Data Centre Solutions

Introduction to Data Centres

Data Centres are at the core of Corporate and Internet businesses

and are foundation blocks of the world economy.

Data Centres range in size from small rooms in SME businesses

supporting their own operations to purpose built campuses of

hangar size buildings with split halls supporting the WWW and

global corporations. The facilities themselves are secure, robust

and reliable to provide a stable environment for the equipment

and to minimise downtime. Government, Industry or the public

at large may own the information. Whoever the owner there are

common demands, such as instant access to current and accurate

data 24/7, on demand and without disruption, 365 days a year.

Data Centres essentially reliably store data and applications for

remote access by users. The increasing volumes of data held, and

growth in demand to access the data, requires that Data Centres

have a scaleable and flexible IT infrastructure that uses high speed

access technologies.

The complex issues impacting Data Centre operational efficiency

must be addressed in all aspects of Data Centre design to ensure

optimum performance and improved return on investment.

Ultimate service reliability is essential as downtime costs money,

and new technologies must be embraced to maximise network

performance, availability and business continuity.

The reliable operation of the Data Centre is second only to the

security and integrity of the information held and processed

there. The availability, or ‘uptime’, of the Data Centre is assured by

the performance and quality of all of its critical parts, not least of

which is the cabling infrastructure.

The IT cabling infrastructure in the Data Centre provides: a

transportation path for the reliable transmission of data, flexibility

to support the churn experienced with MACs (Moves, Adds and

Changes) and future proofing to allow simple upgrades to the

next transmission technology as and when required.

In the Data Centre environment a well designed cabling system

provides a reliable foundation for the IT network, improves the

operational efficiency of the facility and future proofs for change

and growth. Cabling systems can provide the facility stakeholders

with a competitive advantage to support their business.

Brand-Rex have developed a set of solutions ideally suited to

the demands of the Data Centre environment that meet the

challenges of providing reliability, scalability and future proofing

with space efficiency. This guide introduces the set.

The IT cabling infrastructure must be reliable, scalable

and future proof.

Reliability

Data Centre downtime can cost upwards of £3 million per hour

(source: Data Centre Institute). The reliability of a facility is a key

measure, operations must always be available and services should

be uninterruptable. The Uptime Institute 4 tier system classifies Data

Centres in terms of resilience, key elements of the system are shown

in Table 1.

The tiering of the Data centre influences the cabling infrastructure

design provided. A Tier IV installation requires IT cabling to be dual,

diverse routed to support the availability target. The components

employed in the cabling system must be designed to perform over

their installed life and meet the rigours of the environment, this not

only requires assured component reliability but also intelligent cable

management and secure routing and management at distributors and

equipment outlets.

Scalability

In the constantly evolving and changing environment of the

Data Centre, the infrastructure needs to offer flexibility and scalability.

Modularity helps through all stages of the Data Centre life. Modular

components offer advantages during initial build and live operations

by assisting the installation through use of common parts, providing

a platform for the logical addition to or expansion of existing plant

and by simplifying operational moves, adds and changes (MACs).

Future Proofing

The Data Centre sector is generally an early adopter of the next high

speed transmission line technology. Gigabit Ethernet, 10G Ethernet

speeds have been quickly introduced (the latter application requiring

optical or ClassEA performance cabling). The next Higher Speed

Ethernet technologies are now emerging at 40G and 100G speeds,

and the uptake is expected to be swift. This drive for higher speed

requires that the latest emerging technologies are understood and

the product roadmaps support them, the IT cabling infrastructure

must be installed with a view to todays and tomorrows technologies,

future proofing is key to allow new equipments to be substituted into

the newtork without replacing the cabling infrastructure.

Space Efficiency

Space in the Data Centre for housing processing and storage

equipment is at a premium, technology advances such as lower

power processors, blade servers and virtualisation are improving

space utilisation, but the growth in demand for data storage space

is unabated. Efficient use of space taken by the cabling infrastructure

is essential in the Data Centre. High density patching is required at

distributors to maximise rack space for active equipment and cable

pathways are designed not only to accommodate the interconnection

cabling but also to minimise adverse effects on cooling air flows when

installed underfloor.

C H A l l E n G E S I n T H E D ATA C E n T R E E n V I R o n M E n T

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D ATA C E n T R E C A B l I n G , I n T E R n AT I o n A l S TA n D A R D S & A p p l I C AT I o n S

IEC, CENELEC and TIA have all published standards for cabling

in the Data Centre. These are, currently:

• ISO/IEC 24764:2010

• EN 50173-5:2007

• TIA 942:2005

The CEnElEC and TIA standard are being amended to align with the

IEC document in recommending that ClassEA and oM3 performance

cabling should be chosen as the minimum cabling performance level

in the Data Centre. The ClassEA performance level for copper cabling

is recommended because it is expected that cabling systems installed

today will be required to provide transmission paths for 10GBASE-T

technology. The oM3 performance level is similarly recommended

on the basis of best choice for transmission of 10GbE and high speed

Fibre channel technologies.

The TIA standard includes more comprehensive recommendations for

the facility itself and provides advice on Architectural, Mechanical and

Electrical aspects of the infrastructure of the building and expands

upon the Uptime Institutes Tier system.

In applications developments the IEEE has standardised 1G and 10G

technologies on optical Fibre and Copper media and defined the

performance levels required to support transmissions. More recently,

in June 2010, the IEEE published its latest standard, from the 802.3ba

study group, and introduced 40G and 100G High Speed Ethernet.

This standard included 8 new physical solutions:

Supporting a MAC data rate of 40G:

• 40GBASE - LR4 for at least 10km on SMF

• 40GBASE - SR4 for at least 100m on OM3*

• 40GBASE - CR4 for at least 7m on a cable assembly

• 40GBASE - KR4 for at least 1m over a backplane

Supporting a MAC data rate of 100G:

• 100GBASE - ER4 for at least 40km on SMF

• 100GBASE - LR4 for at least 10km on SMF

• 100GBASE - SR10 for at least 100m on OM3*

• 100GBASE - CR10 for at least 7m on a cable assembly

* will run up to 150m on OM4 cabling

The 40G and 100G multimode solutions use parallel optics

employing Mpo style connectivity at the equipment interface.

parallel optics is new for Ethernet technology and will be new to

most Data Centre installations.

This multiplicity of applications technologies and cabling media to

support the applications is a topic that deserves attention and requires

careful consideration in planning a Data Centre cabling infrastructure.

For more information on choosing the cabling media required to

future proof cabling installations please contact Brand-Rex.

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Classification Tier I Tier II Tier III Tier IV

Site Infrastructure Basic Redundant components Concurrently maintainable Fault tolerant

IT infrastructure Single distribution pathSingle distribution path with standby components

Dual routed distribution paths, one active and one on standby

Dual routed distribution paths, simultaneously active

Components supporting IT load

n (need) n+1 n+1nAfter any failure

Availability 99.67% 99.75% 99.98% 99.99%

Table 1: The tier system

D ATA C E n T R E C A B l I n G S o l U T I o n S - C o p p E R S Y S T E M S

The Brand-Rex range of Data Centre solutions is engineered

to provide the ideal cabling solution for the Data Centre environment.

The extensive range includes high performance copper cabling

systems, a unique air blown fibre system and an intelligent

infrastructure management solution to meet the demands of today’s

Data Centre.

our high density solutions are used extensively in Data Centres

around the world and are continually undergoing development to

ensure we continue to offer the most innovative Data Centre specific

solutions available on the market today.

Copper Data Centre Systems

10GPlus

A range of premium Class EA performance level shielded

and UTp structured cabling products designed to transmit

10GBASE-T technologies.

Cat6Plus

A wide range of Category 6 performance structured cable

products which support all Class E applications.

SmartPatch

An industry leading intelligent infrastructure management

system designed to monitor and manage physical networks

connections.

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10GPlus Cabling

Class EA performance 10Gplus High performance cabling is recommended for

use in the Data Centre environment. Brand-Rex offers a full range of shielded and

UTp Class cabling designed to support 10GBASE-T. If the Data Centre is located in

an electro-magnetically noisy environment shielded cabling systems should be

considered to provide higher protection against electro-magnetic interference.

High Density Cabling System

Compact footprint and

increased density - 864 ports

in a 900x500 footprint with an

open construction for ease of

cross patching and reduced

installation time. Its professional

and flexible configuration

offers enhanced thermal

management. It provides

unique working and cabling

accessibility to totally transform

cabinet installation layouts,

onsite installation and on-going

system management.

Cat6Plus 1/2 Unit Patch Panel

Double density patch panel offering 48 ports in 1U within a logical and

quick installation. It works with Standard termination methods but reduces

the height & depth required within the rack. Results in improved thermal

management by reducing airflow blockage.

10GPlus Zone Cable

Ultimate space saving. A reduced diameter

overcomes containment issues. By saving

pathway space in trays & cabinets. The cable

offers 30% cable weight saving and 50% space

saving over equivalent horizontal cables.

Its construction allows for a more flexible

and easier installation while also providing

excellent basic transmission parameters.

Open Entry Rack (OER)

Designed to be arranged in stand-alone or in multiple configurations. An ideal

solution for the main distribution area, the oER offers a simple, modular and

easy-to-install system featuring smart, effective cable management options

and built-in flexibility to cope with copper or optical cabling. Reconfigurations

and modifications to the oER system can easily be incorporated after the

system is installed, which makes the oER a great choice for cable management

needs now, and in the future.

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High Density ‘V12’ Angled Patch Panel

The panel offers optimal patching

manageability by facilitating

cord routing directly into the

rack vertical side management,

rendering horizontal cable managers

redundant. The resultant increased

rack density saves valuable space

but also offers a panel that eases

bending stresses on the cord while

maximizing performance.

10GPlus Shielded Tool-Free Jack

Flexible and quick to terminate, the high performance, Category 6A, shielded

jack offers an industry leading electrical performance providing exceptional

levels of headroom. The smallest Category 6A shielded jack available on the

market today, this innovative tool-free technology incorporates a unique stuffer

cap – for fast, intuitive and easy termination.

Next Generation 10GPlus Patch Cords

Brand-Rex patch cords provide optimum and consistent performance. Designed

to have a repeatable, controlled and consistent assembly. The unique design

of wire management block ensure optimum performance. low profile boots

have a flexible and robust construction but also allow for higher density blade

connectivity.

Distribution Equipment Rack (DER)

Modular and flexible solution that can be configured as an open frame or

as a closed cabinet. The cabinet design enables faster, structured and more

user-friendly cable installations compared with conventional cabinets.

Users have maximum working access, meaning installation is much easier

to maintain. Easy access to equipment and patch panels not only reduces

the occurrence of messy, haphazard cabling arrangements but also greatly

reducing installation time.

D ATA C E n T R E C A B l I n G S o l U T I o n S - o p T I C A l F I B R E S Y S T E M S

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The Brand-Rex range of Data Centre solutions is engineered to

provide the ideal cabling solution for the Data Centre environment.

The extensive range includes high performance fibre cabling systems,

a unique air blown fibre system and an intelligent infrastructure

management solution to meet the demands of today’s Data Centre.

our high density solutions are used extensively in Data Centres

around the world and are continually undergoing development to

ensure we continue to offer the most innovative Data Centre specific

solutions available on the market today.

Optical Fibre Data Centre Systems

FibrePlus

An extensive range of optical Fibre cables and connectivity

designed to support the requirements of the lAn market.

Blolite & MicroBlo

A future proof Air Blown Fibre and cable systems uniquely

designed for the lAn environment with the ability to blow

fibre through tortuous routes.

MT Connect

An Mpo ferrule technology, parallel optics, multimode

and singlemode fibre solution set. A pre-terminated solution

designed for quick installation, change and repair to support

modular builds ideal for duplex fibre technology and ready for

parallel optics new technologies.

SmartPatch

An industry leading intelligent infrastructure management

system designed to monitor and manage physical networks

connections.

MT CONNECT

High Density Fibre

Management System

An innovative fibre management

system offering the ultimate cross-

connect solution for management of

fibre in the Data Centre. It provides

increased density of 912 duplex adapter

ports in a 900 x 500 footprint. The

cabinets open frame structure allows

for increased access and usability while

maintaining a secure, bend controlled

system throughout. This is a leading

system, designed with an emphasis

on minimisation of on-site installation

times, accessibility to cabling and

modularity to enhance its flexibility

during operation.

Open Entry Rack (OER)

Designed to be arranged in stand-alone

or in multiple configurations. An ideal

solution for the main distribution area,

the oER offers a simple, modular and

easy-to-install system featuring smart,

effective cable management options and

built-in flexibility to cope with copper

or optical cabling. Reconfigurations and

modifications to the oER system can

easily be incorporated after the system

is installed, which makes the oER a great

choice for cable management needs

now, and in the future.

Distribution Equipment Rack (DER)

Modular and flexible solution that can be configured as an open frame or as a

closed cabinet. The cabinet design enables faster, structured and more user-

friendly cable installations compared with conventional cabinets.Users have

maximum working access, meaning installation is much easier to maintain.

Easy access to equipment and patch panels, not only reduces the occurrence

of messy, haphazard cabling arrangements but also greatly reducing

installation time.

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Air Blown Fibre & Cable

Blolite and MicroBlo point to point Air Blown Fibre and Cable

systems offer a versatile and future proof fibre installation solution.

Suitable for Data Centre applications the systems provide the

ability to change your infrastructure as demand on your data

centre dictates.

High Density Fibre Patch Panels

Revolutionary panel provides a robust secure construction while offering

fully integrated and flexible fibre management. The 1U 48 port panel

facilitates cord routing directly into the rack vertical side management,

thus increasing rack density and easing undue stresses on the cords. It is

designed to pivot and hinge providing the control and security of a fixed

panel but also allowing for increased access and usability.

Optical Fibre Backbone and Horizontal Cabling

High performance singlemode and multimode optical fibre cables,

pre-connectorised Mpo based optical Fibre cabling system and micro -

distribution optical cables.

Single-mode fibre cables available with oS1 and oS2 levels of performance and

multimode oM3 and oM4 with high or very high laser optimized bandwidth. All are

available in tight-buffered, multi-loose tube or central loose tube constructions for

a wide range of applications and are compliant with the latest standards.

MT Connect Pre-Terminated System

A simple intuitive plug and play installation MT Connect is a high

performance, pre-terminated, modular, optical fibre cabling system based on

MT ferrule connector technology. Ideal for Data Centres where multiple, point

to point, fibre connections between distribution racks and equipment racks

can be quickly and efficiently installed, maintained and changed as required.

Robust and Reliable Patch Cords,

Pigtails and Connectors

Comprehensive range including high

quality and reliable singlemode and

multimode connectors offering lower

optical insertion loss than standard

products. Extensive range of pigtails

and patch cords offering a reliable and

robust industry leading performance.

I n T E l l I G E n T I n F R A S T R U C T U R E M A n A G E M E n T S o l U T I o n S

Smartpatch is the market leading IIMS solution from Brand-Rex.

It’s compatible with both fibre and copper infrastructure and is

the ideal solution for the Data Centre.

Smartpatch uses a combination of software and hardware to monitor

and manage physical network connections. A topology of scanners

and intelligent patch panels, send and receive connectivity updates

into the Smartpatch for the Enterprise (Sp4E) software application,

providing real-time data and automatically updated records that

remove the need to rely on traditional off-line methods.

To date, over 3 million ports worldwide are managed by this

technology, equating to over half the market in terms of share

by both volume and value.

Smartpatch benefits include:

• Real time infrastructure management

• Improved troubleshooting and reduced MTTR

• Optimisation of asset utilisation

• Automated provisioning capability

Within the Data Centre, IIMS solutions have been proven to reduce

server service provisioning time by up to 80%, whilst simultaneously

reducing the number of incidents caused by poorly executed

change. If incidents do occur, for whatever reason, IIMS solutions

can dramatically reduce mean time to repair (MTTR) by up to 45%.

Smartpatch is available with a range of modules for integration

with CAD, pBX, HpoV etc.

For further details please contact: smartpatch@brand-rex.com

Brand-Rex LAN Solutions

Brand-Rex offers one of the widest portfolio of lAn products

in the marketplace and has been an established player in the

market since lAn technology was introduced.

The Brand-Rex product sets today are leading technology

solutions that are tailored to the needs of general office and the

Data Centre environments. Brand-Rex continue to innovate and

lead the industry by providing high quality, high performance

solutions into the market which are built for ease of use,

operational reliability and longevity.

The Brand-Rex 25 Year System Warranty

Brand-Rex provides the security of a 25-year system channel

warranty to assure the reliability of installed structured wiring

systems. The warranty applies to installations that have been

carried out by approved Brand-Rex Channel partners that use

100% Brand-Rex products.

Brand-Rex has an established global network of resellers,

distributors and installers to make the products available

worldwide. The installers are trained to the highest standard,

by Brand-Rex, to maintain a consistently high level of system

performance worldwide.

Brand-Rex Pre & Post Sales Support

Brand-Rex offers support to customers in the design stages of

programmes, all stages of the bid process and from product

supply to installation and post installation audit. Brand-Rex

boasts a team of highly experienced sales and engineering staff.

Brand-Rex are a customer focused company who aim to provide

‘best in class’ service to all its customers...

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BT Operate uses a bespoke space saving Brand-Rex solution for

their new Data Centre program

“Like everyone else, the challenge we face is to minimise usage of

space, so we are looking to virtualise all of our server estate and at

the same time reduce the number of physical sites by vacating some

premises. The Brand-Rex High Density solution will help us to do that

because it enables us to get more cable into a smaller space without

losing manageability. It’s a major plus for us, because we can use this

extra space to deploy servers, for instance, and achieve a significant

cost benefit.”

paul Woodward, lead Data Centre Specialist, BT operate.

Why Brand-Rex for your Data Centre

Morrisons uses a Brand-Rex solution to future proof

“With continuing expansion, we were facing the same issues that many

large organisations do in terms of driving Data Centre efficiencies –namely

power, cooling and airflow. Certainly, we were keen to install 10GPlus Zone

cable and once I received the specifications and saw how I could go about

constructing a system on-site, I realised I could save a lot of space in server

cabinets and under the floor. Most importantly, I could see how the Zone

cabling would help improve airflow and therefore efficiencies and cost.”

“This will help us tremendously with future projects,”

Darryl Shears, Data Centre Manager, Morrisons.

TelecityGroup uses a Brand-Rex solution to stay green and reduce

onsite installation time

“Brand-Rex differentiated itself from the competition by designing a

product for us that directly addressed the special connectivity needs of

the Condorcet Data Centre in terms of rack size and weight,”

“Brand-Rex products are well designed, highly reliable and easy to

install, this not only reduces our onsite turnaround times but gives our

customers the additional benefit of reduced lead times.”

nicolas Buono, Director of operations, TelecityGroup.

www.brand-rex.commarketing@brand-rex.com

The information contained in this document is valid and correct at the time of issue.However, we reserve the right to modify details without notice in the light of subsequent Standard / Specification changes and ongoing technical developments.© Brand-Rex Limited 2011

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