Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1476549
58 I ICT TODAY The debate on whether to bundle or not continues. "Bundled" is defined by the NEC as "Cables or conductors that are tied, wrapped, taped, or otherwise periodically bound together." Current flow in bundled cables may increase temperature in the conductors or cable that can degrade the insulation. Prior to current flow, alien crosstalk was a potential concern. Individuality remains and workmanship is unde- fined, yet good workmanship shows when it is seen. In the case of attention to detail, examples include cable routing, cable dressing, and uniformity, particularly inside the telecommunications room (TR) where a technician can leave their "signatures." Laying cables loose in the corridors, whether in a tray The FMP offers the convenience and safety of low voltage, like PoE, with the power and distance capabilities of AC. When paired with optical fiber cable, FMP conve- niently powers and connects devices at locations up to 2 km (≈1.2 mi) away. Deploying FMP equipment and in the TR (and elsewhere) will need continued research and guidance and individual solutions. It is not a "bundle or not to bundle" discussion; it is a "when and how to bundle" discussion industry leaders need to address. How does one ensure safety and performance, yet ensure safety and performance while recognizing the importance of these criteria from a visually stunning installation? Power over Ethernet and FMP will be a part of an organization's sustainability initiatives with reduced installation costs and energy savings from reduced energy consumption over the life of the system. Fault managed power compliments PoE; both are viable solutions in enterprise networks. The FMP provides a solution for powering the devices beyond the reach of PoE and traditional category type cabling and the channel limitation of 100 m (≈328 ft). uninterruptible power supply (UPS) with a centralized approach in one or fewer locations provides a scalable and cost-effective solution for the initial installation and over the life of the system. Furthermore, PoE continues to advance in the levels of power delivered and the types of devices this tech- nology powers. Together, PoE and FMP, which is already being deployed, will radically change the electrical industry, how the work is performed, and possibly who can perform it. Stephen Eaves, CEO, VoltServer, contributed to this article. or within open top supports, has been a sound approach given the frequency of moves, adds and changes (MACs), allowing easy identification of cables for removal and reinstallation. Whereas bundled cables in this scenario require more time to identify in a tray or open top supports and to remove the hook and loop fasteners placed at various intervals. Detailed attention to cable routing and bundling AUTHOR BIOGRAPHIES: Jeff Beavers, RCDD, OSP, is the executive director of network integration and services for the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). Prior to joining NECA, Jeff focused on design, engineering, and inte- gration for Black & Veatch where he was employed from Oct 2010 to Feb 2022. With over 30 years of experience in the ICT and telecommunications industry, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his current position. One of his most memorable experiences was serving as BICSI President from February 2018 to February 2020. Jeff can be reached at jeff.beavers@necanet.org. Brian Ensign, RCDD, NTS, OSP, RTPM, is vice president of marketing for Superior Essex Communications where he leads the marketing and product management teams to focus on engagement in the industry to promote and position Superior Essex's solutions to support customer needs. Prior to his current position, he rose up the ranks in his long career with Superior Essex, having held various sales related and business development positions, such as director of sales and director of global accounts to mention only a few. Brian is still active with BICSI and served as BICSI President from 2016 to 2018. He can be reached at brian.ensign@spsx.com.