We often get asked how to wire a demarc with fiber optic cabling. Unfortunately, there isn't a single answer or a dominant installation example -- several variables combine to determine the best way to integrate fiber into a new or retrofit installation.

This article will examine seven different integration patterns, including the reasoning behind each configuration. However, before we begin it's important to understand the terminology and technology we will be using. 

Most importantly, one must understand that the demarc (or point of demarcation) is the area where the public network connects with the private network. It divides the responsibility between the telecom provider or ISP (internet service provider) and the individual home or business owner. In a residential internet application, the demarc is typically where cable from the street terminates into a modem. In some cases, the demarc must be extended and this article will explore the necessary wiring. 

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• Does your internet service provider offer fiber to the home?
• Do you stream audio and video from the internet?
• Is internet streaming speed important to you?
• Is video resolution and image picture quality important to you?
• Do you anticipate upgrading to an 8K television or projector in your home?
• Is home resale value important to you?
• Is AV and internet system stability important to you?
• Do you live in an area prone to lightning strikes and storm activity?
• Do you live in an area that’s dry and/or prone to static electricity?

If you or your customer answered yes to any of the above questions, fiber optic cabling may be appropriate for your installation. Fiber future-proofs the home and ensures it can leverage the latest internet and audio-visual technology. Plus, it provides the best system stability and increases the home's resale value.

The TechLogix design team is often asked for simple, low-cost solutions for conference rooms, huddle rooms and meeting spaces.

Historically, these spaces couldn't afford an integrated AV system or users didn't want the complexity of a fancy control system. The typical solution? A flat panel display, its wireless remote control, and an HDMI cable. And while this approach works, it's far from ideal: 

• remote controls easily get lost, leaving users unable to control the display; 
• remote control batteries die, often at the most inopportune time; 
• long HDMI cables strung across the floor are an ugly trip hazard; and 
• long HDMI cables can easily become unplugged and the strain can permanently damage the display port. 

The TechLogix solution? Automate the room with a table insert and an in-line controller. 

TechLogix TI Series table inserts provide a convenient connection point on tables, desks and podiums. They mount securely to the furniture surface and fit in standard table grommet cut-outs (2.25"). 

The table insert connects to a TL-INCT-01 in-line automated controller, which is typically mounted under the table surface or behind the display. The TL-INCT-01  senses when a user connects a presentation device to the table insert and automatically powers on the display. When the user disconnects, the TL-INCT-01 powers off the display. 

The room is simple to use and completely automated. Plus, the total system cost is under $500 retail price. 

TechLogix SMPC presentation cables can optionally be used to connect DisplayPort, mini-DisplayPort, USB-C, VGA and Lightning devices. 

Fiber optics is the latest disruptive technology to hit the commercial AV and custom installation space. And as with most disruptors, fiber is prime to help increase your sales and improve your profit margin. How? 

Fiber differentiates you from other integrators. Let's face it, the vast majority of quotes and installations are copper-based (think HDMI and twisted pair cables). This leaves you and your competition competing on price.

Promoting fiber not only differentiates your firm, but it also sends several key messages to your potential customer: 

1. You understand technology trends and product roadmaps
2. You invest in education and your team is competent with the latest solutions
3. You care about the long-term stability of your installations
4. You believe future-proofing is a critical component of any project 

Fiber creates a customer upgrade path. No integrator wants a one-and-done client; future productive business is critical for both revenue and referrals. When you integrate fiber, you install a pipe that can handle 10,000x more bandwidth than twisted pair cable -- it's the only way to truly future-proof an installation. That means you can seamlessly provide HDMI 2.1 and 8K devices, as well as whatever standard comes next. 

Integrating fiber increases the profitability of your installation. It's true, fiber does cost more than copper-based technology -- about 10 to 20% more. And while that means higher system costs, it also means higher installation profits... significantly more profits... Why? 

1. Fiber is actually faster and easier to install than shielded twisted pair.... by about 80%. That's a huge savings in labor across an entire project. 
2. Being an emerging technology, fiber commands a higher markup.... by about 50%. 
3. Fiber is more durable than twisted pair and less prone to installation damage. In fact, modern fibers boast a 220 lb pull-rating and 3mm bend radius. 

But perhaps best of all, fiber will actually win you projects. Consumers realize that fiber delivers faster, more stable performance and any integrator who leverages fiber stands a much better chance to win their support. 

8K displays are getting prepped for the holiday season, and 8K with all its pixel-popping glory requires up to 4x the bandwidth of traditional twisted pair cabling. That means Cat 5 and Cat 6 won't deliver the signals your customers expect.

8K was designed for fiber optics. Fiber supports virtually unlimited bandwidth, it terminates in half the time of twisted pair, and it's incredibly affordable. Plus, fiber is the only way to truly future-proof your installation.

Traditional twisted pair cables work great for 480i, 1080p and even 4K30 signals -- all of which require less than 10G of bandwidth. That's why twisted pair cable and twisted pair extenders (such as HDBaseT product) have worked great for years. 

4K60 HDR and 8K are a different story. 4K60 HDR requires up to 18G of bandwidth and 8K requires up to 48G of bandwidth -- both exceed the physical ability of Cat 5, Cat 6 and even Cat 6A. 

It is possible to transmit signals larger than 10G over a twisted pair cable by using VLC (visually lossless compression) technology, such as TechLogix TL-TP40-HDC2 and TL-TP100-HDC2 extenders. However, these products max out at 18G (essentially 4K60 4:4:4) due to the compression algorithm required to process the color space. Simply put, manufacturers can get away with compressing an 18G signal because the latency and affect on image quality is imperceivable in most applications, but compressing a 48G signal will destroy the integrity, quality, and delivery time. That leaves fiber and fiber-based electronics as the only effective solution. 

But is 8K worth changing your installation practice? In short, yes. 8K (or more appropriately HDMI 2.1) offers a host of features not available in previous signal generations, from dynamic HDR to eARC. Earlier this year TechLogix published a white paper outlining the benefits and updates. 

Most importantly, however, 8K offers integrators an opportunity to differentiate their projects, sell more profitable hardware, and create a future-revenue stream by leveraging HDMI 2.1 updates and feature-adds. TechLogix will be covering more on this in future blog releases....

If you're new to fiber, TechLogix can help you navigate the upstart process. We offer a variety of videos overviewing the "what, why, where and how" of fiber, as well as a concise Fiber Optic Pocket Guide designed for integrators.