In-home connectivity guide - DIGITAL TV GROUP GUIDES VOLUME 02
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DIGITAL TV GROUP GUIDES VOLUME 02 In-home connectivity guide
Contents Introduction
03
Introduction
11
Going wireless
04
Setting the scene
13
Extending coverage
05
The benefits of getting it right
15
Smart home security
06
Connectivity within the home
16
Installers/building owners
How to use the guide
07
Best practice installations
17
Cabling
The UK Government has set
targets for full fibre delivery to
connectivity, not only to the home
or building but to the device. WHO THIS GUIDE IS
AIMED AT:
homes by 2025. Without also
considering in-home connectivity, The guide describes how to deliver
many of the benefits of this project good connectivity within the • Homeowners/tenants
09
Planning ahead
18
Broadband and phone services
could be lost.
The DTG’s in-home connectivity
home.
It contains two standalone
•
•
•
Equipment installers
Landlords
Building management
guide has been created sections, the first one relevant to • Building designers
collaboratively by industry to consumers, and the second to • Local authorities
10 19
provide an end-to-end source installers, local authorities and
of best practice, know-how, and landlords.
references for delivering gigabit
A wired connection Interference scenarios
2 3
The benefits of
Setting the scene getting it right
B B
FIGURE 3: RESULTS OF
FIGURE 1: AVERAGE NUMBER OF CONNECTED DEVICES (UK)1
y 2025 it is predicted roadband is seen as but sharing more experiences LIBERTY GLOBAL SURVEY
there will be over 64 TV set
an essential item by through photos, HD videos, and ON THE TRUE VALUE OF
BROADBAND4
billion connected devices Laptop/desktop PC
consumers when video calling
Respondents were asked how
in use worldwide. Many Tablet PC
chooosing a property, in much they’d have to be paid to give
of these will be in consumers’ Gaming console
the same way that utilities are. • Working from home up each item and answers were
ranked accordingly
homes increasing the burden on TV STB
Expanding the range of career
home Wi-Fi networks. In fact, a Liberty Global survey of options and improve work/life
1
Media streamer Home
Wearable device
more than 8,000 respondents balance by reducing commuting Broadband
While the number of devices per Smart speaker ON across eight European countries time
household continues to rise, the AVERAGE 6 found people prioritised broadband
2
VR headset
number one connected product in CONNECTED over other essentials.(fig3) • Value of property and speed Sex
Smart lightbulbs
SCREENS
homes will be the TV set, with an Smart thermostat
of sale/rental
average of six screens connected Whilst respondents considered A property with good
3
Smart display
in total.(fig1) speed and price short-term priorities, connectivity will ensure your Holidays
0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 long-term, people rated coverage, buyer’s future home technology
As the number of connected TVs network quality and innovation as needs are met
4
Favourite
increases, so will the data rates more important. (fig4) This highlights TV Channel
required to support delivery of 4K the need for well-designed Business
UHD content.(fig2) and implemented systems, the
As well as video content, there are
FIGURE 2: NUMBER AND TYPE OF CONNECTED TVS IN UK HOUSEHOLDS AND
DATA RATES REQUIRED FOR VIDEO DELIVERY2
benefits of which will far outweigh
the cost of delivery. These include:
• Better access to customers
Improved customer service and
5 Chocolate
33 million gamers in the UK with 30 quality of experience leading to
FIGURE 4: LIBERTY GLOBAL
the majority of these playing on 25 Consumers increase customer satisfaction SURVEY RESULTS OF WHAT
Households (m)
devices in the home. Key gaming 20 • Access to media and PEOPLE VALUE MOST ABOUT
THEIR BROADBAND3
requirements include speed, in 15
entertainment • Super-charged social media
particular low-latency, high quality, as Downloading more films, Harnessing social media 13%
10
real-time becomes the norm. ebooks, and music with the opportunities with its instant, far-
5
expectation of consuming reaching impact
0
Additionally, today’s home content whenever and wherever 38%
16%
environments make it very difficult 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 • Improved efficiency
to get a reliable wireless signal 4K UHD TV sets Non-4K UHD TV sets Connected smart TV sets
• Social mobility Being able to collaborate more
throughout a home from a single Access to online resources, easily with other organisations
router. Insulated building materials training and e-learning, as and individuals and access the 33%
affect propagation of radio well as availability of telehealth latest systems and software
waves and the large numbers of services for all-round well-being. Collective benefits such as
coverage, network quality and
connected devices all compete to • Attracting and retaining talent innovation
use the limited available wireless BASIC 4K
REAL 4K 8K • Keeping in touch A flexible work environment Individual benefits such as
channels, leading to reduced 30-50MBPS 50-100MBPS Not only keeping in contact with enabled by good connectivity speed and bundle size
20-30MBPS
(BETTER FRAME (HIGHER
throughput in busy times. friends, family and colleagues will help attract and retain Price
RATE) RESOLUTION)
employees and improve Flexibility
As such, Wi-Fi is increasingly productivity
becoming a bottleneck for good in-
home connectivity.
4 1
Source: Ovum Informa Tech 3
Source: Liberty Global on consumer value of broadband https://www.libertyglobal.com/new-study-reveals-what-consumers-most-value-about-broadband/
5
2
Source: Ovum Informa Tech 4
Source: Liberty Global on consumer value of broadband https://www.libertyglobal.com/new-study-reveals-what-consumers-most-value-about-broadband/
AN EXAMPLE OF A HEAD END SET UP IN A HOME
A head’s up
CONNECTED TO HEAD-END
RADIO
Industry-advised best practice is
DTT
that the first step to an efficiently
connected home is to use a
Connectivity within
SATELLITE
control hub – also called a head
end – close to the point where all
external connections enter the
the home
building.
From there cable can be run to
each room, where wireless signals,
such as Wi-Fi, form the last part of
the solution within the room itself.
The head end will be the point
where all services are kept,
INCOMING SERVICES
Best practice installations including a fixed telephone line, DTT
MORE THAN TWO THIRDS
SATELLITE
connection to a satellite dish RADIO
The connections covered in this
OF PEOPLE CHECK THE and TV services from an aerial
BROADBAND
AVAILABLE BROADBAND
section are: SPEED BEFORE MOVING and from cable. It provides
HOME, ACCORDING TO A an easy route for external
• Broadcast SURVEY BY RIGHTMOVE, installers to connect to the This provides a clear four-step
This includes DTT, DAB, FM, WHILE FAST BROADBAND inside the building and a central planning process, practical tools to
Satellite
IS GIVEN HIGHER PRIORITY maintenance point. help with your project, such as an
THAN LOCAL TRANSPORT
LINKS, NICE NEIGHBOURS, installation checklist (shown right)
• Cable TV OUTSIDE SPACE, ROOM It is important to get the internal and links to industry professionals
FOR A GYM — OR EVEN AN location right, so don’t leave it as that can support you.
• Broadband and phone services EXTRA BEDROOM. 5 an afterthought. The head end
should have space for power Gold standard certification
Whether you are in a block of connections, maintenance and
flats or a single dwelling, wireless the installation of the equipment The CEDIA guidelines also include
technologies are often perceived necessary to bring great a certification scheme to verify
as the best way to connect to the connectivity to a home. that best practice standards have
internet. been met. This is signed off by a
In multi-unit buildings, like blocks CEDIA Structured Cabling Assessor
However, many modern building of flats, it is advisable to place a (CSCA) and guarantees that wiring
materials do not help wireless head end in an easy-to-access infrastructure has been installed
connections to reach their location close to the building’s correctly, is ready to use and clearly
optimum level. Walls, floors and external connection. indicates to someone looking to buy
even energy-saving windows can or rent your property that your home
all contribute to a weaker signal. For further information on how is future-ready for connectivity.
to achieve best practice cabling
Additionally, wireless signals infrastructure see: The CEDIA guidelines cover
are susceptible to interference CEDIA Smart Home Infrastructure TV, Satellite, Radio (FM and
from other Wi-Fi signals from Recommended Guidelines DAB), Cable TV, telephone, and
neighbours, especially in blocks of broadband and how to plan and
flats, and from other technologies. install your services.
The best way to manage this
is by having a robust wired
infrastructure which will help to CEDIA RECOMMENDS THAT ALTHOUGH DIFFERENT
deliver a reliable wireless signal SERVICES SUCH AS TV, AND BROADBAND, ENTER
where you need it. FROM DIFFERENT LOCATIONS, ALL SHOULD END
IN A COMMON LOCATION WITHIN THE PROPERTY
CALLED THE SMART HOME HEAD END.
6 5
Source: https://www.homesandproperty.co.uk/property-news/buying/new-homes/superfast-broadband-more-important-to-home-buyers-than-good-transport-links-and-nice-neighbours-a118171.html 7
Office
Typical best practice head-end example Planning ahead SAMPLE HOUSE PLAN: THE EXAMPLE BELOW SHOWS COMMUNICATIONS,
Wireless within ENTERTAINMENT, AND MULTI-ROOM AUDIO LOCATIONS
the room
Correct positioning of data, and
other connection, points is key to
maximising the benefit of your
cabled infrastructure.
GARAGE
To TV
To printer To workstation Think about how each room will be
used and the types of connections Projection + Screen
Living Room
needed. For example:
Satellite STUDY
Wireless within SIMPLE INSTALL FOR
TV, Satellite, the room • Television – could require
Radio IN-HOME CONNECTIVITY
an aerial feed for Freeview, a
DAB DTT satellite feed for Freesat or Sky, MASTER BED
CORRIDOR
Head-end BATHROOM
CAI-certified an internet feed for your on-
To radio To TV coaxial cable
demand services like BBC iPlayer Music
Music
Broadband To the TV To music system
To TV • Music – this could require a
Bedroom
CAI-certified broadcast feed for FM or DAB,
coaxial cable behind wall
an internet connection for smart HALL
Satellite
Wireless within speakers
the room
• Data points – if you work from KITCHEN
DAB DTT
Cat 6A ethernet cable
behind wall home you may want a wired
To radio To TV connection for your computer Music
To TV
To the TV To music system
Cat 6A ethernet cable
• Phonelines – will a landline be
required and if so, where?
Kitchen
LIVING ROOM
Satellite • Other connected equipment –
Wireless within
the room e.g. security cameras, where will
they be positioned? DINING Music
DAB DTT
Using a home plan will help Music
To radio To TV
work out where connections are
needed. The example (shown
To the TV To music system
right) is taken from the CEDIA
Smart Home Infrastructure
Recommended Guidelines.
COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT ETHERNET CABLE TYPES6
FEATURE/SPEC CAT 5E CAT 6 CAT 6A
Potential bandwidth 1 Gbps 1 Gbps 10 Gbps
Typical distance 100m 100m 100m
Max distance for max data rate 50m 100m 100m
8 9
6
Source: http://premiumwires.blogspot.com/2016/07/cat5e-vs-cat6-vs-cat6e-vs-cat6a-vs-cat7.html
A wired connection Going Wireless – consumer congested band as it is shared speeds of up to 9.6 Gbps,
retrofit with many other technologies greater client capacity, less
Cabling: choosing the right such as Bluetooth and microwave network congestion and better
cable is key to ensuring that If fitting your home with cabling ovens. range than its predecessors.
services are delivered with high from a head end is just not an A good router will automatically
quality audio and video and that option, then wireless signals are select the band that is optimal A comparison of the different
available bandwidth can be fully the obvious alternative. for your situation, so the choice is Wi-Fi standards is shown in
utilised. Poor quality cable can transparent to the end user. the table below. Note how
result in attenuation of the signal, This section provides information typical speeds vary widely from
added noise, and susceptibility to on the solutions available to deliver Alternatively, many routers advertised speeds. There are
interference, as well as becoming the best possible user experience provide options for configurable several reasons for this:
a source of interference itself. and mitigate possible issues like load balancing whereby a user
Additionally, the type of cable interference, poor coverage, and can fix certain devices onto the
needs to be correct for the network congestion. 5 GHz band, leaving the 2.4 GHz
circumstances and the type of band for devices that don’t need OFCOM CARRIED
signal being delivered. Optimising your Wi-Fi as much bandwidth. For example,
for online gaming, where the
OUT TESTS
DTT, satellite, and FM/DAB Often very little consideration is higher throughput and lower ON HOME
services: For services such as given to a Wi-Fi signal, but there interference of the 5 GHz band BROADBAND
these, coaxial cable is used, are many home-network features may be needed. ROUTERS7 WHICH
specifically CAI-approved cable, that can be utilised to ensure that
as this means it has met an all your devices can run on your Different types of Wi-Fi –
HIGHLIGHTED
industry agreed test specification, Wi-Fi simultaneously. These can Wireless protocols: THAT NEW
independently verified by a also provide security against cyber- Wi-Fi comes in many different ROUTERS TEND TO
test house and through market attacks, with a range of features implementations of the 802.11 set PROVIDE BETTER
sampling. A list of CAI-approved like family protection and guest of protocols. These are an evolving
cable types, manufacturers and networks, that can be optimised to set of standards where new
PERFORMANCE
suppliers can be found here: which helps eliminate speeds, some examples of support the increasing demands features are included to improve AND USER
https://www.cai.org.uk/ interference and cross talk to download times based on the on Wi-Fi signal. performance. This includes things EXPERIENCE
improve the signal quality and available speed, assuming 4.5 like multiple antenna technology THAN OLDER
Data services: Ethernet cabling futureproof the system. GB average for a film, are shown Radio bands: Wi-Fi usually works (MIMO), bonding channels
comes in several variants which below. on two main frequency bands together to increase throughput,
LEGACY MODELS,
differ in terms of their throughput Additionally, Category 6A will – 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. As a rule of support for multiple radio bands, AND THAT WI-FI
and maximum cable lengths. support the full 10Gbps speed thumb, the lower frequency band and intelligent management of PERFORMANCE
Ethernet cables are a common over longer distances and it uses • 10 Mbps = 1.25 MBps i.e. 1 hour provides better coverage, but capacity for optimisation. TENDS TO BE
choice for delivering data services a thicker gauge of wire, key for to download a film lower throughput and the upper
as they meet a compromise of power handling and increasingly frequency band provides higher The latest version, 802.11ax
BETTER OVER THE
cost and quality. However, for relevant as devices begin to use • 100 Mbps = 12 MBps i.e. 1 hour throughput but less coverage. also known as Wi-Fi 6 or High 5 GHZ BAND THAN
situations where long cable runs power over ethernet. to download 10 films Additionally, the 2.4 GHz is a more Efficiency (HE) Wi-Fi, promises THE 2.4 GHZ BAND.
are needed or where electrical
interference could be an issue Below are some typical • 1 Gbps = 125 MBps i.e. 1 hour to
then fibre-optic cables can be minimum speeds for popular TV download 100 films
chosen. The table on page 9 streaming services.
shows the different types of • 10 Gbs = 1.25 GBps i.e. 1 hour to 802.11 WI-FI COMPARISON CHART
ethernet cables available, how As a reference for the supported download 1000 films
they vary and some general THEORETICAL TYPICAL SPEEDS FREQUENCIES
WI-FI NAME STANDARD
applications. SPEEDS8 ACHEIVABLE9 (GHZ)
EXAMPLE DATA RATES REQUIRED FOR STREAMING SERVICES (MBPS)
Wi-Fi 1 802.11b up to 11 Mbps 5.5 Mbps 2.4
As can be seen, Category 5
SERVICE SD HD UHD
can support speeds of up to Wi-Fi 2 802.11a up to 54 Mbps 10-20 Mbps 5
1 Gbps and compared with Netflix 3 5 25
Category 6 variants it is also Wi-Fi 3 802.11g up to 54 Mbps 10-20 Mbps 2.4
cheaper. However, Category 6A YouTube 0.5 4 15
Wi-Fi 4 802.11n up to 600 Mbps 50-100 Mbps 2.4 and 5
can support up to 10 Gbps and Amazon Prime 0.9 3.5 15
features more robust shielding Wi-Fi 5 802.11ac up to 3.5 Gbps 200 Mbps 5
Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax up to 9.6 Gbps 600-850 Mbps10 2.4 and 5
7
Source: Ofcom Home Broadband Router Testing https://www.ofcom.org.uk/research-and-data/telecoms-research/broadband-research/broadband-speeds/wi-fi-performance-testing
10 8
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE_802.11#endnote_80211ns_sgiF4 11
9
Source: Dignited https://www.dignited.com/37840/wifi-router-speeds-theoretical-vs-actual-real-world-speeds/ and Qorvo White Paper: Wi-Fi data rates, channels and capacity
10
Source: PC Mag https://www.pcmag.com/news/how-fast-is-wi-fi-611
• Legacy hardware: if the network throughput by up to some manufacturers provide Extending coverage Wi-Fi extenders is under one SSID. A network
device you are using e.g. a 50%. replacement antennas for their Like any wireless connection, a Wi- If your main router is not extender could possibly require
smartphone or laptop, is only routers. Other things to consider Fi router has a range in which it can providing coverage to certain more time to set up initially but
capable of supporting Wi-Fi 4 Features: routers have many are USB ports, multiple ethernet broadcast its signal. The farther the rooms then a Wi-Fi extender can means that your original router
(802.11n) then it doesn’t matter features that can be adjusted ports and link aggregation distance from the router and the be a cost-effective solution. The will still be in use.
if your router supports Wi-Fi 6 to optimise performance or to allow ethernet ports to be access point, the weaker the signal difference between an extender
(802.11ax), your device cannot provide parental controls. For bundled for greater throughput. will get, and this will subsequently and a mesh network is that the 3 Price
take advantage of this example, consider creating a reduce the Wi-Fi router speeds. former uses the original signal Mesh networks are a more
guest network. This essentially Other more sophisticated As explained, 2.4 GHz travels then re-transmits it to boost the comprehensive solution so
• Obstructions: any obstructions creates a separate ID (SSID) with features include analytics to further, but over short distances 5 signal strength. However, an are often the more expensive
between the connected separate security credentials optimise the Wi-Fi channel being GHz performs better. However, if extender creates a new network option and prices vary
devices and the Wi-Fi router from your main network. This used, utilising less congested you’re experiencing issues getting with a separate network ID depending on the number of
will degrade the signal and can provide guests access to your frequencies within a band. coverage throughout your home, and password, which means nodes in the network.
reduce speed. This is especially internet without giving access to there are technical solutions to that moving between the two
true of the 5GHz spectrum your whole network, which would If all else fails then sometimes extend coverage. These include: requires leaving one network Extenders are a more basic
which is far more susceptible include things like your files, simply moving the router can and joining the other which can solution and are generally
to interference from physical printers, and other connected help solve coverage issues, for Mesh networks require user-interaction. cheaper but overall it’s about
objects. devices. example away from walls and to a In situations where one router choosing a solution that is fit
central location in the house. cannot reach to the furthest points Mesh vs extender? for purpose.
• Congestion: the more devices Parental control can come in in the house, one solution is to use Some points to consider when
connected to your network, the various levels from defining Price: the price inevitably a mesh network. choosing between the two options Powerline
more the bandwidth is being access at certain periods only on increases in line with the features, are: An alternative way to wirelessly
shared and the more the data certain devices, to also blocking radio bands and latest protocols These use multiple access points extend broadband coverage is
rate per device reduces. Simply access to types of traffic such supported with Wi-Fi 6 routers. which are interconnected and can 1 Location of the coverage via a powerline adapter.
by reducing the number of as gambling and other adult Therefore, careful consideration as be used to relay signals back to the issues
devices on your network, you content. to your requirements is needed. In main router. They all use the same If problems are restricted to These send data signals over the
can improve the data rate many situations Wi-Fi 4 is going network ID (SSID) and password so one small area e.g. a particular electrical wiring within a home
experienced by other devices. Performance features include to be suitable when coupled with that usage is seamless as you move room, then an extender may and are very easy to set up, but
something as simple as having some of the techniques described throughout the home. be sufficient. If the property is they do have some limitations.
• Interference: As explained a detachable antenna. This can above. larger and coverage issues are in
earlier, microwaves, Bluetooth allow for higher gain or more Many come with app support, with multiple locations, then a mesh A plug-in adapter is connected to
devices, wireless keyboards/ directional antennas to be However, if your requirement is features such as guest networks, network may be the way to go the router or the home Wi-Fi at
mice, smartphones, neighbours’ attached in place of the default for high definition online gaming scheduling internet access to certain one end, and a second adapter
Wi-Fi and other wireless devices antenna. Care needs to be taken then potentially spending more times and for certain devices, and 2 Installation is plugged in in the room where
can cause interference to your to ensure the right antenna on support for the latest protocols performance optimisation to ensure A mesh network is the easier the coverage is needed. This then
Wi-Fi. This might degrade your is chosen for the router and would be beneficial. the device connects to the node of the two options to install provides a Wi-Fi signal, or an
with the best signal. and manage as everything ethernet data point.
Another feature to consider is
power over ethernet also known as
802.3af/at. This allows the nodes to
be connected via an ethernet cable
to a data point in a room which
supplies them with power and
data, eliminating the need for a
power socket or additional cables.
As mesh networks are part of a
single network, setup is often
simpler than an extender, which
uses a separate network (see next
section). However, they are the
more expensive of the two options
and come as a replacement for
existing Wi-Fi meaning updating
devices with new passwords.
12 13
In terms of standards, it is
recommended to choose EXAMPLE OF A POWERLINE ADAPTER SETUP11
powerline adapters that conform
to G.hn which is an improvement
on the previous Homplug AV2
Smart home
standard, adding speed, range and
stability i.e. less chance of having
to reboot the device.
The throughput of a powerline
signal can more than support
high speed streaming, with rates
of around 100 Mbps. However, the
security
stated data rates are often in the
region of 1-2 Gbps. However, this
C
is not normally achievable due to
some of the limitations of powerline yber security may seem on devices, or ones that can be
technology, set out below. like the preserve of IT easily accessed using automated
experts but there are software to run through
AN EXAMPLE OF
• The data signal can take five simple steps to databases of compromised
A LIST OF LEAKED
multiple routes around the protect your devices and data or common passwords. Many USERNAMES AND
wiring, even if the plugs are from cyber threats12 software security companies PASSWORDS CAN
separated by circuit breakers/ provide facilities for managing BE SEEN HERE -
fuse boards. This can be an issue 1 Install antivirus software. passwords rather than using the THEHACKERNEWS.
if the house is not detached or it These provide protection against same one multiple times or risk COM/
is being used in a block of flats. known viruses, and protect forgetting more complicated or
If the adapters are not password privacy by blocking things like unique ones.
protected, then others using the adverts, spam and webcam
same wiring infrastructure could spies. Anti-virus software is 5 Keep devices updated with
access your network continually updated to cover the the latest software. Software
latest threats as they evolve. updates provide bug fixes and
• Data signals can suffer protection against new online
interference from other electrical 2 Use a VPN to encrypt threats. Keeping your devices up
items connected to the same your internet connection. to date with the latest software
circuit, particularly from chargers These provide an encrypted will help protect your devices
or from items that draw a lot of connection between yourself from cyber attacks.
current (such as microwaves), and the internet so that you
from mains fluctuations, or older can use public Wi-Fi safely, or If you are providing the installation
wiring within the building access streaming shows when of smart home systems for a
travelling. multiple-occupancy building,
• Powerline adapters have the help its residents by leaving full
potential to interfere with other 3 Use a fast and secure browser. documentation of the setup,
receiving equipment within the These can provide features such including diagrams and passwords.
home as ad-blocking, anti-tracking,
and anti-fingerprinting, making
• The distance between the it impossible for others to create
adapters can impact the an online profile of you. Also,
throughput it’s up to 4x faster than your
standard browser.
4 Use a strong and secure
password. This may sound
obvious, but many people still
use the same passwords on
multiple sites, default passwords
14 15
11
Source: Techadvisor.co.uk 12
Source: Avast 5 Tips for Staying Secure Online
Cabling
HINT: THINK ABOUT FUTURE UPGRADES, IF YOUR
It is recommended that coaxial cable
BUILDING IS HAVING FIBRE INSTALLED FOR BROADBAND
used for TV and audio installations is AND PHONE SERVICES, THIS IS THE IDEAL TIME TO ALSO
Installers/building
CAI-certified. The Cable Certification CONSIDER INSTALLING ADDITIONAL FIBRE CAPACITY FOR
Scheme lays down minimum OTHER SERVICES SUCH AS TV AND RADIO.
standards for the technical
performance of coaxial cable based
owners
on the specific requirements for
satisfactory reception and network HYBRID FIBRE AND RF MEDIA DISTRIBUTION IN A MULTI-DWELLING UNIT (MDU)
distribution of signals from terrestrial
RF over coax From fibre gateway
or satellite transmissions. You
can see a list of certified cables, Fibre
manufacturers and suppliers here: Gateway
https://www.cai.org.uk/
T
Additionally, making sure cables
his section of the guide multi-dwelling units. are laid correctly and to a good Single
covers best practice The standard, known as European standard will improve the mode fibre
Legacy
Multiswitch receivers
advice for professional IRS Certification Scheme (EIRC), appearance of the installation,
installers and building tests that a product will support promote a safer home SCR
receiver
managers, covering equipment the technical requirements of environment and reduce the need
types, points of contact for platforms such as Sky Q, Freeview, for future maintenance. Fibre
industry support, and advice on Freesat and other similar Gateway
installation challenges such as European platforms. Fibre distribution
To RF-distribution
interference mitigation.
Currently platforms can include In a large TV and satellite dSCR
Distribution of TV and media technical requirements of distribution system with many
receivers to support proprietary signal splits, the signal level and
The first point of call for AV services signalling or power levels, which signal quality (also known as the
is the Confederation of Aerial differ from international standards modulation error ratio (MER))
Industries (CAI) which provides a such as BS EN 50603. in a coaxial system can degrade
FIBRE TO THE HOME (FTTH) MEDIA DISTRIBUTION WITHIN AN MDU
Code of Practice for Installation of significantly. The advantage of fibre
Terrestrial and Satellite TV Reception The mark signifies that equipment distribution over coaxial distribution
RF over coax
Systems and gives details on the such as dSCRs, multiswitches, is that fibre offers low power loss
materials and processes to use launch amplifiers, LNBs, and meaning better signal quality over
Fibre
for installations, you can find this receivers will be able to work longer transmission distances. Gateway
inforamtion here. together.
Fibre optic cables are a good option
Single mode fibre
Distribution equipment for as a trunk line for distributing TV or
satellite, and DTT Look for the mark below on the broadband signals, with ethernet
Fibre splitter
product. and coaxial used for the last section
Ensuring that the equipment within an apartment. There are
used for the installation meets many products available which
quality standards can save time can be used to convert between Fibre input
and money, ensuring installation fibre and RF and to split fibre
longevity and, ultimately, better connections to enable this. Two
customer satisfaction. typical examples of an installation Fibre Quad GTU
using fibre for a multi-dwelling
The DTG has collaborated with unit are shown on the right.
CAI to develop a set of industry-
agreed standards for end-to-end The hybrid solution shows where the
distribution of satellite and TV coaxial connections from the DTT 4 satellite and
terriestrial feeds for in-
signals within single homes and and satellite feeds are converted to home distribution
fibre on the roof and then converted
back to coaxial within the building
for onward distribution.
16 17
For these types of installations, the BSI website. using electromagnetic spectrum, before any amplification in the detailed information on
typically a single mode fibre is there is often instances of distribution system interference mitigation for
used, as indicated in the CAI code This PAS recommends how to interference which can manifest DTT reception and up-coming
of practice for home networks. design and install domestic wiring as compromised performance, or • Reducing amplifier gain to avoid changes to spectrum plans. You
which is service-provider-neutral. It in the worst case no service at all. overload or removing amplifiers can download the DTG R-Book
Single mode fibre uses one mode aims to give occupants the service altogether unless they are here.
of light transmission whereas availability that they want, while Interference mechanisms necessary
multimode use several different making it easy for them to change include: Additionally, products that receive
modes combined into the one service provider without the need • Using certified cable and or transmit radio waves e.g.
cable. Multimode can carry different for additional cabling or upheaval. • Mobile interference into DTT screened faceplates to avoid amplifiers, LNBs, receivers, Wi-Fi
services on the different modes but It applies to single residential and satellite systems (either via interference ingress into products, must have passed the
the transmission distance is around dwellings and most homes of the aerial or through ingress distribution systems Radio Equipment Directive (RED)
50 times less than single mode. For multiple occupation13: from faceplates and cables) requirements as a minimum.
distances more than 1,000m single • Using benchmarked aerials with Without this they cannot be
mode is needed. Alternatively, the CAI Installation of • System overload caused by a group appropriate for the DTT sold, and it is the responsibility of
Home Networks Code of Practice signals into amplifiers that are region anyone who makes the product
In both cases the bandwidth gives practical advice on end-to- too high and anyone who sells the product
reduces as distance increases. end installations from design to • Using cable distribution for to ensure this has been done.
Typically speeds of up to 100 Gbps installation and test equipment, • Impulsive interference, which broadband where possible and RED requires that products have
are achievable over short distances to choice of materials, through can be caused by a wide range only using wireless in the last met minimum requirements for
of around 150m with multimode, to cabling, wiring and antenna of sources such as light switches, section i.e. within a room health and safety, and for radio
dropping to around 1 Gbps with installations. It can be downloaded electrical motors and central performance standards such as
distances of 500m. from here heating systems • Optimising Wi-Fi to use EMC and RF.
channels or bands that are less
With single mode, speeds are in For data cabling within a property • RF interference into Wi-Fi congested Passing RED requirements aims
the range of 10 Gbps but these can Category 6A is the future-proof from other technologies or to ensure that products are both
be achieved over 2,000m. option for data requirements. neighbours’ Wi-Fi networks The CAI’s code of practice 6 deals robust against interferers and are
Category 6A cable supports speeds with interference caused by signal also less likely to cause interference
For buildings in the planning of up to 10Gbps over distances of Good practice measures can help generation into TV, Radio and themselves. Below are some key
stage, it is essential to work with 100m and features more robust mitigate these issues, such as: Satellite bands, you can find more standards that demonstrate RED
the mechanical and electrical shielding than other categories detail on some of the practical has been met, look for these when
engineers (M&E) to ensure that of cabling, which helps eliminate • Fitting filters e.g. for 4G steps outlined above here. choosing products.
networks for media and data are interference and cross talk to interference into TV systems
factored into the designs. improve the signal quality. and ensuring they are installed The DTG’s R-Book also has
Openreach provides advice Although the cost of Category 6A
on everything from planning cable is higher per metre than
connectivity for a new building, to other versions, such as Category EUROPEAN STANDARDS FOR WIRELESS EQUIPMENT
retrofit options in existing buildings, 5E, data requirements for domestic NB All systems should be planned and installed in line with the relevant requirements of BS EN 50083-2 and BS EN 50083-8 (EMC) to minimise signal egress/ingress.
whether they are single dwelling or and commercial premises are
multiple occupancy, commercial set to grow year-on-year so TECHNOLOGY STANDARD TITLE
or private, and working with other provisioning for this can prove to be
stakeholders such as M&Es: an investment. DTT amplif iers and active Amplif iers and active antennas for TV broadcast reception in
ETSI EN 303 354
You can find more information antennas domestic premises
from the Openreach Developer Openreach has provided typical
Handbooks, Copper and Fibre examples of data cabling around
the home following the principle DTT receivers ETSI EN 303 340 Digital Terrestrial TV Broadcast Receivers
Broadband and phone services of a head end approach with cable
distribution to each room and then
Satellite Earth Stations and Systems (SES); Satellite broadcast reception
For broadband and phone wireless within the last section. Satellite receivers ETSI EN 303 372-2
equipment; Part 2: Indoor unit
communications the BSI and of the Openreach Developer
CEDIA Publicly Available Spec Handbooks, Copper and Fibre:
Satellite Earth Stations and Systems (SES); Satellite broadcast reception
(PAS) 35491:2017 provides a code Satellite LNBs ETSI EN 303 372-1 equipment; Part 1: Outdoor unit receiving in the 10,7 GHz to 12,75 GHz
of practice for the design and Possible interference scenarios f requency band
installation of telecommunications
and broadband infrastructure With many different technologies
Wi-Fi 5GHz ETSI EN 301 893 5 GHz RLAN
within the home. It costs £99 from present in people’s homes all
Wideband transmission systems; Data transmission equipment operating in
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.4 GHz ETSI EN 300 328
the 2,4 GHz ISM band and using wide band modulation techniques
18 19
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Source: BSI Shop https://shop.bsigroup.com/ProductDetail?pid=000000000030332831The DTG’s in-home connectivity guide has been created collaboratively by industry to provide an end-to-end source of best
practice, know-how, and references for delivering gigabit connectivity, not only to the home or building but to the device.
With thanks to:
Alltrade
Avast
BBC
BT
CAI
CEDIA
Global Invacom
INCA
Netgem
Ofcom
Sky
TalkTalk
Virgin Media
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