CBL News & Events
CBL eNewsletter - August 2006
Message from the President
 Welcome to CBL Systems, formerly know as Control By Light. In recent years CBL Systems has recognized a transition in the marketplace from proprietary solutions to those who share a more common open architecture utilizing Ethernet. In response to these changes, CBL Systems has evolved from a Company offering LON products specifically for automation and control applications to one that offers innovative network solutions for a variety of broad and diverse Ethernet and LON applications. Our new Ethernet products utilize CBL Systems' patent pending Quasar Technology while our LON products continue to be the standard for LonWorks applications worldwide. While CBL Systems will continue to utilize the patented products developed by Control By Light, we will also continue to develop and offer new products that support Ethernet, LON and other emerging applications.
The CBL Systems Newsletter is intended to provide our customers and partners with timely updates on new products, industry news, compliance issues, technical tips, and upcoming industry activities such as trade shows and conferences.
On behalf of everyone at CBL Systems, I would like to thank all of you for your continued support and interest in our company's products and services.
Best regards,
Joe Burke
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Energy Dynamics LTD selects the IQ1000 Smart Switch
Project Involving Building Automation and Security in a Campus Environment
Convergence was the word of the day for Energy Dynamics LTD. Energy Dynamics is known as a leading integrator of HVAC and other automated building control systems. They recently responded to a proposal to provide a solution for a nine building campus environment. What made this particular project unique was that the request for proposal which was initially distributed to the competing system integrators was for HVAC and access control only. During the proposal process the scope of the project was broadened and Energy Dynamics was asked to propose a solution that would also address the need for video security. The customer's motivation was clear; provide the most cost effective and reliable solution that would handle HVAC, access control and video security without building two separate networks. Energy Dynamics contacted CBL Systems to assist them in designing a network solution that would control these different applications on one single, integrated network.
CBL Systems worked closely with Energy Dynamics in reviewing the various application requirements and in factoring in a number of considerations that were particular to this project. The project consisted of nine buildings that ranged in height from 5 floors to 24 floors per building. Each building required HVAC controls on each floor and also had access control points on all floors and at other designated locations. Additionally, there were over 220 video cameras deployed throughout the campus. Providing a highly reliable network solution was critical due to the security requirements of this particular project and the geographic location of the project which often experienced extreme temperatures. Additionally, the customer desired a solution that was easy to install and maintain. Reducing the installation and maintenance costs was a key consideration as well as the ease of network expansion for future growth.
To support this initiative Energy Dynamics chose the CBL Systems IQ1000 Smart Switch System which provides a single fiber self healing Gigabit solution. The Smart Switch System deployed with optical fiber was considered to be more reliable and efficient than alternative Category 5 copper based solutions or other managed fiber switch offerings. Fiber delivers up to 200 times the data rate of copper and maintains speed no matter how many connections and is immune to electro-magnetic interference, lightning, and other environmental factors. Fiber is also better suited for longer distances between nodes. Unlike other optical fiber switches, the IQ 1000 Smart Switch System auto configures itself and thereby it eliminates any software or manual setting or configurations. This feature alone represented a significant cost savings associated with the cost of installation and on going maintenance support.
The decision to construct the network around the CBL IQ1000 Smart Switch System was based on a number of factors that included:
- The self managed / self healing redundant capability of the patent pending Quasar technology IQ1000 Smart Switch.
- "Plug and go" — quick and easy installation and low cost of maintenance.
- 10/100/1000 Mb — auto negotiating speed up to 1 gigabit for each RJ-45 port.
- Network expansion — no reengineering required, low cost future expansion.
- Lowest total cost network solution.
 The final network design offered an architecture that provided an optical fiber ring within each building as well as an optical fiber ring between each building. This network design coupled with the IQ 1000 Smart Switch System offered an even more robust network solution to the customer. The redundant self-healing capability of the IQ 1000 Smart Switch System ensures network integrity and reliable data transport to each node within each of the buildings and among all of the building in the network.
Although this article references one specific application highlighting the migration from multiple independent network solutions to converged integrated networks it should be noted that CBL Systems continues to support an ever increasing number of projects / programs similar in scope to the application presented here. CBL Systems expects to see more projects in the future that are based on network configurations using systems that are capable of combing varied and diverse applications into one integrated network rather that a series of stand alone networks.
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CBL Systems Presents the IQ1000 Quasar Smart Switch System
Plug and Go Self-Healing, Redundant Gigabit Ethernet Smart Switch Fast, single-fiber, integrated solution for greater control and functionality
The Quasar Smart Switch System offers fast, reliable, performance with sub-second recovery for a wide range of applications, especially those that are mission critical. Simply "plug and go," the Smart Switch System will auto-configure into a self-healing network utilizing our patent-pending Quasar Ring technology on a single fiber.
The self-healing ring is automatically created with no spanning tree or complicated design. If a failure occurs, the redundant single-fiber ring automatically recovers — keeping your network up and running and virtually eliminating downtime.
Feature-rich design
 The Smart Switch is designed with easy installation in mind. The product has two ports for the fiber terminations and provides 3 RJ-45 connections which independently auto negotiate between 10/100/1000 Mb based on the type of Ethernet device used, The Smart Switch also allows you to connect a RS232 / RS485 / RS 422 serial device for a variety of broadcast and sense and control of legacy applications. This allows functionality to support applications and the ability to extend your investment for future requirements.
Low cost of installation and network expansion
The IQ1000 Smart Switch is easy to install. Simply insert the fiber into their respective ports, connect the Ethernet appliances to the available RJ-45 inputs, and power up the device. There is no software configuration or manual settings required.
When it comes to expanding the network, the Smart Switch System is ideal. There is no required redesign of the network to add additional locations or equipment. When an additional Smart Switch is added to the network, it is recognized by the other units on the network and simply self configures within milliseconds.
There is no network downtime during the expansion or high installation / maintenance costs associated with either the initial installation or any network expansion.
Quasar Smart Switch System Features and Benefits
- Fault tolerant, self recovering network virtually eliminates downtime
- Single-fiber, full duplex solution for easy, cost-effective implementation and management
- Customized discrete input/output controls can be configured for specific sense and control applications
- Serial port for connection into local legacy equipment and networks to extend value of existing investment
- Compatible with both single mode and multimode cable without changing hardware
- Link monitoring of network status for enhanced control
- Quasar Ring provides interconnectivity for hundreds of devices
- Field upgradeable and scalable to any network
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Industry Update: The RoHS Directive
There has been much ado and confusion regarding the RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) compliance initiative that went into effect on July 1, 2006. This directive, which severely limits the use of six hazardous substances — most notably, lead, (Pb) — in products being shipped to the European Union (EU) took effect July 1, 2006. The regulations are quite expansive and are subject to some interpretation based on the type of product, how those products are used in the field and availability of certain materials required for the production of the product.
CBL Systems is committed to support the RoHS initiative and based on a through review of the regulations and a review of the materials in question the LON products currently offered by CBL Systems are RoHS compliant. CBL Systems has worked diligently with our suppliers in recent months to insure that our LON and other products comply with the RoHS directive. CBL Systems will continue to review any changes / modifications to the regulations in support of this initiative.
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Industry Trend: Evolution and Convergence
Networked solutions and convergence best describe today's data communications markets. The video security and building automation markets are two sectors that typify this evolution. There continues to be an evolution from non-networked to networked solutions for the security market in part due to the introduction of the IP Camera. The migration to converged networks for building applications include Video Security and Surveillance, Building Automation, Access Control, Intrusion Detection, Intelligent Transportation, Perimeter Security, Fire Alarm, HVAC, Lighting, and Environmental Controls which is highlighted in our featured application this month. CBL Systems recognizes that convergence is occurring among these diverse network applications and has aligned the Company and its products to support that evolution as it occurs.
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Distributor and Partner Update
CBL Systems is pleased to announce that they have signed on Communication Supply Corporation (CSC) as a national distributor for its IQ1000 Quasar Smart Switch. CSC, headquartered in Carol Stream, IL is an independent distributor of data communication products with 32 service locations nationwide. CSC can be reached at www.gocsc.com. Their phone number in Carol Stream, IL is 877-464-7279.
CBL Systems is pleased to announce that Oasis Security has selected its Quasar Smart Switch as one of its consortium technologies. Oasis Security is headquartered in Sykesville, Maryland who specializes in offering unique and distinctive security products and solutions that are mission critical focused. The company offers vulnerability and risk assessments and participates in the development process from conception to completion, and provides final commissioning to customers worldwide. Oasis Security can be reached at www.oasissecurity.com.
Oasis Securityís phone number is 410-552-9640.
CBL Systems is please to announce that they have signed on Secure Edge Technologies as a regional agent serving Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia for both LON and Ethernet products. Secure Edge Technologies supports Asset Management through Access and Environmental Control and is headquartered in Australia. Secure Edge Technologies can be reached at www.securedge.com.au. Their international telephone number is 61 2 9987 07 36.
CBL Systems also announces that they have signed on new manufacturer representatives, AFAB International, Gold Line Marketing, Bruce Dawson Associates, Innovative Systems Marketing, Tri-Systems & Solutions and First Security Products.
AFAB International has sales offices in Pompano Beach and Palm Beach Gardens, FL and service Florida and Latin/South America. They can be reached at 954-979-0752 or 561-624-3877.
Gold Line Marketing has sales offices located in Seattle, WA and Portland, OR. They can be reached at 206-932-1694. Gold Line Marketing service the Pacific Northwest to include the states of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and the Dakotas.
Bruce Dawson Associates has sales offices located in Kentucky, and Ohio and service the states of Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia and Western Pennsylvania. They can be reached at 502-896-2266.
Innovative Systems Marketing has sales offices located in California. They can be reached at 805-496-9952 and service the states of California and Nevada.
Tri-Systems & Solutions has sales offices located in Illinois. They can be reached at 847-815-6082 and service the state of Illinois.
First Security Products is located in Minnesota and service Minnesota and Wisconsin. They can be reached at 507-625-8431.
For a complete list of all CBL Systems sales and distributor locations go to our locations page.
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Trade Show Update
CBL Systems will be exhibiting at the upcoming ASIS International Security Show being held September 25-28, 2006 at the San Diego Convention Center. CBL Systems will be featuring its Quasar Smart Switch System Ethernet products for Security Applications. In addition, CBL Systems will be introducing an exciting new product at the show. We look forward to visiting with our customers and partners at the show. For more information, please contact Nicole Cheschi at 508-422-9760 ext 115 or ncheschi@cblsystems.com
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