Cabling Insight | Issue 01

Cabling Insight Redefining the physical layer

ISSUE 01

The future of cabling

The latest cabling standard Cat 8 is slowly becoming a mainstream technology A special supplement with

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05 NEWS

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The future of cabling

R&M powers connectivity at Istanbul airport

Siemon shares knowledge on technical developments and new applications

10 Nexans Cabling Solutions The need for speed

12 R&M

Wired to win

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14 Siemon

The next wave of innovation

16 Panduit

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To the Edge and beyond

Cabling insight

news

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R&M powers connectivity at Istanbul airport

As some of the world’s most advanced and secure facilities, airports rely heavily on the latest IT systems. A great deal of pioneering work in this field is being carried out by Istanbul Grand Airport (IGA), which became operational this year. It is said to be the largest airport in the world and also the first airport in the world to be fully digitised with its key security, communication and IT functions based on a network provided by R&M.

“R&M has extensive experience in the aviation sector,” commented the Istanbul Grand Airport Construction project enterprise when providing its reason for selecting the network provider. For Ersin Inankul, CIO and Deputy General Manager at Istanbul New Airport, one of the key factors for selecting R&M was that the cables would guarantee outstanding signal transmission and eliminate interference for decades. Inankul said, “The quality of the R&M cabling system ensures that we can run 9,000 surveillance cameras and 3,000 card readers in real-time with confidence that they will be protected against any transmission interference or loss. We are also connecting 5,000 Wi-Fi access points, giving the airport a full-coverage WLAN. These access points will be trouble-free and fail-safe. The cabling also connects the ICT infrastructures for customs, the security staff and the police force.”

R&M CEO, Michel Riva, said, “R&M has

proven once again its ability to support major projects with tailored cabling solutions.”

In the first phase of construction, R&M supplied 5,400 km of copper cablings and 3,270 km of fiber-optic cabling. Installation also required fiber-optic distribution cabinets, patch panels as well as 115,000 connector ports. Special requirements also needed to be fulfilled in each area, such as a color-coding system.

R&M outfitted the airport’s data centre with the Netscale solutions, which is the fiber-optic management platform with the world’s highest connection density of up to 120 ports per rack unit in a 19’’ rack. The R&MinteliPhy digital management and monitoring system was also installed. This system automates the monitoring and operation of the data network from a central location and can detect any unsolicited changes to the infrastructure or attempts to tamper with the connectors in real time.

Siemon shares knowledge on technical developments and new applications Global IT infrastructure specialist Siemon has successfully completed a series of educational events across the Middle East to share knowledge and expertise on the latest developments and trends impacting enterprise, intelligent building and data centre infrastructure.

During an Emerging Technology Forum (ETF) seminar held last month at the Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel in Kuwait City, Valerie Maguire, Director of Standards and Technology at Siemon, delivered a copper, fibre and wireless applications technology update to educate IT industry professionals on the structured cabling implications of emerging and recently published wired Ethernet, wireless Ethernet LAN, and remote powering applications.

The seminar was held in partnership with Cisco and attracted a large audience of more than 80 attendees, including end users, consultants, architects and partners from the region.

Commenting on the subject of her talk, Valerie Maguire said: “Wired Ethernet technology under development covers a broad spectrum including 40Gb/s over balanced twisted-pair, remote power delivery using four pairs, 400Gb/s over optical fibre, single-pair Ethernet and more. Looking at wireless Ethernet, recent developments include the second wave IEEE 802.11ac technology. In my talk, I highlight the impact these developments have on structured cabling to help ensure enterprise building and data centre professionals put IT infrastructure in

place that is ready to support this latest technology wave.”

Siemon’s educational programme then moved on to the UAE and the BICSI Middle East and Africa conference and exhibition in Dubai where Valerie Maguire, together with other industry experts, delivered a masterclass on the subject of ‘Remote power delivery and the role four-pair Power over Ethernet (PoE) plays in powering the future of intelligent buildings and the IoT’. Addressing designers, installers and maintainers alike the masterclass explored new capabilities of four-pair PoE and how it will affect cabling design, installation, and testing. Valerie provided valuable advice on cable media selection and design strategies, stressing that shielded copper cabling including Category 6A and 7A cabling and a zone cabling design approach offer the greatest benefits when power is delivered over structured cabling.

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The future of cabling

The latest cabling standard Cat 8 is slowly becoming a mainstream technology in data centres migrating to 25G/40G Ethernet speeds

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nterprise data centres are moving to high-speed Ethernet, driven by bandwidthhungry applications including video, cloud services and IoT devices. Thanks to a massive erosion in the price of optics, many data centre managers are now looking to migrate their data centre infrastructure to 40G capabilities and in some cases even 100G for higher-speed connectivity. This, in turn, is forcing many enterprises to rethink their cabling infrastructure and adopt the Cat 8 standard to keep pace with the demand for increased network bandwidth.

“The development of the Category 8 cabling standard started with the need to support 40Gb/s Ethernet in mind.

During this development also, the need to support a new 25Gb/s Ethernet got added to the requirements,” says Tarek Helmy, regional director of Gulf, Middle

“In this part of the data centre, increasing server uplink speeds have driven the development of 25GBASE-T and 40GBASE-T Ethernet applications.”

Prem Rodrigues, director of sales and marketing for the Middle East, India and SAARC at Siemon

East, South and East Africa at Nexans Cabling Solutions.

Prem Rodrigues, director of sales and marketing for the Middle East, India and SAARC at Siemon, says Category 8 cabling was specifically developed for the data centre edge where server to switch connections are made. “In this part of the data centre, increasing server uplink speeds have driven the development of 25GBASE-T and 40GBASE-T Ethernet applications. These higher speed applications require bandwidth capabilities greater than specified for category 7A and this has led to the development of category 8 cabling. The new class I, class II, and category 8 cabling has a unique channel topology that is optimised for support of 25GBASE-T and 40GBASE-T server to switch connections in the data centre.”

Explaining the benefit of Cat 8 over previous standards, Nabil Khalil, Executive Vice-President of R&M Middle East, Turkey and Africa, says Cat 8.1 (a variant for Class I links) copper is an excellent, futureproof solution for current and upcoming generations of active equipment, with 10G and 40G. “The inherent distance limitations are seldom an issue in data centre applications. Current specifications also adequately deal with crosstalk, and manufacturers and standards bodies have smart solutions for any potential connection problems. Data centre operators and planners can make a costeffective choice and reduce capex without increasing Opex and without sacrificing ease of use, flexibility and reliability.”

However, it isn’t just data centre applications that can be addressed.

Using Cat 8.1 for office cabling allows Cabling insight

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the introduction of three different speed zones depending on the length of the permanent link. An installation today is preparation for future demands with today’s usability thanks to the RJ45 format, according to R&M. What is unique about Cat 8 compared to previous categories?

There are two features that make Cat 8 different. The first is the frequency support -2000MHz, which is four times more than Cat 6A. Helmy from Nexans says the second feature is the characteristics for the main technical parameters such as attenuation and cross talk. Cat 8 has the same ones as for Cat 6A, although extended over its full frequency band of 2000MHz. This is why in the standards definition of Cat 8, the distance support for 25G and 40G Ethernet has been reduced to 30m, whereas the usual distance support for the lower speed Ethernet protocols has been fixed at 100m.

According to Khalil from R&M, a notable difference is that they feature S/ FTP construction and not F/UTP designs as many Cat 6A, mainly because other constructions currently do not meet the high requirements.

“In terms of physical appearance, Cat 8.2 cables are similar to lower category cables and can be terminated in RJ45 connections or non-RJ45 connections though R&M firmly believes there isn’t

“Data centre operators and planners can make a costeffective choice and reduce capex without increasing Opex and without sacrificing ease of use, flexibility and reliability.”

Nabil Khalil, executive VP of R&M Middle East, Turkey and Africa

really any alternative to universal, topquality RJ45 solutions. Therefore, for the time being, RJ45 will remain number one – for 40GBASE-T, to,” he adds.

Can users implement Cat 8 leveraging the existing infrastructure and topology?

“The answer is yes. Firstly, class I, class II, and category 8 cabling are backward compatible with lower classes and categories of cabling. A category 8 connector for example can be used in a class EA channel and class EA channel performance will be assured.

Secondly, because class I, class II, and category 8 cabling are not much different from lower grades of cabling in terms of look and feel, installation methods are similar and cabling can be installed in existing pathway and conduits. However, the existing

“During this development also, the need to support a new 25Gb/s Ethernet got added to the requirements” Tarek Helmy, regional director Gulf and Middle East, South & East Africa of Nexans Cabling Solutions

Cabling insight

infrastructure will need to be upgraded to support 25GBASE-T and 40GBASE-T. In terms of the connector interface, while both class I and category 8 cabling support modular RJ-45 style connectors, the connectors must be designed specifically to support 2 GHz,” says Rodrigues.

Khalil provides a caveat: “Users need to be especially mindful of the fact that backward compatibility is not guaranteed with all Cat 8.1 products.

When evaluating products, planners must therefore make sure that Cat 8.1 components are backward-compatible.

If, for example, the user wants to continue using Cat 6A patch cords, at least a 10GBase-T transmission should be possible. Furthermore, two measurements for formal acceptance should take place after installation, one for Cat 8.1 and one for Cat 6A.”

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On this topic of backward compatibility, R&M also recommends choosing Cat 8.1 systems with the tried-and-tested RJ45 format. The alternative Cat 8.2 connector systems are not any more advantageous in terms of transmission speed and require comparatively expensive, cumbersome adapter cables.

What would be the impact of Cat 8 adoption on Cat 7/Cat 7A market?

Siemon does not expect class I and category 8 products to significantly impact the adoption of other highspeed cabling options such category 7A. However, the superior performance

“Applications like 10GBASE-T can use the much more widely available Cat 6A cabling, and applications like 25 and 40GBASE-T need something beyond Cat 7 and 7A.” Frank Straka, group product manager at Panduit

capabilities offered by class II cabling might see end users increasingly opt for fully-shielded cabling solutions that feature non-RJ-style connectors.

Frank Straka, group product manager at Panduit, says Category 7 and 7A are cabling standards without a real application or a large market presence. “Applications like 10GBASE-T can use the much more widely available Cat 6A cabling, and applications like 25 and 40GBASE-T need something beyond Cat 7 and 7A. ISO is the only major standards organisation that has recognised these standards as TIA has never recognised Cat 7 or 7A. Therefore, Cat 7 and 7A are not adopted much outside Europe, and there is a limited ecosystem of vendors providing products. Cat 7 and 7A products also use a non-RJ45 interface, meaning that they require adapter products to interface with RJ45 ports on the equipment.”

Khalil from R&M says the main advantage of Cat 8.1 over Cat 7/7A is certainly a higher flexibility, backwards compatibility and very common interface type. “Time and speed are key and that is why R&M never really took the path to Cat 7/7A. Given these prerequisites and considering the 25GB approach of the standardisation bodies within Cat 8, a versatile and easy solution may outplay existing solutions,” he says.

Helmy from Nexans offers a different perspective: “This highly depends on the adoption rate of 40GBase-T and 25GBase-T. Originally the development of Cat8 was with the need for 40GBase-T in mind. The reality today is that protocol never got industrialised. The current views are that it is more likely that 25GBase-T will get industrialised and become commercially available. In that case Cat 7A with a slight extended frequency range support will be a better solution that Cat 8.”

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Nexans Cabling Solutions

The need for speed

Tarek Helmy, Regional Director of Nexans Cabling Solutions, on why it is important for data centre managers to choose the right standards and advantages of FTTO.

Cabling insight

What are some of the important trends in data centre cabling today?

Staying up to date on technology trends and emerging standards is the key to knowing which way to turn, and when. Choosing which standards to follow has become more complicated. In the past, IEEE high speed protocols were developed well in advance of general use, ahead of market needs.

Deciding which speed to work towards was simple: follow the IEC/ISO and TIA standards.

Today, there’s a complex landscape of solutions to choose from, including many that operate outside IEEE and other trusted standards bodies. Switch vendors have introduced solutions for 40 Gigabit and 100 Gigabit that are not part of IEEE standards.

And some industry alliances have formed multisource agreements, or MSAs, such as the MSA for Short Wavelength Division Multiplexing for 100 Gigabit.

Three migration scenarios have emerged as the technology evolves: 1. Early adopters using parallel optics in

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the core, and LC Duplex in the access networks. In the first wave in early 2010, parallel optics allowed 40 Gigabit line speeds in the core network using 10 Gigabit over 4 pairs, and 100 Gigabit over 10 pairs. The introduction of 25 Gigabit technology in 2015 allowed 100 Gigabit over 4 pairs. More recently 50 Gigabit and 100 Gigabit fibre allowed higher frequencies over fewer pairs. 400 Gigabit is expected to arrive in 2020, with line speeds of 100 Gigabit over 4 or 8 pairs.

2. Fast followers using LC Duplex in both core and access networks. In 2013 , a second scenario became available for adopting new technology to meet higher speeds in the core, using 40 Gigabit over Duplex LC, moving to 100 Gigabit in 2018.

3. The mainstream scenario, using LC Duplex in the core and copper cabling in the access network. A third scenario applied in most data centres - was to use Cat 6A copper technology for 10 Gigabit line speeds in the access networks. Now Cat 7A or Cat 8 are introduced to support 25G in the future.

What are the things to consider before upgrading data centre networks to 25/40G? Today, a data centre might be running 40 Gigabit in the core and 10 Gigabit in the access network. So, what are the migration options? Nexans can support you in migrating to higher speeds: • 100G Parallel optics in core networks • 100G Duplex LC in core networks • 25G Duplex LC in access networks • 25G copper in access networks For data centres using LC Duplex in the core, and copper cabling in the access network, Nexans provides smart options to make your network more manageable.

The LANmark GG45 connector allows you to migrate your access network to 25G with copper. The internationally standardised GG45 connector uses a standard RJ45 patch cord, and only the upper connection points, or the upper pins in the connector, allowing you to run traffic of 25 Gigabit (or even 40 Gigabit) over GG45, without changing your infrastructure.

LANmark GG45 is a screened RJ45compatible cable jack specified up to 2000

MHz designed specifically to support the high frequencies required for applications beyond 10 Gigabit Ethernet.

LANmark GG45 uses 12 contacts: 8 contacts for the 2000MHz transmission (GG-mode) and 4 additional contacts to ensure RJ45 compatibility (RJ Mode).

Thanks to its 360° screening and a fully closed rear cover, the connector allows excellent coupling attenuation and ensures immunity from alien crosstalk and other external interference. The LANmark GG45 connector fits all structural hardware designed for SnapIn Connectors and can be used in all positions of a 4 connector twisted pair cabling channel (PP, CC, CP, TO).

ideal basis forsecure Gigabit Ethernet networks. Intelligent Management features help further increase the security of the network and minimise service costs. Fibre needs no grounding or earthing.

Unlike copper, fibre is immune to electromagnetic interference and may run along power lines. Fibre breaks through copper’s 90-metre distance limit.

Large distances, spanning hundreds of meters, between buildings, campuses and industrial sites can be easily bridged by multimode or single-mode fibre with minimal signal attenuation.

Fibre offers high bandwidth reserves, ready for more ports requiring increased bandwidth and power. Upcoming Wireless standards will require a move to higher speeds, combined with higher power levels.

With traditional cabling, larger cable bundles lead to a marked increase in heat, which affects performance and lifetime. With FTTO, however, this is not a problem. Adding ports is easy.

Availability of a single fibre bundle with up to 144 connections ensures you will be prepared for future growth. Short link lengths of three to five metres between switch and end devices, and the absence of cable bundles, make all the difference.

Depending on topology, you can simply add more wone distribution boxes or extract cabling to expand the network. There’s only one type of switch to manage, and no other active equipment. Just install and connect the switch and auto-configure or replace the memory card. This means Moves, Adds and Changes can be carried out with minimal training. Furthermore, downtime is avoided, as there is no need to shut down the network whilst adding capacity.

For data centres using LC Duplex in the core, and copper cabling in the access network, Nexans provides smart options to make your network more manageable.

Can you explain the benefits of fibre-based LAN? Fibre based LAN solutions as for example Fibre To The Office (FTTO), offer significant advantages in for example Healthcare, big campus environments like universities and administrations and office environments.

LANactive FTTO switches are located close tothe end user.

These replace switches that would normally be located in a floor distribution room, which would require HVAC systems, lighting and so on. The FTTO access switch itself consumes extremely little power for data transmission.

Switches also support Energy Efficient Ethernet (IEEE 802.3az), so that energy is only consumed when data is transferred.

Nexans EcoMode optimises data transfer modes, based on current user needs and preferences, for even lower power draw. Data transfer rates are manually or automatically reduced from 1,000 Mbps to 100 Mbps according to a preset time schedule. Nexans switches provide the

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R&M

Wired to win

Nabil Khalil, Executive Vice-President of R&M Middle East, Turkey and Africa, on why you need to future-proof your cabling infrastructure in this age of digital transformation.

to develop dynamically for decades to come. It is essential, in every project and at every network level, to plan and build infrastructures for huge volumes of data and data transmission that is secure and instantaneous at all times. R&M anticipates that extensive investments in blanket development will only pay off in the long term. Planners and network operators should, therefore, opt for long-lasting, highquality products.

In this age of digital transformation, how can customers evolve their networking cabling infrastructure with less disruption to business?

Network providers are setting the course for future decades right now.

Cabling insight

R&M recommends being more precise than ever with forward planning for networks, Infrastructures for fiber to the home, mobile communications, the Cloud, smart business, smart factories, smart buildings, smart cities and a wide range of digital applications require a capacity for data traffic that will continue

What are some of the best practices you’d recommend for planning a modern data centre infrastructure?

It is worth noting that internal data centre traffic is expected to grow by 80% over the next three years. Because of this, there is a real risk of networks becoming bandwidth bottlenecks. As a standard practice, organisations must now move away from traditional low-density cabling to highdensity structured cable solutions. By doing so, they can implement physical network infrastructure in a far more manageable and flexible manner. Furthermore, these systems enable data centres to easily migrate to 25, 100 and 200 Gb/s networks and solve some of the most critical network challenges.

As the topic of data centre modernisation is expansive, R&M has provided its unmatched expertise on data centre planning, design and implementation to organisations in our comprehensive data centre Handbook, the latest edition of which is available for free download from our website: https://www. rdm.com/sites/DC-Handbook.

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What is the most ideal cabling media that meets the demands of rapidly evolving Data centres today?

Today, no one asks for a slower network and while it is 25GbE that is being deployed, all new implementations are factoring in the need to include easy 100G and even 200G migration as a part of their future. And for this, higher value cabling systems such as fibre is the way forward.

Fibre systems facilitate the setup of highdensity cabling systems for data networks with parallel-optical connection technology.

Consequently, data centres can introduce 25 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) or even 100 and 200 GbE as a bandwidth to connect the fastest servers and switches to each other.

That being said, copper is still a good option for horizontal links (10G) and with the new Cat 8, it will be able to provide 40G for 30 meters. So, it remains cheaper and sufficient for small distances.

Do you have any practical solutions for next-gen 100, 200 and 400G networks?

Our Netscale 120 platform was developed to enable the highest flexibility both in single- and multimode. 100G Ethernet has been deployed for a couple of years and is usually realised with multimode cabling based on MPO12 trunks. As with LC-duplex, Netscale 120 can also provide 120 MPO12 ports per rack unit.

For next generation networks with 200 and 400G, we offer several ways. If the network shall be based on singlemode fiber, we recommend using MPO12 trunks and MPO-LC modules as the transceivers are compatible with LC-duplex patch cords.

Things look different for multimode. Here, we design the Netscale 120 platform with MPO cassettes that provide up to 120 MPO12 or MPO24 ports per U. When it comes to enterprise networks, physical layer is rarely top of mind for many companies.

Why should this change?

While the cost of cabling typically only accounts for 4-5% of the total expense of the data centre, Gartner reports have shown that 65% of system outages are

related to cabling and patching mistakes cause of 28% of downtime in data centres. Sound cabling investments can significantly reduce data centre downtime.

Also, it is worth noting that while the refresh cycles for active components such as servers and switches continues to shrink, the passive infrastructure can continue to perform for 10 to 15 years. Designing cabling infrastructure should take into consideration this relatively longer life and therefore be future proofed. Ripping and replacing the cabling infrastructure too is a challenge so getting it right the first time around is critical. This involves not only selecting the right components with the highest quality standards, but also ensuring that the cabling installers are sufficiently trained and skilled to carry out the implementation correctly.

Especially with fiber optic cabling, the care taken during installation can mean the difference between success and failure.

for the LED lighting of entire concert halls and shopping malls – plus IP cameras, access control systems, WLAN antennas, checkouts, building sensors and lots more.

It isn’t without it challenges however - the more PoE applications, the more current flows through the data cables which puts more strain on the individual cabling components than ever before. Recognising this, R&M has introduced its new rating called PowerSafe.

Cabling products labelled with this rating can continuously transmit high currents in local data networks. The range includes patch cords, cable assemblies, connection modules, couplers and field-mountable connectors.

Our Netscale 120 platform was developed to enable the highest flexibility both in singleand multimode.

What are the crucial trends and challenges facing the LAN planners today?

As it delivers both the energy supply and the data, PoE is set to become a key technology in the LAN. This is especially because it enables the Internet of Things (IoT), which will be the foundation of the digital transformation. Many small sensors and control systems could be run from remote locations in buildings without additional power cabling.

The IEEE has standardised this power supply method in the standards 802.3af (PoE) for up to 15 watts and 802.3at (PoEP) for up to 25 watts and now the third generation of Power over Ethernet (PoE) is waiting in the wings. It uses all four twisted pairs (4PPoE) and will support output of up to 90 Watts with currents of 1 ampere per twisted pair. Now PoE can supply power

Can users take advantage of existing LAN infrastructure to move towards digital ceiling applications?

A central topic is structured cabling for smart office buildings, integrating PoE and IP-based building functions into the LAN. As a leading cabling specialist, R&M is supporting the latest initiatives for the digital ceiling. The aim is to integrate the ceiling infrastructure into local data networks. Sensors and controls for LED lighting, air conditioning and surveillance could be networked more simply with building services engineering and the Internet of Things. Functions and services that in the past have been run separately could now be brought together for the first time in the LAN. This would make it possible to automate office and building operations on the basis of Ethernet/IP. R&M has developed special solutions for digital ceiling cabling which can be installed both in new buildings and in renovated ones. Along with LAN cabling, they also contain the power supply for the end devices and decentral switches on the ceiling.

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Siemon

The next wave of innovation

Narender Vasandani, RCDD, technical manager Middle East & India at Siemon, talks about trends in data centre cabling and the emergence of single pair Ethernet How do you see the rise of cloud and edge computing affecting data centre network cabling?

Cloud-based and storage intense applications, as well as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Big Data, are all driving the need for faster data transmission, processing and storage, which increases the pressure on the underlying cabling foundations. The number of fibre links in the data centre is increasing, and they are required to handle extreme data volumes and applications speeds of 200 and 400 Gb/s. Ultra high-density plug-and-play fibre systems such as Siemon’s LightStack are ideal for supporting next generation speeds and enabling easy access to fibre ports in high-density environments. Innovative fibre splice enclosures and single-mode fibre solutions also enable efficient, reliable connections to support next generation Internet traffic from enterprise data centres to the cloud.

With edge computing, data is being processed in close proximity to the end users and/or devices that it originates from. This results in improved application performance and reliability through localised computing, data storage, and data analytics, as well as high-speed data processing and application delivery that overcomes network latency issues. In terms of cabling, edge data centres will therefore require high-density fibre optic connectivity solutions for high-speed, low latency transmissions. Fibre optic cabling also Cabling insight

provides the best option for connecting edge data centres back to cloud/colocation facilities, hyperscale data centres, and central offices to achieve speeds of 400 Gb/s and beyond.

What is driving the interest in single pair Ethernet?

The interest in single-pair Ethernet (SPE) is driven by the rise in machineto-machine (M2M) communication, where communication largely takes place between low complexity components.

These components include fieldbus devices that for example detect environmental parameters and respond with information or an instruction. They also include actuators that move or control a mechanism such as a valve or light. With the presence of these small low-cost devices increasing in the enterprise space, the benefits of integrating them with intelligent automation systems that already operate over the traditional IT local area network become more obvious, and this is where SPE comes in. Its objective is to provide a path for a wide range of legacy fieldbus communications protocols to operate over one standardised media and communication protocol. Other benefits achieved by SPE include minimising cost, keeping the physical size of the cables and connectors as small as possible by eliminating unused pairs, and delivering 10 Mb/s bandwidth which sufficiently supports transmission of M2M generated data.

What are the best practices when cabling for Wi-Fi 6?

When cabling for Wi-Fi 6, there are two key considerations that must be taken into account. Firstly, Wi-Fi 6 requires greater than 5 Gb/s capacity and secondly, it requires higher amounts of power such as 30-watt Type 2 PoE or higher. To ensure that the network cabling provides optimum support of Wi-Fi 6, the cabling must provide two class EA/category 6A or higher performing horizontal cabling drops to each wireless access point (WAP) to facilitate link aggregation, required by devices connecting into the Ethernet network with two ports or having greater than 5 Gb/s data rates. Further, to support Wi-Fi 6 uplink capacity it is recommended to install a minimum 25 Gb/s capable multimode optical fibre backbone. In terms of the cabling architecture, a gridbased zone cabling can accommodate additional WAP deployments, allow for rapid reconfiguration of coverage areas, and provide redundant and future-proof connections. In addition, solid conductor cords will exhibit better thermal stability and lower insertion loss than stranded conductor cords for equipment connections in the ceiling where higher temperatures are likely to be encountered. Important also is to install more thermally stable cabling systems such as shielded cabling to support the Type 2 PoE application. Lastly, to ensure that contact seating surfaces are not damaged when plugs and jacks

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cabling link from a zone enclosure directly to the device or service outlet, and also used to make custom-length solid patch cords.

When selecting field terminated plugs, flexibility and ease of use play an important role in achieving rapid device deployment.

Siemon’s field-terminated Z-PLUG plugs support the most common cabling types and configurations and they can be terminated to shielded and unshielded, solid and stranded Category 6A and Category 6 cables in conductor sizes ranging from 22 to 26 gauge, which allows for deployment in a broad range of projects and applications.

are unmated under Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 remote powering current loads, Siemon recommends specifying IEC 60512-99-001 compliant connecting hardware.

Do we have any use cases today that will drive the demand for terabit Ethernet?

The use cases driving the demand for Tb/s Ethernet are core networking applications in hyperscale data centres and wide area network (WAN) and metropolitan area network (MAN) data pipe connections.

Within a decade, Tb/s Ethernet could possibly extend to aggregation networking applications in hyperscale data centres.

Can you explain how your plug terminated link technology

speeds up deployment of IP and PoE-enabled devices in intelligent buildings?

With the proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT), more and more devices in intelligent buildings – including LED lights, wireless access points, security cameras, video displays, distributed antenna systems, building automation controls - are communicating and receiving power via the network cabling infrastructure. Rather than connecting these devices to the network in the traditional way using outlets and patch cords, Siemon’s Z-PLUG category 6A field terminated plug enables quick and reliable high-performance plug terminations that facilitate custom-length direct connections to a variety of these IP-based and PoE-enabled devices. They can be used at both ends of a

As LAN extends into harsh industrial environments, would users need ruggedised versions of fibre and copper cables?

The use of ruggedised fibre and copper cables and connectivity is highly recommended in those harsher environments that fall in between what is typically classified as ‘commercial office’ and ‘industrial’ environment.

These ‘in-between’ environments may be subject to moisture, contaminants, vibration and other environmental factors and are therefore in need of connectivity components that are designed to protect network connections from damage and corrosion from a variety of elements.

Specific industry standards and industrybased ratings including ISO/IEC 24702, MICE and IP ratings, provide guidance to determine what type of ruggedised cable and connectivity is required for a particular environment, and when it comes to selecting ruggedised cable and connectivity for harsher environments it is important to look out for specific components and characteristics to ensure maximum protection. These include chemical-resistant thermoplastic housing on connectivity, dust caps of outlets, IP67-rated copper and fibre connectivity to protect from dust and moisture and shielded twisted-pair copper cabling with higher EMI/RFI resistance.

Siemon ruggedised infrastructure solutions include Category 5e, Category 6 UTP and Category 6A outlets, plugs and patch cords and ruggedized LC fibre solutions.

Cabling insight

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Panduit

To the Edge and beyond

Stephen J Morris, senior product manager, Panduit EMEA, on high speed, high density data cabling for the future data centre

The data centre is here, it’s just not evenly distributed. The drive for lower latency is fuelled by enablement of technologies such as 5G – which will push data centre’s closer to the edge, meaning compute power, storage and data centre facilities will need to physically reside closer to where those services are demanded Applications such of driverless cars and augmented reality will need to be supported by systems that deliver sub 1ms of latency, end to end link, and this will transform the data centre landscape as we know it today.

Data centres are set to get physically larger and more bandwidth hungry. Mass introduction of small wireless cells to support 5G will be, in the main, linked with fibre cables – propelling the need for high density fibre solutions from the ‘macro’ cell site, where small cells are aggregated, right back to the supporting data centres.

We are poised for gigantic growth of data traffic transacting within the data centre.

Cabling insight

Known as ‘machine to machine’ (M2M) or ‘East to West’ communications, M2M is predicted to grow by 44% CAGR between 2015-2020 (source: Cisco). Partly meeting this development, 100G is forecast to represent over 50% of data centre optical transceiver transmission capacity by 2019 (source: Infonetics). Additionally, 400G deployment will gain momentum in the coming year and is forecast to accelerate at great pace, representing the majority of Ethernet port shipment by 2021. Developments in 400G bring significant value in terms of cost saving, 4x the density per RU and 4 x scalability.

These innovations will also drive 2x power performance efficiency - making a positive contribution towards energy reduction targets that ‘Edge’ sets out to achieve.

Single Mode Fibre or Multi Mode Fibre?

In the past, selection between single mode fibre (SMF) and multimode fibre (MMF)

solutions were relatively defined – the former provided highest bandwidth at a higher price, the latter a cost-efficient alternative in less speed and reach sensitive use installations.

Today critical factors in decision making include determining whether current bandwidth requirement can be economically met; reach/distance requirements including foreseen network architecture specific goals achieved; and whether future Ethernet and/ or Fibre Channel speed can be supported or easily migrated to over the return of investment (ROI) period. These four interdependent criteria and must be considered to reach the optimal choice.

With seemingly infinite bandwidth singlemode fibre (SMF) has often been considered the best policy by network designers and data centres to ensure a future without bandwidth bottlenecks. Traditionally there have been high costs associated with SMF optical systems, this cost addition is attributed to the price of the optical transceiver modules and

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overall cost is less influenced by the price of the passive optical cabling infrastructure.

At the same time, it is acknowledged that despite the cost penalty, SMF technology does indeed hold advantages over MMF in terms of longer reach and bandwidth capability. But as companies embark on a transition towards high-speed data transport do alternative fibre cabling systems offer capabilities that previously only SMF could satisfy?

At this point, it is important to acknowledge that the paradigm has recently shifted in terms of decision making when determining which grade of fibre provides the best return on investment in your particular environment. Technological advance now places MMF at the top of the list in terms of making an informed choice for both present and future network needs.

Is the MMF data pipe large enough to support future generations of traffic?

Multimode fibre supports a large proportion of today’s applications and reaches in the data centre at significantly lower cost. Additionally, it has the capacity to meet future data capabilities of data centres with a roadmap that can feasibly support up to 800G Ethernet.

The bandwidth capabilities of MMF has grown exponentially with advances in optical transmission technology. More recent MMF transmission developments have seen the introduction of faster vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) moving from 10G to 25G, doubling of the line rate (PAM4) and shortwave division multiplexing (SWDM).

With 40/100GE already being deployed and objectives for 25/50/200/400GE defined by the IEEE, Ethernet is considered the leading

networking platform. It can deliver data centre architecture to meet future applications needs whilst providing low operating costs today.

Outside of the IEEE, the SWDM Alliance multisource agreement (MSA) sets out to enable 100G over two MMF’s (duplex transmission/fibre pair), supporting transmission over OM3, OM4, OM4+ and OM5 grades. Inability of SWDM MMF solutions to support ‘break-out’ mode (discussed later), is a limiting factor in terms of wide adoption of this technology. Further, it is anticipated line rates for MMF fibre will accelerate from 50G to 100G in the near future, meaning more efficient MMF applications (fewer fibre pairs required) and widening scope for MMF ‘duplex’ and ‘parallel’ optics, utilising a single wavelength vs narrowing scope for MMF applications requiring multiple wavelengths.

Short reach applications, such as switch to server and M2M interconnections is where multimode fibre adds real benefit inside the data centre. Industry standard fibre which is laser optimised now provides a scale of fibre capabilities to assist data centre operators to plan successful infrastructure installs and upgrades dependent of operational requirements.

Breakout application drives early adoption of high speeds in the data centre.

Taking 40G MMF data centre deployments as an example, over 50% of 40G market adoption was believed to be related to ‘breakout’ configurations i.e.

40G to 4x10G.The key driver was not for 40G end-to-end, but to deliver efficiencies in distribution of 10G. The same concept of continuous incremental efficiencies will drive the growth in 100G (4x25G) and 400G (4 x100G or 2x200G). However, it should be noted that the early generations of SWDM over MMF

Multimode fibre supports a large proportion of today’s applications and reaches in the data centre at significantly lower cost.

are unlikely to support ‘break-out’ mode/ configuration. This should be considered when evaluating the benefit of SWDM’ vs single wave length high speed transmission and network architecture design.

Example of the efficiencies a solution operating in ‘breakout mode’ can deliver (estimates only): • 30% cost saving per port (transceiver cost) • 2x power efficiency • up to 4x density improvement per RU • More space for revenue generating equipment • Adds value where space is a premium/ limited Conclusion Single-mode fibre continues to play an important role where reaches extend beyond 400m (up to 10G) and typically beyond 150m (40G data rates and beyond) which can include applications across server aisles and across the site.

The introduction of 100G-BASE-PSM4 (parallel single-mode) brings with it a new breed of SMF transceiver, incorporating low cost silicon photonics. This is expected to drive closer price alignment between MMF and SMF solutions, thus, increase popularity of SMF – particularly for greenfield 100G deployments.

However, there is a significant preexisting installed base of MMF (OM3, OM4, OM4+) in data centres and legacy network expansion represents circa 50% of market requirement. Both equipment manufacturers and customers have a vested interest in supporting and maximising the return on Investment (RoI) of this legacy infrastructure. Therefore, a mass migration towards SMF in brownfield sites is not expected anytime soon.

In any event, the bandwidth of today’s multimode fibre solutions far exceed their perceived limitations. This being the case, bandwidth should no longer be the barrier for consideration of MMF to meet current or future needs. In addition, MMF is the most cost effective choice for the majority of data centre uses where reach is typically <150m. The business case for MMF continues to strengthen as the applications, bandwidth and roadmap it supports extends.

Cabling insight

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products

R&M PRIME ODF systems R&M’ PRIME is a high-density cabling platform for Optical Distribution Frames (ODF). At maximum capacity, 5,376 optical fibres can be connected in an ODF with R&M’s PRIME modules, setting new density standards for the Fibre-to-theHome (FTTH) market.

Above-ground street cabinets and basements, main distributor frames, central offices and POP sites are some of the most important locations for the PRIME ODF racks. Here they can form the nodes of local broadband networks such as city rings and feeder networks.

The platform is also suitable for fibre optic distribution in data centres, and the backhaul networks of mobile communication providers.

Siemon active cold aisle containment solution Siemon, a leading global network infrastructure specialist, has announced the launch of its active cold aisle containment solution, featuring roof panels that open automatically during an alarm event to facilitate access to sprinkler systems and other fire suppression systems.

Compatible with all Siemon data centre cabinets deployed in a pod configuration, the active cold aisle containment solution improves efficiency and expands the capacity of a data centre without the need for supplemental cooling while leveraging existing fire suppression systems.

Active aisle containment panels form a horizontal roof across the cold

Nexans Slimflex Cat 6A Nexans’ Slimflex Category 6A solution saves up to 50% space in data centre installations. This new copper range consists of a 48-port panel, Slimflex cords and Cat 6A connectors. Once installed the result is a neat and cleaned up high density installation.

Nexans’ fully metal patch panel allows you to install up to 48 Category 6A RJ45 snap-in connectors in a single height unit.

Slimflex cords, organised in 2 orderly bundles of 24, connect the high density panel to a 48 port switch. With their 4.5mm diameter and AWG30 wire size these highly bendable Slimflex cords improve airflow, reduce congestion and create a neat look and feel.

Cabling insight

aisle and when used in conjunction with self-closing or manual doors that close off the end of the aisle, the cold air is contained in the aisle to provide targeted cooling to active equipment.

Electromagnets hold the active roof panels in place during normal operation and in the event of an alarm, release the panels allowing them to swing open.

These magnets utilise 24VDC power and are compatible with most standard power supplies deployed in the data centre environment. The power supply connects to the facility fire alarm control panel or smoke sensor output to ensure that the panels automatically open during an alarm event.

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