When looking at telecom equipment or reviewing datasheets, you likely have noticed some cryptic symbols or acronyms followed by words like “certification” or “compliant.” But what do they actually mean?

Most people skim over these designations, preferring to focus only on the seemingly more important technical information. However, the truth is that these specifications are just as important as performance specs, protocol support, and device capabilities.

In this article, we look deeper at these certifications, what each one means, the organizations that define them, and why they are important aspects to consider when choosing telecom equipment.

Why are equipment ratings and certifications important?

Like all products on the market, there must be regulatory bodies to ensure quality and safety for those using or consuming those products. You must meet specific and specialized standards in various areas for telecom and networking equipment.

Many of these certifications involve legal and security issues, among others. This means that it is of utmost importance to ensure that the installed equipment has all the proper certifications for use in the environment and in the capacity that it will be used.

If these factors are not considered, you may experience undesirable network failures in the event of a device error, attack, or other unforeseen circumstances. In a worst-case scenario, you could even suffer a loss of sensitive data or legal battles that may go on for years.

Who issues these certs?

Various regulatory and security authorities issue telecom and network device certifications worldwide. Certifications broadly fall into the following categories:

• Regulatory
• Health and safety
• Environmental
• Energy efficiency
• Security

Below, we talk about each one of these categories and give a few examples of the various certifications and regulatory bodies that exist for each.

Regulatory

Both wired and wireless telecom equipment in the United States is subject to the operating parameters as set out by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC primarily deals with ensuring that the electromagnetic radiation from the device is below the limits specified by the FCC.           

Starting in 2017, the placement of the FCC label on the equipment itself was made optional. However, you must still ensure device compliance with an FCC Declaration of Conformity accompanying the equipment.

Health and safety

These certifications have to do with the safe operation of the equipment during its lifetime, including ensuring that no hazardous materials that may cause harm will be emitted or transmitted to the surrounding environment or to any person during the device’s lifetime.

The primary regulatory body involved with such certification is Underwriters Laboratories (UL), which tests devices and ensures compliance with safety standards.

Additional safety compliance requirements are defined by many other organizations that may be more specific to telecom and networking.

For example, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) publishes standards such as ITU-T K.21 that define safety thresholds for the resistibility of telecom equipment to excess voltage or current.

Environmental ratings

Devices installed outdoors, such as wireless access points and IP cameras, need a method for rating durability when exposed to the elements. The most common specification is defined by the ingress protection (IP) ratings standardized by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in its IEC 60529 standard.

IP ratings are a standardized system used to classify the degree of protection provided by enclosures of electrical and electronic devices against intrusion from dust and water. Ratings are indicated in the form “IPXY” (“IP” followed by two numeric digits):

• “IP” stands for “ingress protection”
• “X” indicates the level of protection from dust
• “Y” indicates the level of protection from water

The value of “X” ranges from 0 (no protection) to 6 (completely dust-tight). The “Y” value ranges from 0 (no protection) to 9 (completely water-tight even when subjected to high-pressure, high-temperature water jets).

The values of X and Y are determined based on testing conditions. For example, a typical IP rating for a wireless access point would be IP67, which indicates a completely dust-proof enclosure (6) and the ability to withstand immersion in up to 3 ft (1 m) of water for up to 30 minutes (7).

You should examine IP ratings for any equipment installed in harsh environments where dust and water could cause problems.

Other standards that deal with similar ratings include:

• The National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association (NEMA) rating system focuses on protection against environmental conditions, but it is broader in scope, addressing additional factors like corrosion, icing, and oil resistance.
• The IEC also defines IK ratings for impact protection.

Energy efficiency

Power consumption for networking and telecom equipment is becoming increasingly relevant in the industry. As more and more data centers and enterprise networks are being deployed, the power footprint is quickly becoming more substantial.

For this reason, certifications that ensure power efficiency are becoming key considerations in network and telecom installations.

One program that is aiding in this direction is known as Energy Star. This is a voluntary labeling program created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promote energy efficiency. It identifies and certifies a wide range of products that meet strict energy performance standards, helping reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Initially launched in 1992, the program has expanded to include a wide range of products, including networking and telecom equipment. Such equipment is designed to operate 24/7, which can lead to significant energy consumption.

Certified devices are engineered to use less power without compromising performance, saving energy and reducing operational costs.

Although a voluntary program, it is vital for businesses that are promoting an environmentally conscious method of operation.

Security

Telecom and networking systems carry all sorts of data, including information of a sensitive nature. Personal information, company secrets, financial transactions, and other highly confidential data may be transmitted using such equipment.

As such, certain standards are necessary to ensure that equipment complies with the level of security needed to safeguard the transmitted and stored data.

One of the most recognized standards for managing information security is the ISO/IEC 27001 international standard. It provides a systematic framework for organizations to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information.

This standard is particularly relevant for networking devices and systems that handle sensitive data, as they form the backbone of modern IT infrastructure.

Conclusion

Telecom professionals serving today’s businesses need to understand these regulatory and safety certifications and the important part they play in selecting equipment.

As networks continue to expand and integrate into mission-critical infrastructure, adherence to these certifications ensures the protection of data, the reduction of energy consumption, and the prevention of potential hazards.

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