New Application Guide Deploying Fiber Optic Infrastructure Structured Cabling

Cisco and Corning Cable Systems have published a new 23-page application note covering best practices for deploying fiber-optic infrastructure with Cisco's Nexus 6000 series of data center switches.

　　"As data center speeds increase from 10 Gbps to 40 Gbps and eventually to 100 Gbps, different optical technologies and cabling infrastructures are required," the guide states in its introduction. "When designing a network system, it is important to plan the cabling system in advance. The goal is to meet current network requirements and accommodate future growth."

　　The application note covers cabling requirements for 0-Gbps infrastructure and basic cabling principles to support Cisco Nexus 6000 Series Switches. Although alternative cabling options are mentioned (such as shielded two-conductor feeders and active optical components), the guide focuses primarily on cabling for pluggable optically enhanced 4-fiber small form-factor pluggable (QSFP+) modules.

　　"As the network grows, structured cabling systems provide a flexible cabling plan to meet the tasks typically associated with implementing a moves, adds and changes (MAC) infrastructure," the guide also states in its introduction. "A good analogy for supporting structured cabling systems is the electrical outlets in your home. However, without the electrical outlets, all devices would have to be wired directly to the switch or panel, requiring at least 200 feet of cable."

　　“As you add multiple devices or appliances to the home, this approach will not suffice and will become difficult to manage,” the guide continues. “The same concept applies to the data center, where structured cabling becomes essential as infrastructure grows and as the need for a reliable network that is constantly moving and changing, yet also easy to troubleshoot, increases.”