Introduction to Data Centres
Data Centres are at the core of Corporate and Internet businesses and are foundation blocks of the world economy.
Data Centres range in size from small rooms in SME businesses supporting their own operations to purpose built campuses of hangar size buildings with split halls supporting the WWW and global corporations. The facilities themselves are secure, robust and reliable to provide a stable environment for the equipment and to minimise downtime. Government, Industry or the public at large may own the information. Whoever the owner there are common demands, such as instant access to current and accurate data 24/7, on demand and without disruption, 365 days a year. Data Centres essentially reliably store data and applications for remote access by users. The increasing volumes of data held, and growth in demand to access the data, requires that Data Centres have a scaleable and flexible IT infrastructure that uses high speed access technologies.
The complex issues impacting Data Centre operational efficiency must be addressed in all aspects of Data Centre design to ensure optimum performance and improved return on investment. Ultimate service reliability is essential as downtime costs money, and new technologies must be embraced to maximise network performance, availability and business continuity.
The reliable operation of the Data Centre is second only to the security and integrity of the information held and processed there. The availability, or ‘uptime’, of the Data Centre is assured by the performance and quality of all of its critical parts, not least of which is the cabling infrastructure.
The IT cabling infrastructure in the Data Centre provides: a transportation path for the reliable transmission of data, flexibility to support the churn experienced with MACs (Moves, Adds and Changes) and future proofing to allow simple upgrades to the next transmission technology as and when required.
In the Data Centre environment a well designed cabling system provides a reliable foundation for the IT network, improves the operational efficiency of the facility and future proofs for change and growth. Cabling systems can provide the facility stakeholders with a competitive advantage to support their business.
Brand-Rex have developed a set of solutions ideally suited to the demands of the Data Centre environment that meet the challenges of providing reliability, scalability and future proofing with space efficiency. This guide introduces the set.
The IT cabling infrastructure must be reliable, scalable and future proof.
Reliability
Data Centre downtime can cost upwards of £3 million per hour (source: Data Centre Institute). The reliability of a facility is a key measure, operations must always be available and services should be uninterruptable. The Uptime Institute 4 tier system classifies Data Centres in terms of resilience, key elements of the system are shown in Table 1.
The tiering of the Data centre influences the cabling infrastructure design provided. A Tier IV installation requires IT cabling to be dual, diverse routed to support the availability target. The components employed in the cabling system must be designed to perform over their installed life and meet the rigours of the environment, this not only requires assured component reliability but also intelligent cable management and secure routing and management at distributors and equipment outlets.
Scalability
In the constantly evolving and changing environment of the Data Centre, the infrastructure needs to offer flexibility and scalability. Modularity helps through all stages of the Data Centre life. Modular components offer advantages during initial build and live operations by assisting the installation through use of common parts, providing a platform for the logical addition to or expansion of existing plant and by simplifying operational moves, adds and changes (MACs).
Future Proofing
The Data Centre sector is generally an early adopter of the next high speed transmission line technology. Gigabit Ethernet, 10G Ethernet speeds have been quickly introduced (the latter application requiring optical or ClassEA performance cabling). The next Higher Speed Ethernet technologies are now emerging at 40G and 100G speeds, and the uptake is expected to be swift. This drive for higher speed requires that the latest emerging technologies are understood and the product roadmaps support them, the IT cabling infrastructure must be installed with a view to todays and tomorrows technologies, future proofing is key to allow new equipments to be substituted into the newtork without replacing the cabling infrastructure.
Space Efficiency
Space in the Data Centre for housing processing and storage equipment is at a premium, technology advances such as lower power processors, blade servers and virtualisation are improving space utilisation, but the growth in demand for data storage space is unabated. Efficient use of space taken by the cabling infrastructure is essential in the Data Centre. High density patching is required at distributors to maximise rack space for active equipment and cable pathways are designed not only to accommodate the interconnection cabling but also to minimise adverse effects on cooling air flows when installed underfloor.
D ATA C E n T R E C A B l I n G , I n T E R n AT I o n A l S TA n D A R D S & A p p l I C AT I o n S
IEC, CENELEC and TIA have all published standards for cabling in the Data Centre. These are, currently:
• ISO/IEC 24764:2010 • EN 50173-5:2007 • TIA 942:2005
The CEnElEC and TIA standard are being amended to align with the IEC document in recommending that ClassEA and oM3 performance cabling should be chosen as the minimum cabling performance level in the Data Centre. The ClassEA performance level for copper cabling is recommended because it is expected that cabling systems installed today will be required to provide transmission paths for 10GBASE-T technology. The oM3 performance level is similarly recommended on the basis of best choice for transmission of 10GbE and high speed Fibre channel technologies.
The TIA standard includes more comprehensive recommendations for the facility itself and provides advice on Architectural, Mechanical and Electrical aspects of the infrastructure of the building and expands upon the Uptime Institutes Tier system.
In applications developments the IEEE has standardised 1G and 10G technologies on optical Fibre and Copper media and defined the performance levels required to support transmissions. More recently, in June 2010, the IEEE published its latest standard, from the 802.3ba study group, and introduced 40G and 100G High Speed Ethernet. This standard included 8 new physical solutions:
Supporting a MAC data rate of 40G: • 40GBASE - LR4 for at least 10km on SMF • 40GBASE - SR4 for at least 100m on OM3* • 40GBASE - CR4 for at least 7m on a cable assembly • 40GBASE - KR4 for at least 1m over a backplane Supporting a MAC data rate of 100G:
• 100GBASE - ER4 for at least 40km on SMF • 100GBASE - LR4 for at least 10km on SMF • 100GBASE - SR10 for at least 100m on OM3* • 100GBASE - CR10 for at least 7m on a cable assembly
* will run up to 150m on OM4 cabling
The 40G and 100G multimode solutions use parallel optics employing Mpo style connectivity at the equipment interface. parallel optics is new for Ethernet technology and will be new to most Data Centre installations.
This multiplicity of applications technologies and cabling media to support the applications is a topic that deserves attention and requires careful consideration in planning a Data Centre cabling infrastructure. For more information on choosing the cabling media required to future proof cabling installations please contact Brand-Rex.
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Classification Tier I Tier II Tier III Tier IV
Site Infrastructure Basic Redundant components Concurrently maintainable Fault tolerant
IT infrastructure Single distribution path Single distribution path with standby components
Dual routed distribution paths, one active and one on standby
Dual routed distribution paths, simultaneously active
Components supporting
IT load n (need) n+1 n+1 nAfter any failure
Availability 99.67% 99.75% 99.98% 99.99%
D ATA C E n T R E C A B l I n G S o l U T I o n S - C o p p E R S Y S T E M S
The Brand-Rex range of Data Centre solutions is engineered
to provide the ideal cabling solution for the Data Centre environment. The extensive range includes high performance copper cabling systems, a unique air blown fibre system and an intelligent
infrastructure management solution to meet the demands of today’s Data Centre.
our high density solutions are used extensively in Data Centres around the world and are continually undergoing development to ensure we continue to offer the most innovative Data Centre specific solutions available on the market today.
Copper Data Centre Systems
10GPlus
A range of premium Class EA performance level shielded and UTp structured cabling products designed to transmit 10GBASE-T technologies.
Cat6Plus
A wide range of Category 6 performance structured cable products which support all Class E applications.
SmartPatch
An industry leading intelligent infrastructure management system designed to monitor and manage physical networks connections.
10GPlus Cabling
Class EA performance 10Gplus High performance cabling is recommended for use in the Data Centre environment. Brand-Rex offers a full range of shielded and UTp Class cabling designed to support 10GBASE-T. If the Data Centre is located in an electro-magnetically noisy environment shielded cabling systems should be considered to provide higher protection against electro-magnetic interference. High Density Cabling System
Compact footprint and increased density - 864 ports in a 900x500 footprint with an open construction for ease of cross patching and reduced installation time. Its professional and flexible configuration offers enhanced thermal management. It provides unique working and cabling accessibility to totally transform cabinet installation layouts, onsite installation and on-going system management.
Cat6Plus 1/2 Unit Patch Panel
Double density patch panel offering 48 ports in 1U within a logical and quick installation. It works with Standard termination methods but reduces the height & depth required within the rack. Results in improved thermal management by reducing airflow blockage.
10GPlus Zone Cable
Ultimate space saving. A reduced diameter overcomes containment issues. By saving pathway space in trays & cabinets. The cable offers 30% cable weight saving and 50% space saving over equivalent horizontal cables. Its construction allows for a more flexible and easier installation while also providing excellent basic transmission parameters.
Open Entry Rack (OER)
Designed to be arranged in stand-alone or in multiple configurations. An ideal solution for the main distribution area, the oER offers a simple, modular and easy-to-install system featuring smart, effective cable management options and built-in flexibility to cope with copper or optical cabling. Reconfigurations and modifications to the oER system can easily be incorporated after the system is installed, which makes the oER a great choice for cable management needs now, and in the future.
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High Density ‘V12’ Angled Patch Panel The panel offers optimal patching manageability by facilitating cord routing directly into the rack vertical side management, rendering horizontal cable managers redundant. The resultant increased rack density saves valuable space but also offers a panel that eases bending stresses on the cord while maximizing performance.
10GPlus Shielded Tool-Free Jack
Flexible and quick to terminate, the high performance, Category 6A, shielded jack offers an industry leading electrical performance providing exceptional levels of headroom. The smallest Category 6A shielded jack available on the market today, this innovative tool-free technology incorporates a unique stuffer cap – for fast, intuitive and easy termination.
Next Generation 10GPlus Patch Cords
Brand-Rex patch cords provide optimum and consistent performance. Designed to have a repeatable, controlled and consistent assembly. The unique design of wire management block ensure optimum performance. low profile boots have a flexible and robust construction but also allow for higher density blade connectivity.
Distribution Equipment Rack (DER)
Modular and flexible solution that can be configured as an open frame or as a closed cabinet. The cabinet design enables faster, structured and more user-friendly cable installations compared with conventional cabinets. Users have maximum working access, meaning installation is much easier to maintain. Easy access to equipment and patch panels not only reduces the occurrence of messy, haphazard cabling arrangements but also greatly reducing installation time.
D ATA C E n T R E C A B l I n G S o l U T I o n S - o p T I C A l F I B R E S Y S T E M S
The Brand-Rex range of Data Centre solutions is engineered to provide the ideal cabling solution for the Data Centre environment. The extensive range includes high performance fibre cabling systems, a unique air blown fibre system and an intelligent infrastructure management solution to meet the demands of today’s Data Centre. our high density solutions are used extensively in Data Centres around the world and are continually undergoing development to ensure we continue to offer the most innovative Data Centre specific solutions available on the market today.
Optical Fibre Data Centre Systems
FibrePlus
An extensive range of optical Fibre cables and connectivity designed to support the requirements of the lAn market.
Blolite & MicroBlo
A future proof Air Blown Fibre and cable systems uniquely designed for the lAn environment with the ability to blow fibre through tortuous routes.
MT Connect
An Mpo ferrule technology, parallel optics, multimode and singlemode fibre solution set. A pre-terminated solution designed for quick installation, change and repair to support modular builds ideal for duplex fibre technology and ready for parallel optics new technologies.
SmartPatch
An industry leading intelligent infrastructure management system designed to monitor and manage physical networks connections.
MT CONNECT
High Density Fibre Management System An innovative fibre management system offering the ultimate cross-connect solution for management of fibre in the Data Centre. It provides increased density of 912 duplex adapter ports in a 900 x 500 footprint. The cabinets open frame structure allows for increased access and usability while maintaining a secure, bend controlled system throughout. This is a leading system, designed with an emphasis on minimisation of on-site installation times, accessibility to cabling and modularity to enhance its flexibility during operation.
Open Entry Rack (OER)
Designed to be arranged in stand-alone or in multiple configurations. An ideal solution for the main distribution area, the oER offers a simple, modular and easy-to-install system featuring smart, effective cable management options and built-in flexibility to cope with copper or optical cabling. Reconfigurations and modifications to the oER system can easily be incorporated after the system is installed, which makes the oER a great choice for cable management needs now, and in the future.
Distribution Equipment Rack (DER)
Modular and flexible solution that can be configured as an open frame or as a closed cabinet. The cabinet design enables faster, structured and more user-friendly cable installations compared with conventional cabinets.Users have maximum working access, meaning installation is much easier to maintain. Easy access to equipment and patch panels, not only reduces the occurrence of messy, haphazard cabling arrangements but also greatly reducing installation time.
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Air Blown Fibre & Cable
Blolite and MicroBlo point to point Air Blown Fibre and Cable systems offer a versatile and future proof fibre installation solution. Suitable for Data Centre applications the systems provide the ability to change your infrastructure as demand on your data centre dictates.
High Density Fibre Patch Panels
Revolutionary panel provides a robust secure construction while offering fully integrated and flexible fibre management. The 1U 48 port panel facilitates cord routing directly into the rack vertical side management, thus increasing rack density and easing undue stresses on the cords. It is designed to pivot and hinge providing the control and security of a fixed panel but also allowing for increased access and usability.
Optical Fibre Backbone and Horizontal Cabling
High performance singlemode and multimode optical fibre cables, pre-connectorised Mpo based optical Fibre cabling system and micro - distribution optical cables.
Single-mode fibre cables available with oS1 and oS2 levels of performance and multimode oM3 and oM4 with high or very high laser optimized bandwidth. All are available in tight-buffered, multi-loose tube or central loose tube constructions for a wide range of applications and are compliant with the latest standards.
MT Connect Pre-Terminated System
A simple intuitive plug and play installation MT Connect is a high
performance, pre-terminated, modular, optical fibre cabling system based on MT ferrule connector technology. Ideal for Data Centres where multiple, point to point, fibre connections between distribution racks and equipment racks can be quickly and efficiently installed, maintained and changed as required.
Robust and Reliable Patch Cords, Pigtails and Connectors
Comprehensive range including high quality and reliable singlemode and multimode connectors offering lower optical insertion loss than standard products. Extensive range of pigtails and patch cords offering a reliable and robust industry leading performance.
I n T E l l I G E n T I n F R A S T R U C T U R E M A n A G E M E n T S o l U T I o n S
Smartpatch is the market leading IIMS solution from Brand-Rex. It’s compatible with both fibre and copper infrastructure and is the ideal solution for the Data Centre.
Smartpatch uses a combination of software and hardware to monitor and manage physical network connections. A topology of scanners and intelligent patch panels, send and receive connectivity updates into the Smartpatch for the Enterprise (Sp4E) software application, providing real-time data and automatically updated records that remove the need to rely on traditional off-line methods. To date, over 3 million ports worldwide are managed by this technology, equating to over half the market in terms of share by both volume and value.
Smartpatch benefits include:
• Real time infrastructure management • Improved troubleshooting and reduced MTTR • Optimisation of asset utilisation
• Automated provisioning capability
Within the Data Centre, IIMS solutions have been proven to reduce server service provisioning time by up to 80%, whilst simultaneously reducing the number of incidents caused by poorly executed change. If incidents do occur, for whatever reason, IIMS solutions can dramatically reduce mean time to repair (MTTR) by up to 45%. Smartpatch is available with a range of modules for integration with CAD, pBX, HpoV etc.
For further details please contact: [email protected]
Brand-Rex LAN Solutions
Brand-Rex offers one of the widest portfolio of lAn products in the marketplace and has been an established player in the market since lAn technology was introduced.
The Brand-Rex product sets today are leading technology solutions that are tailored to the needs of general office and the Data Centre environments. Brand-Rex continue to innovate and lead the industry by providing high quality, high performance solutions into the market which are built for ease of use, operational reliability and longevity.
The Brand-Rex 25 Year System Warranty
Brand-Rex provides the security of a 25-year system channel warranty to assure the reliability of installed structured wiring systems. The warranty applies to installations that have been carried out by approved Brand-Rex Channel partners that use 100% Brand-Rex products.
Brand-Rex has an established global network of resellers, distributors and installers to make the products available worldwide. The installers are trained to the highest standard, by Brand-Rex, to maintain a consistently high level of system performance worldwide.
Brand-Rex Pre & Post Sales Support
Brand-Rex offers support to customers in the design stages of programmes, all stages of the bid process and from product supply to installation and post installation audit. Brand-Rex boasts a team of highly experienced sales and engineering staff. Brand-Rex are a customer focused company who aim to provide ‘best in class’ service to all its customers...
BT Operate uses a bespoke space saving Brand-Rex solution for their new Data Centre program
“Like everyone else, the challenge we face is to minimise usage of space, so we are looking to virtualise all of our server estate and at the same time reduce the number of physical sites by vacating some premises. The Brand-Rex High Density solution will help us to do that because it enables us to get more cable into a smaller space without losing manageability. It’s a major plus for us, because we can use this extra space to deploy servers, for instance, and achieve a significant cost benefit.”
paul Woodward, lead Data Centre Specialist, BT operate. Why Brand-Rex for your Data Centre
Morrisons uses a Brand-Rex solution to future proof
“With continuing expansion, we were facing the same issues that many large organisations do in terms of driving Data Centre efficiencies –namely power, cooling and airflow. Certainly, we were keen to install 10GPlus Zone cable and once I received the specifications and saw how I could go about constructing a system on-site, I realised I could save a lot of space in server cabinets and under the floor. Most importantly, I could see how the Zone cabling would help improve airflow and therefore efficiencies and cost.” “This will help us tremendously with future projects,”
Darryl Shears, Data Centre Manager, Morrisons.
TelecityGroup uses a Brand-Rex solution to stay green and reduce onsite installation time
“Brand-Rex differentiated itself from the competition by designing a product for us that directly addressed the special connectivity needs of the Condorcet Data Centre in terms of rack size and weight,”
“Brand-Rex products are well designed, highly reliable and easy to install, this not only reduces our onsite turnaround times but gives our customers the additional benefit of reduced lead times.”
www.brand-rex.com [email protected]
The information contained in this document is valid and correct at the time of issue. However, we reserve the right to modify details without notice in the light of subsequent Standard / Specification changes and ongoing technical developments.
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