Cell Monster

irinaM asked:


Most of us love to share and receive videos online but few of us really know what goes on behind that entire interface. Behind this seemingly simple concept lies a complex and revolutionary system which uses a technology known as video over CAT5. It is very effective, is widely in use nowadays and is the reason why the world is probably a much smaller place today!

How does it work?

Basically, various high definition videos can be broadcast and relayed from diverse sources ranging from DSS, cable TV, baseband camera outputs, which have been modulated, DVDs, VCRs as well as even your own laptop or PC. These videos can then be transferred to as many as a whopping 14000 outlets of the RJ-45 variety. This amazing technology is a video distribution system like no other. With the help of a special platform known as RF distribution, one can view such high definition videos across media like bulletin boards, television, video conferences, alert broadcasts for emergency situations as well as for distance learning!

What goes behind such a technology?

This kind of a transmission of video over CAT5 happens because of a hardware solution, which is self-adjusting in nature. What this means is that the method of distribution of video is versatile and can occur across many thousands of outlets. Compared to conventional systems of video distribution, such a method of distribution is more cost-effective. By making use of existing telecommunications wiring and cabling, the videos can be relayed in a most effective manner. Most office spaces, buildings, hospitals, hotels, classrooms and campuses already have such an infrastructure in place. Hence, the installation costs of such a system are negligible.

Through basic plug and play techniques, videos can be instantly relayed across various media. There is hardly any need for design engineering for installing such a system. There is also no requirement to adjust or balance any components. Basically, two wiring pairs are taken from an existing CAT5 sheath and then used for facilitating dual-direction videos. The other remaining pairs of wiring can be later used to distribute data or telephony.

Analog and digital videos

The other advantage of having such a relay system in place is that it makes use of both digital and analog videos. Thus, this automatically broadens the scope of applications across which it can be used.

Considering the cost-effectiveness, ease of installation, flexibility and ability to function on multiple platforms and media, this CAT5 distribution of videos is very efficient.



Jamie

Liam G asked:


It wasn’t all that long ago when personal computers where restricted for offices and wealthy households. Moreover, computer networks where practically unheard of in residential settings, such technology was reserved for large office buildings – things however, have progressed considerably over the years.

One of the most common methods to share a broadband connection within homes and offices today is using wireless technologies.

Although such technology has revolutionised the way people can access networks and the internet it does have a major disadvantage, one that was not prevalent with coaxial cables or the more familiar CAT5 network cable; this being security.

The technology that comprises a wireless network usually consists of a wireless router; wireless receivers (generally USB dongles or built in antennas); and in some cases one or more repeaters (if the signal needs to span an exceptionally long distance).

Once set up, the wireless router will happily start broadcasting and accepting information within a certain radius. This essentially means that your next door neighbour (or anyone in range!) could be accessing your network, and leaching your internet connection – which as well as invading your privacy could be costing you money if you have a broadband usage allowance.

So, the first line of defence is to familiarise yourself with your network and your routers configuration options, which are usually accessed via a browser window

Router manufactures tend to apply the same SSID (the networks name) and login details for all of their routers, so to begin with, changing these to something more personal is the first line of defence.

Following this you should apply some form of encryption, the popular choice being WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) and WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access), the later of which is the most secure. This involves applying a specific “key” that any computer attempting to access your router will need to input.

Lastly, possibly one of the best ways to ensure only devices of your choice have access to your router is to establish MAC filtering. MAC or Media Access Control is a unique code given to every physical network device.

Therefore, finding out the MAC code for each device in your network (this can prove difficult to the untrained so referring to the manufactures manual is recommended) and inputting only these addresses on your MAC filter list will ensure only they will have access.

In conclusion, securing your wireless broadband network is relatively easy, with a wealth of broadband sites out there offering helpful information and guides you’re never far from help. Such sites often allow you to compare broadband packages, as well as offering expert help.



Hazel

Lisa RiCharde asked:


KVM switches come in different sizes and can be used in a variety of environments. Applications range widely—a simple KVM switch with a few ports can permit an administrator to manage several servers, while an integrated KVM switching system can provide hundreds of administrators KVM, console, and remote power control of thousands of servers.

Installation and Set Up

1. How much rack space does a KVM switch require?

Depending on the size of the KVM configuration, for up to a 42-port solution, most KVM switches typically occupy 1U of rack space. Once you upgrade to a 64-port KVM solution, 2U of rack space will likely be required.

2. How difficult is it to install and set up KVM switches?

Most KVM switches are fairly easy to set up and feature “plug and play” functionality. The more cumbersome piece of this process is that each of the systems attached to the KVM switch may require a restart, depending on their peripheral connections.

3. Will the KVM switch I am considering be compatible with other KVM switches I already have?

Although most KVM switches can be daisy-chained for port expansion, users must consider possible compatibility issues when different manufacturers’ devices are used together.

4. What cabling options can be used with a KVM switch?

In smaller applications with ample cable space, coax 3-1 cables may fit the bill. Large installations will most likely require KVM switches that allow users to implement point-to-point UTP cabling.

5. Are there any other costs related to KVM switch solutions?

Users should remember to order rack mount accessories such as rack mount kits, interface cables, or additional warranties at the time of the KVM switch purchase. Often, accessories are not bundled with the KVM solution.

6. What bandwidth is required for remote IP access?

Most compression technologies use differentials, sending only the changes that appear on a screen to update the user screen. However, your bandwidth requirements will vary significantly depending on the graphic intensity of the application you are using.

Expansion and Replacement

1. After installation, can I expand the solution?

Expanding the number of systems supported by a KVM installation is relatively easy. For example, the Raritan Paragon II 8-user, 32-port solution offer users an option to add 32 ports by adding the Raritan P2-UMT832S stacking model to the main Paragon II 8×32 matrix switch with a 6-inch SCSI cable, so that it becomes an 8X64 architecture instead of an 8X58.

2. Can I easily add local user stations in a datacenter?

Yes. However, it is important to select a switch that will provide room to grow. If a KVM switch is not maximized at the user level, adding more users is as simple as connecting additional user stations with point-to-point UTP. Keep in mind that each analog KVM switch has a finite number of users; digital KVM switches allow more room for expansion.

3. What is the degree of difficulty in replacing switching equipment?

Replacing equipment is usually easy, as replacement dongles or KVM switches have “Plug-and-play” functionality.

Features of KVM Switches

1. Do KVM switches allow users to automatically cycle/scan video on all connected ports?

A “port scan” feature is often included with most, if not all, models of KVM switches. A simple hot-key command will permit users to view a selected list or all ports attached to the KVM switch and show the video of each for a selected amount of time.

2. What naming options do KVM switches offer?

KVM switches limit the amount of characters used to name servers through the OSD. Some OSD menu systems allow users to implement alpha and/or numeric naming conventions.

3. What is the resolution and performance over IP?

Resolutions vary by device, and some provide a maximum of up to 1600X1200 at 60Hz over IP. If you have high resolution requirements, consider analog KVM switches, as they provide a higher resolution than digital KVM switches.

Supported Features, Devices, and Platforms

1. Do KVM switches support serial devices (i.e., routers, headless Unix, etc.)?

Yes. Some high-end KVM enterprise solutions provide support for serial devices. Avocent and Raritan devices provide support for serial devices through the use of dongles, and Rose Electronics’ devices provide serial support at the switch level and can support these devices through coax cables.

2. Can all types of devices (Sun, USB, AIX, SGI, RS6000, HP9000, DEC, MAC, chained IBM 330 servers, serial/TTY, etc) connect directly to a KVM switch?

Yes. Interface modules allow flexibility. All that is needed is the proper serial computer interface module or dongle with the right connections. Again, if a dongle is not available, an adapter such as a Raritan AUATC adapter, can be used to convert all serial connections to a standard PS2 keyboard and VGA monitor connection.

3. What client platforms does KVM over IP support?

Platform support varies by device. For example, Raritan offers a Java-based multi-platform client and will work with a wide variety of operating systems including Linux, Sun/Solaris, and Macintosh. Other devices use an Active-X platform and provide support only for Windows.

4. Can Sun users use their native Sun keyboard, mouse, and display?

Yes, some high-end products allow users to plug Sun peripherals into console ports. In addition, along with native Sun connections, users also have the choice between USB, and PS2 keyboard/mouse with VGA video.

5. Do KVM switches support audio?

Yes, some products provide audio support. For example, the Rose Electronics UltraView Pro series will support audio for users and computers. In addition, Avocent AMX devices provide multi-user switches that support audio functionality throughout.

6. Do KVM switches support video or video/keyboard sharing? Can multiple users share access to the same computer?

Yes. As long as Port Sharing is set to active across the switch, users will be permitted to share computer ports. However, keyboard and mouse access for editing and management is restricted to only one user at a time. Also, all users connected to the same target computer will view the same video feed.

Remote Power Management

1. Can KVM Switches integrate remote power management functionality?

Yes, integrating a remote reboot device allows administrators to cycle power to a server from a user station or using an internet browser from any location worldwide. Integrated power management solutions allow users to control KVM switching and remote reboot management from the same user interface.

2. Are 3-Phase and 208 power supported?

Yes. Enterprise-level solutions such as Server Technology’s line of remote power management products, provide multiple options for 3-phase or 208 power.

Server Dongles

1. Is there a KVM switch that has the ability to split KVM signals from a single server and send them to two destinations?

Yes. Both the Raritan Paragon II and the Avocent AMX offers a dual-headed dongle for this purpose. This dongle permit users to have dual access into a single server from two separate matrix switching units. This type of dongle doubles the maximum user density for an installation.

2. Do UTP-based KVM dongles offer servers “stay alive” or “keep-alive” functionality?

Yes. A KVM dongle is an active device that pulls power and provides keyboard and mouse emulation. Once the dongle connection is made and the server is started from a cold boot, the dongle is not required to have a UTP cable connected back to the Cat5 KVM switch. A UTP based KVM switch does not need to remain connected to the target systems in order for the computers to operate correctly.

3. Can dongles retain server name information?

Yes. No matter how long a dongle remains dormant, information will carry on when users move or upgrade computers.

Security and Access Rights

1. What levels of access rights/security levels are available?

Enterprise-level devices, for example Avocent’s DSR devices, provide administrators with complete control of all devices attached to the solution. Administrators can then set permissions for all other users. Access rights are usually set at the port level by using advanced features within the OSD of the KVM switch or through management software.

2. How user-friendly is the application to configure user and server rights and profiles?

On most devices, administrators simply point and click their way though the advanced OSD to create user profiles and assign access privileges for all users. The top enterprise offerings include a GUI software for this purpose.

3. Does a KVM’s security features allow you to hide servers/devices from users who don’t have sufficient access rights?

Yes. This feature is set through the “permissions and profiles” feature, and it is available on most enterprise-level Cat5 based, digital KVM switches, and analog KVM switches.

4. Does viewing multiple servers or devices create “blocking”, which doesn’t allow other users to work with those servers?

Blocking can be a problem when KVM switches are stacked or daisy-chained together. Daisy-chained switches leave users with a limited number of pathways to the upper-tier host computers. When all pathways are occupied, users will be blocked out of the remaining systems in the KVM architecture.

5. Do KVM manufacturers have realistic “non-blocked” remote access solutions for smaller remote sites?

Yes. Multiple manufacturers have 1X1 devices that allow for a non-blocked architecture. Depending on the size of this type of installation, you may want to aggregate these 1X1 devices through a centralized management appliance.

6. Do KVM switches offer a “Time Out” feature?

Advanced OSD features on many devices, including the Raritan Paragon II and the Avocent AMX series, for example, will allow administrators to set an automatic time-out feature to log out inactive users that are logged into the KVM system.

7. Can you back up the configuration/user rights database?

Back-up databases can be replicated for the Avocent DSR KVM over IP switch. The Hub and Spoke DSView 3 databases can be replicated up to 15 times for fail-safe redundancy.



Samuel

ghostbends asked:


Can it be run outside?

Edna

Colin Yao asked:


:: What is structured cabling?

Modern computer LAN (local area network) wiring has the concept of structured cabling.

With today’s high speed networks, people realize that the networking system must be broken up into shorter chunks that allow workstation wiring to be concentrated, with each cable length short enough to support the high data rate.

Based on aforementioned reasons, structured wiring standard has been developed to help define a computer wiring system that stays within the maximum wiring distance for various LAN topologies. For example, the horizontal cable wiring length is 100 meters for 100BaseT networks.

:: What do we do to observe the 100 meters wiring standard?

In order to achieve the wiring concentration standard, telecommunication rooms (wiring centers) are placed at planned locations in a building. These telecom rooms are then interconnected to provide the total network connectivity for the building.

This can be explained in a three stories building. At one same corner of each floor, a telecom rooms is constructed; these telecom rooms are then connected by backbone wiring (cables run vertically through the floors and link all telecom rooms together).

On each floor, a telecom room concentrates all workstation cables for that floor. Each workstation has a wall mounted jack. The network cable is terminated at that jack and runs directly to the telecom room. The cable may run in wire trays or conduit, or be draped over supports such as a drop ceiling. For larger floors, more than one telecom room may be needed.

:: Horizontal Cabling

The horizontal wires, which run from workstations on the same floor to the telecom room, are then terminated on punchdown termination, or directly onto a patch panel. The punchdown terminations or patch panels could be rack mounted (19″ or 23″ racks), cabinet mounted or wall mounted.

In the telecom room, network equipment such as a hub or switch is connected to each station cable, which electrically terminates the cable run. The hub or switch then passes the computer signal on to other work stations or servers, or even to other telecom rooms for ultimate connectivity with the entire network.

:: Vertical Cabling (Backbone Cabling)

Telecom rooms on each floor are then connected together by backbone cabling (also called vertical cabling for floor to floor connections). These backbone cablings typically are done from floor to floor to floor.

Usually telecom rooms should be located directly above one another in order to minimize the cable runs length, but this also varies from building to building.

With the emerge of Gigabit Ethernet and 10 Gigabit Ethernet, fiber optic cable is the most appropriate choice for backbone cabling since they provide much higher bandwidth than traditional Cat5, Cat6 or even Cat7 twisted pair copper cables. Another advantage of fiber is that fibers can run much longer distance than copper cable, which makes them especially attractive for backbone cabling.

:: The difference between backbone cabling and horizontal cabling

Since backbone cabling typically passes through from floor to floor, the cables used for backbone cabling have very different requirement than the horizontal cablings.

1. Fire ratings. Backbone cables must have standard imposed fire rating specifications. Typically this is OFNR (Optical Fiber Non-Conductive Riser) rated. If the backbone cable passes through plenum area (spaces in the building used for air return in air conditioning), the cable must be OFNP (Optical Fiber Non-conductive Plenum) rated.

2. Physical securing. Physical securing for vertical riser cables is also different than horizontal cables. So is the cable strength, since vertical riser cables need to have enough strength to support its own weight.



Juan

Nutsogood asked:


I made a 75 foot CAT5 cable with a generic ends and an RJ45 crimping tool. I used a cable tester that verified all 8 wires are aligned, but it doesn’t work. I removed all other variables. I tried making 3 and 5 foot cables and they both work. What could the problem be?

Pauline

Marc k asked:


I want to run a cable from the trailer next door that has a single port ran into there computer to mine but still have there computer connected.

the cable that is in that trailer is ran to a junction box…

Jamie

Mk asked:


I heard people talk about ‘CAT5′ and ‘RJ45′. Do these only apply to an ethernet LAN?
————
What do each other these two terms mean? How are they related to twisted pair copper cable and fiber optic cables?
—————
The usual home analog telephone also has a connector similar to RJ45. What is it called? And how is it different from a LAN connector?
—————-
What are some other similar terms that are often used?

Steven

Robert asked:


CAT-6 is an Ethernet cable standard which was defined by the Electronic Industries Association and Telecommunications Industry Association (known as EIA/TIA). Category 6 cable, which is commonly called as Cat-6, is a cable standard for Gigabit Ethernet and other network protocols which is backward compatible with the Category 5/5e and Category 3 cable standards. Cat-6 features more strict standards for network crosstalk and system noise. The Cat-E cable standard provides performance of up to 250 MHz and is suitable for 10BASE-T / 100BASE-TX and 1000BASE-T (Gigabit Ethernet). It is likely to suit the 10GBASE-T (10Gigabit Ethernet) standard also. CAT-6 is the sixth generation of Ethernet cabling standards.

CAT-6 cable contains four twisted copper wire pairs, similar to earlier network cable standards. Although Cat-6 is sometimes made with 23 gauge wires, it is not a requirement. The ANSI/TIA-568-B.2-1 specification states the cable may be made with 22 to 24 AWG gauge wire, as long as the cable meets the specified testing standards. Attenuation and Crosstalk are significantly lower in Cat-6 cables compared to the Cat-5/5e standard. CAT-6 standard supports Gigabit (1000 Mbps) Ethernet and network communications at more than twice the speed of CAT5e. As with all cables defined by ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B, the maximum acceptable length of the Cat-6 cable is 100 meters (330 ft) in length.

CAT-6 cables come in two main varieties, solid and stranded. Solid CAT-6 cable supports longer distance and works best where fixed wiring configurations are used, like office buildings. Stranded CAT-6 cable, on the other hand, is more flexible and better suited for short distance, movable cabling such as temporary cables.

CAT-6 standard cables are significantly costlier that the CAT5 or CAT5e cables and today’s applications can’t take advantage of CAT6’s better performance. However, if you are wiring a home or building for long term use, you may consider using the CAT-6 cables.



Bradley

Mark Allen asked:


1) Phone or PC?

Over the years, many different things have been implemented in order to produce VoIP desk phones able to accomplish tasks that your grandfather’s (actually even your older siblings’) phone cannot do. Let’s begin with the soft keys (the buttons you program depending on what you wish to achieve). When you combine large, brightly colored LCD functions that appear in words and pictures with easy-to-follow graphic instructions – you get a phone that mirrors the comfort and familiarity of the better personal computers on the market or other convenient consumer devices. No longer will you have to sift through the pages of a manual.

Also, don’t forget to add one more development – the integration between applications relying on enterprise servers and VoIP phones that are becoming more and more useful and easy-to-use. This means that when you have the appropriate IP PBX and network structure, you will gain the same capabilities as if you were sitting at your desk; scanning and replying to email from the head honcho; reviewing a video message, or receiving access to corporate databases. All of this is displayed on a large, crisp screen. It is key to recognize that the quality of the user interface and the application integration are very important. If they seem harder to use than your cell phone, you may not want to bother.

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2) The Power of the Gigabit…

Voice conversations can work on 8 Kbs and when you encounter an Ethernet connection that possesses a gigabit – you probably think this is way too much. However, all of this has to do with the ever-changing interest in desktop VoIP phones. Why? VoIP phones and computers are both data devices and when you connect them to a corporate LAN – two data ports are used. Yet, if you hook up your computer to your phone, and then connect your phone to your LAN – the number of ports your office network requires is cut by half the amount.

Up until recent times, the majority of phones had been created to connect at the 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps speeds associated with most office LANs. Nowadays, GigE enterprise networks, computers, and applications that find benefit in such speeds are becoming the norm. This means that when you buy a GigE-capable phone, the payoff continues to increase into the future of the IP telephony system used within your company.

3) Isn’t HD Just For TV?

The Polycom term known as HD Voice sheds light on the broader movement taking over desk phones. Companies that manufacture such phones are making strides in improving the sound quality of conversations. They believe that if your work becomes more efficient, then you won’t have to work extra hard just to be heard. One glaring effort is seen in the use of wideband codecs, which are associated with voice audio samples 16,000 times a second, as opposed to 8,000 times with telephones of the early 1900s. A new crop of possibilities regarding enhanced clarity is emerging. All of this can make it easier for the interactive voice response system to realize when you are experiencing trouble with your order instead of…let’s say – doubling your order.

4) Using Space to Your Advantage

Do you know the difference between the quality of a call and speakerphone quality? Today, there have been many attempts to create desk phones that work just as well as a specialized conference room speakerphone. Overall, this can allow you to conduct business within the boardroom while the SEC is attending to your hard drive. To accomplish this, a bit of cleaver design in the physical sense is needed. One approach is to place a great deal of space between the microphone and the speaker. This cuts down on interference. The base of the desktop phone will become larger than a laptop computer as a result. Another trick is to leave a large empty space behind your speaker – allowing the sound to vibrate in the same manner as high-end audio systems.

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5) No Moving Parts to Worry About

Steve Jobs may have made efforts in making touch controls cool, but Siemens is pushing the envelope with their new line of OpenStage phones that places improved control without the use of moving buttons or levers. For instance, a user can increase the volume by easily slide their finger from the left to the right of a slot. Inside, a blue glow within the slot expands to reveal your volume increase. The soft keys and navigation wheel similar to an iPod are touch-sensitive as well.

Conventional push buttons are a feature with the keypad, which helps people dial without fully concentrating on what they are looking at. Actually, does the phone you have your eye on possess a nib on the “5″ key so you are able to shift about the keypad just by feeling it out? These are the kind of things that manufacturers take seriously (and so should you) if you are dialing a lot of numbers that aren’t entered into your online directory.

The Magnitude of Cool…

When it comes to IP phones, there are plenty of other concepts to look out for, especially with all of the many different forms of wireless connectivity. All in all – don’t forget to question one thing – does the phone look cool enough for you? What is meant by that is that you don’t want to spend all your days using equipment that looks like the handiwork of Bill Gates, do you? We thought not.



Luis