The AMP NETCONNECT Division of Tyco Electronics has introduced a new range of data-centre products and systems: a combination of high-density optical fibre and copper solutions with intelligent management capabilities that meet the specific needs of data centres and storage area networks (SANs).
The new products include the AMP NETCONNECT MPO modular optical fibre-optic and MRJ 21 modular copper cabling systems. These pre-terminated trunk cables, breakout cassettes and cable assemblies offer simple plug-and-play installation, high-density connectors with more ports in less space, and the reliability to handle substantial data streams. Combined with the AMP NETCONNECT AMPTRAC connectivity management system, they create an intelligent network where real-time tracking of cabling and connected devices reduces downtime and minimises fault resolution times.
The MPO fibre solution terminates 12 fibres in one MPO connector (which is similar in size to one SC simplex connector), while modular cassettes provide the transition between the 12 fibres of the MPO connector to MT-RJ, MT-RJ SECURE, LC, ST-style or SC type interfaces.
The MRJ 21 copper system terminates high-performance Powersum 25-pair cable to one MRJ 21 connector, which replaces up to 12 RJ45 connectors. Cassettes break out the cabling to standards-based wiring to support technologies like Power over Ethernet (PoE) and VoIP while providing easy migration to Gigabit Ethernet.
The MPO modular fibre-optic cabling system is available in standard 50 mm (OM2), laser- optimised 50 mm (OM3), and 62.5 mm (OM1) multimode and single-mode (OS1) fibre types for applications today and into the future. ST-style and SC cassettes each have one MPO connection while MT-RJ, MT-RJ SECURE and LC cassettes are available with one or two MPO connections. The MRJ 21 modular copper cabling system is available with assemblies in various lengths and with MRJ 21 to MRJ 21, RJ21, or RJ45 modular plug configurations.
The AMPTRAC connectivity management system optimises data centre port utilisation by accurately tracking and documenting changes as they occur, providing proactive monitoring, preventing costly errors and downtime and increasing productivity. The easy-to-implement hardware and the powerful iTRACS software can be integrated into any new or existing network.
‘Data centres and storage area networks are immediate revenue-generating opportunities, and the traditional process of pulling in, terminating and testing cables can delay start up’, explains Eddie Boyce, UK Product Marketing Manager for Tyco Electronics AMP NETCONNECT Solutions Division: ‘Factory-tested and pre-terminated MPO and MRJ 21 systems get data centres up and running about six times faster than traditional methods, with no need for field termination, tool kits or testing. They also offer reduced on-site labour and better cable management for economical moves, adds and changes.’
The new systems also offer benefits where space is at a premium, since doubling the number of ports on a switch can significantly reduce the cost of ownership. The MPO and MRJ 21 systems provide significantly higher port densities than traditional methods while reducing cable bulk in pathways and spaces. In addition, the high-density connectivity simplifies switch change-out and replacement – a critical advantage for time-sensitive systems.
