Data Centre Solutions

Introduction to Data Centres

Data Centres are at the core of Corporate and Internet businesses
and are foundation blocks of the world economy.
Data Centres range in size from small rooms in SME businesses
supporting their own operations to purpose built campuses of
hangar size buildings with split halls supporting the WWW and
global corporations. The facilities themselves are secure, robust
and reliable to provide a stable environment for the equipment
and to minimise downtime. Government, Industry or the public
at large may own the information. Whoever the owner there are
common demands, such as instant access to current and accurate
data 24/7, on demand and without disruption, 365 days a year.
Data Centres essentially reliably store data and applications for
remote access by users. The increasing volumes of data held, and
growth in demand to access the data, requires that Data Centres
have a scaleable and flexible IT infrastructure that uses high speed
access technologies.
The complex issues impacting Data Centre operational efficiency
must be addressed in all aspects of Data Centre design to ensure
optimum performance and improved return on investment.
Ultimate service reliability is essential as downtime costs money,
and new technologies must be embraced to maximise network
performance, availability and business continuity.
The reliable operation of the Data Centre is second only to the
security and integrity of the information held and processed
there. The availability, or uptime, of the Data Centre is assured by
the performance and quality of all of its critical parts, not least of
which is the cabling infrastructure.
The IT cabling infrastructure in the Data Centre provides: a
transportation path for the reliable transmission of data, flexibility
to support the churn experienced with MACs (Moves, Adds and
Changes) and future proofing to allow simple upgrades to the
next transmission technology as and when required.
In the Data Centre environment a well designed cabling system
provides a reliable foundation for the IT network, improves the
operational efficiency of the facility and future proofs for change
and growth. Cabling systems can provide the facility stakeholders
with a competitive advantage to support their business.
Brand-Rex have developed a set of solutions ideally suited to
the demands of the Data Centre environment that meet the
challenges of providing reliability, scalability and future proofing
with space efficiency. This guide introduces the set.

C ha l l e n ges i n the D ata C e n tre E n vir o n me n t

The IT cabling infrastructure must be reliable, scalable

and future proof.
Reliability
Data Centre downtime can cost upwards of 3 million per hour
(source: Data Centre Institute). The reliability of a facility is a key
measure, operations must always be available and services should
be uninterruptable. The Uptime Institute 4 tier system classifies Data
Centres in terms of resilience, key elements of the system are shown
in Table 1.
The tiering of the Data centre influences the cabling infrastructure
design provided. A Tier IV installation requires IT cabling to be dual,
diverse routed to support the availability target. The components
employed in the cabling system must be designed to perform over
their installed life and meet the rigours of the environment, this not
only requires assured component reliability but also intelligent cable
management and secure routing and management at distributors and
equipment outlets.
Scalability
In the constantly evolving and changing environment of the
Data Centre, the infrastructure needs to offer flexibility and scalability.
Modularity helps through all stages of the Data Centre life. Modular
components offer advantages during initial build and live operations
by assisting the installation through use of common parts, providing
a platform for the logical addition to or expansion of existing plant
and by simplifying operational moves, adds and changes (MACs).

Future Proofing
The Data Centre sector is generally an early adopter of the next high
speed transmission line technology. Gigabit Ethernet, 10G Ethernet
speeds have been quickly introduced (the latter application requiring
optical or ClassEA performance cabling). The next Higher Speed
Ethernet technologies are now emerging at 40G and 100G speeds,
and the uptake is expected to be swift. This drive for higher speed
requires that the latest emerging technologies are understood and
the product roadmaps support them, the IT cabling infrastructure
must be installed with a view to todays and tomorrows technologies,
future proofing is key to allow new equipments to be substituted into
the newtork without replacing the cabling infrastructure.
Space Efficiency
Space in the Data Centre for housing processing and storage
equipment is at a premium, technology advances such as lower
power processors, blade servers and virtualisation are improving
space utilisation, but the growth in demand for data storage space
is unabated. Efficient use of space taken by the cabling infrastructure
is essential in the Data Centre. High density patching is required at
distributors to maximise rack space for active equipment and cable
pathways are designed not only to accommodate the interconnection
cabling but also to minimise adverse effects on cooling air flows when
installed underfloor.

D ata C e n tre C ab l i n g , I n ter n ati o n a l S ta n dards & A p p l icati o n s

Table 1: The tier system

Classification

Tier I

Tier II

Tier III

Tier IV

Site Infrastructure

Basic

Redundant components

Concurrently maintainable

Fault tolerant

IT infrastructure

Single distribution path

Single distribution path

with standby components

Dual routed distribution

paths, one active and one
on standby

Dual routed distribution

paths, simultaneously
active

Components supporting
IT load

N (need)

N+1

N+1

N
After any failure

Availability

99.67%

99.75%

99.98%

99.99%

IEC, CENELEC and TIA have all published standards for cabling
in the Data Centre. These are, currently:
ISO/IEC 24764:2010
EN 50173-5:2007
TIA 942:2005
The CENELEC and TIA standard are being amended to align with the
IEC document in recommending that ClassEA and OM3 performance
cabling should be chosen as the minimum cabling performance level
in the Data Centre. The ClassEA performance level for copper cabling
is recommended because it is expected that cabling systems installed
today will be required to provide transmission paths for 10GBASE-T
technology. The OM3 performance level is similarly recommended
on the basis of best choice for transmission of 10GbE and high speed
Fibre channel technologies.
The TIA standard includes more comprehensive recommendations for
the facility itself and provides advice on Architectural, Mechanical and
Electrical aspects of the infrastructure of the building and expands
upon the Uptime Institutes Tier system.
In applications developments the IEEE has standardised 1G and 10G
technologies on Optical Fibre and Copper media and defined the
performance levels required to support transmissions. More recently,
in June 2010, the IEEE published its latest standard, from the 802.3ba
study group, and introduced 40G and 100G High Speed Ethernet.
This standard included 8 new physical solutions:

Supporting a MAC data rate of 40G:

40GBASE - LR4 for at least 10km on SMF
40GBASE - SR4 for at least 100m on OM3*
40GBASE - CR4 for at least 7m on a cable assembly
40GBASE - KR4 for at least 1m over a backplane
Supporting a MAC data rate of 100G:
100GBASE - ER4 for at least 40km on SMF
100GBASE - LR4 for at least 10km on SMF
100GBASE - SR10 for at least 100m on OM3*
100GBASE - CR10 for at least 7m on a cable assembly

The 40G and 100G multimode solutions use parallel optics

employing MPO style connectivity at the equipment interface.
Parallel optics is new for Ethernet technology and will be new to
most Data Centre installations.
This multiplicity of applications technologies and cabling media to
support the applications is a topic that deserves attention and requires
careful consideration in planning a Data Centre cabling infrastructure.
For more information on choosing the cabling media required to
future proof cabling installations please contact Brand-Rex.

* will run up to 150m on OM4 cabling

D ATA C E N T R E C A B L I N G S OL U T I ON S - C OPP E R S Y S T E M S

The Brand-Rex range of Data Centre solutions is engineered

to provide the ideal cabling solution for the Data Centre environment.
The extensive range includes high performance copper cabling
systems, a unique air blown fibre system and an intelligent
infrastructure management solution to meet the demands of todays
Data Centre.
Our high density solutions are used extensively in Data Centres
around the world and are continually undergoing development to
ensure we continue to offer the most innovative Data Centre specific
solutions available on the market today.

Copper Data Centre Systems

10GPlus
A range of premium Class EA performance level shielded
and UTP structured cabling products designed to transmit
10GBASE-T technologies.

Cat6Plus
A wide range of Category 6 performance structured cable
products which support all Class E applications.

SmartPatch
An industry leading intelligent infrastructure management
system designed to monitor and manage physical networks
connections.
High Density Cabling System
Compact footprint and
increased density - 864 ports
in a 900x500 footprint with an
open construction for ease of
cross patching and reduced
installation time. Its professional
and flexible configuration
offers enhanced thermal
management. It provides
unique working and cabling
accessibility to totally transform
cabinet installation layouts,
onsite installation and on-going
system management.

10GPlus Zone Cable

Ultimate space saving. A reduced diameter
overcomes containment issues. By saving
pathway space in trays & cabinets. The cable
offers 30% cable weight saving and 50% space
saving over equivalent horizontal cables.
Its construction allows for a more flexible
and easier installation while also providing
excellent basic transmission parameters.

Cat6Plus 1/2 Unit Patch Panel

Double density patch panel offering 48 ports in 1U within a logical and
quick installation. It works with Standard termination methods but reduces
the height & depth required within the rack. Results in improved thermal
management by reducing airflow blockage.

10GPlus Cabling
Class EA performance 10GPlus High Performance cabling is recommended for
use in the Data Centre environment. Brand-Rex offers a full range of shielded and
UTP Class cabling designed to support 10GBASE-T. If the Data Centre is located in
an electro-magnetically noisy environment shielded cabling systems should be
considered to provide higher protection against electro-magnetic interference.

Open Entry Rack (OER)

Designed to be arranged in stand-alone or in multiple configurations. An ideal
solution for the main distribution area, the OER offers a simple, modular and
easy-to-install system featuring smart, effective cable management options
and built-in flexibility to cope with copper or optical cabling. Reconfigurations
and modifications to the OER system can easily be incorporated after the
system is installed, which makes the OER a great choice for cable management
needs now, and in the future.

Distribution Equipment Rack (DER)

Modular and flexible solution that can be configured as an open frame or
as a closed cabinet. The cabinet design enables faster, structured and more
user-friendly cable installations compared with conventional cabinets.
Users have maximum working access, meaning installation is much easier
to maintain. Easy access to equipment and patch panels not only reduces
the occurrence of messy, haphazard cabling arrangements but also greatly
reducing installation time.

High Density V12 Angled Patch Panel

The panel offers optimal patching
manageability by facilitating
cord routing directly into the
rack vertical side management,
rendering horizontal cable managers
redundant. The resultant increased
rack density saves valuable space
but also offers a panel that eases
bending stresses on the cord while
maximizing performance.

Next Generation 10GPlus Patch Cords

Brand-Rex patch cords provide optimum and consistent performance. Designed
to have a repeatable, controlled and consistent assembly. The unique design
of wire management block ensure optimum performance. Low profile boots
have a flexible and robust construction but also allow for higher density blade
connectivity.

10GPlus Shielded Tool-Free Jack

Flexible and quick to terminate, the high performance, Category 6A, shielded
jack offers an industry leading electrical performance providing exceptional
levels of headroom. The smallest Category 6A shielded jack available on the
market today, this innovative tool-free technology incorporates a unique stuffer
cap for fast, intuitive and easy termination.

D ATA C E N T R E C A B L I N G S OL U T I ON S - OP T I C A L F I B R E S Y S T E M S

The Brand-Rex range of Data Centre solutions is engineered to

provide the ideal cabling solution for the Data Centre environment.
The extensive range includes high performance fibre cabling systems,
a unique air blown fibre system and an intelligent infrastructure
management solution to meet the demands of todays Data Centre.
Our high density solutions are used extensively in Data Centres
around the world and are continually undergoing development to
ensure we continue to offer the most innovative Data Centre specific
solutions available on the market today.

High Density Fibre

Management System
An innovative fibre management
system offering the ultimate crossconnect solution for management of
fibre in the Data Centre. It provides
increased density of 912 duplex adapter
ports in a 900 x 500 footprint. The
cabinets open frame structure allows
for increased access and usability while
maintaining a secure, bend controlled
system throughout. This is a leading
system, designed with an emphasis
on minimisation of on-site installation
times, accessibility to cabling and
modularity to enhance its flexibility
during operation.

Optical Fibre Data Centre Systems

FibrePlus
An extensive range of Optical Fibre cables and connectivity
designed to support the requirements of the LAN market.
Blolite & MicroBlo
A future proof Air Blown Fibre and cable systems uniquely
designed for the LAN environment with the ability to blow
fibre through tortuous routes.
MT CONNECT
MT Connect
An MPO ferrule technology, parallel optics, multimode
and singlemode fibre solution set. A pre-terminated solution
designed for quick installation, change and repair to support
modular builds ideal for duplex fibre technology and ready for
parallel optics new technologies.

SmartPatch
An industry leading intelligent infrastructure management
system designed to monitor and manage physical networks
connections.

Open Entry Rack (OER)

Designed to be arranged in stand-alone
or in multiple configurations. An ideal
solution for the main distribution area,
the OER offers a simple, modular and
easy-to-install system featuring smart,
effective cable management options and
built-in flexibility to cope with copper
or optical cabling. Reconfigurations and
modifications to the OER system can
easily be incorporated after the system
is installed, which makes the OER a great
choice for cable management needs
now, and in the future.

Distribution Equipment Rack (DER)

Modular and flexible solution that can be configured as an open frame or as a
closed cabinet. The cabinet design enables faster, structured and more userfriendly cable installations compared with conventional cabinets.Users have
maximum working access, meaning installation is much easier to maintain.
Easy access to equipment and patch panels, not only reduces the occurrence
of messy, haphazard cabling arrangements but also greatly reducing
installation time.

Air Blown Fibre & Cable

Blolite and MicroBlo point to point Air Blown Fibre and Cable
systems offer a versatile and future proof fibre installation solution.
Suitable for Data Centre applications the systems provide the
ability to change your infrastructure as demand on your data
centre dictates.

High Density Fibre Patch Panels

Revolutionary panel provides a robust secure construction while offering
fully integrated and flexible fibre management. The 1U 48 port panel
facilitates cord routing directly into the rack vertical side management,
thus increasing rack density and easing undue stresses on the cords. It is
designed to pivot and hinge providing the control and security of a fixed
panel but also allowing for increased access and usability.

MT Connect Pre-Terminated System

A simple intuitive plug and play installation MT Connect is a high
performance, pre-terminated, modular, optical fibre cabling system based on
MT ferrule connector technology. Ideal for Data Centres where multiple, point
to point, fibre connections between distribution racks and equipment racks
can be quickly and efficiently installed, maintained and changed as required.

Robust and Reliable Patch Cords,

Pigtails and Connectors
Comprehensive range including high
quality and reliable singlemode and
multimode connectors offering lower
optical insertion loss than standard
products. Extensive range of pigtails
and patch cords offering a reliable and
robust industry leading performance.

Optical Fibre Backbone and Horizontal Cabling

High performance singlemode and multimode optical fibre cables,
pre-connectorised MPO based Optical Fibre cabling system and micro distribution optical cables.
Single-mode fibre cables available with OS1 and OS2 levels of performance and
multimode OM3 and OM4 with high or very high laser optimized bandwidth. All are
available in tight-buffered, multi-loose tube or central loose tube constructions for
a wide range of applications and are compliant with the latest standards.

I N T E LL I G E N T I N F R A S T R U C T U R E M A N A G E M E N T S OL U T I ON S

SmartPatch is the market leading IIMS solution from Brand-Rex.

Its compatible with both fibre and copper infrastructure and is
the ideal solution for the Data Centre.
SmartPatch uses a combination of software and hardware to monitor
and manage physical network connections. A topology of scanners
and intelligent patch panels, send and receive connectivity updates
into the SmartPatch for the Enterprise (SP4E) software application,
providing real-time data and automatically updated records that
remove the need to rely on traditional off-line methods.
To date, over 3 million ports worldwide are managed by this
technology, equating to over half the market in terms of share
by both volume and value.
SmartPatch benefits include:
Real time infrastructure management
Improved troubleshooting and reduced MTTR
Optimisation of asset utilisation
Automated provisioning capability
Within the Data Centre, IIMS solutions have been proven to reduce
server service provisioning time by up to 80%, whilst simultaneously
reducing the number of incidents caused by poorly executed
change. If incidents do occur, for whatever reason, IIMS solutions
can dramatically reduce mean time to repair (MTTR) by up to 45%.
SmartPatch is available with a range of modules for integration
with CAD, PBX, HPOV etc.
For further details please contact: [email protected]

Brand-Rex LAN Solutions

Brand-Rex offers one of the widest portfolio of LAN products
in the marketplace and has been an established player in the
market since LAN technology was introduced.
The Brand-Rex product sets today are leading technology
solutions that are tailored to the needs of general office and the
Data Centre environments. Brand-Rex continue to innovate and
lead the industry by providing high quality, high performance
solutions into the market which are built for ease of use,
operational reliability and longevity.
The Brand-Rex 25 Year System Warranty
Brand-Rex provides the security of a 25-year system channel
warranty to assure the reliability of installed structured wiring
systems. The warranty applies to installations that have been
carried out by approved Brand-Rex Channel Partners that use
100% Brand-Rex products.

10

Brand-Rex has an established global network of resellers,

distributors and installers to make the products available
worldwide. The installers are trained to the highest standard,
by Brand-Rex, to maintain a consistently high level of system
performance worldwide.
Brand-Rex Pre & Post Sales Support
Brand-Rex offers support to customers in the design stages of
programmes, all stages of the bid process and from product
supply to installation and post installation audit. Brand-Rex
boasts a team of highly experienced sales and engineering staff.
Brand-Rex are a customer focused company who aim to provide
best in class service to all its customers...

Why Brand-Rex for your Data Centre

BT Operate uses a bespoke space saving Brand-Rex solution for

their new Data Centre program
Like everyone else, the challenge we face is to minimise usage of
space, so we are looking to virtualise all of our server estate and at
the same time reduce the number of physical sites by vacating some
premises. The Brand-Rex High Density solution will help us to do that
because it enables us to get more cable into a smaller space without
losing manageability. Its a major plus for us, because we can use this
extra space to deploy servers, for instance, and achieve a significant
cost benefit.
Paul Woodward, Lead Data Centre Specialist, BT Operate.

TelecityGroup uses a Brand-Rex solution to stay green and reduce

onsite installation time
Brand-Rex differentiated itself from the competition by designing a
product for us that directly addressed the special connectivity needs of
the Condorcet Data Centre in terms of rack size and weight,
Brand-Rex products are well designed, highly reliable and easy to
install, this not only reduces our onsite turnaround times but gives our
customers the additional benefit of reduced lead times.
Nicolas Buono, Director of Operations, TelecityGroup.

Morrisons uses a Brand-Rex solution to future proof

With continuing expansion, we were facing the same issues that many
large organisations do in terms of driving Data Centre efficiencies namely
power, cooling and airflow. Certainly, we were keen to install 10GPlus Zone
cable and once I received the specifications and saw how I could go about
constructing a system on-site, I realised I could save a lot of space in server
cabinets and under the floor. Most importantly, I could see how the Zone
cabling would help improve airflow and therefore efficiencies and cost.
This will help us tremendously with future projects,
Darryl Shears, Data Centre Manager, Morrisons.

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The information contained in this document is valid and correct at the time of issue.
However, we reserve the right to modify details without notice in the light of subsequent
Standard / Specification changes and ongoing technical developments.
Brand-Rex Limited 2011

DATACENTRE/EN/3 0211

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