LEVITON.COM/CROSSTALK 1

IN THIS ISSUE

3 Key Recommendations for Upgrading a Wireless Network Infrastructure

LIVING ON THE EDGE Smaller edge data centres address the rise of IoT

Leviton Launches Category 8 System for Data Centres that Require 25 and 40 Gb/s Networks

Popular e2XHD Snap-In Cassette System Now Supports Shielded Networks for Mission-Critical Applications

News You Can Use

Tech Tips

Ask The Experts

continued on pg. 2

LIVING ON THE EDGE Smaller edge data centres address the rise of IoT

continued on pg. 2

Over the last decade, we have seen a big migration to more centralised hyperscale data centres and colocation providers. Faced with surging bandwidth demands, along with the promise of cost savings and greater efficiencies, companies continue to migrate to remote data centres.

However, the Internet of Things (IoT) has become a major disruptor in this trend. With billions of data-generating devices on the market, from vending machines to fitness trackers, data from IoT needs real-time collection and processing in order to reduce latency. When data centres are far away, they can’t always support users when they need real-time responses. Closer proximity between data centres and source devices have a direct impact, and for that reason many large data centres and cloud providers are decentralising computing to ‘edge’ data centres.

Key Recommendations for Upgrading a Wireless Network InfrastructureThe proliferation of wireless devices can quickly tax an enterprise wireless network. Installing a robust high-speed network infrastructure, including high bandwidth capable structured cabling, is a necessity to take full advantage of the investment in new wireless technologies.

IEEE 802.11ac defines the next generation of Wi-Fi, and succeeds 802.11n. Enterprise networks using IEEE 802.11ac wireless access points (WAPs) are better prepared for more wireless devices and faster speeds in the workplace, but users won’t see the true benefits of the new standard without the right cabling infrastructure in place to support it.

3

LEVITON POLLLeviton recently asked 100 customers

Lighting 42%

Building Controls 26%

Wireless Access Points 27%

Other 5%

What PoE applications do you feel will grow the most rapidly in the next three years?

Your Source for Industry News & Insight

CrossTalk NEWSLETTERVol. 9 | March/April 2018

> EUROPE

LEVITON.COM/CROSSTALK 2

3 Key Recommendations for Upgrading a Wireless Network Infrastructure • continued from pg. 1

LIVING ON THE EDGE • continued from pg. 1

The move to the edge is not a far-off trend — it’s happening at a rapid pace. According to research firm Gartner, close to 10% of enterprise-generated data is currently created and processed outside of a traditional centralised data centre or cloud, but by 2022 this will reach 50%.

These small-to-micro edge data centres do not replace computing in large central data centres. Typically, they are designed to complement centralised data centres, and the additional edge computing close to customers will often lead to the need for greater capacity at those centralised locations.

Typical industries interested in edge data centres include finance and banking, logistics, retail, and health care. Consider a large retailer who wants to target customers with special offers the moment they enter the store via their smartphones. Using a micro data centre on site — which could be the size of a refrigerator or smaller and completely self contained — the store can quickly react with deals for whoever enters the store.

Cabling Infrastructure at the EdgeFundamentally, cabling in an edge or micro data centre is no different than in a regular data centre. However, since some micro data centres can be as small as half-rack heights, they require patching to be as efficient as possible. Ultra high density fibre patching, and in some cases high-density copper solutions, are essential in these installations. For example, there are cabling systems available today that can patch up to 144 fibres in a one-rack-unit enclosure or patch panel.

With more connected devices permeating every aspect of our lives, and greater reliance on high-bandwidth networks in the workplace, it’s important for data centre managers to plan ahead to anticipate network growth. And it’s critical to make structured cabling an integral part of that plan. A smart strategy includes an infrastructure that is flexible and scalable to handle future upgrades, ultimately delivering a greater return on your infrastructure investment.

AP

AP AP

AP

AP

12 m(39.4 ft)

AP

Here are three recommendations for businesses looking for system longevity, faster data transfer, and support for higher-bandwidth wireless networks.

1. Install Twisted-Pair Cat 6A for Horizontal Cabling to Wireless Access Points

The newly published ISO 11801-6 standard mandates the use of components to ensure a minimum of Class EA channels are provided; this is achieved by design with Category 6A components. Cat 6A — capable of delivering up to 10 Gb/s — supports 802.11ac devices with a data rate up to 6.9 Gb/s. By using a Cat 6A RJ-45 interface and twisted-pair structured cabling system, users get the added benefit of backwards compatibility and connection from the horizontal cabling all the way to the backbone and active gear.

Cat 6A also prepares wireless networks for 802.11ax, the next wireless standard (estimated for 2019), with a data rate up to 10 Gb/s. It also fully supports 802.11ad (published 2013), which is designed to provide data rates up to 7 Gb/s, but within a much shorter range, at 10 metres or less.

2. Use Grid-Based Cabling Architectures

Both ISO/IEC and TIA provide recommendations for a wireless network architecture using a cell design. The ISO/IEC TR-24704 technical report for customer premises cabling for WAPs recommends placing a WAP in an array of tight-fitting hexagonal cells with no more than 12 metres in radius, with outlets closest to the centre of the cell. TSB-162-A recommends a grid-based zone cabling architecture, with each cell in the grid no greater than 18.3 metres wide. Many designs will likely use smaller grid cells — and in turn require additional WAPs — to improve data rates and allow for greater occupancy rates in each cell.

3. Establish at Least Two Cat 6A Cable Runs to Each Cell in the Grid Architecture

The standards recommend a minimum of two ‘Service Outlets’ Cat 6A cables for each WAP for backup power capabilities in case one power source isn’t working. Two cable runs will also prepare the infrastructure for future expansion and data requirements. The EN 50173-6 Distributed Building Services standard also provides recommendations for outlet density based on square meterage and device requirements.

Because 802.11ac WAPs require higher power, running two Cat 6A cables will support higher data rates as well as Power over Ethernet (PoE). Leviton suggests installing shielded cabling for these PoE applications, as they reduce heat buildup in cable bundles that may contribute to performance issues.

Infrastructure for the latest wireless networks

Leviton is a leading manufacturer of connectivity and cabling solutions for enterprise businesses. Our in-ceiling system of jacks, patch cords, surface-mount boxes, and brackets provides a testable permanent link in drop ceilings to WAPs (learn more in “Ask the Experts” on page 4). Atlas-X1 component-rated jacks provide best-in-class performance, with enhanced alien crosstalk protection for a clean wireless signal. They are also ideal for WAPs that rely on PoE, with PoE optimised features for greater performance and longevity, and support for PoE up to 100 watts.

For more information about wireless infrastructure for enterprise, visit Leviton.com/wireless

LEVITON.COM/CROSSTALK 3

Many IT managers want better protection for their mission-critical applications with shielded connectivity that still allows fast deployment and simple maintenance. Leviton delivers that solution with the release of two universal panels for its popular e2XHD Snap-In Cassette Patching System. These flat and angled 1RU panels support fibre, unshielded copper, and now shielded copper connectivity for networks that require greater security and EMI/RFI immunity.

The new shielded option uses snap-in cassettes and Atlas-X1 jacks, which feature industry-leading, component-rated performance that exceeds established standards.

Learn more at Leviton.com/e2XHD

NEWS USEYOUCAN

YESTERDAY’S NEWS1948: Seventy years ago, mathematician Claude Shannon published The Mathematical Theory of Communication, which describes the elements of communication between people and machines. It introduced the term ‘bit’ as a unit of information.

INDUSTRYThe cloud will account for 95% of all data centre traffic by 2021, according to the Cisco Global Cloud Index. Cisco adds that traditional data centre traffic will also grow, from 849 exabytes in 2016 to 1.7 zettabytes by 2021.

In February, BICSI published a new edition of the Outside Plant Design Reference Manual (OSPDRM). The new 6th Edition includes updates throughout, including changes to grounding and bonding requirements, additional information on air-assisted cable installation, and OM5 fibre cable information.

33

COMPANY

Leviton donated two new roof gardens to the Erasmus University Medical Centre (Erasmus MC) in Rotterdam. Erasmus MC is one of the top scientific university medical centres in Europe, and the second largest hospital in the Netherlands. The gardens contribute to the well-being of patients, staff, and the environment. They also function as a reservoir for rainwater storage, which is beneficial in case of heavy precipitation.

Learn more about the project

Leviton Launches Category 8 System for Data Centres that Require 25 and 40 Gb/s NetworksAs more data centres upgrade their networks to meet increasing traffic, they require scalable, standards-based infrastructure options. Category 8 copper standards, published in late 2017, deliver big benefits for data centre managers migrating to next-generation networks. Category 8 solutions offer a lower cost alternative to twinaxial cable, as well as fibre cable, in most short links.

The new Leviton Atlas-X1™ Category 8 Shielded System offers IT managers a versatile option for 25 and 40 Gb/s in the data centre access layer, using a globally adopted RJ-45 interface on the popular Atlas-X1 platform. The system is fully backwards compatible to Cat 7A, Cat 7, Cat 6A, Cat 6, and Cat 5e cabling products, and provides seamless auto-negotiation between active equipment.

Learn more at Leviton.com/Cat8.

Popular

e2XHD Snap-In Cassette SystemNow Supports Shielded Networks for Mission-Critical Applications

4Email: crosstalk@leviton.com

QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? IDEAS?We want to hear from you!

Would you like to subscribe or unsubscribe to CrossTalk? Drop us a line at crosstalk@leviton.com.

© 2018 Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.

Network Connectivity for DIN Rail Mounting

Metal DIN rails have become a very popular method for mounting electrical components that support industrial applications. The rails are typically used inside equipment racks and control panels. If you’re looking to integrate network patching locations into an industrial environment, Leviton has fibre and copper connectivity that can mount on DIN rails.

Leviton’s DIN Rail Modules (MMCDINSIJS8) easily snap onto DIN rails, and accept our 10GPlus, Cat6Plus, and GigaPlus Tool-Free jacks. Multiple modules can be aligned horizontally in a row, and the angled direction of the jacks facilitates cord routing in a way that eases bending stresses while maximising performance.

If you require fibre cabling to network your equipment, you can use the SDX Mini Wall-Mount Enclosure (5WMNT-01C) for DIN rail mounting. The mini enclosure houses up to 24 fibres (LC), and can accommodate field terminated connectors, splicing, or pre-terminated fibre trunks and assemblies. It can also be mounted in a variety of other ways, including to walls, ladder racks, and workstations or cubicles.SDX Mini Wall-Mount Enclosure

(5WMNT-01C)

DIN Rail Module (MMCDINSIJS8)

ASK THE EXPERTSQ: I saw you offer brackets for mounting jacks in above-ceiling applications. Why use a

field-terminated jack when you can install a direct connection with a plug and be done?

A: Jacks provide a standards-based permanent link that can be tested and warranted right away for immediate and operational confidence. Combined with a stable mounting point, they reduce the chance of damage during construction, eliminate finger-pointing between the trades, and avoid high-cost rework — especially for hard to reach connections.

Leviton offers an in-ceiling system for wireless access points, comprising jacks, boxes, and brackets. It creates a testable permanent link in drop ceilings to WAPs, while allowing the flexibility to move the In-Ceiling Bracket to refine Wi-Fi coverage.