Network Communications News (NCN) NCN-Sept2017 | Page 13

ON THE COVER
Since data centre projects continue to be deployed faster , more efficiently and at the best price possible , IT professionals are increasingly using pre-terminated / pre-connectorised fibre cable assemblies with factory-tested performance , for runs between the data centre and telecom rooms , switches , patch panels , servers , and zone distribution areas .
Besides saving precious installation time for cabling engineers , IT professionals , resellers , integrators and infrastructure contractors , pre-terminated fibre offers a number of advantages over field-terminated cabling . The main advantages include faster deployments , better transmission , guaranteed performance , improved flexibility / durability , easier project planning and reduced total cost of ownership .
# 1 : Faster deployments
Because pre-terminated fibre arrives ready-made , deployments are as easy as plug-and-play . Simply unpack the box , start the deployment , and install up to 80 % faster fibre connections . In order to help installation efforts and to prevent excess fibre pulling strain , pre-terminated fibre cabling can be produced with pulling eyes .
# 2 : Better transmissions
Factory terminations inherently provide better connections than those done in the field , which can easily introduce human error . Factory terminations are professionally polished and tested , significantly reducing link failures .
# 3 : Guaranteed performance
Producing high quality fibre requires thorough , detailed inspection and testing every step of the way . While every cable is unique , fibre termination demands strict adherence to controlled and documented procedures – every time . Fibre cable is manufactured within strict parameters from stripping the cable and curing the epoxy , to fitting and polishing the ferrules . In order to guarantee performance , factory
terminated fibre cable is put through a number of standard tests , like geometry tests , endface inspections and link-loss . When choosing a pre-terminated fibre manufacturer , make sure to look for one that has ISO 9001 certification ( base of CPR ) for procedures and processes .
# 4 : Improved reliability / uurability
Field terminations can be fraught with error . Depending on the field conditions and the level of expertise of the technicians , terminations can vary from connector to connector and from technician to technician . Then they may or may not pass field tests leading to costly and timeconsuming rework .
Factory-terminated connectors are polished to perfection providing better reliability , more durability , and a much longer service life than field-terminated connectors .
‘ Preterminated fibre frees up resources , reduces labour time , cost , and guarantees proven performance .’
# 5 : Easier project planning
There are a few ways preterminated fibre can help with the management of fibre deployments . First , in terms of planning , you have to know exactly what cable you need , when you ’ ll need it , and how many techs you ’ ll need for the installation . This also gives you better oversight on material and labour costs . You ’ ll also have fewer components to order and fewer vendors to deal with . You also eliminate the need to manage and schedule different contractors in terms of the deployment .
In addition , pre-terminated fibre gives you the ability to adapt to network changes quickly with a minimum of downtime .
# 6 : Reduced total cost of ownership ( TCO )
Because pre-terminated fibre frees up resources , reduces labour time , cost , and guarantees proven performance , it offers IT professionals a better ROI than field termination fibre . Black Box did a study on various fibre termination scenarios comparing the estimated cost of on-site terminations versus field terminations . The result was that pre-terminated fibre can save up to 50 % in total costs over a doit-yourself cabling installation . Costs varied depending on whether epoxy or pre-polished connectors or fibre pigtails were used and the level of skill needed to terminate the fibre .
For further information visit : www . black-box . eu / Pre _ Terminated _ Fibre
September 2017 | 13