APRIL 12, 2010 -- Draka Communications has introduced an enhanced data center cable designed to help data center planners ease migration to 40 Gbps. Draka’s new ‘SLIM’ packaged offering combines laser-optimized, bend-insensitive OM3/4 multimode fiber within small form factor cables using multi-fiber push-on (MPO) connectors for distribution, breakout, and interconnections within dense installations.
Although copper data cable is usable for distances up to 100 m at 10 Gbps, Draka recommends laser-optimized multimode fiber exceeding the current OM3 specification. Draka asserts its latest bend-insensitive MaxCap-BB-OM3/4 multimode fiber (see "Draka to intro bend-insensitive multimode fibers at BICSI") meets this requirement and is suitable for demanding configurations and the challenging cabling routes of small footprint data centers.
The new cable is targeted at MPO-based backbone infrastructures as well as 40GBase-SR4 channels, the upcoming backbone standard for data center infrastructure. The new cable is available in two different designs. Ribbon style (2x4.5 mm with 12 fibers), for standalone MPO patchcord use, facilitates termination and results in the smallest cable footprint, says Draka. Alternatively, a round (3.3-mm diameter with12 fibers) version has been optimized as MPO distribution cable for high-density backbones.
“With our MPO series we present a user-friendly cable package applicable to both 40 Gigabit Ethernet as well as 100GbE deployment programs,” says Zoran Borcic, EMEA product manager, Draka Data Products. “A data center backbone in OM3/4 can be easily expanded to next-generation Ethernet, safeguarding investments through its longer life cycle. We think that our approach is a sound way to future-proof data centers, offering designers space savings, miniaturization benefits, and speed of deployment.”
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