The Introduction of Multi-Fiber Cables in the Data Center

A long time ago in a data center far away, only a few fiber connections were needed. Over the years, the need for data has increased. And “increased” is an understatement. The need for data ports in the data center has grown exponentially, skyrocketed, blown up, and just got plain out of hand! With this increase, the technology and construction of fiber cabling has also changed just as dramatically.

This brings us to our blog topic of multi-fiber cables in the data center. In plain language, multi-fiber cables are just that: cables with multiple fibers in them. They’re also referred to as fiber optic trunks. In the past, fiber optic “jumpers” or patch cords have been used to connect hardware. The patch cables are essentially single connection points with two fibers inside the outer jacket. That was fine when there were only a few ports, but with the hundreds and thousands of ports data centers now contain, patch cables are an ineffective way to manage your cabling infrastructure. That is where multi-fiber cables come in!

Benefits of Multi-Fiber Cables in the Data Center

Since fiber optic cabling is not affected by cross talk or outside interference, the fibers can be condensed into groups that greatly reduce the overall footprint of the cable. This means a lot in a data center, where space is at a premium. It blocks less air from the CRAC (Computer Room Air Conditioner), thus improving the energy efficiency dramatically. Multi-fiber cables also reduce installation and maintenance time by making cable identification easier. Fiber optic trunks, or multi-fiber assemblies, are also more rugged and can withstand more abuse during installation and maintenance.

To get a better understanding of this product type, have a look at our Skinny-Trunk Multi-fiber assemblies.

In this episode of Cable Talk, Josh Taylor explains some of the physical and application differences between multimode and singlemode fiber optic cables. Multimode is typically used in data centers. Singlemode is used in “long haul” applications due to the higher cost of the active electronics.

With the ratification of new industry standards and increased demands on data center throughput, 40/100G Ethernet will be an integral component of the next generation data center.

In fact, it is already an emerging influence on how organizations plan, build and operate their existing data center architecture. The market proves this: manufacturers are already responding to the increased demand for Ethernet hardware, including cabling products, switches and transceivers.

In “Taking Your Network to 40/100G Ethernet,” you will learn:

• Why this shift to 40 and 100G Ethernet is happening
• The factors you need to consider when planning your cabling infrastructure
• Best practices for migrating to 40 and 100G Ethernet
• Next steps for data centers

Presented by: Josh Taylor, Senior Product Manager, CABLExpress
Date: Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

Fiber Optic Adapters in the Data Center

Fiber optic couplers (also referred to as “adapters”) are an often overlooked part of the fiber optic cabling infrastructure in the data center. To the untrained eye, they all seem to look the same – but there are some very critical differences in adapter quality that can drastically affect data center performance.

These adapters play the critical role of aligning the individual fibers in a cable to the fibers in another cable. If fibers are not properly aligned, then loss is incurred at that mating point. If too much loss is incurred, downtime is a distinct possibility.

What should a data center technician look for in quality adapters?

Data center technicians should look at the materials used to manufacture couplers.

Some manufacturers may opt to use a metal, sometimes referred to as Phosphor Bronze (PB, Phos-Bronze and/or Phoz-Bronze). This alloy is noted for its strength and rigidity for large boat propellers, springs and bolts. However, ceramic materials are ideal for manufacturing couplers. Ceramics are non metallic, inorganic and crystalline in structure. The crystalline structure of ceramic allows for a very rigid surface that will not deform.

Why does this matter? As we discussed, alignment is critical. A softer metal like Phosphor Bronze will deform over time, especially with repeated plug-ins. Ceramic will hold its original shape for much longer. This makes a coupler that has ceramic alignment sleeves far superior to Phosphor Bronze.

Our product team recently released a 12U H-Series Enclosure as part of our Skinny-Trunk fiber optic cabling solution.

Our CABLExpress 12U H-Series Enclosure is designed specifically to replicate 64 port high density SAN director class switches.

This allows users to fully replicate their director class switch in a main distribution area (MDA) as recommended in the TIA-942 Data Center Standard. The 12U H-Series enclosure allows significantly more spacing in between ports which makes working with the patch cables in this enclosure a breeze. 48 and 32 port modules also available to offer full replication for any density.

Features:

• Low loss components offer optimum performance and manageability
• Stable spring couplers minimize vibration
• Molded angled MTP couplers allow for optimum rear cable management
• Rugged design allows fiber to remain secure
• Slide out labeling tray with one to one port mapping

Download the 12U Fiber Optic Enclosure spec sheet.