DECconnect System Fiber Optic Planning and Configuration

This document, "DECconnect System Fiber Optic Planning and Configuration (May 1990)," serves as a comprehensive guide for network designers on planning and implementing structured fiber optic wiring solutions for Digital Equipment Corporation's DECconnect System.

The manual outlines a systematic approach, emphasizing compliance with industry standards like EIA/TIA-568, and a hierarchical physical star topology designed for scalability, ease of management, and future growth. It details the transition from traditional copper wiring to fiber optics, citing advantages such as higher data rates, EMI protection, and lighter cables.

The structured wiring system is broken down into five key subsystems:

1. Campus Backbone: Connects buildings via Main Distribution Frames (MDFs).
2. Building Backbone: Interconnects floors within a building via Intermediate Distribution Frames (IDFs).
3. Horizontal Wiring: Links building backbones to work areas through Horizontal Distribution Frames (HDFs), Satellite Distribution Frames (SDFs), Office Distribution Frames (ODFs), and Remote Wall Distribution Frames (RWDFs).
4. Work Area Wiring: Connects end-user active equipment to wallboxes.
5. Administration: Governs connection points (crossconnects and interconnects), color-coding schemes, and a comprehensive labeling system for all components.

The core of the document focuses on the multi-stage design process:

• Preplanning: Involves initial site surveys, network analysis, and understanding safety, grounding, and space requirements.
• Concept Diagramming: Creating visual representations of the physical topology, defining cable links, fiber counts, and distances.
• Detailed Subsystem Design: Providing specific guidelines for configuring each subsystem, including selection of fiber optic cables (loose-tube, slotted-core, tight-buffered), connectors (primarily ST-type), splice and termination hardware, wallboxes, and equipment racks. It also includes methods for calculating link-loss budgets for specific applications like FDDI and ORnet.
• Documentation & Ordering: Guiding the creation of detailed labeling worksheets, connection maps, and Bills of Materials (BOMs) for all passive components.
• Preinstallation Procedures: Covering project planning, component ordering logistics, contractor selection, and site preparation before physical installation.

Supporting appendices provide detailed technical specifications for various fiber types, integration guidelines for DEC's FDDI and ORnet products with existing Ethernet networks, information on remote bridges and repeaters, and extensive references to relevant industry standards and codes (e.g., ANSI, ASTM, BICSI, EIA/TIA, IEEE, NEC).