How Advanced Fibre Cross Connect Systems Help Improve & Future-Proof Fibre Network Management
Advanced fibre cross connect systems from HUBER+SUHNER not only improve day-to-day management of fibre network cables and connections, but also help future-proof network infrastructure for future growth. With their modular design, built-in cable management they can easily scale as your Data Centre evolves.
Data Centre Topology, what are the differences?
Data Centre fibre network infrastructure uses two main types of topologies – Inter Connect or Cross Connect. Inter Connect uses a single cable to connect two patch panels; one located at the client’s rack the other at the carrier’s rack. The equipment is then simply connected via a patch cord at each rack. This method has a medium operational cost and delivers a relatively low optical loss; however, it offers limited flexibility, little upgrade path, possible disruption to live fibres at the switch end during patch and requires significant cord management. Cross Connect topology gives greater flexibility as it utilises an any-to-all approach. This provides faster and easily upgradable Moves, Adds and Changes (MACs) at a centralised location, excellent visualisation of mirrored switches or servers, little or no disturbance to permanent cabling with pre-defined cable types and lengths and secure critical switch connections. The trade-off is an increased cost of cabling and the added flexibility results in higher optical losses.
Either topology benefits from advanced fibre management, with most Data Centres now going down the fibre cross connect route. Whilst the cost and optical losses maybe higher the benefits of its flexibility, scalability and future-proofing far outweigh the downsides.
Managing these fibre cross-connections is best achieved using fibre management solutions from HUBER+SUHNER.
In Meet Me Rooms, or Main Distribution Areas this is best accomplished using Optical Distribution Frames (ODFs). HUBER+SUHNER’s Cabling Distribution Rack (CDR) is a dedicated high-density fibre management system providing a centralised solution for cross connect (and inter connect) applications. Offering a robust, yet lightweight aluminium construction the CDR has a low footprint cost given its 300mm depth, this allows more space for revenue generating racks. Its modular design comprises of a 300mm wide cable management unit, with a 600mm wide rack into which tray units are mounted. CDRs offer improved access thanks, in part, to its rear-mounted 19” rails. All cables, chassis and trays are accessed from the front allowing CDRs to be positioned against the wall, at the end of a row of server cabinets or back-to-back. Doors and side panels can be easily removed without tools for further ease of access. A tamper-proof 2-point locking system provides secure access to the racks whilst their 47U of internal mounting space provides up to 3,240 fibres per rack with LC connectivity and up to 25,920 fibres per rack with MTP connectivity. The C-frame construction and dedicated cable management area provides easier access for cable routing and facilitates rack-to-rack patching without cords having to leave the rack. Built for growth HUBER+SUHNER CDRs are designed to work with the latest loose tube breakout cables with purposely designed fixing plates to secure cables, safely and reliably, protecting them in crush resistant, bend limiting protective conduit. The patch cord management area has specially designed mandrels which can be installed and removed from the front. The mandrels help prevent tangles by limiting bend radius to 30mm and help prevent crossing of cords.
When it comes to managing fibre cross connects at rack level then HUBER+SHUNER IANOS is the perfect solution. Offering a high-density, versatile and modular fibre management solution, IANOS allows quick, simple and reliable MACs. IANOS is built around a 1U or 4U chassis that incorporates built-in cable management and port identification. Modules are installed into pull-out trays within the chassis. Each 1U can hold 12 single modules with options available for splicing, patching, transitioning, MTP, TAP and splitting. This modularity provides support for day 1 networking with a future-proof upgrade path to faster bandwidth applications. This high-density solution provides up to 72 LC Duplex ports per 1U and as fibre management is built-in each tray it removes the requirement for additional cable management.
If you would like to know about these high-density, modular and scalable fibre cross-connect systems, or you have a requirement that you would like to discuss with us then please contact us, we’d love to hear from you.
