Corning EDGE8 fiber optic cables target data centers

Corning Inc. (NYSE: GLW) has introduced the EDGE8 line of fiber optic cables for data centers and storage area networks (SANs). The modular fiber cable system features an eight-fiber (Base-8) design that maximizes per-rack-unit density, Corning asserts.

The Base-8 design provides several benefits, Corning says. For example, the eight-fiber configuration matches well with Base-8 Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable (QSFP) optical transceivers to enable 100% fiber use, 1:1 port mapping, and up to 50% less link attenuation by obviating the need for conversion modules. It also provides a ready path to data rates up to 400 Gbps, Corning adds.

The cabling system uses eight-fiber MTP fiber-optic connectors. EDGE8 also features pinned MTP trunks that enable simple patch cable deployment and optimized harness mapping. The EDGE8 modules offer a 30% improvement in insertion loss, which enables longer transmission distances, the company adds.

"Corning's EDGE8 solutions help data center operators deliver an optimal end-user experience, while mitigating the uncertainty associated with ever-increasing transmission speeds and continually evolving standards," said Stuart Hoiness, senior vice president of Enterprise Networks, Corning Optical Communications. "Installing a Base-8 cabling system like EDGE8 today provides the simplest, most flexible path to 40, 100, and 400 Gbps in the future."

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