ANDREAS RÜ SSELER FIBRE FUTURES
FIBRE FOR EVERYTHING The Next Steps For FTTx, Data Centres, & Lan Every year, Reichle & De-Massari AG (R&M) conducts research into technology and market developments in relation to Data Centres, FTTx, LAN, Smart Cities, and adjacent topics. In this article, Andreas Rü sseler , CMO at R&M reveals some of the latest findings.
ONE NETWORK Fibre and copper networks need to be more energy-efficient, integrate renewable power, and consider environmental impact in design and operation. We expect data communication, mobile, video, and other networks are on their way to becoming a single network within a few years. Previously, separate devices fulfilled specific functions, but now we need to define different functions and integrate hardware and software. That requires focus on interoperability, integration, standards, monitoring and optimisation. FTTX FTTx deployment is being driven by a variety of factors reflecting societal developments and evolving demands of consumers, businesses, and public services. Demand for high-speed, reliable internet connectivity, especially in underserved areas, remains the main driver. As the need to enable cost- effective, scalable, faster, future-proof rollouts increase, we see increased uptake of smaller diameter cables with 200/180y fibres and blow-in technologies that use compressed air or other gases to propel cables through pre-installed ducts or conduits. This significantly reduces deployment time and labour compared to traditional pulling methods. High fibre count micro blow-in cables can reduce costs and deployment time in urban regions, enabling ducts to accommodate larger fibre counts without new civil works.
Demand for resilient, extensive broadband is driving underground deployment. Cables with sensing technology allow monitoring of infrastructure health and detect breaks. Collected data on environmental conditions improves maintenance and response times. SMART CITIES Smart cities utilise a wide array of connected devices and systems, from traffic sensors and surveillance cameras to smart meters and public Wi-Fi. These require high-bandwidth connections to transmit large volumes of data in real-time. Fibre networks are needed to support IoT 5G, and 6G networks and 4G and 5G small cell networks (indoor and
outdoor). The small cell-based network topology is required to support critical services and infrastructure in smart cities which require high-speed connections, extremely high reliability, and low latency. WIRELESS DEVICES Next-generation wireless devices, delivering technologies such as Wi- Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax), require 25G/40G connectivity. An ALL-IP-based “Digital Ceiling” extends an RJ45-based data network to connect and power various building systems and devices through a unified infrastructure, supporting all necessary protocols in a standardised way. Switches, sensors, controls, WLAN access points, lighting, HVAC, security, AV systems, and other distributed services connect to building automation via pre-installed overhead connection zones. Devices are immediately powered and connected to the network when plugged in. This convergence simplifies infrastructure management, reduces complexity, cuts costs, and can lead to more efficient operations. Support for PoE allows power and data to be delivered over a single Ethernet cable, which could be planned in a professional manner. DATA CENTRES Current Data Centres (40 G / 100 G (4x10 G) / 100 G (4x25 G)) require eight fibres in parallel pairs. However, as migration to 400 G / 800 G continues 16 or 32 pairs are needed (8x50 G / 8x100 G). This significantly boosts cable density,
Aerial fibre distribution.
20
| ISSUE 36 | Q1 2024
www.opticalconnectionsnews.com
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker