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Wiring Strategies for K–12 Wireless Success

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2 WIRING STRATEGIES FOR K–12 WIRELESS SUCCESS

WI-FI, SECURITY, AND THE IOT TURBOCHARGE K–12 NETWORK DEMANDSWhether the increased network demands come from improving classroom experiences with high-performance APs or from using smartphones to access live feeds from IP security cameras, it’s crunch time on K–12 wireless networks.

A recent study by the Dell’Oro Group substantiates what most school IT professionals are already experiencing on the ground: organizations have seen major increases in wireless traffic since

first deploying wireless technology. Further, the study identifies universities and K–12 schools as high-use settings experiencing particularly steep demand increases.

What’s more, the IoT is adding new mobility-enabled technologies at a rapid pace—such as monitoring and trouble-shooting HVAC systems or IP access controlled remotely from a mobile device.

“In the districts we serve across the country, which range from the largest on down, no one is planning for less wireless access,” says William Foy, solutions

With mobility and the Internet of Things making headlines, it’s easy to forget that high-tech innovations rely on wired networks to deliver on their promises. That’s why understanding the effects of the latest technologies on your cabling infrastructure is critical to achieving the desired results for your classroom and operational initiatives. Here’s what your district needs to consider in order to manage the latest high-performance Wi-Fi, a surge in IP-enabled systems, and new Power-over-Ethernet technologies.

INTRODUCTIONK–12 schools are turning to technology to improve the quality and effectiveness of classroom experiences and the operational efficiency of their facilities. From digital learning initiatives such as 1:1 and BYOD to physical projects like security and building system sensors, many technologies are going wireless. And the Internet of Things (IoT) promises even more options and opportunities to come in the near future. Although mobility and the IoT frequently grab the spotlight, the underlying wired network plays a starring role and is critical to accommodating the latest technology advances. It’s at this layer where many K–12 districts face several challenges. First, modern wireless access points (APs) already perform at higher speeds than legacy cable typically supports. This can result in crosstalk and degraded performance. Also, while Power over Ethernet (PoE) supplies energy to technology components, via a school’s LAN network rather than an electrical outlet, escalating wattage demands require considering the latest PoE versions. These demands can have a considerable impact on wired infrastructure. To solve these challenges, K–12 districts are evaluating and deploying the latest cabling infrastructure innovations to ensure their teaching and learning communities get the most from the breakthroughs of today, tomorrow, and beyond.

3 WIRING STRATEGIES FOR K–12 WIRELESS SUCCESS

architect at Baltimore-based Vision Technologies. “It’s all about more.”

No matter which technologies your district is considering, all of the related traffic still connects via cabling infrastructure to your LAN network and the Internet beyond.

Naturally, this makes your district’s network cabling a fundamental building block for every classroom and operational initiative you already have on the drawing board as well as those you’ll pursue over the next two decades. “Although most data-related equipment lasts about three to five years, Ethernet cabling infrastructure lasts 20 to 25 years,” Foy says.

TOP CHALLENGES: SPEED, POWER, AND DISTRIBUTIONAlthough each of your wireless and IP-enabled technology projects will have its own unique cabling needs, three key challenges are common to all:

Multi-Gig Arrives. Tagged Gigabit Wi-Fi for providing wire-like experiences, today’s Wi-Fi deployments rely on the latest IEEE wireless standard, 802.11ac.

First-generation APs, called Wave 1, delivered data rates of up to 1.3Gbps, roughly a threefold improvement over the previous 802.11n standard. For future-proofing, many districts are considering the latest generation, known as Wave 2, which initially boosts Wi-Fi speeds to 1.7Gbps. As the related FCC regulations evolve, Wave 2 could usher in 3.4Gbps data rates. Theoretically, the 802.11ac could eventually deliver data rates of 6.77Gbps.

However, due its longevity, cabling infrastructure that’s already in place often cannot accommodate these increases. Foy says the most common type of existing Ethernet networking cable in K–12 schools is Category 5e, or Cat 5e. It’s based on the “1000BASE-T” standard, which translates to maximum data rates of 1000Mbps (1Gbps).

In other words, the latest wireless APs already operate at higher speeds than most legacy cable supports, with data rates only expected to climb.

Tech Amps Up. As classroom and operational wireless equipment—whether wireless APs, advanced digital AV systems, or high-definition IP security solutions—gains additional features and offers higher performance, more electricity is required in more places. If every component of wireless, classroom, building, and security systems required running a dedicated electrical line, the implications for cost and facility inflexibility would be tremendous.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) solves these problems with one cable that draws both data and power drawn from your school’s wired LAN network. PoE reduces complexity and adds flexibility for moving, adding, and changing equipment. As technology components become increasingly power-hungry, new PoE standards will allow for running higher wattage over your cabling infrastructure. However, it’s important to understand the impact of these higher power PoE standards.

Distribution Models Struggle. In addition to there being more types of equipment connecting to—and drawing power from—your LAN, higher mobile device densities also require greater numbers of Gigabit Wi-Fi access points.

No one is planning for less wireless access. It’s all about more.

4 WIRING STRATEGIES FOR K–12 WIRELESS SUCCESS

In any given area, AP needs are doubling, tripling, or more, as districts plan for three to four mobile devices per person.

Of course, more equipment means running more cable to enable data traffic and deliver PoE.

Beyond the impact of purchasing and deployment costs, ever larger bundles of cables create unacceptable temperature increases. This can lead to damaged cable and significantly degraded data traffic performance. Further, troubleshooting becomes more complex, which also affects operating costs.

INFRASTRUCTURE INNOVATIONS TO THE RESCUEWhile some technologies are creating new K–12 cabling challenges, others are coming to the rescue.

“Whether your district can upgrade its cabling when installing new and higher-performance equipment, or you need to rely on legacy infrastructure during the transition, there are solutions for your district’s challenges,” says Foy.

Here’s what districts need to know to address most of today’s performance, power, and distribution demands, as well as to create paths to the future.

Essentials Matter. To understand how each cabling solution can help, it’s important to remember that Ethernet

networking cables can only run for a maximum distance of about 300 feet (100 meters) before they must be connected into a networking switch. Switches manage data traffic and, when PoE-enabled, also supply power. They are connected to the network via a high-speed trunk cable, which can be either fiber or copper.

As switches serve dozens of different components simultaneously, they are stacked up and housed in a district’s primary telecommunication room (TR) and in wiring closets distributed throughout school buildings. Cables coming from components (wireless APs, IP cameras, etc.) terminate at patch panels in TR rooms and closets. Then, short-distance patch cords connect the gear to the appropriate switch.1

In addition to a proliferation of single-cable PoE-powered components, higher-wattage gear—such as Gigabit Wi-Fi or HD security cameras—can require one cable for data and another to deliver PoE, both of which connect to a switch.

NBASE-T Bridges the Gap. Because most types of enterprises (K–12 and others) face legacy wiring challenges, a

The latest Wi-Fi systems already operate at higher speeds than most legacy cable supports.

E-RATE FUNDS CAN BE LEVERAGED FOR ANY SYSTEMS THAT MOBILIZE CLASSROOMS, INCLUDING CABLING INFRASTRUCTURE.

FACT

1 To learn more about new solutions for optimizing telecommunications rooms and wiring closets to save space and reduce heat, see the Panduit white paper “Best Practices in K–12 Cabling Strategies.”

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Wi-Fi consortium developed an interim solution called “NBASE-T.” In short, by installing a compatible switch, NBASE-T enables Wave 1 and Wave 2 APs to run at appropriate speeds over existing Cat 5e and Cat 6 cable.

Although NBASE-T is a viable option for getting the necessary instructional mobility when upgrading a school’s cabling infrastructure is not yet feasible, it’s a stop-gap measure.

“Using NBASE-T on Cat 5e and Cat 6 cables limits your ability to run at today’s and tomorrow’s higher data rates,” says Frank Straka, product line manager for Panduit. “It also creates some risk when attempting to run at such data rates.

The requirements NBASE-T imposes for limiting alien crosstalk, or noise generated by adjacent cables and connectors, are of primary concern. (See Figure 1) As Cat 5e and Cat 6 cables have no alien crosstalk specifications, actual noise can vary considerably between cables. Fortunately, the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) is working on guidelines to assess and mitigate crosstalk issues.

“If you elect to deploy NBASE-T over existing cables, be sure to validate that your AP’s and other component equipment are operating at the data rate you require,” Straka says. “Otherwise, you may need to pursue mitigation strategies, such as unbundling cables or replacing legacy patch cords.” (For more see “Improve NBASE-T Performance,” on page 7.)

Adopt Cat 6A for the Long-Term. As Foy notes, technology innovations occur about every 18 months, accompanied by significant data rate increases, which will impact your district’s cabling decisions. “The cable you place today will need to support at least 10 versions of future innovations, each of which doubles the speed from the previous innovation” he says.

This makes upgrading cabling infrastructures to Cat 6A the best future-proofing choice and the most appropriate for deployments in any new building, say the experts. “Cat 6A cable offers the highest data rates, at 10GBASE-T, with the best thermal performance,” says Straka. “It’s the best path to achieving a positive return on your investment for every new facility you build.”

Figure 1: Alien CrosstalkAlien crosstalk is external electromagnetic interference, which commonly occurs when cables are bundled. As crosstalk was not an issue at lower data rates, Cat 5e and Cat 6 cables were not designed to mitigate it. Impact on performance should be tested when utilizing Cat 5e and Cat 6 for applications beyond their specifications, such as with NBASE-T.

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This is especially important for the next generations of PoE, called PoE++ or 4PPoE.

To upgrade existing facilities, districts can help ease the funding burden by leveraging E-Rate funds. Another cost-efficient strategy is using zone cabling architecture, as it reduces the overall amount of Cat 6A cable required.

Get More Power with PoE++ and 4PPoE. To meet increasing power demands, PoE standards are evolving to include PoE++ (also known as 4PPoE), which delivers up to about 90 watts.

Unsurprisingly, higher wattages generate greater heat within Ethernet cable. When temperatures rise, signal losses also increase, resulting in reduced performance. Additionally, should overheating occur inside walls or ceilings, the consequences can be significant.

Therefore, pairing switches that deliver PoE++ or 4PPoE with Cat 6A cable offers multiple advantages beyond the performance gains noted above.

First, this pairing helps ensure that your cable can stand up to the higher temperatures. It also permits running a single cable (rather than a separate data cable and a power cable) to supply both connectivity and electricity for an 802.11ac access point, advanced A/V display, or HD security camera that can zoom in to read a license plate.

Switch to Zone Cabling Architecture. To reduce purchasing, upgrade, and maintenance expenses, consider dumping “home run” wiring, where every component is served by one (or, with some PoE applications, two) 100-meter networking cable traversing the entire distance from each piece of equipment back to either a wiring closet or TR room.

With zone cabling, a single larger trunk cable runs to a junction box housing a networking switch that serves multiple pieces of equipment in a user-defined area, or “zone.” A zone could be a single classroom or multiple classrooms along a common hallway. (See Figure 2)

Unsurprisingly, the zone system streamlines infrastructure by eliminating

Figure 2: Zone Cabling in a K–12 ClassroomBy leveraging a plenum-mounted junction box, a single trunk cable simplifies data and PoE service to a classroom. From the box, Cat 6A cable supplies individual components such as wireless access points, high-definition AV displays, and IP security cameras with pan, tilt, and zoom.

7 WIRING STRATEGIES FOR K–12 WIRELESS SUCCESS

the number and size of cable bundles—often several bundles of cable, with 100 cables per bundle—commonly found today. This is especially critical when adopting Cat 6A cable, which can create cable bundles that are too large, too heavy, or too hot for existing pathways. (Although Cat 6A tolerates higher temperatures, it still has limits.)

By reducing cable architecture complexity, zone cabling significantly reduces the overall cost of running Cat 6A cable to APs, AV systems, and security solutions. The zone strategy also saves on troubleshooting and maintenance because cable-related issues can be identified more quickly and moves, additions, and changes can be done more efficiently.

Eliminate the Weakest Link. Whether your district utilizes NBASE-T, invests in a complete cabling upgrade, or pursues a hybrid approach, system performance will only be as strong as the weakest link.

One common mistake is deploying insufficient patch cords.

According to Foy, it’s surprisingly common for districts to invest in robust technology and cabling infrastructure, only to seriously degrade system and component performance by installing low-end after-market patch cords. “We’ve seen districts throw away thousands of incompatible units when they realize patch cords actually matter,” he says.

“Avoid headaches and expense by consulting your infrastructure manufacturer’s approved list before you buy,” suggests Foy.

HOW PANDUIT CAN HELPAs you navigate the best course for your district, Panduit’s cabling experts have your

back with technology solutions that support modern infrastructure demands.

Improve NBASE-T Performance. One proven way to boost NBASE-T performance is to replace Cat 5e or Cat 6 patch cords with higher-rated Cat 6A patch cords, especially in Cat 5e cabling environments.

In addition to providing higher data throughputs, Panduit’s 28 AWG patch cords are about half the diameter of a standard 24-gauge patch cord. This improves airflow in wiring closets and TR rooms, significantly contributing to heat reduction which leads to safety as well as performance benefits.

Maximize Cat 6A Deployments. Given the price of copper, running the minimum length of Cat 6A cable necessary just makes sense. For example, a wireless AP may be only 10 meters from a wiring closet or a zone junction box. If the manufacturer’s minimum cable length is 20 meters, the typical workaround involves looping the cable multiple times—which, of course, takes up space and also deploys cable that’s essentially unused.

With Panduit’s MaTriX cable, the minimum Cat 6A cable length is only five meters. This provides greater deployment flexibility at a substantial savings.

Address PoE++ Nuances. Increased wattages from the evolving PoE++ standards are expected to cause heat-related concerns. First, according to Panduit lab tests, emerging PoE options confer a 5°C temperature rise on Cat 6A cable connector jacks. To mitigate, Panduit’s Cat 6A jacks are rated to 65°C, instead of the 60°C operating standard. (See Figure 3)

In addition, there’s advanced cable connector degradation. Whenever a cable

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is plugged or unplugged, such as during troubleshooting or maintenance, a spark (or arc) occurs at the connection point. This creates a carbon deposit, or “score,” on the connector. Due to the increased severity of carbon scoring expected with PoE++/ 4PPoE, Panduit has rated its jack and plug connectors for 2500 cycles, well above the industry standard of 750 cycles.

Keep You in the Zone. Traditionally, any hesitations about K–12 zone cabling centered around wall-mounted junction boxes, which put sensitive and expensive switches at risk. In addition, wall-mounted boxes tended to cause distractions due to noisy equipment cooling fans.

Now, Panduit offers a secure, plenum-mounted zone junction box solution. As the boxes sit flush with classroom ceilings, the enclosed equipment is tucked out of harm’s way while remaining easily accessible for troubleshooting as well as

for moves, additions, and changes. Fan noise is also muffled.

CONCLUSIONWith teachers, administrators, and students continuing to find innovative and cost-effective ways to leverage wireless and other technologies, demand for high-performance solutions continues to skyrocket. Regardless of your district’s specific game plan, a modernized cabling infrastructure strategy is fundamental to meeting new classroom needs and operational goals.

Answer the demands of today and tomorrow—including mobile device proliferation, BYOD, and PoE-enabled systems—by adopting the latest cabling innovations and architectures. From NBASE-T and Cat 6A to 4PPoE and zone architectures, deploying the appropriate options contributes to achieving efficiencies, reducing costs, and boosting overall TCO. ¢

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Figure 3: 4PPoE Temperature Concerns

Adapted From:

Cable Bundle

Patch Panel

COTB010--SA-ENG, Rev.0, 06/2016©2016 Panduit Corp. All Rights

Original Document Page #

Figure 3: 4PPoE Temperature ConcernsA typical installation of cable bundles enters a patch panel in a TR room or wiring closet. At the patch panel, Panduit’s 4PPoE lab tests demonstrated a 5ºC temperature rise through such cable and connectors. Panduit’s Cat 6A cabling solution mitigates this by offering connectors rated to 65ºC, which is above the industry standard..

About the AuthorAnne Rawland Gabriel is a business and education technology writer who has contributed to numerous leading technology publications for many years. A graduate of Grinnell College, Gabriel is a long-time supporter of K–12 and higher education. She is based in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area.

About Panduit Panduit offers an end-to-end network infrastructure solution that delivers best-in-class network performance with superior quality, operational efficiency, and easy installation. Innovative network infrastructure offerings from Panduit help you maximize your space and network investment while providing the connectivity that businesses demand in today’s global world. Our robust partner ecosystem, global staff, and unmatched service and support make Panduit a valuable and trusted partner. For

more information, visit www.panduit.com.

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