Ethernet Installation Guide Site Survey and Configuration Planning Volume 1

This document, "Ethernet Installation Guide: Site Survey and Configuration Planning, Volume 1" by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), serves as a comprehensive manual for DEC Field Service personnel, customers, and designated subcontractors. Its primary purpose is to provide the necessary technical information and procedures for successfully surveying and planning the physical installation of an Ethernet Local Area Network (LAN).

The guide covers:

1. System Overview (Chapter 1): Introduces the Ethernet LAN as a high-speed data communications system for connecting information processing equipment, typically within a building or cluster of buildings. It outlines Ethernet specifications (e.g., 10 Mbps data rate, branching bus topology, shielded coaxial cable, maximum 1024 nodes) and details the various physical components, including coaxial cables, H4000 transceivers, transceiver drop cables, DELNI Local Network Interconnects, Ethernet Repeaters (DEREP), and communication controllers (DEUNA, DEQNA, DECNA).
2. Site Survey (Chapter 2): Provides detailed procedures for conducting a thorough site survey. This involves gathering information on building characteristics (structure, occupancy, local codes), identifying optimal locations for Ethernet components (e.g., exposed cable racks, raised floors, suspended ceilings), determining precise measurements using metric conventions, and assessing environmental airspaces for cable compatibility (emphasizing UL-listed FEP cables for plenums). A critical aspect covered is the identification and testing of suitable network earth reference points for system grounding, often requiring a licensed electrician.
3. Configuration Planning (Chapter 3): Guides the system planner through the design phase. Key topics include planning the coaxial cable pathway for single-floor, multi-floor, and multi-building installations, adhering to strict length limitations (e.g., 500m max per segment) and component counts (e.g., 100 transceivers max per segment). It provides guidelines for selecting and configuring specific DEC hardware like transceivers, drop cables, DELNI interconnects (for clustering up to eight devices), and repeaters (local for short runs, remote with fiber-optic for longer distances or between buildings). The chapter also details planning the system grounding to comply with electrical codes and creating network schematics for documentation.

The document includes appendices with detailed specifications for various Ethernet physical channel components, sample floor plans, network logs, and blank forms to aid in the survey and planning process. It emphasizes adhering to all relevant building codes and safety standards throughout the installation planning.