Data Centre optical fibre cross connects with WBT TC7010 series MTP-LC or LC/A connectivity and 1200mm wide ODF (TC4050310BDC)
News, Press Releases, Products Overview - July 10, 2023
Data Centre optical fibre cross connects with WBT TC7010 series
This is the second article in our Data Centre cross connect series and we want to continue our discussion around the various deployment scenarios and relevant product mix needed to successfully deploy a Data Centre cross connect frame.
As mentioned in our previous article (insert link to previous article) a Data Centre optical fibre cross connect frame, also known as a fibre cross connect or simply a cross connect, is a device used to connect optical fibres within a data centre. Cross connects provide a way to interconnect fibre optic cables between different areas of a data centre, enabling efficient data transmission and management, as well as quick patching and deployment of services.
Data centre cross connect fibre optic cabling infrastructure is a critical component of the modern internet. Without a reliable cabling infrastructure, Data Centre networks wouldn’t be able to handle the massive amounts of data traffic that are generated every day. By ensuring proper cabling design, installation, and maintenance, Data centre operators can ensure that their networks are able to meet the demands of the digital age.
Therefore, in summary, the cross connect system is generally made up of the following components:
- Optical fibre Cross connect frame
- Optical Fibre Patch panels
- Fibre optic trunk cabling
- Fibre optic patch cords
In this second article, we will consider the combination of the WBT IntelliFOX TC4050310 series ODF and the TC7010 series solution and how it can be configured to provide cross connect functionality with either LC, LC/A or MTP connectivity.
The TC7010 series is a modular system comprising of very simple, yet innovative building blocks, including a 1RU pivot chassis, and 12 fibre stackable MTP-LC or LC/A cassettes. This concept provides flexibility and scalability, allowing you to expand your connections in 12 fibre increments.
The pivot tray design allows simplified access to MTP/MPO trunk cables, which enter via the rear RHS of the tray and run directly into each MTP-LC cassette. Each MTP port is situated on the rear of the cassette, whilst LC or LC/A ports are presented on the front of each cassette. As with the WBT ODF system, all patchcords enter/exit via the LHS of the chassis into the ODF patchcord management area.
Therefore, what are some of the benefits provided by this WBT IntelliFOX solution configuration?
Here are some of the following benefits to consider:
Space saving single sided access Cross Connect Frame / ODF footprint of 1200mm (w) x 300mm (d) x 2200mm (h) footprint
Scalability from low to ultra-high density based on a granularity of 144F per RU
Industry leading high density of 5,184LC ports and 432 MTP/MPO (12F) ports per ODF
Flexible chassis and cassette options, allowing you to scale 12 LC fibre ports at a time
Full segregation of MTP trunk cabling from LC or LC/A patch cabling
Sufficient patch cords storage and management area to allow for 2,592 uniboot 2mm round duplex patchcords (5,184 fibre ports)
Shallow depth pivot tray design, providing access to MTP connector ports if required
Easily stackable and removable 12F MTP-LC cassettes
ODF accessories including side panels, lockable doors and mounting hardware
Scalable ODF footprint with internal ducting to allow for multiple ODF’s to be deployed in a suite and maintaining patchcord routing within the ODF, i.e. back to back and side to side
Full design and deployment support, with comprehensive documentation provided
Other flexible configurations and deployment options are available
Deployment scenario 1 – Single ODF – Cross connect configuration
This deployment scenario considers using a single ODF as a cross connect or Zone frame with incoming and outgoing MTP trunk cables (ranging from 12F – 144F). All LC or LC/A cross patching is performed internally within the ODF.
The Modular chassis and cassette system being used is the TC7010 series. There is a virtual demarcation point between the bottom and top clusters of fibre trays, with duplex patch cords being connected, routed and stored between both clusters.
This example highlights a full deployment at maximum capacity of 5,184 fibre ports.
Deployment scenario 2 – Dual ODF – cross connect configuration
This deployment scenario considers using dual ODF’s as a cross connect or Zone frame with incoming and outgoing MTP trunk cables (ranging from 12F – 144F) managed between 2 ODF’s. All LC or LC/A cross patching is performed in between the 2 ODF’s, which can be joined together with duplex patchcords being routed within the internal yellow ducting pathways.
The Modular chassis and cassette system being used is the TC7010 series, which features a pivot tray design. Each ODF serves as its own physical demarcation point between distribution/trunk cabling and LC or LC/A patchcords.
This example highlights a full deployment at maximum capacity of 5,184 fibre ports.
Note – diagram below. We need to show this type of configuration with LC duplex patchcords being connected between the 2 ODF’s. However the outgoing blue cables on the left ODF needs to be amended to MTP trunk cabling aswell. The FTP’s being used in the LH ODF also need to be TC7010 series (not 7106 series). In summary, the outgoing an incoming cabling is the same for each ODF.
Product details –
Optical Distribution Frames / Cross Connect frames
The 310 series ODF range is a 21” rear mounting configuration rack (with or without optional side panels and/or doors). ODF’s can be joined back to back and side to side to form an optical suite, or they can be installed as a standalone deployments.
- Maximum ODF LC fibre density of 5,184 fibre ports when using LC duplex uniboot patchcords
- Suitable for 144F per RU high density deployment configuration
- Space saving, single sided access solution with dimensions of 1200mm (W) x 300mm (D) x 2200mm (H)
- The central rack area holds up to 19 x 2RU or 36 x 1RU subrack/panels, which are available separately
- 21” Rails for high density application while still allowing 19” mounting
- Integrated internal ducting for ODF suite deployment (back to back and/or side to side)
- Cable slack management provided (can accommodate a maximum of 4.1m patch cord overlength)
- Offset design to provide increased patchcord management capacity
- Available with optional side panels and door kits
- Scalable and modular system with additional FTP’s deployed as required
TC4050310EDC - ODF 1200mm (W) x 300mm (D) x 2200mm (H) (top&bottom internal duct ), IntelliFOX, grey
Accessories
TC4050-170DCKITE - Door and side panel kit to suit 2200mm high ODF. Grey side panels, grey doors
TC4050-349KIT-GY10 - Duct cover side panels for ODF, grey
TC4050-170DCKITB - Door and side panel kit to suit 2200mm high ODF. Black side panels, black doors
TC7010 series for Cross connect ODF deployment
The TC7010 solution can be deployed in a 1200mm wide ODF, and is a pre-terminated patching system for MTP/MPO and LC or LC/A connectivity.
The TC7010 series fibre optic trays and cassettes are a modular, pre-terminated 12F MTP/MPO cassette based solutions, providing a total fibre port capacity of 144 Fibres in 1RU of rack space.
This modular solution, features a 1RU pivot tray, which can be scaled incrementally with 12F LC – MTP micro cassettes, up to a total density of 144F LC – MTP 12 x 12F per 1RU chassis. It features impressive cable management and is easy to deploy and use, with each MTP-LC cassette being easily stackable and removable. Once cassettes and trunk cables are installed, there is no need to pivot/open the tray and patch services can be performed with push/pull tab duplex patch cords
Benefits and features:
- Modular chassis/subrack, which accepts 12 x 12F MTP-LC or LC/A mini cassettes
- 1RU density of 144F LC or LC/A fibre optic ports
- Swing out, pivot design. Pivot tray design allows for easy access to rear MTP/MPO patching fields
- Compatible with WBT ODF systems and patch cords
- Improved cable management and reduced congestion when using 2mm duplex uniboot patch leads or 1.6mm simplex patch leads. Need to use low profile LC patch cords
- Narrow depth – mounts in a 300mm deep ODF
- Can be deployed in standard equipment racks with 19” or 21” mounting rails
This solution is ideal for use in a 300mm deep ODF (600mm or 1200mm wide), providing scalable high density deployment options. For example, up to 36 x 1RU 144F chassis can be deployed in a Warren & Brown InteliiFOX ODF, providing up to 5,184 fibre density!
Product options and product details
TC7010-14LCAS - MPO/MTP Angled, Standard-LC/A, 12F cassette, Polarity A (micro cassette)
TC7010-14LCAE - MPO/MTP Angled, Elite - LC/A, 12F cassette, Polarity A (micro cassette)
TC7010-14LCS - MPO/MTP Angled, Standard-LC, 12F cassette, Polarity A (micro cassette)
TC7010-14LCE - MPO/MTP Angled, Elite - LC, 12F cassette, Polarity A (micro cassette)
TC7010-20K - MTP to MTP through cassette (micro) - Polarity A (key up to key down)
TC7010-54 - MPO/MTP, Standard LC OM4 multimode aqua, 12F cassette, polarity a (micro cassette)
TC7010-55 - MPO/MTP, Elite LC OM4 multimode aqua, 12F cassette, polarity a (micro cassette)
TC7010-56 - MPO/MTP, Standard LC OM4 multimode aqua, 12F cassette, polarity b (micro cassette)
TC7010-57 - MPO/MTP, Elite LC OM4 multimode aqua, 12F cassette, polarity b (micro cassette)
MTP/MPO trunk cables
Either 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 96 or 144 fibre MTP®/MPO trunk cables can be routed to and from the Optical Cross connect frames or ODF’s and through to the equipment racks.
The MTP®/MPO trunk cables are pre-terminated on each end, which will require the cables to be premeasured and cables manufactured to that exact length.
HXF Series – 12 to 144F MTP trunk cables:
- Singlemode G657A2, or Multimode OM3 / OM4
- Singlemode MTP/A standard connectors at each end, or Multimode
- Hauling sock and deployment reel options
- LSZH outer sheath
- Made to length
- Polarity A for singlemode. Polarity A or B for multimode MTP trunk cables
Fibre optic patch cords
With ultra high density solutions, it is necessary to use low profile LC patch cords, which contain small and compact latches. This is due to the reduced vertical spacing between adaptor ports, which are a feature of high density solutions.
Furthermore, other features such as push/pull tab and reversible polarity also provide benefits in high density application.
Singlemode G657A2 bend insensitive fibre is recommended for patch cords in high density applications or OM4 for multimode applications.
- Push/Pull allows for easy access connection/disconnection from fibre ports by means of a protruding tab
- Reversible polarity enables switching of A-B transmit/receive ports on duplex LC links (if required)
Another important consideration is cable diameter. For duplex patch cords, it is important to use uniboot duplex 2mm cords, in order to minimise the number and density of patch cords within the ODF.
In summary, the optical fibre cross connect frame is a critical component of modern Data Centre infrastructure and the WBT IntelliFOX solution is a leading infrastructure platform which provides unrivalled flexibility, scalability and density. When using the TC7010 series, along with WBT IntelliFOX 1200mm wide ODF, maximum density of 5,184 LC fibres can be deployed with a single ODF.
With many product and customization options, as well as our ability to work with end users to design and deploy a fit for purpose ICT network, WBT can provide you with the reliable connectivity infrastructure solution to bulletproof and futureproof your network!
If you would like to know more or request an obligation free consultation, please contact us at [email protected]