Are you Ready for 40G and 100G?

Transcription

1 White Paper Are you Ready for 40G and 100G? 12- vs. 24-fiber MTP cabling for higher-speed Ethernet Gary Bernstein, RCDD Director of Product Management Fiber and Data Center Leviton Network Solutions

2 Abstract East Africa is host to the extraordinary Great Migration. Every year, millions of creatures zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, and many others travel 1,800 miles and must overcome numerous threats to survive. Data centers regularly undertake their own great migration, to ever higher speed networks. Applications from development software and ERP systems to consumer content, medical and academic records, and a host of others are continously driving demand for greater bandwidth, and the network must keep pace. 10G, unimaginable a decade ago, is now common in larger enterprises. Several 40G core, edge, and top of rack (ToR) switches are on the market today, including equipment from Force10, Cisco, Arista, Extreme Networks, Hitachi, and BLADE Network Technologies (now IBM System Networking). Cisco, Alcatel-Lucent, Brocade, and Juniper Networks have introduced 100G equipment as well. By 2015, higher-speed Ethernet will have about a 25% share of network equipment ports, according to Infonetics Research. The need is clear: a 40/100G Ethernet migration plan is quickly becoming a matter of survival. Figure 1 Projected Share of Network Ports G/10G/40G/100G Networking Ports Biannual Market Size and Forecasts Infonetics Research, April 2011 Is your network cabling optimized for this inevitable growth? Create a simple, cost-effective migration path by installing a structured cabling system that can support your future 40/100G networking needs. An ideal system will include the following: One simple, modular connectivity solution for legacy 1G and 10G applications that is also compliant to 40G and 100G One standardized connector theme able to support future high-bandwidth applications Preconnectorized components compliant to all current and anticipated industry standards This paper will provide a foundational understanding of laser optimized multimode (LOMM) 40/100G structured cabling, introduce a flexible 40/100G migration solution that delivers all of the features and benefits noted above, and discuss the pros and cons of 12- vs. 24-fiber *MPO/MTP cabling. * = MTP is a high-performance MPO connector manufactured and trademarked by US Conec, Ltd. Leviton uses MTP connectors exclusively; throughout this paper we use the term MTP to refer to all MPO/MTP interfaces and connectors. 2

3 Understanding 40/100G Planning for migration to higher-speed Ethernet can feel daunting. The standards for 40G and 100G are significantly different from previous generations; active equipment and how information is transmitted are unique. Even polarity takes on a new importance. The following sections explain these differences and will help you understand the options for 40/100G migration. IEEE and TIA Standards Structured cabling systems design is always guided first by standards. IEEE creates the standards that define performance parameters, while TIA writes those that define how to apply the parameters to structured cabling systems. Familiarity with these standards will help you design your data center infrastructure to better support network upgrades. IEEE 802.3ba 40Gb/s and 100Gb/s Ethernet is the only current standard that addresses the physical layer cabling and connector media maximums for 40/100G fiber channel requirements (the standard does not address copper UTP/SCTP categories). IEEE 802.3ae 10Gb/S Ethernet covers the fiber protocols for 10G transmission. Fiber Type Max Distance Max Channel Insertion Loss Max Channel Connector Insertion Loss 10G OM3 300 m 2.6 db 1.5 db 10G OM4 550 m 2.6 db 1.5 db 40/100G OM3 100 m 1.9 db 1.5 db 40/100G OM4 150 m 1.5 db 1.0 db Figure 2 IEEE 850 nm OM3 and OM4 Ethernet Performance Specifications Note the tighter link-loss parameters with 40/100G. To achieve proper performance throughout the channel, each system component must meet lower loss limits as well. TIA-942 Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Data Centers establishes design criteria including site space and layout, cabling infrastructure, tiered reliability, and environmental considerations. The standard recommends using the highest capacity media available to maximize infrastructure lifespan. 10G equipment is the most frequently installed today, but as noted in the Infonetics Research forecast, 40G and 100G Ethernet will soon grow to become common networking speeds. Now, let s discuss the structured cabling requirements needed to support 40/100G applications. 3

4 Active Equipment Interfaces Fiber connectivity in higher-speed active equipment is being condensed and simplified with plug-and-play, hot-swap transceiver miniaturization. 1G and 10G networks commonly utilize the GBIC (Gigabit interface converter). For 8G Fibre Channel SAN and OTU2, as well as some 10G, the transceiver is the SFP+ (small form-factor pluggable plus). Interfaces for 40G and 100G active equipment include QSFP (quad small form-factor pluggable), CFP and CXP (100G form-factor pluggable). MPO/MTP is the designated interface for multimode 40/100G, and it s backward compatible with legacy 1G/10G applications as well. Its small, high-density form factor is ideal with higher-speed Ethernet equipment. Parallel Optics LOMM 40G and 100G Ethernet employ parallel optics. Data is transmitted and received simultaneously on MTP interfaces through 10G simplex transmission over each individual strand of the array cable. Current IEEE channel/lane assignments for active equipment interfaces determine the transmission methodology. Lane Assignments Tx Tx Tx Tx Rx Rx Rx Rx Figure 3 40G 12-fiber MTP connector Pins are for Transmit (Tx), and are for Receive (Rx). Pins are not used. Tx Tx Tx Tx Tx Tx Tx Tx Tx Tx Rx Rx Rx Rx Rx Rx Rx Rx Rx Rx Figure 4 100G 2x12-fiber MTP connectors Pins 2-11 on first connector are for Transmit (Tx), and pins 2-11 on the second connector are for Receive (Rx). Pins 1 and 12 are not used. Rx Rx Rx Rx Rx Rx Rx Rx Rx Rx Tx Tx Tx Tx Tx Tx Tx Tx Tx Tx Figure 5 100G 24-fiber MTP connector * IEEE recommended option * Pins are for Transmit (Tx), and pins 2-11 are for Receive (Rx). Pins 1, 12, 13, and 24 are not used. 4

5 Polarity TIA-568-C.0 Generic Telecommunications Cabling for Customer Premises includes three MTP array cable polarity methods A, B, and C. In addition, TIA will soon be releasing two new addenda TIA-568-C.0-2 and TIA-568-C.3-1 to specifically address the polarity and cabling requirements needed to support 40G and 100G applications. As the market moves toward 40G and 100G networking speeds, polarity will become more and more important. With multiple channels within a single connector, all components must be manufactured with the same polarity; differences cannot be reconciled by flipping or switching connector position in the field. Many end users prefer Method B, as it has the same straight-through MTP array cord on both ends of the channel, which greatly simplifies upgrades. With this background of the higher-speed Ethernet landscape, we ll now introduce the structured cabling system that provides the simplest, most cost-effective migration path to 40G and 100G networks. 5

6 The Opt-X Unity 40/100G MTP System 12- vs. 24-Fiber Cabling Infrastructure Opt-X Unity is a modular LOMM MTP system that supports 1G, 10G, 40G, and 100G fiber optic networks. Components include trunks, harnesses, array cords, modules, and adapter plates. Polarity methods A, B, and C are available; standard is method B. The system includes configurations for 1G to 100G networks over 12- or 24-fiber MTP cabling. Opt-X Unity offers exceptional performance and quality whether you run your network over 12- or 24-fiber trunks. However, an understanding of the differences between the two schemes will help you optimize your cabling plant with your next upgrade. The sections below present migration, density, congestion, and cost comparisons between 12- and 24-fiber Opt-X Unity systems. Migration Following are graphics showing the basic Opt-X Unity 12- and 24-Fiber System configurations for 1G-100G networks. With the 40G 12-fiber legacy configurations, a second trunk and another set of array harnesses will be needed to achieve 100% fiber utilization. For 100G, these additional components will be required for any 12-fiber legacy configuration. On the other hand, with 24-fiber trunks, a single cable can support a 1G-100G channel and will simplify network upgrades immensely. 1G and 10G networks will link the trunks to active equipment with MTP-LC modules and LC duplex patch cords. When equipment is upgraded, modules and patch cords are exchanged for the appropriate new MTP components, with no need to install new trunks. In addition, limiting changes reduces the inherent risks to network security and integrity whenever MAC work is completed. Spotlight MTP Cable Assembly Boot Colors All MTP connectors look alike, and there is no TIA standard yet for differentiating them. To make identification easier, Leviton has pioneered a boot color-coding system. 8-fiber MTP connectors have a grey boot, 12-fiber boots are black, and 24-fiber boots are red. 6

7 Opt-X Unity 12-fiber MTP Legacy Configurations (x 6) (x 6) LC Duplex Patch Cord 12-fiber MTP-LC Module 1x12-fiber MTP Trunk Cable 12-fiber MTP-LC Module LC Duplex Patch Cord Figure 6 1/10G Channel 12-Fiber Legacy Configuration Option A (x3) (x3) 8-Fiber MTP Array Cord 2x12-fiber to 3x8-fiber MTP Module 2 x 1x12-fiber MTP Trunk Cables 2x12-fiber to 3x8-fiber MTP Module 8-fiber MTP Array Cord Option B 2x12-fiber to 3x8-fiber MTP Harness MTP Adapter Plate 2 x 1x12-fiber MTP Trunk Cables MTP Adapter Plate 2x12-fiber to 3x8-fiber MTP Harness Figure 7 40G Channel 12-Fiber Legacy Configurations 2x12-fiber to 1x24-fiber MTP Harness MTP Adapter Plate 2 x 1x12-fiber MTP MTP Adapter Plate 2x12-fiber Trunk Cables to 1x24-fiber MTP Harness Figure 8 100G Channel 12-Fiber Legacy Configuration 7

8 Opt-X Unity 24-fiber MTP Configurations (x12) (x12) LC Duplex Patch Cord 24-fiber MTP-LC Module 1x24-fiber MTP Trunk Cable 24-fiber MTP-LC Module LC Duplex Patch Cord Figure 9 1/10G Channel 24-Fiber Configuration Option A (x3) (x3) 8-Fiber MTP Array Cord 24-fiber MTP to 3x8-fiber MTP Module 1x24-fiber MTP Trunk Cable 24-fiber MTP to 3x8-fiber MTP Module 8-Fiber MTP Array Cord Option B 1x24-fiber to 3x8-fiber MTP Array Harness MTP Adapter Plate 1x24-fiber MTP Trunk Cable MTP Adapter Plate 1x24-fiber to 3x8-fiber MTP Array Harness Figure 10 40G Channel 24-Fiber Configurations 1x24-fiber MTP Array Cord MTP Adapter Plate 1x24-fiber MTP MTP Adapter Plate 1x24-fiber MTP Trunk Cable Array Cord Figure G Channel 24-Fiber Configuration 8

9 Density Higher density connectivity in the enclosure leaves more rack space for active equipment, reducing the total amount of floor space required. 24-fiber cabling has the obvious advantage. If the active equipment is configured for 24-fiber channel/lane assignments, enclosures can have twice as many connections with the same number of ports compared to 12-fiber (or the same number of connections using only half the ports). Leviton also offers a patent-pending 24-fiber 40G MTP wiring scheme that delivers true 100% fiber utilization no dark fibers or empty pins. With this configuration, density is doubled at the adapter plate/enclosure side as compared to 12-fiber 40G wiring schemes. Rack Units Enclosure Model Max # of Opt-X Plates/Modules Max 10G LC Channels Max 40G MTP Channels Max 100G MTP Channels* 1RU Opt-X Ultra Opt-X 1000i RU Opt-X Ultra Opt-X 1000i RU Opt-X Ultra Opt-X 1000i RU Opt-X Ultra Opt-X 1000i * = Requires minimum 48-fiber trunk cables Figure 12 Opt-X Unity System 24-fiber Cabling Enclosure Density Congestion The flip side of density is congestion. The more connectivity you are able to run in the same footprint, the more crowded it can become at the rack or cabinet. Here again, 24-fiber MTP trunks offer a huge benefit. Anywhere there s fiber, from within the enclosures to cable runs that connect different areas of the network, you ll have just half the number of cables versus 12-fiber. Runs carry a lighter load, fibers are easier to manage, and improved airflow reduces cooling costs. 9

10 Cost 12-fiber configurations may allow you to continue to use existing trunks when upgrading your equipment (if you already have 12-fiber MTP -MTP trunks), but will likely require additional trunks, more connectivity components, and other network modifications. In the long run, it s much more expensive to retain these trunks than to upgrade to 24-fiber up front. The following figures present 12- vs. 24-fiber end user cost comparisons for a 48-fiber 10G network, 40G upgrade, and 100G upgrade (components only). 12-fiber MTP Cabling 24-fiber MTP Cabling Required Components Cost (in $) Required Components Cost (in $) 4 x 12F OM3 MTP-MTP 100 ft. trunks $2,000 2 x 24F OM3 MTP-MTP 100 ft. trunks $2,000 8 x 12F MTP-LC modules $2,700 4 x 24F MTP-LC modules $2, x LC-LC patch cords $2, x LC-LC patch cords $2,200 Total cost for 24 channels $6,900 Total cost for 24 channels $6,800 Cost per channel $287 Cost per channel $283 Figure 13 10G Cabling Infrastructure Cost 12-fiber MTP Cabling 24-fiber MTP Cabling Required Components Cost (in $) Required Components Cost (in $) 4 x 2x12F MTP-MTP modules $1,800 4 x 24F MTP-MTP modules $1, x 12F MTP array cords $2, x 8F MTP array cords $2,000 Total cost for 6 channels $4,050 Total cost for 6 channels $3,650 Cost per channel $675 Cost per channel $608 Figure 14 40G Upgrade Cabling Infrastructure Cost Array cord configuration - Option A in Figures 7 and fiber MTP Cabling 24-fiber MTP Cabling Required Components Cost (in $) Required Components Cost (in $) 2 x MTP adapter plates $100 2 x MTP adapter plates $100 4 x 2x12F-24F MTP array harnesses $1,600 4 x 24F MTP array cords $1,200 Total cost for 2 channels $1,700 Total cost for 2 channels $1,300 Cost per channel $850 Cost per channel $650 Figure G Upgrade Cabling Infrastructure Cost 10

11 As you can see, the migration cost savings with 24-fiber trunks increase as you move to higher networking speeds. For the 10G network, cost is almost equal, but 24-fiber trunks reduce end user costs about 10% for a 40G upgrade, and almost 25% for a 100G upgrade. Factor in the labor costs of installing additional trunks and other components with 12-fiber, and the difference is even greater. Conclusion Being prepared for 40/100G is essential: Within a few short years higher-speed Ethernet will be common in data centers across all types of organizations. Install the Opt-X Unity 24-fiber MTP System, the industry s only 24-fiber 40/100G system, and realize several benefits when it s time to upgrade your network: Fewer connectivity components to be replaced or added simplifies migration and reduces costs for both components and installation Higher density connectivity leaves more rack space for active equipment Fewer trunks reduce cable congestion throughout the DC In short, the Opt-X Unity 24-fiber MTP System will future-proof your network, lower your cost of ownership, and maximize your return on investment. 11

12 Addendum Opt-X Unity System Quality & Performance Opt-X Unity system components are manufactured at Leviton's dedicated fiber manufacturing facility, including termination, cleaving, and polishing. Rigorous testing ensures compliance with all relevant IEEE, TIA, and other standards. Below are Leviton guaranteed maximum insertion loss (IL) levels. Connector Mated Pairs MAX IL Duplex LC fiber Premium MTP 0.50 Modules/Harnesses MAX IL MTP-LC 0.75 Figure A1 24-fiber Pre-terminated Component Insertion Loss Performance (db) Leviton uses interferometer imaging to measure and confirm that all MTP connectors meet mechanical and end face geometry requirements. Below are examples of actual results. Figure A2 End Face View of 24F MTP Connector Measures flatness of polish Figure A3 3D View of 24F MTP Connector Verifies proper fiber protrusion Leviton participated in the September 2010 Ethernet Alliance Higher Speed Ethernet Plugfest. The Opt-X Unity System was tested in 40GBASE-SR4 and 100GBASE-SR10 OM3 channels against multiple types of active equipment and found to be fully interoperable. Test data is available in the Data Center Bridging Plugfest PDF online at 12

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