**Department of Veterans Affairs**

**National Cemetery Administration**

**Quantico Regional Processing Center**

**Network Engineering**

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height="1.6666666666666667in"}

**Network Cabling Specifications**

# February 21, 2007

Ron Reuschling, NCA Chief Technical Officer Quantico Regional Processing
Center 5101 Russell Road Quantico, VA 22134 703-441-3098 ron@va.gov

**Table of Contents**

1\. Networks & Communications Staff Information

2\. General

2.1 Codes of Practice

2.2 Documentation

2.3 Network Equipment

2.4 Network Equipment Environment

3\. Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Category 5e/6

3.1 Network Configuration Constraints

3.2 Installation Constraints

> 3.2.1 Installation Standards
>
> 3.2.2 General Requirements
>
> 3.2.3 Data Outlets
>
> 3.2.4 Horizontal Cabling
>
> 3.2.5 Network Outlet and Labeling
>
> 3.2.6 Cable Installation
>
> 3.2.7 Patch Cables

3.3 Inter-Building Cabling

3.4 Testing

3.5 Documentation

4\. Optical Fiber Cable (Ethernet)

4.1 Fiber Network Configuration Constraints

4.2 Installation Constraints

4.3 Testing

4.4 Documentation

**1. Networks & Communication Staff Information**

Data cable specifications and installations for local area networks in
VA National Cemetery administration and maintenance buildings. For
technical inquiries relating to these standards, contact either the
project Contracting Officer or:

Ron F. Reuschling

Department of Veterans Affairs

Deputy Director/Chief Technical Officer, NCA

Quantico Regional Processing Center

5101 Russell Road

Quantico, VA 22134

Email: ron@va.gov

Voice: 703.441.3098 Page: 800.517.1422 Fax: 703.441.3068

**2. General**

**2.1 Codes of Practice**

Adherence to the VA/NCA Network Cable Specifications by cabling
installation contractors is a condition of contract. In the event the
cabling installation is sub-contracted by the prime contractor, the
prime contractor will supply a copy of these specifications to the
sub-contractor. This requirement shall cover all levels of
sub-contracting.

Any variations to the issued job specification shall be referred for
approval to the Contracting Officer Technical Representative (COTR). VA
Quantico Regional Processing Center also must approve these variations.

Contractors shall install all cable and cabling products with a proven
track record for data network cabling installations. Such installations
shall also meet all requirements as set out in this specification.

Un-terminated \"future capacity\" cables are not permitted. All
installed cables shall be terminated at each end and documentation,
labeling and (where applicable) test results provided. This applies to
all permanently installed cable types.

**2.2 Documentation**

At least two copies of documents describing the data cable installation
shall be provided.

A copy to be supplied to:

1.  Director, VA National Cemetery for which the work is being
    performed.

2.  COTR for approval by VA Quantico Regional Processing Center

**2.3 Network Equipment**

VA Quantico Regional Processing Center must approve the installation or
removal of network hardware equipment. Non-VA/NCA staff shall carry out
such work only with prior approval from the VA Quantico Regional
Processing Center.

**2.4 Network Equipment Environment**

Punch down area(s) (location of the data communication rack(s)) will be
determined by the building Architect/Engineer and the VA Quantico
Regional Processing Center.

Contractor shall supply 100BaseT, Category 5e or Category 6 certified
rack-mounted modular RJ45 punch down block/panel (24/48 ports) for jacks
meeting the ANSI/EIA/TIA 568-A-5 category 5e/6 standards.

Contractor will supply 19"W x 84"H steel data communication rack with
three (3) rack mounted cantilever shelves (19"W x 18"D).

Contractor will supply a heavy-duty power strip (minimum 5 outlets) with
surge suppression.

Each jack on the punch down block/panel will correspond with the jack at
the wall device faceplate.

Where network equipment is to be located in a secure room or large
closet, the room or closet shall have a dry powder extinguisher,
suitable for electrical fires, provided and installed within the room.
Adequate through flow ventilation shall be provided in a manner that
does not compromise the security of the closet

**3. Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Category 5e/6**

IEEE 802.3 100BaseT UTP Level 5e/6, 24 AWG plenum rated cable.

Insulation - high-speed data grade.

Sheath - high temperature UL data grade.

**3.1 Network Configuration Constraints**

Each segment comprises a four pair Category 5e/6 cable.

Pin all 8 conductors.

Maximum link length - 90 meters

Maximum channel length - 100 meters

Maximum number of stations per segment - 1.

**3.2 Installation Constraints**

**3.2.1 Installation Standards**

Cable and connecting hardware meeting or exceeding the Category 5e/6
specifications shall be used throughout, with pairs terminated according
to the T568A wiring scheme.

**3.2.2 General Requirements**

The cabling system shall include all patch panels, horizontal cables,
transition blocks, vertical cabling, modular jacks, system cables, patch
cables, cable management, and a comprehensive labeling system.

**3.2.3 Data Outlets**

The following information represents a minimum requirement for the
number of UTP outlets that shall be installed in each type of workspace.

If the construction at the location of the data outlet is drywall,
provide flush-mounted single-gang outlet boxes with two-port base plates
and applicable wall device faceplates (cable to be installed behind
drywall).

If the construction at the location of the data outlet is a solid wall,
provide surface-mounted single-gang outlet boxes with two-port base
plates and applicable wall device faceplates (cable to be installed in
plastic wall mold equipped with protective insulator or sleeve).

Where modular furniture is used, the location of the data outlet will be
in the baseboard of the furniture, where the networked equipment
(computers, printers, etc) will be located. Provide flush-mounted single
gang outlet boxes with two-port base plates and applicable wall device
faceplates. If flush-mounted single-gang outlet boxes cannot be used,
then modular surface mount boxes will be used with two-port inserts. All
cable runs in modular furniture will be through furniture wire baseboard
ducts/conduit.

**3.2.4 Horizontal Cabling**

The horizontal wiring shall be a star topology connecting each network
outlet jack to a jack on a patch panel rack in a communications
enclosure/room.

The cable used shall be 4-pair 100-ohm high performance, 24 AWG solid
conductor, unshielded twisted pair cable, meeting or exceeding the
Category 5e/6 specification.

**3.2.5 Network Outlet and Labeling**

Each network outlet faceplate shall incorporate one or more modular,
universal RJ45 IDC jack sockets meeting or exceeding the Category 5e/6
specification. Label each jack at this wall device faceplate to
correspond with the label on the patch panel jack (N1, N2, etc.). All
numbering should be readily visible.

**3.2.6 Cable Installation**

The cable interconnecting a network outlet to the patch panel shall be
one continuous length with no intermediate joins, splices or taps.

Cable termination onto a horizontal distribution panel or patch panel
shall be undertaken in a manner that permits additional cables to be
terminated without unduly disturbing previously installed cables.

Each data outlet / device location will have two (2) cable runs that
will terminate in the punch down block/panel at the punch down area.

No more than 24 cables shall be cable tied in a bunch.

A 2-meter loop of cable shall be left within or on the approach to each
communications room/enclosure to facilitate re-termination of the cable
in the future, should this be required. Such cable slack shall be coiled
and supported in a neat and practical manner.

A 0.5-meter loop of cable shall be left in the trunking on the approach
to each network outlet to facilitate re-termination of the cable in the
future, should this be required.

The amount of untwisting in a pair as a result of termination to
connecting hardware shall be no greater than 13mm, and less than this if
possible.

Cable bend radii shall be no less than eight times the cable diameter or
as specified by the cable manufacturer; whichever is the greater.

Precautions shall be observed to eliminate cable stress caused by
tension in suspended cable runs and tightly strapped bundles.

Cable bundles shall not rub on, or be unduly compressed against any
cable tray, equipment racking, or other cable support.

Cable bundles shall not obstruct the installation and removal of
equipment in equipment racks.

Where UTP cables are run parallel with electrical cables the following
minimum separation rules shall be observed:

> [Circuit rating]{.underline} [Unshielded power/data]{.underline}
> [Shielded power/data]{.underline}

[\<]{.underline} 1 KVA 300mm 25mm

[\>]{.underline} 1 \< 2 KVA 450mm 50mm

[\>]{.underline} 2 \< 5 KVA 600mm 150mm

5 KVA 1500mm 300mm

Where UTP cables are run in the proximity of electrical motors or
transformers the minimum separation shall be 1 meter.

In situations where the above minimum distances cannot be applied due to
a lack of available space, data cables shall be enclosed in rigid and/or
flexible steel conduit. Conduit shall be bonded to a protective ground
at one point in the installation. No steel cabling enclosure medium
shall be installed without having continuity to a protective ground.

**3.2.7 Patch Cables**

The cable to be used for copper patch shall be 4 pair 100-ohm high
performance, stranded conductor, unshielded twisted pair cable, meeting
or exceeding the Category 5e/6 specifications.

The cable to be used for fiber patch shall be of the same type
(multi-mode or single mode -- see specifications in section 4 below) of
what is used to connect the buildings.

Each patch lead shall be terminated in RJ45 connectors (male) meeting or
exceeding the Category 5e/6 specification.

Contractor will supply one (1) 6' category 5e/6 patch cable with RJ45
connectors (male) for every cable run installed into the patch panel.
This will allow connectivity between the patch panel and VA supplied
switch.

Contractor will supply one (1) 25' category 5e/6 patch cable with RJ45
connectors (male) for every cable run terminated at the user/device work
location. This will allow connectivity from the networked device
(computer, printer, etc) to the wall jack.

Contractor will supply two (2) 25' (multi-mode or single-mode --
depending what the contractor used to connect the buildings) fiber patch
cables with SC connectors. This will allow connectivity from the
demarcation point of the fiber to the switch. Ensure the demarcation
point of the fiber is within this distance to the switch.

3.3 Inter-Building Cabling

**Wiring Maintenance or other local buildings:**

If local network connectivity for Maintenance or other local buildings
is required, follow all specifications as stated in this document.

Connecting Maintenance or other local buildings with the Administration
Building:

If the distance between the punch down area in the Administration
Building to the punch down area in the Maintenance Building does not
exceed 100m or 328' (maximum length of the cable run), then 100BaseT UTP
Level 5e/6 24AWG plenum 4 pair cable may be used. Two cables will be
required and must be installed in conduit that will connect the two
buildings.

If the distance to the punch down area in the Maintenance Building
exceeds 100m / 328' but is no more than 2km / 1.24 miles (maximum length
of the cable run), then use a multi-mode fiber 2 strand 62.5x125 microns
cable. Cable should be routed as shown on the contract drawing.

If the distance to the maintenance building exceeds 2km / 1.24 miles but
is no more than 5km / 3.10 miles, then single-mode fiber 8x125 microns
is recommended.

If fiber is used to connect multiple buildings, a minimum of 6 strands
will be required and must be installed in conduit. All fiber will be
terminated within a fiber termination box (at both ends) with SC
connectors. All bends will be made with long radius conduit.

Below is a list of hardware that is required if fiber is installed. VA
Quantico Regional Processing Center will supply the Cisco Catalyst
Switch for installation by the contractor on an approval basis. Contact
the COTR to arrange delivery.

Multi-mode Single-mode

\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\--
\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\--

Cisco Catalyst 2950C-24 Cisco Catalyst 2960-24TC

MT-RJ to SC converter cable Cisco GLC-FE-100LX 1310 SMF uplink

Multi-mode Fiber 62.5x125 microns Single-mode Fiber 8.3x125 microns

SC connectors SC Connectors

Option: 2950G-24 w/ SX uplink

220m (gigabit)

## Radio Frequency Transmission Bridges

Where copper or fiber transmissions are not possible due to distance,
obstacles or funding, another option to connect multiple buildings
within a facility includes radio frequency transmission bridges. This
solution can be cost effective, however, provides limited bandwidth and
has special requirements. Several cemeteries are utilizing this RF
solution with remote bridges. NCA utilizes the Cisco Aironet Wireless
Bridge and the AirFortress Security Gateway for this transmission
design.

**3.4 Testing**

Testing shall be carried out with building electrical services operating
(lighting, power, air-conditioning plant and lift services where
applicable).

Wiring shall be tested to verify the continuity, integrity and polarity
of the cable according to the specified pin and pair grouping
assignments.

**3.5 Documentation**

The contractor shall provide installation documentation at the
completion of the cabling system installation.

The contractor shall certify that the cabling system meets the UTP
cabling system requirements for Category 5e/6 performance levels.

**4. Optical Fiber Cable (Ethernet)**

Multi-mode Fiber:

Core diameter 62.5 microns

> Cladding diameter 125 microns
>
> Prim. Acryl. Buffer diameter 250 microns

Proof test not less than 50kpsi.

Numerical aperture 0.275

Attenuation not greater than 4dB/km @ 850nm.

Bandwidth not less than 160MHz/km @ 850nm.

Termination: All Multi-mode terminations shall be made with SC
connectors

Single-mode Fiber

Core Diameter 7 - 9 microns

Cladding diameter 125 microns

Prim. Acryl. Buffer diameter 250 microns

Proof test not less than 50kpsi.

Numerical aperture 0.11

> Attenuation not greater than 0.5dB/Km @ 1310nm. not greater than
> 0.4dB/Km @ 1550nm.

Termination: All Single-mode terminations shall be made with SC
connectors

**4.1 Fiber Network Configuration Constraints**

Maximum Single-mode segment length -- 5 km

Maximum Multi-mode segment length - 2 km

**4.2 Installation Constraints**

Minimum bend radius (during installation)- not less than 20 X outside
diameter of cable.

Minimum bend radius (as installed) - not less than 10 X outside diameter
of cable or the manufacturer's specification, whichever is the greater.

During installation the pulling force shall not exceed the
manufacturer's specified maximum.

Cable slack shall be provided as follows:

> Within pits - 2 meters minimum.
>
> At a termination location - 2 meters minimum.
>
> Within a termination enclosure - 0.5 meter minimum.

All fiber cable terminations are to be SC connectors. When using a wall
or rack mount enclosure, a patch cord protector shall be included in the
installation.

**4.3 Testing**

100% Insertion Loss (light source and power meter) testing of all
terminated fibers shall be performed in both directions at 850nm for
multimode cables and 1310nm for single mode cables.

OTDR tests shall be performed at high wavelength, if the distance is
greater than 500m at 1310nm for multimode cables and greater than 1000m
at 1550nm for single mode cables.

Optical loss covers the total loss between two corresponding optical
ports and must include allowances for losses due to fiber, connectors,
passive optical components, splices and any margin for maintenance. This
loss shall not exceed 5db.

Copies of all test results are to be provided to the VA Quantico
Regional Processing Center on completion of the project.

**4.4 Documentation**

Documentation of a cable installation shall comprise the following:

Cable type

Route followed

Pit locations (where applicable)

Building names

Table of losses for each core