Cabling Best Practices Using Fast Channel TM Switch Connect. Marc Dunham, Methode - Data Solutions

Transcription

1 Cabling Best Practices Using Fast Channel TM Switch Connect Marc Dunham, Methode - Data Solutions

2 ABSTRACT With the continued growth of port count density in data center hardware, end users are presented with the challenge of building out their cabling infrastructure in a manner that follows best practices. Specifically, an infrastructure that is efficient to deploy, user friendly and addresses the ever increasing transport speed or data transmission (i.e. 100G). INTRODUCTION. While most data centers have adopted the TIA 942-Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Data Centers (at some level), with the port count density continuing to increase and the advent of 40G and 100G channel requirements, it is more important than ever to deploy a structured cabling solution that is scalable and easy to manage. To accommodate the variety of hardware solutions on the market, it is important to have several solutions available to address diverse designs, port layouts and port densities, while maintaining a consistent structured cabling foundation. The most simple and efficient way to meet these cabling challenges is with a well defined proven modular plug and play solution. Taking it a step further, adding a hardware specific kitted, pre-configured design that offers the best possible solution for a high performance adaptable infrastructure. 2

3 Figure 1 Example: Structured Cabling Solution Using MTP to LC Methode s FAST CHANNEL TM SWITCH CONNECT (FCSC) was developed in concert with hardware manufacturers, solution integrators and end users to provide a solution that meets these parameters. The key components unique to FCSC include: the preconfigured multi-port harness kit (customized for the industry switch being implemented), the 2 RU Conversion Patch Panel and the fiber trunk. Service and Installation. Why they are key. While the initial installation of structured cabling at the switch is critical to current and future performance of the system, it is just as important to take into consideration future move-add-change (MAC) activity. A key component to any structured cabling solution is a patch panel that mirrors the hardware and is directly connected to the hardware via the kitted solution. Once the hardware is cabled to the back of the mirror panel, all MAC work takes place at the panel instead of the switch. All port connections routed out to the zones from this point are handled easily with jumpers. The advantages for cabling this way include the ability to: Eliminate potential damage to optics at the switch Mitigate risk to adjacent connectors Add physical traceability in the event of an outage 3

4 Provide a cleaner more organized solution, which facilitates less downtime and risk during the maintenance window (MAC activity) Simplify expansion and system modifications FAST CHANNEL SWITCH CONNECT provides the end user a highly reliable modular plug and play solution that is quick and easy to install when the system is new. And even easier to modify when adding blades to an existing system, ensuring zero negative impact on the infrastructure. A typical 48 port blade can be cabled from the face of the switch to the back of the Conversion Patch panel in 15 minutes or less, whether it is the first blade or an add-on. FAST CHANNEL SWITCH CONNECT was designed for: Rapid installation (significant reduction per blade) - Harness kits pre-configured for length, stagger and port count specific to your hardware - Comprehensive labeling to ensure the correct connector is plugged to the right port Scalability - Modular design facilitates the addition or removal of hardware components with little or no impact to adjacent components - Upgrades can be accomplished with minimal interruption to the system - Proper design and installation facilitates migration to higher speeds (40G/100G), with effective use of existing backbone infrastructure Made-to-order Harness Coupler Plate 2 RU Conversion Patch Panel 4

5 Functionality. Why a clean look is more than aesthetics. While most would agree that a clean look is preferred, it is more than just aesthetics. A well-designed, properly installed cabling infrastructure will: 1. Prevent airflow issues - Excess cable slack is minimized or eliminated, as shown in the example below - General cable bulk is reduced. In some cases by more than 50% - Cables are routed away from airflow pathways, allowing for usage of smaller diameter trunk cables Eliminate unruly and disorganized cabling with Fast Channel Switch Connect 2. Reduce risk to hardware and cabling during MAC activity - Cabling for new blades is not dependent on existing cabling - Cabling for an existing blade can be removed without disturbing adjacent cabling - Defective hardware can be exchanged without disturbing adjacent cabling 3. Simplify Moves, Adds, Changes, including trouble shooting - With plug and play components, FCSC provides a consistent process for MAC procedures - The signal path is clearer and easier to follow To see Fast Channel Switch Connect in action, view the video at: 5

6 SUMMARY. FAST CHANNEL SWITCH CONNECT (FCSC) solution was designed with input from hardware manufacturers, professional services providers and end users. The building blocks of the system include: Simplified product selection - Harness kits designed and built specifically for each hardware type Rapid installation - Individual blades can be cabled to back ports quickly Superior performance - Pre-configured assemblies, built in state-of-the-art factory settings, utilize only quality components to ensure peak performance Maintenance Ease (MACs) - Non-intrusive change of modular components is easy - Clearly labeled components help reduce error Solution flexibility - Supports multiple carrier class switches / directors, including: Brocade DCX 8510 Backbone Brocade VDX Cisco MDS Cisco Nexus Juniper Networks QFX Arista 7500 For more information on Fast Channel Switch Connect, call today! 6

7 About Methode Electronics - Data Solutions Methode Electronics Data Solutions Group is a global developer of custom engineered and application-specific Data Center products and solutions. We leverage our experience in automotive design and product development to deliver data center solutions that carefully manage risk. Our product portfolio includes everything from integrated cabinet solutions to Standard and Intelligent PDUs, including customizable physical layer infrastructure. Our newest product offering is a maintenance free, in-rack lithium-ion UPS. Ideal for customers witnessing frequent power outages. Methode - Data Solutions 1111 Digital Drive, Suite 150 Richardson, TX Tel: From an industry perspective, we support the telecommunications, data communications and data center industries for clients in the US, Europe and Asia. And we pride ourselves in being a leading data center innovator, delivering exceptional quality with every order at a reduced cost point. Our customers demand it We deliver! 2016 Methode Electronics, Data Solutions. All rights reserved. 6