are you ready for 40g and 100g

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Are you Ready for 40G and 100G? 12- vs. 24-fiber MTP cabling for higher-speed Ethernet

Gary Bernstein, RCDDDirector of Product Management Fiber and Data CenterLeviton Network Solutions

2Abstract

East Africa is host to the extraordinary Great Migration. Every year, millions of creatures zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, and many others travel 1,800 miles and must overcome numerous threats to survive.

Data centers regularly undertake their own great migration, to ever higher speed networks. Applications from development software and ERP systems to consumer content, medical and academic records, and a host of others are continously driving demand for greater bandwidth, and the network must keep pace.

10G, unimaginable a decade ago, is now common in larger enterprises. Several 40G core, edge, and top of rack (ToR) switches are on the market today, including equipment from Force10, Cisco, Arista, Extreme Networks, Hitachi, and BLADE Network Technologies (now IBM System Networking). Cisco, Alcatel-Lucent, Brocade, and Juniper Networks have introduced 100G equipment as well. By 2015, higher-speed Ethernet will have about a 25% share of network equipment ports, according to Infonetics Research. The need is clear: a 40/100G Ethernet migration plan is quickly becoming a matter of survival.

* = MTP is a high-performance MPO connector manufactured and trademarked by US Conec, Ltd. Leviton uses MTP connectors exclusively; throughout this paper we use the term MTP to refer to all MPO/MTP interfaces and connectors.

Is your network cabling optimized for this inevitable growth? Create a simple, cost-effective migration path by installing a structured cabling system that can support your future 40/100G networking needs. An ideal system will include the following:

One simple, modular connectivity solution for legacy 1G and 10G applications that is also compliant to 40G and 100G

One standardized connector theme able to support future high-bandwidth applicationsPreconnectorized components compliant to all current and anticipated industry standards

This paper will provide a foundational understanding of laser optimized multimode (LOMM) 40/100G structured cabling, introduce a flexible 40/100G migration solution that delivers all of the features and benefits noted above, and discuss the pros and cons of 12- vs. 24-fiber *MPO/MTP cabling.

Figure 1Projected Share of Network Ports - 20151G/10G/40G/100G Networking Ports Biannual Market Size and Forecasts Infonetics Research, April 2011

Understanding 40/100G Planning for migration to higher-speed Ethernet can feel daunting. The standards for 40G and 100G are significantly different from previous generations; active equipment and how information is transmitted are unique. Even polarity takes on a new importance. The following sections explain these differences and will help you understand the options for 40/100G migration.

IEEE and TIA StandardsStructured cabling systems design is always guided first by standards. IEEE creates the standards that define performance parameters, while TIA writes those that define how to apply the parameters to structured cabling systems. Familiarity with these standards will help you design your data center infrastructure to better support network upgrades.

IEEE 802.3ba 40Gb/s and 100Gb/s Ethernet is the only current standard that addresses the physical layer cabling and connector media maximums for 40/100G fiber channel requirements (the standard does not address copper UTP/SCTP categories). IEEE 802.3ae 10Gb/S Ethernet covers the fiber protocols for 10G transmission.

Fiber Type Max Distance Max Channel Insertion LossMax Channel Connector

Insertion Loss

10G OM3 300 m 2.6 dB 1.5 dB

10G OM4 550 m 2.6 dB 1.5 dB

40/100G OM3 100 m 1.9 dB 1.5 dB

40/100G OM4 150 m 1.5 dB 1.0 dB

Note the tighter link-loss parameters with 40/100G. To achieve proper performance throughout the channel, each system component must meet lower loss limits as well.

TIA-942 Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Data Centers establishes design criteria including site space and layout, cabling infrastructure, tiered reliability, and environmental considerations. The standard recommends using the highest capacity media available to maximize infrastructure lifespan. 10G equipment is the most frequently installed today, but as noted in the Infonetics Research forecast, 40G and 100G Ethernet will soon grow to become common networking speeds.

Now, lets discuss the structured cabling requirements needed to support 40/100G applications.

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Figure 2IEEE 850 nm OM3 and OM4 Ethernet Performance Specifications

Active Equipment InterfacesFiber connectivity in higher-speed active equipment is being condensed and simplified with plug-and-play, hot-swap transceiver miniaturization. 1G and 10G networks commonly utilize the GBIC (Gigabit interface converter). For 8G Fibre Channel SAN and OTU2, as well as some 10G, the transceiver is the SFP+ (small form-factor pluggable plus). Interfaces for 40G and 100G active equipment include QSFP (quad small form-factor pluggable), CFP and CXP (100G form-factor pluggable).

MPO/MTP is the designated interface for multimode 40/100G, and its backward compatible with legacy 1G/10G applications as well. Its small, high-density form factor is ideal with higher-speed Ethernet equipment.

Parallel OpticsLOMM 40G and 100G Ethernet employ parallel optics. Data is transmitted and received simultaneously on MTP interfaces through 10G simplex transmission over each individual strand of the array cable. Current IEEE channel/lane assignments for active equipment interfaces determine the transmission methodology.

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Tx Tx Tx Tx Rx Rx Rx Rx

Tx Tx Tx Tx Tx Tx Tx Tx Tx Tx Rx Rx Rx Rx Rx Rx Rx Rx Rx Rx

Tx Tx Tx Tx Tx Tx Tx Tx Tx Tx

Rx Rx Rx Rx Rx Rx Rx Rx Rx Rx

Figure 340G 12-fiber MTP connector

Pins 1-2-3-4 are for Transmit (Tx), and 9-10-11-12 are for Receive (Rx). Pins 5-6-7-8 are not used.

Figure 4100G 2x12-fiber MTP connectors

Pins 2-11 on first connector are for Transmit (Tx), and pins 2-11 on the second connector are for Receive (Rx). Pins 1 and 12 are not used.

Figure 5100G 24-fiber MTP connector

* IEEE recommended option * Pins 14-23 are for Transmit (Tx), and pins 2-11 are for Receive (Rx). Pins 1, 12, 13, and 24 are not used.

Lane Assignments

5Polarity TIA-568-C.0 Generic Telecommunications Cabling for Customer Premises includes three MTP array cable polarity methods A, B, and C. In addition, TIA will soon be releasing two new addenda TIA-568-C.0-2 and TIA-568-C.3-1 to specifically address the polarity and cabling requirements needed to support 40G and 100G applications. As the market moves toward 40G and 100G networking speeds, polarity will become more and more important. With multiple channels within a single connector, all components must be manufactured with the same polarity; differences cannot be reconciled by flipping or switching connector position in the field. Many end users prefer Method B, as it has the same straight-through MTP array cord on both ends of the channel, which greatly simplifies upgrades.

With this background of the higher-speed Ethernet landscape, well now introduce the structured cabling system that provides the simplest, most cost-effective migration path to 40G and 100G networks.

The Opt-X Unity 40/100G MTP System 12- vs. 24-Fiber Cabling Infrastructure

Opt-X Unity is a modular LOMM MTP system that supports 1G, 10G, 40G, and 100G fiber optic networks. Components include trunks, harnesses, array cords, modules, and adapter plates. Polarity methods A, B, and C are available; standard is method B. The system includes configurations for 1G to 100G networks over 12- or 24-fiber MTP cabling.

Opt-X Unity offers exceptional performance and quality whether you run your network over 12- or 24-fiber trunks. However, an understanding of the differences between the two schemes will help you optimize your cabling plant with your next upgrade. The sections below present migration, density, congestion, and cost comparisons between 12- and 24-fiber Opt-X Unity systems.

MigrationFollowing are graphics showing the basic Opt-X Unity 12- and 24-Fiber System configurations for 1G-100G networks. With the 40G 12-fiber legacy configurations, a second trunk and another set of array harnesses will be needed to achieve 100% fiber utilization. For 100G, these additional components will be required for any 12-fiber legacy configuration. On the other hand, with 24-fiber trunks, a single cable can support a 1G-100G channel and will simplify network upgrades immensely. 1G and 10G networks will link the trunks to active equipment with MTP-LC modules and LC duplex patch cords. When equipment is upgraded, modules and patch cords are exchanged for the appropriate new MTP components, with no need to install new trunks. In addition, limiting changes reduces the inherent risks to network security and integrity whenever MAC work is completed.

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All MTP connectors look alike, and there is no TIA standard

yet for differentiating them. To make identification easier,

Leviton has pioneered a boot color-coding system. 8-fiber

MTP connectors have a grey boot, 12-fiber boots are black,

and 24-fiber boots are red.

Spotlight | MTP Cable Assembly Boot Colors

Opt-X Unity 12-fiber MTP Legacy Configurations

8-Fiber MTP Array Cord

2x12-fiber to 3x8-fiber

MTP Module

2 x 1x12-fiber MTP Trunk Cables


MTP Module

8-fiber MTP Array Cord

Option A


MTP Harness

MTP Adapter Plate 2 x 1x12-fiber MTP Trunk Cables

MTP Adapter Plate 2x12-fiber to 3x8-fiber

MTP Harness

Option B

Electronics

Electronics

Electronics

Electronics

(x3) (x3)

Figure 61/10G Channel 12-Fiber Legacy Configuration

Figure 740G Channel 12-Fiber Legacy Configurations

12-fiber MTP-LC Module

1x12-fiber MTP Trunk Cable


LC Duplex Patch Cord


ElectronicsElectronics

(x 6) (x 6)


MTP Harness

2 x 1x12-fiber MTP Trunk Cables

2x12-fiber

MTP Harness

MTP Adapter Plate MTP Adapter Plate ElectronicsElectronicsto 1x24-fiber

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Figure 8100G Channel 12-Fiber Legacy Configuration

Opt-X Unity 24-fiber MTP Configurations

Figure 91/10G Channel 24-Fiber Configuration






ElectronicsElectronics

(x12) (x12)

1x24-fiber to 3x8-fiber MTP Array Harness

MTP Adapter Plate 1x24-fiber MTP Trunk Cable

MTP Adapter Plate 1x24-fiber to 3x8-fiber MTP Array Harness

Option B

24-fiber MTP to 3x8-fiber

MTP Module


24-fiber MTP to 3x8-fiber

MTP Module

Option A

Electronics

Electronics

Electronics

Electronics 8-Fiber MTP Array Cord

8-Fiber MTP Array Cord

(x3) (x3)

Figure 1040G Channel 24-Fiber Configurations

1x24-fiber MTP Array Cord


1x24-fiber MTP Array Cord

MTP Adapter Plate MTP Adapter Plate ElectronicsElectronics

Figure 11100G Channel 24-Fiber Configuration

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DensityHigher density connectivity in the enclosure leaves more rack space for active equipment, reducing the total amount of floor space required. 24-fiber cabling has the obvious advantage. If the active equipment is configured for 24-fiber channel/lane assignments, enclosures can have twice as many connections with the same number of ports compared to 12-fiber (or the same number of connections using only half the ports).

Leviton also offers a patent-pending 24-fiber 40G MTP wiring scheme that delivers true 100% fiber utilization no dark fibers or empty pins. With this configuration, density is doubled at the adapter plate/enclosure side as compared to 12-fiber 40G wiring schemes.

Rack Units

Enclosure Model

Max # of Opt-X Plates/Modules

Max 10G LC Channels

Max 40G MTP Channels

Max 100G MTP Channels*

1RU Opt-X Ultra Opt-X 1000i 3 36 18 18

2RU Opt-X Ultra Opt-X 1000i 6 72 36 36

3RU Opt-X Ultra 9 108 54 54

Opt-X 1000i 12 144 72 72

4RU Opt-X Ultra 12 144 72 72

Opt-X 1000i 15 180 90 90

Congestion The flip side of density is congestion. The more connectivity you are able to run in the same footprint, the more crowded it can become at the rack or cabinet. Here again, 24-fiber MTP trunks offer a huge benefit. Anywhere theres fiber, from within the enclosures to cable runs that connect different areas of the network, youll have just half the number of cables versus 12-fiber. Runs carry a lighter load, fibers are easier to manage, and improved airflow reduces cooling costs.

* = Requires minimum 48-fiber trunk cablesFigure 12

Opt-X Unity System 24-fiber Cabling Enclosure Density

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Cost12-fiber configurations may allow you to continue to use existing trunks when upgrading your equipment (if you already have 12-fiber MTP-MTP trunks), but will likely require additional trunks, more connectivity components, and other network modifications. In the long run, its much more expensive to retain these trunks than to upgrade to 24-fiber up front.

The following figures present 12- vs. 24-fiber end user cost comparisons for a 48-fiber 10G network, 40G upgrade, and 100G upgrade (components only).

12-fiber MTP Cabling 24-fiber MTP Cabling

Required Components Cost (in $) Required Components Cost (in $)

4 x 12F OM3 MTP-MTP 100 ft. trunks $2,000 2 x 24F OM3 MTP-MTP 100 ft. trunks $2,000

8 x 12F MTP-LC modules $2,700 4 x 24F MTP-LC modules $2,600

48 x LC-LC patch cords $2,200 48 x LC-LC patch cords $2,200

Total cost for 24 channels $6,900 Total cost for 24 channels $6,800

Cost per channel $287 Cost per channel $283



4 x 2x12F MTP-MTP modules $1,800 4 x 24F MTP-MTP modules $1,650

12 x 12F MTP array cords $2,250 12 x 8F MTP array cords $2,000





2 x MTP adapter plates $100 2 x MTP adapter plates $100

4 x 2x12F-24F MTP array harnesses $1,600 4 x 24F MTP array cords $1,200



Figure 1310G Cabling Infrastructure Cost

Figure 1440G Upgrade Cabling Infrastructure Cost

Array cord configuration - Option A in Figures 7 and 10

Figure 15100G Upgrade Cabling Infrastructure Cost

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As you can see, the migration cost savings with 24-fiber trunks increase as you move to higher networking speeds. For the 10G network, cost is almost equal, but 24-fiber trunks reduce end user costs about 10% for a 40G upgrade, and almost 25% for a 100G upgrade. Factor in the labor costs of installing additional trunks and other components with 12-fiber, and the difference is even greater.

Conclusion

Being prepared for 40/100G is essential: Within a few short years higher-speed Ethernet will be common in data centers across all types of organizations. Install the Opt-X Unity 24-fiber MTP System, the industrys only 24-fiber 40/100G system, and realize several benefits when its time to upgrade your network:

Fewer connectivity components to be replaced or added simplifies migration and reduces costs for both components and installation

Higher density connectivity leaves more rack space for active equipmentFewer trunks reduce cable congestion throughout the DC

In short, the Opt-X Unity 24-fiber MTP System will future-proof your network, lower your cost of ownership, and maximize your return on investment.

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AddendumOpt-X Unity System Quality & Performance

Opt-X Unity system components are manufactured at Leviton's dedicated fiber manufacturing facility, including termination, cleaving, and polishing. Rigorous testing ensures compliance with all relevant IEEE, TIA, and other standards. Below are Leviton guaranteed maximum insertion loss (IL) levels.

Connector Mated Pairs MAX IL

Duplex LC 0.25

24-fiber Premium MTP 0.50

Modules/Harnesses MAX IL

MTP-LC 0.75

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Figure A2End Face View of 24F MTP Connector

Measures flatness of polish

Figure A33D View of 24F MTP Connector

Verifies proper fiber protrusion

Leviton uses interferometer imaging to measure and confirm that all MTP connectors meet mechanical and end face geometry requirements. Below are examples of actual results.

Figure A124-fiber Pre-terminated Component Insertion Loss Performance (dB)

Leviton participated in the September 2010 Ethernet Alliance Higher Speed Ethernet Plugfest. The Opt-X Unity System was tested in 40GBASE-SR4 and 100GBASE-SR10 OM3 channels against multiple types of active equipment and found to be fully interoperable. Test data is available in the Data Center Bridging Plugfest PDF online at http://ethernetalliance.org/library/Ethernet_in_the_data_center/white_papers.

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are you ready for 40g and 100g

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