Networks Europe May-Jun 2017 | Page 13

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 www.networkseuropemagazine.com