Cabling

Structured cabling: helping to overcome increasing demand

By Andreas Sila, VP Market Management, Data Centre, HUBER+SUHNER Data centres are facing increasing pressure to grow and meet the almost unprecedented demand required for modern life. As the Internet of Things (IoT), Industry 4.0 and the ever-growing expansion of 5G networks continue to gather pace, it is essential for data centre operators to invest in the latest technologies and solutions to enable immediate growth and ensure future demands are met. The challenge of keeping up with connectivity and bandwidth is one that not only impacts enterprise and colocation data centres, but also the hyperscale data centres too. Everyone involved in these operations, including the tech giants with multiple hyperscale data centres, must recognise the need to optimise the existing space, while maintaining the ability to scale at a rapid rate. Structured cabling may hold the key to enhancing operations, saving on time and space while allowing more focus and investment to be spent on revenue-driving technologies. Maximised space, optimised operations To make the most of the physical space available, high-quality fibre-optic solutions are crucial to provide adequate fibre capacity and bandwidth, allowing both high data throughput but with low loss and latency. This includes structured cabling systems, fibre optic bandwidth expansion, and all-optical switching. For operators looking for the maximum return on investment, a clear understanding of the solutions available and how each one can be tailored to meet each individual business need is needed. They must also keep in mind the demands that they may face in the future when looking to leverage these solutions for their operations. Every data centre will have a different amount of space to work with, but the approach often remains the same. Smart, high-density solutions can be deployed to maximise the available space, and should there be any room left over, revenue-generating technologies can be utilised to increase profit. Modern fibre-optic management systems can work for both small and hyperscale data centres, with an excellent, high-density solution offering organisational support for cable systems, freeing up room for more cables. Fibre density can be maximised by using optical distribution frames (ODFs) capable of containing a high number of fibre cassettes and ports. Accessibility is the aim As data centres – and the number of fibres they contain – grow, any significant adjustment of the cables can leave operations vulnerable to the risks of human error. Accessibility therefore must be a major consideration regarding fibre management; an unorganised data centre can create an environment prone to technicians making unintentional, and costly, mistakes. All it takes is the accidental removal of the wrong patch cord or getting caught up in other cables when carrying out moves for an accidental breakage for a poor-quality connection to occur. Live links are easily disconnected and can lead to devastating expenses. If the network architecture is disorganised or poorly labelled, new employees may struggle to understand the system and may also lead to further detriment. A proper structured cabling approach should be paramount to any operation. If the initial installation is not organised from the offset, it will only lead to subpar performance. High-quality installation is vital in making sure cables are integrated in an accessible way, making it easier to upgrade when this is required, rather than carrying out quick ‘fixes’ which can often lead to further issues down the line. With greater ease of management, the likelihood of damage is reduced when making MACs, cutting out unnecessary downtime. Tailored solutions to match requirements No technology can provide a one-fits-all solution when it comes to a successful structured cabling strategy. Every data centre requires different solutions to ensure optimised performance. Finding and working with specialised experts can help prepare your operations for future growth, and pinpoint the exact requirements needed to ensure future growth. Using industry experts like HUBER+SUHNER means installations can be managed to give an operator peace of mind that unnecessary expenses and downtime can be avoided. With the right considerations and investment in fibre optic solutions, data centre operators can rely on an enhanced set-up that will enable revenue-driving services to meet demand both now and in the future.

Panduit launches RapidID Network Mapping System

Panduit has launched its new RapidID Network Mapping System, an offering designed to reduce the time and cost of patch cord documentation by up to 50%. By using pre-labelled Panduit patch cords and the RapidID Bluetooth-enabled handheld scanner, network engineers can quickly, easily, and more accurately place and trace cables. The Network Mapping System automates the labour-intensive and error-prone cable documentation process to reduce the risk of a network outage. With RapidID, the painstaking labelling process is already done. Additionally, RapidID is a practical alternative to traditional manual approaches and is ideally suited for building a new telecom room, locating installed cabling, or replacing a network switch. "RapidID is a game-changer for any network engineer," states Rich Benson, Panduit Group Manager, Cable Management Solutions. "We are happy to offer our customers an innovative way to eliminate the pain points around patch cord labelling and documentation for network systems." RapidID is as easy as 1, 2, 3. The system uses patch cords pre-labeled with a unique barcode and a Bluetooth-enabled handheld scanner to automate labelling, tracing, and troubleshooting in three easy steps. 1. Install Panduit cables that feature unique barcode labels.2. Download the mobile app from iOS or Android app stores to a tablet device.3. Scan barcodes using the Bluetooth-enabled handheld scanner. RapidID Project Manager and Senior Solutions Architect Kevin Marley explained that network documentation can drastically reduce downtime during an outage, but documenting physical infrastructure is extremely time-consuming and is often overlooked or out-of-date. "RapidID enables a fast, easy way to document patch cables and eliminate the manual data entry of network documentation," he comments.

Easier cable management: making smart choices at the outset

By Hermann Christen, Market Development Manager R&M Changing technologies, platforms and user habits have resulted into different cable installation and maintenance practices everywhere: from the outside plant, to building access, to in-building systems. R&M would like to share a few key insights into cabling developments and briefly discuss how certain product and technology choices affect cable rollout, handling, and management. First, the company will examine cabling that runs up to a building, and then take a closer look at cabling inside the building... Cabling outside the building Last mile solutions: making the right choices In the ‘last mile’, branching off drop lines from a main fibre line is more challenging than it might appear. The choice of cable installation method depends on many factors. The application determines how the final section of the last mile cable will be fed into the node. For building access, a choice needs to be made between burying cables directly, blowing them into ducts, or using aerial cables. Cable sheathing' will generally be made of Polyethylene (PE), but the cable construction (beneath the jacket) determines the suitability of a cable for a particular type of rollout. Let’s examine the different types of rollout: Pulling through ducts Key mechanical properties for cables to be pulled are tensile strength and dead weight. PE-sheathed cables have excellent surface properties and sliding properties (low frictional resistance) for this type of application. Buried cables Placing cable in pre-laid ducts is the most economical installation method. The cables can be blown into the duct tubes: features that determine whether cables are suitable for blowing in are low weight, smooth and low friction cable surface. For this type of cable, tensile strength or crush resistance are not of importance. Cables for blowing should be lightweight, slim, relatively stiff, and have an outer sheath with excellent sliding properties. Cables can also be ‘direct buried’ in the earth, without ducts. Such cables need to offer a high level of crush resistance and longitudinal water tightness. High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) sheathing is advisable - PE is sufficiently resistant to all chemical influences that direct-buried cables might conceivably be exposed to. Aerial cables. These are continuously exposed to environmental conditions so requirements are far higher than for buried cables. R&M recommends air cables encased in UV-stable HDPE outer sheathing designed for a temperature range of -25 °C to +70 °C). In aerial drop applications, being all-dielectric and self-supporting are essential. Rodents! One of the greatest threats to cabling (installation cables) is rodents. We can distinguish between two levels of cable protection: ‘rodent secure’ and ‘rodent-protected’. Rodent protected cables prevent damage to the cable core in cases of moderate rodent infestation. The company recommends armoured cables with glass roving (e-glass yarn) which protects the cable core. ‘Rodent-protected’ cables provide protection through mechanical resistance for a prolonged period, which is generally adequate, but not unlimited. Fibre cables can be protected more extensively by adding a layer that ensures rodents aren’t likely to chew their way into the cable core. Steel tape armoured cables are rodent-secure and recommended for outdoor use in ducts and shafts where rodent infestation cannot be prevented. Steel-tape armoured cables are recommended. Harsh conditions Extreme temperatures or chemicals can cause cables to become brittle or less flexible after prolonged exposure or immediately. The cabling sheath may crack, causing rapid deterioration. Fortunately, special sheathing materials can increase resistance to chemical degradation. It is important to know which environmental factors are relevant in different locations and to understand the exact intended usage of cabling and components. In this way, you won’t need to run cable with the most heavy-duty shielding throughout the entire environment. Instead, you can define solutions that offer the best performance where it counts, without compromising in other areas. Important factors to consider include: Chemical load (intensity and duration of chemical influence)Concentration, exposure and temperatureChemical resistance of the material affected Planning for high density The use of data-hungry technology solutions will keep expanding, but the backbone can’t be replaced every few years. High density cabling and network infrastructure are essential to meeting current bandwidth demand challenges. Planning needs to take into account imminent demand increases and the need for more ports and fibre cables at access points as well as in and between data centres. You need cables with a very high fibre count that retain the handling attributes of small cables, with minimal termination-related hassle. Cabling inside the building Automated asset management Automated asset management and tracking makes life much easier. Dynamic environments require ongoing, precise and efficient asset management. Changes to a physical network, including switches, servers and patch panels, can be monitored and traced real-time. A system that offers functions for mapping, managing, analysing and planning cabling and network cabinets can also include asset management, planned and unplanned changes and alarms. Such systems improve operational efficiency and facilitate management of passive infrastructure. An integrated hardware and software system automatically detects when cords are inserted or removed and documents the cabling infrastructure, including connected equipment. Everything can be monitored and administrated from a common software tool. The entire infrastructure is represented in a consistent, up to date database, offering precise, real-time information on the current state and future requirements of the data centre. Without this, developing expansion plans and carrying out risk analyses are impossible, let alone complying with legislation and introducing best practices.   Power over Ethernet PoE has several consequences for cabling choices and handling. Depending on cable diameter, the current 4PPoE standard can produce significant levels of heat. The higher the transmitted power, the more heat is generated. To handle increased temperatures, cable installation conditions (cable type, bundle size, cable duct properties) must be considered and the link length may have to be reduced. Structured cabling standards require the indoor cable to be rated according the Remote Power categories RP 1-RP 3, specifying different levels of PoE support. During connector mating cycles, connecting hardware is exposed to power discontinuation effects. Unmating connections under load will create sparks that can damage connector contacts. The higher the transmitted power, the greater the risk of damage. It’s important to note that robust mechanical mating of wire contacts in connection modules or plugs is crucial. Loose contacts could lead to power interruption and even to burning of plastic parts. The most reliable connection for RJ45 connections is an IDC contact. The ‘Digital Ceiling’ An ‘All over IP’ approach can extend data networks through an entire building’s ceiling in a ‘honeycomb’ fashion, making it possible to connect devices to building automation via zones with pre-installed overhead connecting points (service outlets). Real estate managers or tenants can benefit from ‘Plug and Play’ digitisation without barriers, fast and at low cost. All they need to do is plug in network switches, sensors, controls, WLAN access points and other distributed building services.  Single pair ethernet ‘SPE’ will become a key technology in smart buildings. It is the missing link for connecting devices up to sensor/actuator level by means of a standard Internet protocol (IP). It has the potential to replace existing field bus systems and helps with integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) into the LAN and thus accelerates IP expansion right down to the sensor-actuator level. SPE can replace a large part of existing field bus applications. Introduction of smart, converged networks means energy-conserving technologies and applications can be introduced, such as intelligent management of building space, resources and LED lighting. Don’t forget cable management basics! In spite of numerous changes, the basics of cable management remain unchanged. Bad basic cable management can result in signal interference, damage and failure, resulting in data transmission errors, performance issues and downtime. Always double-check measurements, make sure terminations are of the right quality, test where necessary, always label and colour-code cables, watch out for cramped conduits and make sure no cables or bundles rest upon others.

Structured cabling to be a $23.2 billion market by 2030

The 'Structured Cabling Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis' report has been added to Research And Markets' offering. The global structured cabling market size is expected to reach USD 23.2 billion by 2030 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 10.5% from 2022 to 2030. The need for advanced technologies has increased the generation of vast amounts of IoT data, which often causes delays and latency. Structured cabling systems help enhance data transfer speed, which further aids in avoiding delays. The presence of a high connectivity network in regions such as North America has facilitated the widespread adoption of structured cabling systems. Thus, the North American market is expected to witness substantial growth over the forecast period. Additionally, an expanding communication network architecture and a rise in demand for data centres have increased the demand for structured cabling systems. Asia Pacific is projected to register the fastest growth rate over the forecast period. The regional market is predicted to grow as a result of key factors such as government measures to promote digitalisation, upgraded facilities, population increase, faster adoption of smart devices, and investments in cloud and IoT technologies. Structured cabling systems are used across various verticals such as government, industrial, IT and telecommunications, residential, and commercial. The IT and telecommunication segment is expected to exhibit the highest CAGR over the forecast period owing to data centre convergence in technologies supporting data and voice services. An increase in the usage of mobile Internet with high-speed connectivity is expected to bolster the market growth. Building smart cities and residences will also play a significant role in expanding the worldwide market potential. To expand their product portfolio and maintain a strong position in the market, players have used tactics such as expansions, agreements, partnerships, and joint ventures and are engaging in the creation of new products with high speed and better features. Companies have also received official authorisation for the launch of devices that provide high speed and security. Structured Cabling Market Report Highlights By product type, the fibre optic cables segment is estimated to grow over the forecast period, owing to the increasing importance of cloud computing and high bandwidth applications. On the basis of application, the data centre segment is expected to register a significant CAGR of 11.0% over the forecast period owing to the increasing demand for smart devices and the rising usage of mobile data. Based on vertical, the IT and telecommunication segment dominated the market in 2021 and this trend is expected to continue over the forecast period. Due to the increasing development and usage of automation techniques across industries, the industrial vertical segment is likely to grow rapidly in the forecast period. The North American region led the market in 2021 and the trend is expected to continue over the coming years owing to a rise in demand for data centres and the growth of communication network infrastructure.

Schaffner introduces FN2500 / FN2640 EMC filter series for data centres

Schaffner has announced the availability of the new FN2500 / FN2640 - EMC filter series for robotics and data centres. The new filters have been developed to meet the specific needs of these two important and growing markets. These markets have technical requirements in common that can now be met by these new EMC filters. Many applications, including robotics, data centres and autonomous machines require power supplies to be mounted in 19in rack cabinets. To accommodate this and provide systems builders with seamless integration, Schaffner has packaged the FN2500 / FN2640 EMC filter series in a space saving 1U rack-mount design. The new FN2500 / FN2640 EMC filters are available with a range of connection options. These include IEC C14 (10-15A) or IEC C20 (16-20A) input connectors for direct mains connection and with a range of output connectors. For internal assembly connection options available on input and output include push-on terminals, cable glands, screw terminals or spring terminals. Key standard features include input voltage 250 VAC at DC to 60 Hz (FN2500 277 VAC / 400 VDC), output current 10 to 20 A at 40°C, MTBF > 300,000 h and operating temperature range -40°C to +100°C (with derating >40°C). The new FN2500 / FN2640 EMC filters meet the requirements of IEC 62368-1 - Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology and equipment and IEC/EN 60335-1 - Household and similar appliances, Climatic Category 40/10 0/21 to IEC60068-1, Certified to UL 60939-3, IEC/EN 60939-3, GB/T 15287 and Protection category IP00 / IP20 for -103 terminals.

Over 100,000 homes in Coventry now have access to CityFibre’s network

CityFibre has reached a major milestone having passed over 100,000 homes in Coventry, the first time CityFibre has reached this landmark in a single location. Thousands of residents in Coventry can now enjoy affordable, gigabit-capable reliable full fibre broadband from a range of internet service providers (ISPs) including launch partner Vodafone, TalkTalk, Zen, Fibrehop and IDNet, with Giganet expected to join the network soon. Construction began on the £72.5m project in November 2018 and CityFibre has since laid almost 1,500km of dense full fibre infrastructure across the majority of the city. In Ofcom’s latest Connected Nations report, Coventry was ranked second in the UK for its digital connectivity. The full fibre network currently services every building run by Coventry City Council, as well as its traffic management systems, CCTV systems and public WiFi across the town centre. The network has been integral to the delivery of numerous digital events as part of Coventry’s year-long City of Culture and Commonwealth Games events. It also provided ultrafast access to festivalgoers and production teams at Radio 1’s Big Weekend. A report by the consultancy Hatch, commissioned by CityFibre, found Coventry stands to experience significant economic, social and environmental benefits from its new digital infrastructure platform including over £895m in productivity and innovation gains and £197m from a widened workforce over a 15-year period. Enabling 5G rollout alone could drive up to £2bn in positive economic impact. Leigh Hunt, Area Manager for Coventry at CityFibre, says: “Our rollout has helped transform Coventry’s digital capabilities for both residents and businesses, making it one of the best-connected cities in Britain. Passing 100,000 homes is an incredible feat and a real testament to CityFibre’s mission to create a legacy of reliable connectivity. “Digital infrastructure has become the cornerstone of modern day-life, and CityFibre’s investment will accelerate economic opportunity to propel Coventry into a new digital-era fit for generations to come.” Councillor Richard Brown, Coventry City Council Cabinet Member for Finance, comments: “Access to a better and faster digital infrastructure is making a massive difference to local people and businesses. “Not only is CityFibre installing a fantastic, future-proofed fibre network, it is also making it more competitive for internet suppliers – meaning people and businesses can benefit from some great deals for their internet connections. “I am really proud of the partnership we have with CityFibre and the benefits that this brings for the city.” Paul Ward, Head of ICT & Digital at Coventry City Council, adds: “It’s brilliant that CityFibre has reached this milestone. This has directly contributed to Coventry being one of the best digitally connected cities in the country as measured by the Ofcom Connected Nations report. CityFibre is a key partner with the city council in pushing forward our ambitious digital strategy plans and helping establish Coventry as a leading digital city directly supporting the One Coventry Council Plan.”