UKM as a research university provide a framework that suppor

UKM as a research university provide a framework that supports Gigabit Ethernet to the desktop instead of ATM to enable a host of high-tech, data-intensive and Grid/HPC applications, such as distance and e-learning, teleconference (video over IP), telemedicine, digital radiology, and medical imaging research. In selecting a UKM campus cable/backbone system and connectivity components, high performance and maximum uptime were considered to be most important. To maintain maximum flexibility for current and future needs at lease within ten years, there is a minimum of three cabling runs per workstation: for voice, for data and a multipurpose spare. Compare the cost, benefits and lifespan of installing CAT 6 versus Fiber to the desktop in a UKM campus network.

Solution

Category 6a Cabling Disadvantages

future applications

A TIA Standard is already in place for Gigabit over Category 6 (1000BASE-TX) that provides for a more cost-effective solution in the future. Another application that is quite demanding is broadband video that today runs over coaxial cable. Broadband video can be supported over Category 6 cabling at distances up to 100 meters and frequencies up to 550 MHz. Category 6 is particularly suited for this application because of the lower signal losses and better transmission performance at higher frequencies compared with Category 5 / 5e. Another application that is on the horizon is digital video. The direct digital signals from HD-SDI sources are at 1.5 Gb/s, which goes significantly beyond the capability of today’s twisted pair Cat 5 / 5e copper networks. An analysis of the information capacity of Category 6 cabling with 200 MHz Bandwidth indicates that it could support data rates of 2 Gb/s using the same encoding scheme of 1000BASE-T at twice the clock rate.

The Fiber Optic Solution

Going to fiber cabling will require an immediate migration to newer fiber network interface cards on all of the computers and Server(s). That means that the migration to fiber must also include the simultaneous installation of new fiber cards. This greatly amplifies the difficulty of this project. Cat6a and Cat7 cables are backward compatible to the existing network interface cards. So, the migration will be relatively painless. And the migration to newer cards can take place over a longer period of time.

Advantages of Fiber Optic cables

Potential Disadvantages of Fiber

Advantages of Fibre Optic cables