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| Volume 3 Issue 4 August 1998 |
Features
Interviews
Columns |
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| HTINews Interview - Aug98 - [HTI Home Page] |
Read All About It News Announcements - Updated Hourly [Click Message To Learn More] |
Home Toys Cabling
Interview
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UStec David Marshall dmarshall@ustecnet.com www.ustecnet.com (716) 924-1740 or (800) 836-2312 |
QUESTION 1: (To give readers an idea of the scope of work involved.) What do you recommend as a standard cabling package for a modern home? Please list the components of the system and their uses. (ie Distribution Panel, Number of cables and types, outlets etc.)
ANSWER 1: UStec recommends no less than the CEBus Industry Standard, dual coax and four twisted pair, installed as a "home run" from a central server to each room in the house. This configuration permits convenient access to the network by the homeowner for literally all telecommunication and home automation technologies. The server should have RF amplification and the cable should be an excellent quality RG6 and Category 5 twisted pair.
QUESTION 2: (To educate readers on what can be expected) What systems would connect and interact via the cabling now and in the future?
ANSWER 2: Most importantly, Internet services will be accessed and distributed throughout the house via the structured wiring network. The CEBus topology insures that all telecommunications and home automation initiatives will be effectively accessed using high bandwidth wire and components. It is the Internet, computers, and computer networks within the home which are contributing to the growth in installations of structured wiring networks in residences.
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ANSWER 3: The installed cost of a high bandwidth, dual coax, four-twisted pair network in a home can run from as little as $600-$800 to $2,500-$3,000 depending on the number of locations connected to a central server and the electronics included in the network (i.e., a 10BaseT or 100BaseT hub). The cost of retrofitting would be 25-50% higher than installation in new construction
QUESTION 4: How futureproof is an installation as described here? What could be added to the system (in order of priority) to extend it's life and scope?
ANSWER 4: We feel that the bandwidth provided by especially the RG6 cable, with runs of limited length required in a home, will provide an adequate structured wiring network for many years. Some systems include fiber as part of the network. This adds cost to the installation and has the prospect of limited use, if any, for the foreseeable future.
QUESTION 5: Can I just get the electrician to install your cabling and components? If not why not and who do I call?
ANSWER 5: Electrical contractors can pre-wire a home with the recommended network. However, they must be trained and should be certified especially in the handling of the Category 5 twisted pair to ensure that the twisted pair maintains its physical characteristics which contribute to the Category 5 performance. The use of a jacketed cable binding the dual coax, four twisted pair, assists the installer in pulling the cable to multiple locations and helps to protect the Category 5 wire.
QUESTION 6: What makes your system unique in the marketplace?
ANSWER 6: The UStec system is unique in the marketplace because every installation conforms to the CEBus standard (dual coax and four twisted pair). In addition, the cable supplied is jacketed (see Answer 5), the tap points are conveniently located next to the power outlets, the TecGate server offers a modular approach including an integrated power supply, optional upgrades (10BaseT Ethernet hub, audio speaker audio, etc.), security system interface, and phone/data surge protection. The UStec amplifier has 5 MHz to 1.5 GHz bandwidth, offers surge protection, cable modem return path, built-in tilt compensation, DC voltage passing on all ports and satellite pass-through ports.
