FTN design & development specification (D&D)
SP FTN (D&D) 016
Specification for Identification and Labelling of Network Elements
Issue 2.3, Feb 2009 · FTN D&D specs & typical drawings
Defines how FTN cables, joints, cabinets, nodes and screening conductors get a unique identifier and how each is physically labelled. Used by routeworks contractors and designers to self-generate IDs that feed the as-built records.
Clause map — what each clause deals with
| 1 | Introduction | Why the FTN needs a consistent identification and labelling scheme for its cables and equipment. |
| 2 | Abbreviations | Short list of abbreviations used (BTS, DBS, DI-SAC, DSL, REB, UI, UTX, URX). |
| 3 | Glossary | Defines node types, cabinets, fibre sections and sub-sections, network element, unique identifier. |
| 4 | Scope | Lists which key network elements need a unique identifier and label, and that IDs are captured per SP/FTN(D&D)/017. |
| 5 | Identification of Key Network Elements | The identifier scheme itself: node-based naming and the formats for each element type. |
| 5.1 | General Approach to Identification of Key Network Elements | Nodes act as reference points; intermediate elements are named from the nodes either side. Notes the exceptions. |
| 5.2 | Format of Unique Identifiers | Different ID formats distinguish transmission nodes, cable infrastructure, screening conductors and route infrastructure. |
| 5.2.1 | Format of Unique Identifiers for Transmission Elements | Four-character node IDs issued by Network Rail; how to tell a GSM-R co-located node from the ID style. Examples. |
| 5.2.2 | Format of Unique Identifiers for Cable Infrastructure | Parent clause for cable, joint, cabinet, spur, stub and tunnel cable ID formats. |
| 5.2.2.1 | Optical Fibre and Copper Cables | The cable ID pattern (prefix letter, two node IDs, discriminating letter), which nodes to reference, alphabetical ordering rule, worked examples. |
| 5.2.2.2 | Optical Fibre Joints, Distribution Cabinets and Repeater Cabinets | Cable ID plus a two-character suffix for joints and cabinets; why numbering need not be consecutive; letters allowed and a range reserved for maintainer. |
| 5.2.2.3 | Spur Cables | Defines a spur cable and gives the SPUR-prefixed ID format with example. |
| 5.2.2.4 | Stub Cables | Defines copper stub cables (AC traction areas, branch line ends) and the STUB-prefixed ID format. |
| 5.2.2.5 | Tunnel Termination Boxes and Tunnel Cables | Tunnel cable and termination box definition, kit part number, T-prefixed ID built from the cabinet ID, label sizes and placement on box and vertical C. |
| 5.2.2.6 | GSM-R D-Mod Cables | Withdrawn; D-Mod cables no longer used. |
| 5.2.3 | Format of Unique Identifiers for Screening Conductors and Earths | Screening conductors and their earths are identified by Ordnance Survey grid references of the end points / master terminal. |
| 5.2.4 | Format of Unique Identifiers for Non-key Network Elements | Two-letter type code plus six-digit number for route sections, manholes, junctions, transition points, lid lifts, copper joints, DI-SAC and DBS features. |
| 6 | Labelling of Network Elements | Every key element must carry its ID on a permanent label; non-key elements need no label. |
| 6.1 | Transmission Nodes | Node labelling is set by the ATEH/REB supplier and is outside routeworks contracts. |
| 6.2 | Cable Infrastructure | Parent clause for labelling of cables, joints, terminations, cabinets, screening conductors and repeaters. |
| 6.2.1 | Optical fibre and copper cables | Where Critchley markers go on fibre and copper cables (building/cabinet entries, near joints and sheath gaps). |
| 6.2.2 | Optical fibre Joints | Marker on the closure entry port and splice tray marking with cable ID and tube number. |
| 6.2.3 | Optical Fibre Terminations | Splice tray and pigtail label legend format at terminations, confirming splice direction with a light source, matching trays to the ODF connectivity drawing. |
| 6.2.4 | Copper Distribution Cabinets | Parent clause for cabinet, vertical and pair labels. |
| 6.2.4.1 | Cabinet label | Cabinet ID label material, colour, size, font and positions outside above the door and inside the door. |
| 6.2.4.2 | Vertical Labels | Labels for verticals A and B (size, fixing, content), the Tail Cables legend on vertical C and individual tail cable labels. |
| 6.2.4.3 | Cable pair labels | Manufacturer-supplied pair number labels, placement relative to DIN rail, pair numbering range per vertical. |
| 6.2.5 | Copper Repeater Cabinets | Repeater cabinets are labelled the same way as distribution cabinets; label usually already in place. |
| 6.2.6 | Screening Conductors | Critchley marker at each earth connection point of a separate screening conductor. |
| 6.2.7 | Screening Conductor Earths | Marker on the master terminal of each screening conductor earth. |
| 6.2.8 | Tunnel Repeaters and In-Fill Repeaters | ID format for dedicated spur and link cables and joints feeding tunnel/in-fill repeaters, pigtail labelling reference, DISAC splicing note, when to seek technical clarification. |
| 7 | References | Points to SP/FTN(D&D)/017 as-built records. |
| App A | FTN Labelling Plan Drawings | List of DR/FTN(D&D)/030 to 034 labelling plan drawings (one cable, two cables, DSL areas, stub-ended systems, screening conductors). |