Cabling issues for enterprise ATM networks

The cabling plant has not evolved as quickly as local area network technologies, and, as a result, it is not possible to deploy the newest network technologies, mainly because of cost issues. Given the level of effort required for installation, it is essential that any cabling chosen be able to support both current and future generations of communications and networking technologies. If the existing copper plant cannot support the required bandwidth and replacement is necessary, the cable plant designer faces the decision to install either Category 5 wire or optical fiber to the desktop. While the debate will undoubtedly continue, the advantages of optical fiber spans - bandwidth, noise immunity, and greater distance - make fiber the more flexible and capable long-term choice, but at a higher cost. Sites that anticipate migrating to high-speed ATM technologies will realize the most benefit from the ATM and SONET combination if a desktop fiber plant is deployed, including single-mode fiber for maximum scalability.