Friday, November 16, 2012

Become PCI compliant using Fiber Optic Cable and Connectors

Recently we've been involved with retail establishments that have been updating and redesigning their entire network to comply with the PCI Standard. Before we get into fiber optics let's briefly get more into what PCI is.



PCI stands for Payment Card Industry data security standard. It's a set of 12 specific requirements that cover six different goals. It tells you how to be secure and why you need to be secure. Some of the goals are things like building and maintaining a secure network, protecting card holder data, regularly monitor and test your network. This would be considered the first part of the standard, covering everything from physical security to logical security.

Fiber optics would fall into the first part of the standard. Part two is considered PADSS, Payment Application Data Security Standard and part three is called the PTS, PIN Transaction System.

The PCI Security Standards Council was formed in September of 2006 by the five major credit card brands, VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and JCB. Before 2006 each credit card had their own way of providing security. Since the inception of the PCI, they all now use these standards as the foundation of their security.

In recent months fiber optics has been and an excellent choice for replacing wireless transmission devices and for eliminating the need for repeaters and addition routers for those long copper Cat5e cable runs. Did you know you can get one gig of Ethernet on a 62.5 multimode cable up to around 750ft.

If your an Information Technology professional you might be thinking about what type of fiber cable construction might be best for your application. Let's take a look at a couple of different cables from our YouTube Channel



The above armored fiber optic cable is an awesome choice for direct burial installations but there are a couple of things you should know about. The loose tube design will make for more work during the termination process. The bigger diameter cable and weight can add to labor during cable pulling installation. The outdoor rating only allows you to enter the building no more than 50ft according to the National Electric Code.



The above interlocking armored fiber optic cable provides added protection and typically is installed for industrial and manufacturing facilities. You may also want to install it just to possibly prevent an accidental cut ensuing in taking down your network. The 50 micron glass design also pushes 10Gig speeds. The Interlocking metal clad design also saves on the labor of running a conduit then pulling your fiber through it.



The indoor/outdoor rated cable allows you to install your fiber outdoors then bring it into the building anywhere you want thanks to the combined indoor rating. It's tight buffer design also makes for a installation contractor favorite.

As you can tell we have every type of fiber optic cable under the sun for your network. What about the connectors, are you going to terminate your own fiber cable? If so we have different kits for your termination application. If you don't want to deal with the hassle of terminating fiber you can let our assembly house terminate it for you for a pull, pull and play solution.

For more information on the PCI Standard check out the PCI Security Standards Council

Any questions regarding fiber optics for your PCI compliant network you can contact Mercy Salinas at 888-797-3697 extension 232.

Thanks!

"By Mercy Salinas" 

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