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HIGH DENSITY DATA CENTER

CABLING GUIDE

PROVIDING MTP CABLING SOLUTIONS FOR THE SMART DATA CENTER.

APPROVED NETWORKS SETS THE STANDARDThe industry authority on fiber optic connectivity, Approved Networks has been consistently delivering first-to-market compatibility solutions for over a decade, even in the most rigorous, optical networking environments. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Approved currently provides technical, logistical and sales support to over 3,000 clients in 30 countries.

KEEPING PACE WITH GROWTH - THE SHIFT TO 40GB AND BEYONDConstant demand for more speed and bandwidth within the switch and server environments means data centers must keep evolving. The shift to 40/100G can be costly and choosing the correct fiber, polarity, connector and management system can be daunting. When it comes to infrastructure, a clear migration plan has become a necessity and, in many verticals, a matter of survival. Use this informational guide from Approved to gain a fundamental understanding of the cabling, connections and systems needed to achieve success in today’s data centers.

CABLING BASICSApproved jumpers come in many different varieties. These drawings show the basic difference between two of the most commonly used cables.

DUPLEX VS MULTIPLE STRAND FIBER40/100GB optics means higher density connectivity in the switch. The added connectivity, however, can create congestion in your cabling. This cross-section comparison of the Duplex, 12 and 24 fiber cabling shows the spec savings achieved when using multi-strand fiber.

DUPLEX

12 FIBER

24 FIBER

DUPLEX FIBER

The familiar duplex fiber standard in all data center facilities, the 1/10GB jumper, comes in 50/125um multimode (OM2, OM3, OM4, OM4+) and 9/125um singlemode. It has 4 flame ratings and is available in over 10 connectors, including LC, Uniboot, and SC. These cables can operate at speeds of over 100Gps (Think QSFP28-LR4 – Single mode.) They’re perfect for legacy applications as well as high speed, high bandwidth environments.

MULTI-STRAND MTP FIBER

Migration to multiple-strand fiber (Think 40Gbps and 100Gbps.) employs parallel optic technology. Multi-strand jumpers use MTP connectors for both 12-fiber (40/100G) and 24-fiber (100G). They come in standard, laser optimized 50/125um multimode (OM3, OM4, OM4+) and 9/125um singlemode. Male and female connectors vary with 8, 12, 20, and 24 fiber configurations.

• 2 strands of glass• Typically found in a “zipcord” construction• Most often used between devices where a separate transmit and receive are required• Available in multimode 50/125um (OM2, OM3, OM4, OM4+) and singlemode 9/125um

• 12 strands of glass • Commonly used in 40G applications with high-density components• Reduces space requirements by over 50%• Available in multimode, laser optimized 50/125um (OM3, OM4, OM4+) and singlemode 9/25um NOTE: *40/100G QSFP optics use 8 of the 12 fibers in the cable

• 24 strands of glass• Commonly used in 100G applications with high-density components• Reduces space requirements by over 75%• Available in multimode, laser optimized 50/125um (OM3, OM4, OM4+) and singlemode 9/25um NOTE: *100G CFP use 20 of the 24 fibers in the cable

*MTP is a registered trademark of US Conec Ltd

FOR BEST PRACTICES AND EXPERT CONFIGURATION CALL 800.590.9535.

12-FIBER

24-FIBER

KEY-UP | KEY-DOWN

MALE | FEMALE

Approved uses only US Conec MTP® connectors, which are high-performance MPO connectors engineered to improve optical and mechanical performance. MTP connectors are in compliance with all MPO standards, including EIA/TIA-604-5, FOCIS 5 and IEC-61754-7. They connect with all generic, compliant MPO-style connectors.

12 AND 24 FIBER CONNECTORS

• 12 fiber, single, in-line connector (shown left). Pins 1 - 6 are for Transmit (TX) and 7 - 12 are for Receive (RX).• 24 fiber, dual, in-line connector (shown left). Pins 13 - 24 are for Transmit (TX) and 1 - 12 are for Receive (RX).

PARALLEL OPTICS - 40GB (QSFP+) AND 100GB (QSFP28/CFP) CONNECTORS

40GB and 100GB Ethernet employ parallel optics. That means data is transmitted and received simultaneously on MTP interfaces through 10/25GB simplex transmission over each individual strand in the cable. Transmission methodology is determined by current IEEE channel/lane assignments for active equipment interfaces.

KEY = TX = RX = NOT USED

MTP MULTIPLE STRAND CONNECTORS AND FIBER POLARITYUnderstanding 40/100GB connections and how they transmit through your network infrastructure is key to a successful migration. Polarity and fiber usage is more complex than it is with traditional cabling. Understanding basic connection and pinouts as described here will minimize potential for error.

POLARITY TYPES Polarity types A, B, C and Universal are available in 12 and 24 fiber options.Fiber optics rely on bi-directional transmissions where the transmitter port (TX) on one end connects to the receiver port (RX) on the other. Since fiber optic links require this two-way (duplex) connection, there is potential for error by connecting a TX to TX or RX to RX. Connectivity methods (A, B, C & Universal) now exist to help ensure easier, proper channel alignment during planning and installation.

40/100GB 8-FIBER QSFPPins 1-4 = Transmit (TX)Pins 9-12 = Receive (RX)Pins 5-8 = not used

100GB 20-FIBER CFPPins 14-23 = Transmit (TX)Pins 2-11 = Receive (RX)Pins 1,12,13,24 = not used

POLARITY B CHANNEL ALIGNMENT - Opposing connectors are both key-up with the fiber channel positions reversed at each end.

Side A | Channels: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Side 5 | Channels: 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

TYPE B POLARITY

SIDE A | KEY-UP

SIDE B | KEY-UP

| 24 FIBER SEQUENCE SHOWN |

POLARITY A CHANNEL ALIGNMENT - Opposing connectors have the same fiber channel positions except one end is key-up and the other is key-down.

Side A | Channels: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Side B | Channels: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

TYPE A POLARITY

SIDE A | KEY-UP

SIDE B | KEY-DOWN

| 12 FIBER SEQUENCE SHOWN |

POLARITY C CHANNEL ALIGNMENT - Opposing connectors are key-up and key-down with the adjacent fiber channel pairs alternating - channels 1 to 2 and 2 to 1, 3 to 4 and 4 to 3, etc.

Side A | Channels: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Side B | Channels: 2 1 4 3 6 5 8 7 10 9 12 11

TYPE C POLARITY

SIDE A | KEY-UP

SIDE B | KEY-DOWN

| 12 FIBER SEQUENCE SHOWN |

UNIVERSAL POLARITY CHANNEL ALIGNMENT - Channel alignment is the same as Polarity B except the opposing connectors are key-up and key-down.

Side A | Channels: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Side B | Channels: 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

UNIVERSAL POLARITY

SIDE A | KEY-UP

SIDE B | KEY-DOWN

| 12 FIBER SEQUENCE SHOWN |

MTP BREAKOUT CABLESBreakout cables are a vital part of today’s data center. Available in either multimode or singlemode with multiple connector options, Approved MTP breakout cables provide an ideal solution for patch panels, data distribution and transceiver routing in current 40GB and 100GB environments.

All Approved breakout cables are customizable, including:

• Fiber type • Distance • Polish type• Fiber count • Breakout lengths • Polarity method• Connectors • Flame rating • Labeling

CONFIGURING CUSTOM CABLING SOLUTIONS FOR THE SMART DATA CENTER.

12 FIBER Connector A: MTP

Connector B: Uniboot, LC (shown), MU, FC, mSFP, SC and ST

Male or Female

FIBER/MAX DISTANCE(10GPS): OM3 50/125um 300M maxOM4 50/125um 400M maxOS2 9/125um 10KM max

OPTICAL SPECS: Connector A Insertion Loss .10dbConnector B Insertion Loss .25dbReturn Loss A: >20db B: >55db

COMPLIANCE: RoHsUL®EIA/TIA

8POLARITY METHODS: A | B | C | Universal

BREAKOUT LENGTH: Standard | Custom | Staggered

FLAME RATING: Riser | Plenum | LSZH | Armor

FIBER/MAX DISTANCE(10GPS): OM3 50/125um 300M maxOM4 50/125um 400M maxOS2 9/125um 10KM max

OPTICAL SPECS: Connector A Insertion Loss .10dbConnector B Insertion Loss .25dbReturn Loss A: >20db B: >55db

COMPLIANCE: RoHsUL®EIA/TIA

8POLARITY METHODS: Universal

BREAKOUT LENGTH: Standard | Custom | Staggered

FLAME RATING: Riser | Plenum | LSZH | Armor

8 FIBER QSFP+ Connector A: MTP

Connector B: Uniboot, LC (shown), MU, FC, mSFP, SC and ST

Female

20 FIBER CFP Connector A: MTP

Connector B: Uniboot (shown), LC, MU, FC, mSFP, SC and ST

Female

FIBER/MAX DISTANCE(10GPS): OM3 50/125um 300M maxOM4 50/125um 400M maxOS2 9/125um 10KM max

OPTICAL SPECS: Connector A Insertion Loss .10dbConnector B Insertion Loss .25dbReturn Loss A: >20db B: >55db

COMPLIANCE: RoHsUL®EIA/TIA

8POLARITY METHODS: Universal

BREAKOUT LENGTH: Standard | Custom | Staggered

FLAME RATING: Riser | Plenum | LSZH | Armor

24 FIBER Connector A: MTP

Connector B: Uniboot (shown), LC, MU, FC, mSFP, SC and ST

Male or Female

FIBER/MAX DISTANCE(10GPS): OM3 50/125um 300M maxOM4 50/125um 400M maxOS2 9/125um 10KM max

OPTICAL SPECS: Connector A Insertion Loss .10dbConnector B Insertion Loss .25dbReturn Loss A: >20db B: >55db

COMPLIANCE: RoHsUL®EIA/TIA

8POLARITY METHODS: A | B | C | Universal

BREAKOUT LENGTH: Standard | Custom | Staggered

FLAME RATING: Riser | Plenum | LSZH | Armor

* NOTES: OM4+ extends above configuration distances to 600 meters at 10Gps. OM5 is designed to support at least four low-cost wavelengths in the 850-950 nm range, enabling optimal support of emerging Shortwave Wavelength Division Multiplexing (SWDM) applications that reduce parallel fiber count by at least a factor of four to allow continued use of just two fibers (rather than eight) for transmitting 40 Gb/s and 100 Gb/s and reduced fiber counts for higher speeds.

HIGH-DENSITY HYDRA FIBER TRUNK CABLESWith emerging 40GB and 100GB data center environments, high-density port configurations test the limits of cable design and installation. Approved’s pre-terminated trunk cables offer a streamlined approach to network design by reducing the number of individual components in the structured cabling system.

Approved’s fiber team specializes in simplifying this complex road map, offering expert analysis with every customizable option available today, including:

• Fiber type • Diameter • Polarity method • Pulling type• Fiber count • Distance • Polish type • Color• Connectors • Breakout lengths • Flame rating • Labeling

FOR BEST PRACTICES AND EXPERT CONFIGURATION CALL 800.590.9535.

TRUNK FIBER OPTIONS:

FIBER/MAX DISTANCE(10GPS): OM3 50/125um 300M maxOM4 50/125um 400M maxOS2 9/125um 10KM max

OPTICAL SPECS: Connector A Insertion Loss .10dbConnector B Insertion Loss .25dbReturn Loss A: >20db B: >55db

PULLING: Pulling Eye - outdoorPulling Mesh - indoorNone

POLARITY METHODS: A | B | C | Universal

FLAME RATING: Riser | Plenum | LSZH | Armor

BREAKOUT LENGTH: Standard | Custom | Staggered

TRUNK CABLE SHOWN: A - MTP Female (X4)B - Uniboot (X24)48 Fiber

12 fiber 24 fiber 36 fiber 48 fiber 72 fiber 96 fiber 144 fiber

CONNECTOR OPTIONS:

LC UnibootMultimode - UPC or PCSinglemode - UPC or APC

LCMultimode - UPC or PCSinglemode - UPC or APC

Mini LCMultimode - UPC or PCSinglemode - UPC or APC

SCMultimode - UPC or PCSinglemode - UPC or APC

FCMultimode - UPCSinglemode - APC

STMultimode - UPCSinglemode - APC

POLISH OPTIONS:

PC<-35dB back reflection

UPC<-55dB back reflection

APC<-65dB back reflection

COMPLIANCE: RoHs | UL® | EIA/TIA

MTPMultimode - UPCSinglemode - APC

LABELING OPTIONS: WHERE: Bag | Cable | Kit

HOW: Logo | Serial Number | Barcode | Fiber by Unit and/or Subunit | Length | Port Number | Instructions | Custom

* NOTE: OM4+ extends above configur ation distance to 600 meters at 10Gps.

PROVIDING CABLE MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS FOR THE SMART DATA CENTER.

INCREASE FUNCTIONALITY WHILE SAVING ON SPACE AND BUDGETApproved cable management systems are designed to provide efficient, functional organization of fiber optic hardware in data centers, premise installations and telecommunication networks, making termination and management of fiber optic connectivity cost-effective, simple and intuitive.

MTP ADAPTER LC ADAPTER SC ADAPTER

Adapter couplers plug into 6, 8 or 12 port adapter plates to provide fiber extension capabilities or for single-mode to multi-mode conversion. Additional adapter options available upon request.

ADAPTER COUPLERSMTP to MTP

LC to LC

SC to SC

ADAPTER PLATES6 Port

(shown right) 8 Port

12 Port

SLIDING RACK PANELS1U - 3 plates or cassettes

2U - 6 plates or cassettes

3U - 9 plates or cassettes

4U - 12 plates or cassettes

MTP CASSETTES12 Fiber MTP

24 Fiber MTP

ADAPTER PLATE

Approved adapter plates house combinations of LC, SC, and MTP adapter couplers and offer a 6, 8, or 12 port extension or cross connect solutions. Adapter Plates interface with Approved sliding patch panels.

12 /24 FIBER 24 FIBER 24 FIBER

MTP adapter cassettes allow for conversion from LC or SC connections to a 12 or 24 fiber MTP connection. Available in polarity A, B, C, and Universal (Corning).

1U 2U

4U3U

SLIDING PATCH PANELS

Approved rack mount fiber optic sliding patch panels house adapter plates and cassettes. Available in 1U (3 plate capacity) up to 4U (12 plate capacity) providing flexibility to your data center or network. Pivoting and Ultra Slim rack panels available upon request.

CONFIGURING A SMART DATA CENTER - WITH PRODUCTS FROM APPROVEDApproved’s high-performance bundled cable solutions are designed for best-in-class data center cabling installations. Approved can provide a complete fiber offering, including: optical transceivers, jumpers, cables, adapter plates, cassettes and enclosures, as seen in the sample configurations below.

FOR BEST PRACTICES AND EXPERT CONFIGURATION CALL 800.590.9535.

BASIC CONFIGURATION Switch - 40GB QSFP - MTP to Uniboot LCs (X4) - 10GB SFP - Switch

40GB CONFIGURATION Switch - 40GB QSFP - MTP to MTP - Cassette - Panel - Uniboot LCs (X4) - 10GB SFP - Switch

100GB CONFIGURATION Switch - 100GB QSFP28 - MTP/ MTP - Adapter Plate - MTP/Uniboot LCs (X4) - 25GB SFP28(X4) - Switch

LIFETIME WARRANTYAll Approved Networks transceivers, DACs and fiber optic cables come with an industry leading lifetime warranty and toll-free technical support.

DATA CENTER CERTIFIEDApproved’s entire product line has been certified compliant within the data center environment and appears on the AVL of most major telecom and technology corporations.

GUARANTEED COMPATIBLEApproved Networks products are tested within their intended system in Approved’s Environmental Test Lab ensuring 100% guaranteed compatibility.

| 800.590.9535 | 310.341.2599 | approvednetworks.com | sales@approvednetworks.com

Approved Networks offers a full line of transceivers, cables, DACs (available in passive, active twinax and active optical) and cable management systems.

P-10003 rev6 | FIELD PRINTABLE | 5.18 | © Approved Optics 2018