Fiber Optic Forum

You know I really like the idea of the "secure" patchcord systems that some companies are putting out. I just have a small problem with how they market them. They're calling them "secure" patchcords claiming that they provide some physical security against network breaches. In actuality, these are tools that provide network segregation, not security.

I could call one of these places up today and buy a keyed green patchcord and get into any of their keyed green systems. If they start customizing the keying to customers then they'll have a security measure.

The network segration aspect is very useful though, for all the reasons that Copperconnection listed below.

Soon they're going to have some totally retro colors, like tie die. LOL

Do they have crazy colors like red or purple?

yes it is an option, but a well designed data network utilizing copper or fiber will include some form of distribution from the main data EQUIPMENT ROOM to a building floor INTERMEDIATE CROSS CONNECT or HORIZONTAL CROSS CONNECT. Then cable is run to an individual workstation. A cabling run with in a building of 295 feet is very long whether its copper or fiber. The network design is dependant on equipment and network bandwidth requirements.

FiberNoob Wrote:Why are copper patchcords only available up to a typical length of 25 feet or so?

Can I get longer copper patchcords, like 300 feet?

A patchcord, as defined by the TIA, is meant to be used only to connect from a user's PC to a wall outlet, or from a patchpanel to a switch and so on. As defined by that standard (TIA-568B), there can be no more than 10 meters in total length of patchcords in any one channel. This is due to the fact that patchcords are made using stranded copper rather than solid copper wire. While this does allow for greater flexibility, the transmission characteristics of the stranded copper are not quite as good as a solid copper wire. So, could you get a 300' patchcord built for you? Probably. Is it the best idea? Probably not. However, if this "patchcord" is made using solid copper cabling, and terminated with good, high quality jacks for connection into a wall outlet or such, it technically becomes a horizontal cabling run, which can be up to 90 meters (295') in length, but should be permanently installed in conduit, raceway, raised flooring or similar.