CASE STUDY efforts as data must now pass through multiple cables and network hardware .
While this model indeed reduces cable management issues inherent in other designs , it increases the amount of switch hardware required and can complicate cable troubleshooting efforts as data must pass now through multiple cables and network hardware .
This is known as an ‘ End-of-Row ’. All devices mounted in this row connect to the DC network at the End-of-Row distribution point . While this design does help to disperse the density of patch cables to multiple locations , the layout can still suffer from cable congestion in DC that have racks stacked full of equipment that must be connected .
Lastly , we have Top-of-Rack . The Top-of-Rack design is newer than the End-of-Row and centralized architectures . Using this plant blueprint , the cabling termination points become distributed even further . Each equipment rack in the DC is installed with an Ethernet and / or fiber channel switch at the top .
Can you tell us what some of the network connectivity challenges are within these different types of DC and how AEM can help test and / or resolve those issues ?
Regardless of whether your DC cabling is run by in-house staff or a professional third-party cabling crew , mistakes do happen . Problems with existing cabling may go unnoticed for weeks , months or years for several reasons . For example , it ’ s possible that the cabling was never put into production until recently . Or perhaps upgraded network hardware now requires the cabling to support higher transport speeds .
WHEN IT COMES TO CHOOSING THE RIGHT TEST TOOL FOR YOUR DC , THERE ARE A COUPLE OF FACTORS TO CONSIDER .
Another factor is buildout to support emerging technologies , such as those discussed earlier in this document and might include Single Pair Ethernet ( SPE ). Finally , cabling may need to transport power over twisted pair cabling for the first time . Regardless , the precise location of the cabling mistake will lead to far faster problem resolutions . It ’ s not uncommon for cabling to become bent , stretched or kinked beyond manufacturer specifications .
Enterprise-grade cable test equipment can often not only identify that there indeed is a performance problem – but can also pinpoint the precise location of where the fault has occurred on the cable . Knowing this can significantly reduce the amount of time required to fix this issue – as well as point to other cables in a bundle that may also have been damaged due to improper installation techniques .
Any equipment installed in the rack is in close proximity to network switch ports . This keeps patch cable lengths short , uniform and under control . Each Top-of-Rack switch then uses high speed uplinks to interconnect all distributed switches in the facility to one or more racks of aggregation switches . While this model indeed reduces cable management issues inherent in other designs , it increases the amount of switch hardware required and can complicate cable troubleshooting
Can you tell us more about the testing of the cabling within the data center environment ?
When it comes to choosing the right test tool for your DC , there are a couple of factors to consider . Test tools can be purchased individually or as a broadbased multifunction test solution . While some may opt to purchase individual tools on an as-needed basis , understand that the cost of each tool will eventually surpass the cost of a multifunction tester purchased up front .
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