BS EN 50173-1:2018

What is BS EN 50173‑1 - Information technology about?  

BS EN 50173 is a series on information technology. Information technology is the use of computers to create, process, store, retrieve, and exchange all kinds of electronic data and information. BS EN 50173‑1 specifies: 

• The structure and configuration of the backbone cabling subsystems of generic cabling systems within the types of premises and/or spaces defined by the other standards in the EN 50173 series 
• Channel transmission and environmental performance requirements in support of the standards in the EN 50173 series (which have considered requirements specified in application standards listed in Annexe F) 
• Link performance requirements in support of the standards in the EN 50173 series 
• Backbone cabling reference implementations in support of the standards in the EN 50173 series 
• Component performance requirements in support of the standards in the EN 50173 series 
• Test procedures to verify conformance to the cabling transmission performance requirements of the standards in the EN 50173 series 

Note: Safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements are outside the scope of BS EN 50173‑1 and are covered by other standards and regulations. However, the information given in BS EN 50173‑1 can be of assistance in meeting these standards and regulations. 

Who is BS EN 50173‑1 - Information technology for? 

BS EN 50173‑1 on information technology is useful for: 

• Telecommunication sector 
• Telecommunication cabling manufacturers 
• Design engineers 
• Software and hardware engineers 

Why should you use BS EN 50173‑1 - Information technology?  

Information technology is typically used within the context of business operations as opposed to personal or entertainment technologies. Information technology telecommunications is concerned with the transmission, emission and reception of signs, signals, writing, images and sounds by cable, radio, optical or other electromagnetic systems.  

BS EN 50173‑1 identifies the functional elements of generic backbone cabling, independent of the type of premises within which the cabling is installed. BS EN 50173‑1 also describes how they are connected together to form backbone cabling subsystems and identifies the interfaces at which application-specific components are connected by the generic cabling. Each type of premises contains additional functional elements. Channels, created by connecting application-specific cabling components to the generic cabling, are used to support applications. Applications listed in BS EN 50173‑1 are supported by connecting active equipment at the distributors. Using BS EN 50173‑1 you can specify general requirements for cabling systems for information technology. 

What’s changed since the last update?  

BS EN 50173‑1:2018 supersedes BS EN 50173‑1:2011. BS EN 50173‑1:2018 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN 50173‑1:2011. These include: 

• Introduces new balanced cabling component Categories 8.1 and 8.2 to support new channel Classes I and II 
• Removes balanced cabling components and channel Class CCCB 
• Removes the optical fibre Classes concept 
• Defines a new cabled optical fibre Category OM5 
• Updates Annex F “Supported applications”