Working Through the Networks

For its fifth annual event, the VDV Expo has become more than just a showcase of the latest voice-data-video technology. This year's show in Las Vegas from March 10 through 12 has been expanded to include integrated building systems. Of course, it only makes sense, because it's all interconnected. For information about the VDV/IBS Expo, go to www.vdvexpo.com.

Ethernet cabling is industrial strength and is available in Category 5e and 6 configurations. A proprietary feature affixes the conductors of the cabling pairs along their longitudinal axes, eliminating performance-inhibiting gaps between the conductor pairs. (DataTuff by Belden Electronics Div.)

Ethernet adapter features DIN-rail mounting and modem replacement capability. The unit can connect serial equipment to Ethernet via an RS232 interface for remote instant real-time access from any location on the user's network. It is smaller than a credit card and offers plug-and-play installation. (iPocket232 by Precidia Technologies)

High-capacity floor boxes possess enhanced audio/video capability, exceed UL requirements for scrub water exclusion and keep dirt and debris out of power and communications compartments. They are approved for tile, terrazzo, carpet and wood floors. Two large cable egress areas are standard. The boxes can accept loads of up to 3,000 lbs. (RFB9 and RFB11 by the Wiremold Company)

Touch-screen terminals are available in 5-, 7-, 10- and 12-in. screen sizes. A comprehensive dynamic object library reduces configuration time, and Ethernet, Modbus and Uni-Telway connectivity are achievable. Additionally, the units use software that incorporates up to 20 languages, several character fonts, logs for alarms and trend charts and management for multiple windows with pop-ups. (Magelis XBT-G by Schneider Electric)

High-gain power amplifiers for wireless LANs support 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz single-band or 2.4 GHz/5 GHz dual-band configurations in North America. These RF components are said to extend communication distances to 1.3 times the range allowed by previous amplifiers and also offer low-current use, high-power output and optimized error vector magnitude. (by Sharp Microelectronics)

Configurable switches include fiber versions that double the number of ports. Features include Port VLAN, trunking and programmable fault relay that are configured via a console port connected to a Windows-based configuration program that ships with each product. The units can be DIN-rail or panel-mounted and can operate over a wide-range, low-voltage AC or DC power source. (EISC12 series by Contemporary Controls)