Due to the frequency sensitivity of the HomePNA signal there are a few things that should be considered when training technicians installing HomePNA over coax.

• Compression connectors are a must. Crimp connectors can damage the dielectric and have an uncontrolled connection to the shielding.
  (Side Note: Suttle TWiN Lock™ and SURE Lock™ connectors are 360° compression connectors that maintain complete contact with the cabling.)
• Make sure the dielectric of the coax is flush with the inner base of the compression connector (not protruding or recessed in relation with the inner base). This helps guarantee a solid connection.
• Use resistive splitters instead of standard type splitters whenever possible. With standard coax splitters, the port isolation is too high. If your only option on an install is to use a standard splitter the input must be left open (unconnected).
• Test, Test, Test – Insufficient testing is one of the leading causes of reported problems and often leads to excessive modification to home wiring, which is time consuming. Changing a connectors only takes a minute, but changing a cable can take an hour. A lack of testing leads to uncertainty and over time, creates a preference for un-necessary re-wiring.

For more information visit www.homepna.org .

According to LAN Magazine, “85-95% of network failures are due in large part to cabling problems.”
As speeds and bandwidth increase, slight errors in installation CAN make the system non-compliant and MAY make a network useless so consider the following list of cabling tips:

• Don’t remove more of the outer jacket then is necessary to terminate.
• When terminating, don’t untwist conductors more then 1/2″ for CAT5e or higher cables.
• Don’t Run Next to Electricity:
  • Avoid electrical cabling and electrical sources.
  • Don’t tie cables to electrical conduits.
  • Don’t run communication cabling within 2 ft of electrical.
  • Always cross electrical at right angles.
• Protect Cabling:
  • Avoid sharp edges when pulling.
  • Use grommets to protect the cable when passing through rough openings.
  • Use low pulling force (25lbf or less), if using a pull string use one rated at 200lbf.
  • Make gradual bends when necessary (1″ radius min, 2″ recommended).
  • Don’t over tighten tie wraps.
  • Avoid using staples. If you must, use staples rated for use with communications cables (i.e T59).
• Use one wiring scheme – 568A (preferred).
• Always run all cables in a STAR topology.
• Limit runs to 295 ft (90 meters).
• Properly label all cables.
• Always use proper testing.
• Leave slack at the both the outlet (8″ min) and patch panel (10ft).
• Pull longest runs first working towards your shortest runs to reduce waste to
  an average of 15%.