Your Source for Industry News & Insight
VOL. 5 ISSUE 2 MAR / APR 2014
CAT 6A Cabling Density and Performance
in 10GBASE-T Networks
By Gary Bernstein, Leviton, and Todd Harpel, Berk-Tek
The 10GBASE-T standard, which defines 10 Gigabit Ethernet over twisted-pair cabling, has been
around for eight years now. Recently, it has emerged as the most cost-effective option for access
layer networking. In fact, prices have dropped significantly for 10G servers in the past year and the
cost of 10GBASE-T channels is 30-percent lower than alternative SFP+ channels.
In addition, new switches have been introduced that support 10GBASE-T at lower costs and higher
densities. These include the Cisco Nexus 9500 Series and Arista 7300 Series switches, both released
in late 2013. These switch manufacturers and others are promoting “flatter” network architectures
that remove some of the north-to-south traffic from switch to server, and replace it with
east-to-west, server-to-server designs.
As these new switches and architectures become widely used, it’s important to understand how
higher densities will affect cabling pathways. Using the previously mentioned Arista and Cisco
switches in sample data center configurations, it becomes clear that the CAT 6A cabling used
to support the 10GBASE-T server connections has a significant impact on the physical support
infrastructure needed to deploy it.
IN THIS ISSUE
CAT 6A Cabling Density
and Performance in
10GBASE-T Networks
Connections
Tech Tips
News You Can Use
Ask The Experts
UPCOMING EVENTS
MARCH 31 - APRIL 4
Interop
8-Cabinet Row with Cisco Nexus 9508 Switch
Las Vegas, NV
In the end-of-row configuration shown in Figure 1, a 13U Cisco Nexus 9508 switch using 10GBASE-T
linecards is installed. When fully populated, the switch supports 384 ports, serving 8 server cabinets
at 48 ports per cabinet.
APRIL 27 - 30
BICSI Canada
Vancouver, BC
MAY 18 - 22
Cisco Live
San Francisco, CA
JUNE 17
Datacenter Dynamics
Santa Clara, CA
Figure 1
For this scenario the large volume of cabling that connects the switch cabinet at the end of the row to
each of the server cabinets should be evaluated in terms of total cross sectional area as well as future
expansion and additions.
continued on pg. 2
LEVITON.COM/CROSSTALK
1
CAT 6A Cabling Density and Performance in 10GBASE-T Networks • continued from pg. 1
32-Cabinet Pod with Arista 7300 Switches
Figure 2 shows a larger, middle-of-row example with two 21U Arista 7316X switches, each supporting up to 768 10GBASE-T ports.
At highest density, the two switches support 1,536 ports, serving 32 server cabinets at 48 ports per cabinet.
Both examples highlight the
importance of planning for density
and cable volume, as cabinet and
cable tray space becomes an issue.
Only 318 CAT 6A UTP cables can fit
in a standard 4 x 12-inch tray if the
cables have an industry-average
0.310-inch outer diameter. Therefore,
in the 8-cabinet scenario that requires
384 cables, one would have to install a
second cable tray. And the 32-cabinet
scenario would require three standard
trays to support average-size CAT 6A
cable. These additional cable trays
require extra cost and labor to install.
Figure 2
Breakthrough in CAT 6A Technology
Berk-Tek Leviton Technologies recently introduced a new CAT 6A UTP system that includes a smaller, lighter cable
for higher density and better manageability. With an industry-leading 0.275-inch diameter, Berk-Tek LANmark-XTP
cable improves density and reduces the total fill percentage of often over-crowded cabling pathways when compared
to traditional CAT 6A UTP cable designs. In fact, LANmark-XTP fits up to 404 cables into one 4 x 12-inch tray, easily
supporting the 8-cabinet example above. This reduction in cable size is especially important in existing pathways
where additional channels are added and space can become an issue. The smaller cable also improves operational
cooling by reducing cable bulk and congestion in cabinets and less static load.
8-Cabinet Row
Number of Cables
4 x 12 Cable Trays
Standard CAT 6A UTP
384
2
LANmark-XTP UTP
384
1
Number of Cables
4 x 12 Cable Trays
32-Cabinet Pod
Standard CAT 6A UTP
768 (each side)
3
LANmark-XTP UTP
768 (each side)
2
For each scenario, the number of standard 4" X 12" cable trays required support the volume of cables listed is compared
in table above. Note the reduction in cable trays necessary when using the smaller LANmark-XTP cable.
Additionally, at 38 pounds per 1,000 feet, LANmark-XTP cable is nearly 8 pounds lighter than average CAT 6A UTP
cable at that length. This leads to easier cable routing and handling.
The cable features noise-canceling XTP Technology to reduce incoming and outgoing electromagnetic interference
(EMI) and provide exceptional alien crosstalk suppression. Discontinuities in the Mylar wrap prevents current from
flowing along the length of the cable. This eliminates the need for grounding and bonding, saving time during
installation and significantly reducing labor costs, while providing alien crosstalk suppression far superior to a
traditional UTP cable design.
LANmark-XTP cable is part of the CX6800 CAT 6A Premium+ UTP System, which includes Leviton eXtreme® CAT 6A
connectors, patch cords, and high-density patch panels. The system’s cable and connectivity have been independently
tested and verified to exceed channel and component performance at set by ANSI/TIA-568-C.2 and ISO/IEC 11801
Class EA standards. Learn more about the CX6800 System at berkteklevitontechnologies.com.
2
LEVITON.COM/CROSSTALK
“Giving Back to Those Who've Given So Much”
Supporting Wounded Warriors is a passion for Dan Munson, Director of Government Accounts
for Leviton Network Solutions. During the past two years he has been the point person as
Leviton partnered with Berg Electric, a Leviton Premier Network Installer, to provide a BBQ
dinner for the Wounded Warrior Unit at Balboa hospital in San Diego, California.
During these events, Leviton and Berg Electric have served this BBQ specialty to more
than 550 Wounded Warriors. These brave Americans have injuries ranging from relatively
minor cases all the way to triple amputations. Some suffer from less visible injuries like
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
“The feedback received from the staff at the Liberty Center at Balboa is always very positive,
but quite honestly it doesn't seem like we're doing enough for the Warriors who have given
so much for our country,” said Munson. “We are humbled by their great sacrifices.”
In San Antonio, Texas, teams from Leviton, Data Optics, and KST Electric have provided about
150 meals during the past 2 years to the Wounded Warriors, providing BBQ dinners for the
Marine Corp Wounded Warrior Unit at the San Antonio Medical Center.
INDUSTRY
In January, BICSI published ANSI/BICSI 003-2014, Building
Information Modeling (BIM) Practices for Information
Technology Systems. It is the first BIM standard written
specifically for communication and information technology
systems. You can expect more about this important
standard in the May/June issue of CrossTalk.
The latest quarterly Ethernet Switch Report from
Infonetics Research expects 40G switches to generate
over $1 billion in revenue this year.
COMPANY
Leviton Network Solutions joined the Communications
Cable and Connectivity Association (CCCA), a non-profit
group created to protect and educate consumers of
cable and connectivity. Ross Goldman, Executive Vice
President and General Manager at Leviton Network
Solutions, now serves on the CCCA Board of Directors.
Leviton announced the establishment of its first base of
operations in South Africa. The new Johannesburg facility
provides commercial lighting solutions to customers in one
of the world’s most rapidly expanding markets. With the
opening, Leviton also furthers its global expansion efforts
to now include a footprint on all seven continents.
PRODUCT
New
Reversing Polarity
in LC Fiber Patch Cords
Leviton offers a new LC fiber optic
patch cord with the ability to
reverse polarity at the connector.
While reversing the polarity is
quite simple, there are a few
steps that will aid in consistently
successful results.
2.
1.
3.
To access the connectors, in the key up orientation, push down on the latch below the housing and slide the upper housing in the direction of the cord until it comes to a stop.
B
Place fiber strand A in the cutout below
the upper housing.
Place fiber strand A
in the cutout
Place connector B in its new position, then move
connector A to the remaining open position.
A
Push down latch
Strand A = Blue
Strand B = Orange
B
Switch
connectors
*Connector “A” always moves over connector “B” to avoid twisting.
Slide upper
housing to a stop
4.
New RF Transparent Structured Media®
Enclosures provide an excellent
termination and mounting location for
in-home structured wiring systems,
Wi-Fi equipment, and components. The
ABS polymer construction expands the
reach of wireless signals by diminishing
the effect of interference, while vented
doors allow for increased airflow into the
enclosure to support enhanced cooling
for active equipment.
HDF3168 Fiber Distribution System
A
RF Transparent Enclosure –
For Wireless Solutions
Slide the upper housing back, until it locks in place.
Slide upper housing
back until it locks
New
The innovative HDF3168 High-Density
Fiber Distribution System is a main
cross-connect or interconnect
patching frame for all fiber channels
in the data center. One frame
consolidates patching into an
incredibly small footprint, with
capacity for up to 3,168
LC fibers, or 15,552 fibers using
24-fiber MTP® connections in less
than a 2' x 2' space. And since
it occupies only one data center floor
tile, it is easier than ever to access
space beneath a raised floor.
By reducing overall floor space requirements,
the HDF3168 system creates significant yearly cost
savings over a traditional MDA. You can use our helpful
Return on Infrastructure Investment (ROii™) Calculator
at Leviton.com/hdf3168 to estimate your long-term
savings over standard traditional cabinets or racks.
QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? IDEAS?
We want to hear from you!
Email: crosstalk@leviton.com
LEVITON.COM/CROSSTALK
3
PRESORTED
STANDARD
US POSTAGE
PAID
SEATTLE, WA
PERMIT NO. 1482
Leviton Network Solutions
2222 222nd Street SE
Bothell, WA 98021
Which FSC
CROSSTALK
VOL. 5 ISSUE
2 MAR / APR 2014
The actual FSC logo will be chosen based on
similar to these. Printing Control will choose
know what style of logo you want.
ASK THE EXPERTS
Q: What is the difference between F/UTP and U/FTP shielded cable?
A: F/UTP (overall foiled screened with unshielded twisted pairs) is balanced twisted-pair cable with an overall foil shield and drain wire. It can also be called screened twisted-pair (ScTP) cable.
U/FTP, also classified as STP (shielded twisted pair), is overall-unshielded twisted-pair cable with individually foil-screened twisted pairs.
Have a question? Drop us a line at crosstalk@leviton.com.
© 2014 Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
• Landscape or Portrait?
• Color or Black and Wh
• White text or Color/Bl
• Recycled logo/percent