ACTA-06-05-25-06
ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL FOR TERMINAL ATTACHMENTS (ACTA)
MEETING DATE:25 May 2006
TITLE:Impact of New Connector Criteria
SOURCE*:LEC Representative
PURPOSE:Informative
DISTRIBUTION TO:ACTA
ABSTRACT
This contribution describes the impact on the industry of the new connector specifications in TIA-1096 and the reference to these criteria in TIA-968-A-4.
Impact of TIA-968-A-4 on Connector Criteria
When TR41.9 completes Addendum 4 of TIA-968-A, that addendum will remove the technical criteria for connectors in Section 6 of TIA-968-A, including the reference to the gold and non-gold contact criteria in TIA-TSB-31-B, and replace those criteria with a reference to a new standard for connectors, TIA-1096. TIA-1096 contains all of the technical criteria for connectors that wereformerly found in TIA-968-A and TIA-TSB-31-B. These connector criteria were originally published by the FCC in 47 C.F.R. Part 68.
Coordinating the Publication of TIA-968-A-4 and TIA-1096 by the ACTA
Since TIA-968-A-4 references TIA-1096, it is important that ACTA coordinate the publication of TIA-968-A-4 and TIA-1096. The clear intent of TR41.9 is for TIA-1096 to be published by the ACTA prior to, or coincident with, the publication of TIA-968-A-4.
Impact of TIA-968-A-4 on TCB Certificates and SDOCs
ACTA requires applicable technical criteria documents, including addendums, to be explicitly identified on TCB certificates and SDOCs. In most cases, the citations consist of a reference to TIA-968-A and the addendums that were in effect at the time the terminal equipment was approved. Additional citations for normative references in TIA-968-A or its addendums have not been required in the past, and there is no need for ACTA to change this policy with the adoption of TIA-968-A-4 and TIA-968-A.
For example, TIA-968-A makes a normative reference to ITU-T Recommendation G.711in connection with requirements for Subrate and DS1 terminal equipment. Likewise, TIA-968-A also makes a normative reference to TIA/EIA TSB 31-Bfor hard gold and non-hard gold contact performance.
Heretofore, ACTA has not required TCBs or responsible parties to list G.711 or TSB-31-B on TCB certificates or SDOCs. It has been sufficient just to list TIA-968-A and the addendums applicable at the time the equipment was approved.
There is no need to change that ACTA requirement after the publication of TIA-968-A-4 and TIA-1096. It is sufficient for TCB certificates and SDOCs to citeTIA-968-A and the addendums applicable at the time the equipment was approved.
Going Forward Connectors Need to Meet the Criteria of TIA-1096.
The publication of TIA-968-A-4 and TIA-1096 by the ACTA does not change the technical criteria applicable to connectors; it just changes the document in which the technical criteria are specified.
As specified in 47 C.F.R. 68.105(a), Carrier-installed facilities at, or constituting, the demarcation point shall consist of wire or a jack conforming to the technical criteria published by the ACTA. Likewise, as specified in 47 C.F.R. 68.213(b), all plugs and jacks used in connection with inside wiring shall conform to the published technical criteria of the ACTA. Prior to the publication of TIA-968-A-4 and TIA-1096, the technical criteria for connectors were found in TIA-968-A. After publication of TIA-968-A-4 and TIA-1096 by the ACTA, the technical criteria for connectors will be found in TIA-1096.
In addition, Section 6 of TIA-968-A-4 requires connectorsused by terminal equipment to connect such equipment to the telephone network to conform to the requirements of TIA-1096.
NOTICE
This document has been prepared by Verizon to assist the ACTA. It is proposed to the ACTA as a basis for discussion and is not to be construed as a binding proposal on Verizon or LECs. Verizon specifically reserves the right to amend or modify the material contained herein and nothing herein shall be construed as conferring or offering licenses or rights with respect to any intellectual property of Verizon.
This is a draft document and thus, is dynamic in nature. It does not reflect a consensus of Verizon or ACTA and it may be changed or modified. Verizon and ACTA makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, with respect to the sufficiency, accuracy or utility of the information or opinion contained or reflected in the material utilized. Verizon and ACTA further expressly advise that any use of or reliance upon the material in question is at your risk. Verizon and ACTA shall be liable for no damage or injury, of whatever nature, incurred by any person arising out of any utilization of the material. It is possible that this material will at some future date be included in a copyrighted work by ACTA.
* CONTACT: Trone Bishop (Verizon) 301-236-3754