Glossary

The ratio/loss of optical power from one output port to the total output power, expressed as a percent.

A bracket within a rack that allows a plate to cover some type of hardware, such as a patch panel.

A location defined by the ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B standard for interconnection between horizontal cables that extends from building pathways and horizontal cables that extend into work area pathways. Often an entry point into modular furniture for voice and data cables. ISO/IEC 11801 defines this as a transition point (TP).

A device that is used to install a crimp-on connector. Crimping involves the act of using the crimping tool to install the connector.

The smallest angle of incidence at which total internal reflection occurs; that is, at which light passing through a material of a higher refractive index will be reflected off the boundary with a material of a lower refractive index. At lower angles, the light is refracted through the cladding and lost. Due to the fact that the angle of reflection equals the angle of incidence, total internal reflection assures that the wave will be propagated down the length of the fiber. The angle is measured from a line perpendicular to the boundary between the two materials, known as normal.

A facility enabling the termination of cables as well as their interconnection or cross-connection with other cabling or equipment. Also known as a punch-down or distributor. In a copper-based system, jumper wires or patch cables are used to make connections. In a fiberoptic system, fiber-optic jumper cables are used.

A connection scheme between cabling runs, subsystems, and equipment using patch cords or jumpers that attach to connecting hardware at each end.

A conductor that connects to a different pin number at each end. See also crossover cable.

A twisted-pair patch cable wired in such a way as to route the transmit signals from one piece of equipment to the receive signals of another piece of equipment, and vice versa. Crossover cables are often used with 10Base-T or 100Base-TX Ethernet cards to connect two Ethernet devices together

The coupling or transfer of unwanted signals from one pair within a cable to another pair. Crosstalk can be measured at the same (near) end or far end with respect to the signal source. Crosstalk is considered noise or interference and is expressed in decibels. Chapter 1 has an in-depth discussion of crosstalk.

A test typically conducted using a press that is fitted with compression plates of a specified cross sectional area. The test sample is placed between the press plates and a specified force is applied to the test specimen. Cable performance is evaluated while the cable is under compression and/or after removal of load depending on the test standard specifications.

The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) is a non-profit membership-based association, which develops standards to protect public health and safety and to help preserve the environment in Canada and the global marketplace. Trirated cable is approved to CSA standard C22.2 Number 49, which specifies the requirements for flexible cords, elevator cables, and hoistway cables, rated to a maximum of 600 V.

The flow of electrons in a conductor. See also alternating current and direct current.

The macro-bending loss of signal in an optical fiber.

The buildings, offices, and other structures under the control of an end-user or customer.