|
|
|
|
|
High Density: New 48-Port Patch Panels For Data Centers
Published May 5, 2011
|
Swiss cabling specialist R&M (www.rdm.com) is helping data centers to gain valuable space with a high-density patch panel. The new HD panel packs 48 RJ45 ports into a single compact unit in the 19’’ rack. That means less room is used up for cabling and a larger number of active components fit into the cabinet. The HD panel can be fitted with both unshielded and shielded copper cabling or also with fiber optic cabling. For copper connections, R&M recommends the current Cat. 6A module in the shielded and unshielded versions (Cat. 6A in accordance with ISO 11801). LC and MPO/MTP adapters are both suitable for fiber optic cabling. The HD panel therefore provides a foundation for building up modern high-performance data networks operated with 10 and 40/100 Gigabit Ethernet.
The patch panel incorporates several innovations. Among other accomplishments, R&M has designed a compact unit incorporating module holders, cable tie guide and strain relief. It can be installed without tools from the front in no time, thus reducing the assembly and maintenance work involved. Thanks to the effective strain relief, the cable lies in a straight line and cannot be twisted. This is an important prerequisite for stable signal transmission in copper cables. Additional protective plates in the module holder prevent crosstalk (ANEXT) between unshielded copper modules. "Measurement results show that we achieve an ANEXT reserve in the HD panel of an excellence previously unknown. The enormous density of unshielded copper connection modules requires especially effective protection against electromagnetic interference," explains Product Manager Regina Good-Engelhardt. This trend underscores R&M's superior expertise in shielding technology.
The HD panel is scalable. Users can start with a 24-port version and gradually retrofit it as needed. R&M carries the standard version of the steel patch panel complete with a rear cable tie shelf. The basic version is shortened at the rear, making it suitable for narrow racks and distributors installed in raised floors. There is an additional cover plate for the standard version to protect fiber optic cables. Shielded modules are automatically grounded in the course of installation. R&M recommends the use of pre-terminated cable bundles for the installation. All you have to do then is click the connection modules into place in the module holders.
As an aid to network administration, the HD panel has laser-engraved port numbers and sufficient space for individual labels. Colored dust caps and plug locks from the R&M security system can be used for marking ports and locking the patch cables. To facilitate access to the closely arranged rows of connectors, R&M has oriented the top and bottom rows of copper connections in opposite directions of insertion. For fiber optic adapters, the direction of insertion remains the same at top and bottom but access is nonetheless convenient. Explaining the goal of the new advance, Regina Good-Engelhardt said: "We want to enable a high density approach in the data center with the ultimate in flexibility and security and no restrictions on handling." R&M will release the HD panel to the market this month as an addition to its data center range.
Facts and figures:
Reichle & De-Massari AG (R&M) develops and manufactures passive cabling solutions for communication networks. With high-quality copper and fiber optic cable products, R&M has gained the reputation of a leader in quality. The company has established its own marketing organizations in 30 countries, grouped into seven sales regions. R&M achieves 71% of its sales abroad. Sales in 2010 totaled CHF 179.6 million; EBIT was 0.6 percent.
Every year the company invests 5% of sales in research and development. R&M is one of the 500 largest companies in Switzerland and currently has a workforce of around 600 employees. The company is wholly owned by the Reichle family and is now being run by the second generation as an independent family-owned company.
Posted by
VMD - [Virtual Marketing Department]
|
|
|
|
|
