tier 1 Fiber Optic certification for Singlemode and Multimode is supported, and for those using Hybrid Powered Fiber, a simultaneous Loop Resistance on the electrical copper wire is tested. An additional test function provides a voltage test. The fiber optic adapters also include an integrated Visual Fault Locator to identify break in the cable and the platform’s USB supports a fiber inspection scope.
During the deployment phase, TestPro’s DC Resistance Unbalance measurement is critical, as this will ensure the cable is ready for PoE as part of a PoE pre-qualification, prior to the network components and PSE being installed. Once the network components are installed, testing PSE configuration as well as actual power load at the jack where a PD will deploy is the next critical step. TestPro provides PSE detail as well as RealPower load testing, reporting Current/Wattage/Voltage for 802.3 af/at/bt, UPoE. Additionally, when pesky intermittent power drops are occurring, external PoE load test allows for sustained load monitoring.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio based testing while under both traffic and PoE load, provides assurance across Multi-gigabit link speeds of 2.5 / 5 / 10GigE, that the link can perform as needed under real world condition. This is particularly useful when IoT devices are being deployed within an existing infrastructure on older cabling.
Testing both wired and wireless network configuration and performance is the next logical step. On the wired side, TestPro supports auto-discovery of connected devices, switch detail including slot/port/VLAN. Handy troubleshooting tools include Traceroute, Ping and TCP connect. From a Wireless perspective, see all SSID’s along with their channel and signal strength. See who’s on the network and get roaming signal strength to understand where WAP deployment changes may be needed, and use the same handy troubleshooting tools as noted above for wireless.
AFL: Apex Sealed Splice Closures
Work from home during the COVID pandemic has demonstrated the value of ubiquitous high-speed broadband connections to homes. Additionally, accelerated 5G deployments have demanded fiber-rich fronthaul and backhaul. Fiber splicers are being taxed to speed along installations to meet this ever-increasing demand. Additionally, this demand has led to an influx of new talent into the splicer labor pool, requiring a shortened learning curve to keep up. Furthermore, cables are reaching higher and higher fiber counts to address backhaul as well as connecting hyperscale data centers.
AFL has developed the Apex Fiber Optic splice closure to address these issues and more. Innovative gel-sealing wedges allow cables to be installed in seconds, rather than minutes. Hinging splice trays with universal splice modules allow for both mass and single-fiber fusion splicing in the same tray, without additional splice holders. These trays also provide maximum density mass fusion splicing with high count collapsible-style ribbons, such as AFL’s SpiderWeb Ribbon.
The reduced size allows operators to use smaller handholes - reducing both material and labor cost.
Faster installation reduces cost of splicing labor.
Universal splice trays used for ribbon or single-fiber splices reduces inventory.
This video explains these features in detail.
Belden: Engineering Center for R&D and Innovation – Shanghai
Belden Engineering Center - Shanghai (Suzhou) is part of Belden’s global R&D expansion plan, it plays a vital role in researching and developing mission-critical solutions for Belden’s customers. BEC - Shanghai (Suzhou) is located in Suzhou, China, and it has world-class equipment to serve cable and connectivity research, new technology development, and product innovation.
BEC – Shanghai (Suzhou) was designed for testing and verification of multiple industry standards, including International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker (VDE) and Technischer Überwachungs Verein (TÜV). Here we have more than 55 kinds of testing equipment which cover below 8 testing systems:
1. Mechanical and flexibility
2. Physical properties
3. Fire performance
4. Environmental protection
5. Electrical performance
6. Data transmission
7. Industrial networking
8. Proof of concept.
These enable Belden to research and test the products and solutions with the highest standards and quality for multiple industries within our own laboratory and continuously expand product portfolio and improve our scope of performance and competitiveness. BEC - Shanghai (Suzhou) is the first lab in the world certified under VDE TDAP Program for listed standards. Products developed with this certification can successfully help our customers to secure control automation systems' reliability.
BEC - Shanghai (Suzhou) is focused on technologies used in advanced applications like robotics, factory automation, artificial intelligence, 3D printings, sensor fusion, and cooperative automation, etc. It continuously experiments and innovates cables, connectivity and Ethernet switch with superior performance to help our customers to:
- reduce maintenance costs and prevents unplanned downtime in sensor fusion and cooperative automation.
- manage and control entire processing plants safely and cost-effectively in factory automation.
- achieve huge increases in output and process quality, reduce downtime and operating and labor cost in robotics.
BEC – Shanghai (Suzhou) realizes remote management and commissioning by utilizing advanced intelligent management software and systems. Software platform collects real-time data from various equipment to provide insights about movement, utilization, and run-time of equipment, and also gathers analytics and insights of space, equipment, and environment in the lab to help our testing engineer or management team do project management, quality assurance and improve our lab efficiency and effectiveness. Taking the advantage of our remote management technologies, instead of meeting face to face during Covid-19, our customers are able to take virtual tours of our BEC – Shanghai (Suzhou), remotely interacting with our experts, seeing the testing processing, and co-designing customized solutions with Belden team.
BEC - Shanghai (Suzhou) enables value-based solution selling for Belden. In addition, to keep innovating on products, BEC - Shanghai (Suzhou) in collaboration with Belden Customer Innovation Center (CIC) has the goal to provide total solutions, develop innovative testing systems to simulate real-life situations, and test the performance of products before customer buying our solutions. By creatively developing and simulating rapid prototype concepts for mission-critical applications, we successfully deliver safety outcomes to our customers, that Belden products have been proven their reliance and safety when being applied in extremely rugged environments, like fire, water, shock and extreme temperatures.
Automation networks are rapidly involving to deliver business outcomes including safety, quality, and productivity more directly than ever before. These need high-quality software and hardware working synergistically together in networks, design for specific use cases to ensure availability, reliability, and security with a proven track record. Belden R&D center is such a place, to combine expertise and technologies, innovation and testing, data and insights to increase customer expectations, co-innovate with our customers, and co-design solutions to help our customers solve their connectivity and networking challenges.
Ferret Tools: Wireless Inspection Camera Innovations
Ferret Tools based in Auckland New Zealand, continue to create the future with new thinking and innovative solutions in smart inspection camera technology that help provide easier, faster, and safer visual inspections and the ability to locate and pull in cables in hard-to-reach spaces.
Following the global success of their award-winning original Ferret WiFi model, which won 7 international industry awards for its innovation and as a direct response to customer and market insights, the Ferret team have continued to design and innovate with the unveiling of their next generation wireless inspection cameras.
The three new models, Ferret Lite, Ferret Pro and the Ferret Plus, incorporate all the award-winning features of the globally recognized original Ferret WiFi together with innovative new technology to offer the ultimate in durability, functionality and performance.
The Ferret is a user friendly, easy-to-use on the job productivity solution tool, linked to a smart device to help get the job done efficiently and safely.
Products in the new Ferret Tools range include:
- The Ferret Lite is a general-purpose high-quality inspection camera that gives eyes inside hard to reach locations. It includes all the award-winning handy features of the original Ferret WiFi with the addition of the always up viewing mode to help with intuitive inspections. If you like to keep things simple and don’t need all the bells and whistles, the Ferret Lite is the ideal cost-effective solution to help on the job or at home.
- The Ferret Pro is a professional and durable inspection tool, designed and engineered with award-winning features plus an app controlled variable focus lens and super-fast charge. It is purpose designed to help provide easier, faster & safer visual inspections. If you need to locate and pull in cable or need to get your eyes on something out of reach, then the Ferret Pro is the ideal tool for electricians and other trades.
- The Ferret Plus brings you the ultimate innovation in inspection camera technology. It includes built-in (on board) memory to provide hours of recording even when out of WiFi range, the first ever non-contact voltage detector that is not handheld to help detect live cables from a greater reach than ever before. Perfect for someone who loves having the latest technology with all the bells & whistles including all the award-winning features of the Ferret WiFi to help make visual inspections, cabling installations & maintenance work easier, faster & safter. Suitable for all electricians, plumbers, builders, HVAC, lighting installers and other trades.
Fluke Networks: CableIQ Cable + Network Tester
Fluke Networks LinkIQ™ Cable+Network tester combines switch diagnostics with the company’s state-of-the-art cable measurement technology, simplifying the installation and troubleshooting of cabling and network devices. LinkIQ provides simple pass/fail test reports using the company’s LinkWare software and verifies the performance of switches, including those that provide Power over Ethernet through an easy-to-use touchscreen interface, akin to a smartphone.
Fluke Networks LinkIQ:
• Measures network capacity up to 10 Gig via frequency-based measurements
• Troubleshoots active networks by providing connected switch information (switch name, port number, and VLAN info)
• Installs and troubleshoots PoE devices via Switch Negotiation and PoE Load test
• Enables graphical wiremap and length test to identify common faults that occur with cabling installation
• Documents work through LinkWare™ PC reporting
• Supports all Industrial Ethernet Protocols (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, EtherCAT, and others)
• Industrial Ethernet Kit supports Industrial Connectors (M8D, M12D, M12X)
Using a single test, LinkIQ automatically provides the appropriate measurements based on what is at the other end of the cable. For an open cable, it shows the length and pairing. If it is terminated with the supplied remote, the test result shows the maximum data rate the cable can support – up to 10 Gb/s. If the cable is connected to a switch port, LinkIQ will show the name of the switch plus the port name, speed, and duplex. If PoE is advertised, it will display the power and class (up to 90 W or Class 8) and then load the switch to verify the power can be delivered.
LinkIQ uses LinkWare™ PC, Fluke Networks’ reporting software, which supports a variety of testers going back 20 years and is the industry’s de facto standard reporting solution with tens of thousands of active users. The results from a wide variety of Fluke products can be stored and accessed or PDF reports may be generated using the LinkWare software.
NetAlly LLC: LinkRunner 10G
NetAlly’s new LinkRunner® 10G Advanced Ethernet Tester, represents a highly cost-effective solution for 10M/100M, 1G, Multi-Gig, and 10Gig network testing. This rugged, hand-held next-generation Android-based tester delivers complete network validation and troubleshooting, from the media (copper/fiber) to the application (layers 1 – 7), accelerating deployments, speeding problem identification, which improves the efficiency and effectiveness of network installers and operations teams saving them time and money. The LinkRunner 10G’s compatibility with standards-compliant SFP’s enables test and validation of any wired media (copper or fiber) for a variety of use models and line-rate capture up to 10Gbps ensures engineers never miss a packet.
A lightweight, handheld, multi-function instrument, LinkRunner 10G is perfect for remote site validation and troubleshooting, eliminating the need to purchase multiple testers, or to carry a fragile laptop PC or tablet. Android apps, from our dedicated app store, make the user’s workflow more efficient by expanding the usage of the instrument beyond testing, allowing the user to check trouble tickets, run speed tests, configure networked devices, and complete other tasks with its smartphone-like features.
An organization’s copper and fiber cable plant serves as the foundation of its network but knowing whether it is of sufficient quality to provide the bandwidth required by the business can be a challenge! Network professionals must have confidence that their network will transport data, error-free, at the maximum speed possible. Downtime or intermittent loss and errors is simply not an option. Quality of network components and workmanship of installation is critical, but typical cable certification testers can be very expensive, single-purpose tools – making them cost-prohibitive for many installers and end-users. To address this NetAlly has introduced a NEW LANBERT™ media qualification app that provides a simple and fast method of assessing the quality of transmission and available bandwidth. Available on both the EtherScope® nXG and LinkRunner 10G, LANBERT generates and measures the transmission of line-rate Ethernet frames over your network cabling infrastructure, qualifying its ability to support 1G/10G on fiber and 100M/1G/2.5G/5G/10G on copper links.
While other testers may offer similar capabilities, standard Layer 2-only Ethernet access link testing will not validate layer-3 enterprise switches and routers. Because it does not test the IP (Internet Protocol) layer, this methodology cannot pass through Layer 3 devices. However, the LinkRunner 10G also provides a Layer 3 line-rate Network Performance Test app, that can transmit and test across an organizations entire network infrastructure end-to-end – not just one access link and switch. It also includes up to 4 streams with individual L2 and L3 QoS and VLAN controls, essential capabilities for truly understanding the capacity and quality of packet transmission, enabling network engineers to complete a wide array of testing and validation with a single tester!
To compliment its portfolio of handheld testers, and serving as a centralized test results, analysis, and tester management system, NetAlly provides a complementary Link-Live™ Cloud Service that transforms team workflows with the ability to quickly and easily log, document, and report test activity from all NetAlly hand-held network testers and analyzers. Test results are automatically uploaded to the dashboard for project management, analysis, collaboration and reporting with the option of uploading additional files, screenshots, images, profiles, packet captures, location information, and comments anytime. The Link-Live™ Cloud Service also enable the LinkRunner 10G to discover an organizations network to produce a Network Topology map with a single button press, providing visibility of who and what is where on your network.
Panduit: Single Pair Ethernet
Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) is Ethernet transmission over a balanced pair of conductors. 10Mb/s SPE makes it possible to bring Ethernet to the edge of OT networks. SPE focuses on supporting Ethernet transmission on a “balanced pair of conductors.” SPE media is commonly twisted pair cabling; the “balanced pair” includes backplane applications meaning SPE drives migration to Ethernet in physical layers like those inside IT equipment.
Benefits of SPE in OT networks include:
• The continuation to build OT networks while gaining the advantages of Ethernet
• Seamless single protocol network from application edge to the cloud; this simplifies network design and operation, eliminating the support and translation of legacy network protocols used in OT networks
• SPE delivers Ethernet that is designed to support your custom build network process
• Enhanced security versus vulnerable legacy networks; SPE provides robust security found in IP networks
• Optional power delivery can transform OT network control power infrastructure; SPE allows a single connection with control power and communications transforming the network edge
Tripp Lite: Robotic Fiber Panel System with Mini Chassis
Fiber Network Optimization: Tripp Lite’s Robotic Fiber Panel Systems with Mini Chassis are innovative solutions for optimizing fiber network management and resolving network connection issues to minimize downtime. Using remote control and automated robotic latching, these rack-mounted systems reconfigure layer 1 fiber connections quickly and precisely, saving IT managers time and money while increasing efficiency. This efficiency reduces the need to purchase new equipment and lowers operating expenses.
Compact Size: Requiring only 7U of rack space, the Robotic Fiber Panel Systems with Mini Chassis are the perfect fit for micro/modular data centers, containerized data centers, edge computing installations, remote computing sites, colocation facilities, test labs and telco access networks. The mini chassis gives IT managers with smaller installations and less available rack space an alternative to Tripp Lite’s full-size 10U options.
Speed and Precision: Available in singlemode (NRFP-204SM-MINI) and multimode (NRFP-204MM-MINI) models, these systems have 204 LC fiber ports and use robotic latching technology to perform connections between switches and servers in just 15 seconds. This is a tremendous savings in time and money, compared to the hours or days it may take for on-site support to arrive and address an issue. The two robotic arms move cables into place with precision, eliminating the human error and damage that can occur over time with manual connections.
Security and Compliance: The installation is also more secure with automated operation, since the need for on-site access is limited and the Robotic Fiber Panel Systems with Mini Chassis provide an audit trail of network connections to boost regulatory compliance.
Efficiency: A software interface allows IT managers to schedule automated tasks for managing under-utilized and over-utilized connections from any remote location, helping create a fiber network that is more efficient, convenient and cost-effective. These tasks can be planned to meet immediate business needs without dependence on personnel availability or on-site visits.
Adaptability: The Robotic Fiber Panel Systems with Mini Chassis can regularly reconfigure up to 102 duplex fiber connections. The systems also address the future needs of installations, such as a growing bandwidth-on-demand service, because they can be scaled to support nearly 500,000 ports and configured to accommodate all optical signals and all network protocols.
A Good Investment: Automated connections, remote scheduling and future-proof technology make the Robotic Fiber Panel Systems with Mini Chassis a good investment for fiber installations. The overall improved infrastructure efficiency reduces the need for capital expenditures for new equipment and lowers operating expenses. In addition, simplifying fiber network management provides more time to focus on higher-level technology decisions.