A new solution called Direct Attach, used for connecting networks in commercial facilities, has been launched by Graybar (News - Alert). The company currently distributes electrical, communications and data networking products along with providing associated supply chain management and logistics services.

Two four-pair cables, which are terminated in a workstation outlet, are normally used in the structured cabling for voice and data in commercial applications. As compared to this way of linking IP network devices in security cameras, wireless access points and lighting controls, building-system applications are now provided a simplified and more protected solution with Direct Attach. A standard Ethernet connection will eliminate the jack and patch cord, as a single connector enhanced permanent connect technique for linking has been introduced by Direct Attach. A modular plug, attached at the end of the horizontal Ethernet cable, will be now directly joined to the device by Direct Attach.

In a release, Karl Griffith, director of emerging technology for Graybar, said, “Today, many building systems have IP connections that require little or no administration. For these applications, Direct Attach can offer better safety, security, and aesthetics than a traditional cabling method.”

The Direct Attach system has been tested and corroborated by Graybar in association with Underwriters Laboratories (News - Alert) or UL. Various configurations of the category 5e and category 6 cables were tested by the autonomous testing organization, UL in both, active and passive modes. UL has confirmed that Direct Attach system conforms to the relevant standards.