NETWORKING
13
Keeping up
with demand
Dr. Thomas Wellinger, Market
Manager Data Centre and
Andreas Russeler, CMO, R&M
www.rdm.com
High-density and edge networks
could be key to a flexible upgrade
path as data demands grow
Virtualisation, Cloud, Big Data, Internet of Things, new
(remote) working methods and a vast uptake of portable
computing devices such as tablets and smartphones are
changing the way in which data centres are designed and
operated. Innovative ways of storing and moving data,
sometimes across multiple locations, are becoming more
important. All of these developments are driving a move
towards higher bandwidths and port densities.
Until fairly recently, adding data centre capacity simply
meant more racks and servers. Today, infrastructure
inside and outside the data centre needs to be flexible,
scalable and reliable in order to accommodate current and
future applications. What’s more, although connectivity
requirements are increasing available space, generally
speaking, is not. By designing infrastructure with the
right kind of flexibility and reliability in mind, and making
smart technology choices today, such bottlenecks can
be solved and the changing role of data centres can be
accommodated now and in the future.
Consolidating servers in a 1U housing leaves more space
for switches and routers. Higher density makes it possible to
gain space for further racks and switches. Software defined
network (SDN) architectures can be planned more sensibly.
High-density solutions
A high-density system can boost capacity whilst preparing
for the future. You can start off with a single rack unit and
grow as required, for example all the way up to a 45U
rack. Current high-density fibre solutions for data centres
generally offer up to 72 LC duplex ports per rack unit. This
can, however, be tricky to manage.
As higher density infrastructure runs hotter, cooling is
essential as temperatures will rise rapidly in the event of
a cooling failure. Ensure cabling doesn’t restrict airflow.
High-density patch panels and patch cables save rack
space and improve airflow; supporting consistent operating
temperatures and reducing downtime risk. HD racks and
patch may overload existing rack systems, putting strain on
rack equipment and cabling. It’s definitely worth investing
in 19in racks specified for the increased weight of higher
density solutions.
Cable management is key
As racks become more tightly packed and cables more
difficult to grip and manipulate, it becomes harder to
see what you’re doing. The risk of damage and faulty
connections increases. Push/pull connectivity is one way of
making things easier and reducing risk. While pre-terminated
installation cables and cable systems significantly
reduce handling and installation time and guarantee
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