In 2018, more installers than ever will turn to cloud-based solutions to improve the efficiency and productivity of cabling projects, resulting in more and better business opportunities. Fluke Networks customers such as E2 Optics, Point 1, and PowerCOMM are connecting their test and certification devices to cloud-based certification services, demanding consistency across multiple sites and requiring testing against more application standards, such as wider wavelengths in fiber to support future wavelength division multiplexing in the infrastructure backbone, or 2.5/5GBASE-T applications over copper in the horizontal network. These changes necessitate more customized cable identifiers and more complex tester configurations, with the ability to define cable identifiers and test configurations, then upload them to the testers, as well as access and share test information across tens of thousands of links from anywhere, at any time. This year, we are likely to see a significant increase in the nearly 9 million results uploaded from installers and contractors to Fluke Networks LinkWare Live.
PoE and PoE Computing on the Horizon:
With the highly anticipated launch of IEEE 802.3bt Type 3 and Type 4 Power over Ethernet in 2018, we will begin to see more devices forgo their AC power connection in favor of PoE, from LED lights and digital displays to video security systems, building automation devices, and even desktop computers. At the same time, changes to the 2017 National Electrical Code, which will be adopted in 2018 by multiple locations across the US, will continue to raise questions about how best to support these higher levels of PoE from an installation and testing perspective.
As a result, 2018 may see more requests for field testing for DC resistance imbalance, within and between pairs, to ensure support for higher-power four-pair PoE, as well as a focus on proper cable bundling practices to resist increased heat and subsequent insertion loss in cables delivering PoE to a multitude of devices.
Since many of these devices can be connected to the network via pluggable terminated links, rather than traditional AC outlets and patch cords, the upcoming TIA 568.2-D standard includes support for this configuration (including the new Modular Plug Terminated Link, or MPTL, test procedure). 2018 will also likely bring more field-terminated connector options and support for pluggable terminated links from both cable and device manufacturers.
Early adopters will install Category 8 components.
We will likely see initial orders for Category 8 components and installations from early adopters by the end of 2018. While 25 and 40GBASE-T products will not be ordered this year, since Cat 8 is compatible with 10GBASE-T products and supports auto-negotiation of 10, 25, and 40GBASE-T, it will also be deployed by early adopters looking to avoid costly upgrades in the future.
Push technology is enabled for MPO technologies to support Big Data: Multifiber Push-On (MPO) technologies will continue to grow to support high-speed networks. On the horizon are new configurations promising higher densities and faster speeds. The configurations that will be most widely adopted are yet to be seen, but they will find their place, especially in hyperscale data centers. At the same time, enterprise data centers will continue to increase their 40 and 100 gigabit installations, which require current MPO connector technologies. Consequently, 2018 will see a greater focus on issues such as polarity and testing considerations for MPO deployments.
