Leased-line system cable (LSZH) is a telecommunications bus designed to transmit data at high speeds within buildings while requiring less cabling. Toshiba developed it, and it has been adopted overseas and in Hong Kong. This article discusses the history of LSZH, types of applications, and related technologies for those who are interested.
In the late 1990s, communication networks were gradually transmitted via fiber optic cables or wireless networks with increasing speed but still long distances from one another. With the advancement of technologies, residences became more technologically advanced as well. The cable transmission distance became shorter to provide high-speed network services in these buildings. However, in addition to housing and schools, there are many places where people gather together, such as hospitals, banks, and other establishments. Therefore, the usage of LSZH was inevitable.
The Leased-line System Cable System (LSZ) is a patented high-speed cable system used commonly in telecommunications applications around the world and developed by Toshiba between 1997 and 1999 as a replacement to switched voice systems or T1 data lines that had been common in telephone networks for many years. It was made to support advanced digital services, including video-conferencing and IP telephony. The lszh cable system is an enhanced version of the LSZ and was officially introduced in 1999.
The following are several reasons why technology has been used in Hong Kong.
LSZH is a shielded twisted pair cable utilizing a four-pair UTP configuration that consists of one shielded twisted pair (STP) and three unshielded twisted pairs (UTP). The LSZH sheath protects the inner conductors from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and provides strain relief for all conductors. The sheath is made from extruded LSOH (liquid silicone rubber ozone-resistant high-strength compound.) It has different levels of resistance to chemicals, oils, solvents, water, and low temperatures.
This shielding layer reduces the electromagnetic radiation causing crosstalk between pairs and attenuating high-frequency interference. It is responsible for preventing low and high crosstalk levels since it is the essential electromagnetic barrier.
A unique tie wrap was developed to prevent the sheath from being damaged. The tie wrap has a protective cover that allows safe fitting without any cables being cut or pinched.
LSZH cable has been recognized by developers as a suitable solution for multimedia applications like video conferencing and audio transmissions. Its superior features have become the de facto standard for multimedia and high-speed data communications.
LSZH can support a bandwidth of 100 MHz, which provides more bandwidth than Category 5e or Category 6. Its low attenuation at high frequencies allows it to be used in the backbone of a structured wiring system to reduce signal degradation. Because of its water resistance, LSZH is a suitable solution for wet environments such as hospitals, swimming pools, or saunas. It also has a smooth outer surface making it easy to install and configure.
The cable can be used on premises with many users, such as banks, offices, and schools. The LSZH cable is thus perfect for applications such as LAN backbones in large buildings.
LSZH is cost-effective because of the low cost and durability of the cable system. It has been recognized as a preferred solution for building networks because of its capability to withstand water and maintain low crosstalk levels.
