enclosures , cabinets & racks
SPECIAL FEATURE
Respecting the cable radius ‘ comfort zone ’ avoids performance limitations and damage . Bad cable management can result in inter-symbol interference , damage and failure . This , in turn , can mean data transmission errors , performance issues and downtime . Using high density trunks is also advisable , as these are more compact and offer tighter cable bends for storing slack .
Identification and documentation
It ’ s important to point out that increasing density brings the risk of cabling becoming unmanageable . MACs , cable tracking and fault-finding become very difficult or impossible . It is of particular importance to correctly label single ports , pre-term cables ( at the rear of the rack ) and patch cables ( at the front ). After all , making decisions about infrastructural changes or troubleshooting without correct , up to date , reliable documentation is like walking a tightrope without a safety net .
Correct , up-to-date identification and documentation are essential . Systems that map , manage , analyse and plan functionality for cabling and network cabinets may also include asset management , planned and unplanned changes and alarms . 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 .
Dedicated solutions can trace and monitor every change made across the physical network , including switches , servers and patch panels . Everything needs to be monitored and administered from a common software tool . These automatically detect when cords are inserted or removed and document the cabling infrastructure , including connected equipment , in real time .
Managing cable volumes
The number of cables that can be attached to high density patch panels and ports can be significantly higher than is the case with a ‘ standard ’ configuration . Cramped conduits and cables or bundles that rest on others can easily degrade performance .
Using small diameter fibre optic patchcords and small diameter fibre optic pre-term cable systems also helps significantly reduce volume and keep cabling manageable . Cable pulling also
The number of cables that can be attached to high density patch panels and ports can be significantly higher than is the case with a ‘ standard ’ configuration .
becomes easier . Using bend insensitive fibres , small diameter patch cords and appropriate fixing for the cables within racks further contributes to making optimal use of available space .
Hot and heavy racks
It is important to realise that higher density can also mean heavier racks . Therefore , when specifying or installing a solution , you need to consider the maximum load capacity of standard 19-inch racks . HD subracks and patch panels that are fully populated with cable systems and patch cords may well overload existing rack systems , bending the racks out of shape and putting potentially damaging strain on 19-inch equipment and cabling . It ’ s definitely worth investing in 19-inch racks that are specified for the increased weight of higher density solutions . Of course , it ’ s advisable to check whether the supporting floor can cope before racks and cabinets are installed .
High density equipment requires more energy and , as a result , produces more heat . Make sure cabling doesn ’ t restrict airflow anywhere . In the event of a cooling failure , temperatures will rise rapidly . Using high density patch panels in combination with HD patch cables can help conserve valuable rack space and improve airflow . This supports consistent operating temperatures and thereby reduces the risk of downtime .
Modular extendable distribution systems
To accommodate current and future applications , infrastructure needs to be flexible , scalable and reliable and there ’ s a greater need for processing power and energy efficiency . When adopting a high density system , you can start off with small elements ( for example a single rack unit ) and grow as required ( for example all the way up to a 42U rack ). However , you need to take care to ensure full functional compatibility within the growing management system .
Summary
Today ’ s vast growth in the amount of data which needs to be stored and managed calls for the largest port density in the smallest possible space . Boosting capacity requires more than simply adding racks and servers .
High density systems can be grouped closer together in less physical space than more traditional systems . As a result , more high density cabinets can be added , thereby boosting capacity . Consolidating all of a point of presence ’ s servers into a single rack space also frees up space for switches and routers . A high density solution should offer a lower cost per port than existing platforms , and provide a flexible upgrade path for many years to come . After all : the network backbone can ’ t simply be replaced every few years .
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