Draka presents two new Cat7 S/FTP cabling solutions for marine data communications security and reliability

Draka ToughCat7 meets naval security standards for ship control functions while the latest Draka UCP 900 SS23 offers an economical solution for in-cabin multimedia connectivity

SMM 2010, Hamburg, September 6, 2010 –  Draka Communications, a global leader in the cabling and optical fiber industry, presents two new marine cabling solutions that together reply to the needs for the increased sophistication and reliability of communications infrastructures on board modern commercial shipping. Draka’s two new Cat7 cables now offer coherent solutions for extreme environments, high security LAN interconnections and the increase cabling density required for in-cabin multimedia communications.

Draka ToughCat7 is a stranded copper S/FTP data communications cable designed to withstand the mechanical vibrations in the most demanding of marine environments. This latest version of Draka’s  ToughCat product line provides exceptional transmission characteristics and is certified to DNV and ABS standards. This rugged cable is constructed of four vibration-proof,  twin-pair tinned copper wires with aluminum laminated plastic foil around each pair, a copper braid screen, protected by a plastic sheath. Meeting high-level marine requirements, this cable is oil and diesel fuel resistant, fire retardant and halogen free. Draka ToughCat 7 is an evolution of the GL certified Draka ToughCat 5e cable currently used for LAN installations by submarine manufacturer HDW in Kiel.

Designed to future-proof the evolving need for sophisticated passenger services, Draka is also offering the Draka UC900 SS23 flame resistant Cat 7 cable, to complement the ToughCat 7, and reply to current 10 GBase-T demands for in-cabin entertainment and communications.  The four twisted pair solid core copper wires of Draka UC900 SS23 are sheathed in foam skin polyethylene, screened with copper braid and enclosed by an aluminium sheath. For external protection,a choice of two external, black plastic outer sheaths is available for this data cable, responding to either LSHF or LSHF-FR requirements.

Draka marine data communications, global expertise, local resources

Marine data communication products are a part of the multimedia specials business unit within Draka Communications. These new marine Cat7 cabling solutions, as well as all Draka marine cabling products, are manufactured to the highest quality standards, including IEC and IEEE, and are approved by leading international shipbuilding authorities. For naval and commercial shipping utilisation, Draka now offers a wide range of low-smoke, fire-resistant, flame-retardant and halogen-free cables. All feature outstanding mechanical toughness for new-build projects as well as for routine maintenance and repair. Draka products are currently used on board all types of commercial and military vessels. As shipbuilders and operators face space and weight constraints, Draka offers shipboard wire and cable in a wide range of sizes. Draka cables are easily installed in trays, troughs, channels, conduits, and wireways helping keep deployment costs to a minimum.

With an evolving product line, local inventory and personnel, and no time zone or language barriers, Draka  has acquired a long-term reputation as a dependable provider of wire and cable technology solutions for naval, submarine, commercial and offshore shipbuilding operations. A global distribution network ensures fast, reliable delivery of an extensive range of over 100 marine specialty products for power and data communications replying to the unique applications and budget considerations of marine customers.

Draka

Draka (Euronext Amsterdam: DRAK), headquartered in Amsterdam, has 9400 employees in countries worldwide and 2009 revenues of over € 2 billion. Draka has a presence in 31 countries in Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australia.

Draka’s activities are divided into three groups: Energy & Infrastructure, Industry & Speciality and Communications. Draka Communications with its four business units, Telecom Solutions, Multimedia Specials, Optical Fiber and Cable Solutions is a global market leader in the development, production and sales of fibers, cables and advanced network solutions. More information at www.draka.com/communications

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Photo 1: New Draka ToughCat 7 S/FTP marine cable meets high-level data communications needs for naval and commercial shipping

 Draka ToughCat 7 provides exceptional transmission characteristics and is certified to DNV and ABS standards,  while awaiting imminent GL approval. Construction is four vibration-proof,  twin-pair tinned copper wires with aluminum laminated plastic foil around each pair, a copper braid screen, protected by a plastic sheath.

Photo 2: Draka ToughCat 7 is an evolution of the successful, GL certified Draka ToughCat 5e cable currently used for on-board LAN installations submarine manufacturer HDW in Kiel, Germany ( Photo courtesy HDW, Kiel).