The current trend in enterprise networks and data centers—two increasingly prevalent environments—is toward ever-shrinking cables and related products while proportionally increasing the density of installations. The problem is that if engineers add network elements and increase the density of interconnected systems without sufficient forethought, they may end up sacrificing network performance and manageability due to heat buildup, inadequate cooling, and power distribution issues. Not to mention the difficult—and often expensive—challenge of finding the necessary space to expand network density.
The key is to work with a partner who understands these challenges and offers network infrastructure technologies and solutions designed to optimize network performance, simplify installation, properly manage structured cabling systems, and leverage valuable information systems assets.
Belden is that partner. As a recognized industry leader with a long history of innovation in cabling design and engineering, Belden is the brand you can trust because its quality allows it. In the realm of high-density networking, our portfolio of technologies and products is matched only by the breadth and depth of our technical expertise. Read on to learn more about Belden's significant presence in the rapidly expanding world of high-density networking applications
Technologies and Products for High-Density Installations: MatriX IDC Technology . In patch panels, with Belden's patented IDC design and circuitry, each IDC pair is positioned at a 90° angle to the neighboring pair, reducing alien crosstalk between modules by 15 dB compared to traditional technology (Figure 1). Belden 's MatriX 10GX patch panels and IDC modules utilize this technology, enabling stable, high performance in high-density environments. Connectors can be placed very close together on faceplates and patch panels, delivering true high performance without compromising manageability or port identification.
RoundFleX Technology:
The latest evolution of Belden's 10GX® cabling technology has resulted in the RoundFleX cable design (Figure 2). These cables, which incorporate an asymmetrical lattice configuration designed to improve internal noise and crosstalk coupling immunity, have a smaller diameter and greater flexibility—a feature particularly appreciated in high-density installations.
X-Pair Technology
: The foundation of Belden's revolutionary 10GX IDC System, X-Pair Technology is a patent-pending design in which the two IDC clips of the same pair cross within the block in an X configuration. This allows the twisted pair to continue inside the module and makes the connector virtually transparent to the signal carried by the cable's twisted pairs. This new technology is used in 10GX IDC connector blocks, enabling the use of many connection points in close proximity in short channels and providing added flexibility in confined spaces.
X-Bar Installation Device:
Based on Belden's exclusive X-Bar technology, the X-Bar Installation Device is a control device that attaches to the module to allow for the precise positioning of each UTP cable for termination on the 10GX Module's IDC pins. The device holds the conduit's twist layers in place during installation to prevent unwinding. This ensures Installable Performance®, Belden's post-installation guarantee that no termination errors have occurred. The unique X-Bar Installation Device is one of the ways Belden makes high-density installations easier.
Encapsulated Circuit Rack Technology:
GigaFlex modules are punch-down UTP connectors assembled with Encapsulated Circuit Rack technology, which uses a seamless, one-piece copper contact to allow signals to pass through the connector virtually unaltered. This ensures long-term reliability and very stable transmission performance, enabling connectors to be placed very close together in high-density environments.
Belden's GigaBIX technology pioneered the use of staggered IDC clips on compact BIX connectors 25 years ago to allow for the termination of more pairs per square centimeter. This technology is still used in the GigaBIX IDC System, which can save at least 20 percent of floor space in high-density installations. With the GigaBIX System, users can terminate hundreds of pairs in a very small area—a real advantage in office network environments where saving space is a priority.
Field Installation Technology for Fiber Optic Connectors
Ten years ago, Belden® pioneered field installation of fiber optic connectors. Now that technology has been miniaturized for use in the LC connector format, which has become the de facto standard for high-density fiber optic cable installations. Belden Optimax® field-installable connectors, designed for use with the Belden IBDN FiberExpress System, employ LC technology to provide reliable, secure, and fast termination of single-mode or multimode fiber optic cables.
LC Fiber Connector Technology:
The LC connector has won the battle against SFFC (Small Form Factor) connectors for high-density environments, thanks to its performance, reliability, and ease of use. In combination with Belden FiberExpress Organizer Modules, LC connectors can accommodate up to 2,880 fiber optic terminations per 48 cm rack. Belden also offers FiberExpress Organizer Modules with pre-terminated fiber optic components for reusable plug-and-go installations.
Solutions for managing high-density network cabling:
Belden understands that effective cable management can significantly impact the quality and reliability of network performance, especially in large enterprise networks and top-tier data centers. To address this need, we have developed and implemented a suite of network infrastructure management solutions designed to optimize the performance of high-density structured cabling systems, while helping businesses maximize the value of their information systems.
Belden High-Density Modular Rack System.
This robust and exceptionally versatile rack system has been carefully designed and engineered to facilitate high-density installations that optimize system performance and manageability (Figures 4 and 5). The system's modularity makes it highly scalable so it can grow with your network. The racks can be configured to accommodate a wide range of mixed-media and high-bandwidth applications, and the system provides maximum flexibility to accommodate future moves, additions, or changes. The ease of removing interchangeable components such as ports, doors, and accessories provides unparalleled versatility when configuring the system to precisely match your equipment requirements. The flat black finish and clean design give it a high-tech and professional appearance.
• Cross-connect (any to any) 1,152 x 1,152 ports.
• Switching ports connected to the lower section via cable harnesses (1U48p panels have the same density as the network switch).
• Distribution ports (workstations or servers) connected to the upper section (1U24p panels, typical density for easy MAC systems).
• Uses only 2 racks instead of 6, achieving a 60% linear space saving.
• Uses only 2 patch cable lengths for any connection.
Belden Open Rack Cabinet
The robustly constructed Belden Open Rack Cabinet is ideal for housing dense cross-connect fields, large servers, switches, and routers. Its open rack design allows easy access to equipment and cables, without the external workstation obstructions typically found in conventional cabinets. The front and rear doors are perforated to provide an 80 percent opening, facilitating airflow through the cabinet to keep equipment ventilated and prevent heat buildup. (If the equipment requires forced-air cooling, high-capacity fans can also be incorporated into the rear doors.) The optimized footprint (76 x 109 cm) meets TIA-942 recommendations and allows for deep equipment mounting. Designed for flexibility, the Open Rack Cabinet offers multiple cable management options to handle large volumes of both telecommunications and electrical cables, including front and rear vertical cable organizers with spaced 1U dividers and front-to-back routing channels.
Belden offers several innovative cable management solutions:
• Angled cable management bar. This device organizes patch cords on the front of the patch panel. The angled bar eliminates the need for additional rack space for horizontal cable organizers, allowing users to double their port density in the same footprint.
• Cable management products. With a deep understanding of the requirements and potential challenges involved in installing and managing high-density cabling systems, Belden offers a comprehensive range of cable management tools and accessories.
• Patch cord insertion and removal tool. This specially shaped tool allows installers to quickly and easily connect and reconnect patch cord plugs and connectors.
• FiberExpress organizer shelves. Designed for use with the Belden IBDN FiberExpress System, these robust shelves enable exceptionally high-density rack organization of FiberExpress Modules while simplifying cable routing and patch cord management.
