MATTHIAS GERBER HYBRID CABLING
The latest generation of wireless access points are exceeding the transmission capacities of conventional structured, copper-based LAN cabling, writes Matthias Gerber , Market Manager LAN Cabling at Reichle & De-Massari AG. New technologies are significantly increasing transmission rates in local wireless networks. 5G DAS systems are offering transmission speeds up to 25Gbps, for example. Theoretically, 9.6Gbps can be achieved with Wi-Fi 6, and it is already possible to achieve up to 30Gbps with Wi-Fi 7. Wi-Fi 7 was officially released earlier this year and is being adopted rapidly and Wi-Fi 8 might be expected around 2029 or 2030. HYBRID CABLING AND DIGITAL CEILING SOLUTIONS: KEEPING UP WITH NEXT-GENERATION WIRELESS
H ow to best connect access points to these using fibre optics. But at the same time, power should ideally be provided via the data network (PoE). Wi-Fi 6 and future Wi-Fi 7 access points require high data throughput as well as significant power to operate efficiently. Adding power to data cabling offers exactly that, while also simplifying the installation process by reducing the need for separate power supplies. This helps streamline the deployment of wireless infrastructure. next-generation local area data networks? The most attractive solution is to connect terminal equipment HYBRID CABLING – THE LOGICAL NEXT STEP In short: hybrid cabling – where a copper power cable is routed parallel to the fibre cabling – is the next logical step. A hybrid cabling solution can support various types of data transmission, including ethernet, voice, video, and power, all through a single infrastructure. This reduces the need for multiple separate cabling systems. As network requirements grow, hybrid cabling systems can be easily expanded. New devices and technologies can be added without the need for a complete overhaul of the existing cabling infrastructure. Hybrid FO cabling systems with Single Mode Fibres accommodate emerging technologies by design, and that makes it a lot easier for the network infrastructure to grow with increasing demand in the future without extensive rewiring. Some end device manufacturers are already promoting this solution and propagating hybrid point-to-point cabling. However, there are several things to consider when specifying and
implementing a solution. If the hybrid patch cords are drawn into an installation in a pre-assembled state, loss rates of up to 20% may occur. In operation, if a connector is damaged during patching, all the installed cabling needs to be replaced, leading to additional costs and delays. Pre-assembled patch cords come in predetermined lengths and configurations, which can limit their flexibility in meeting specific installation requirements. This can lead to excess cable length that needs to be managed or insufficient length that doesn’t reach the desired connection points. Excess cabling length can be very difficult to work with in tight or congested spaces, such as within racks or enclosures. Of course, there might also be compatibility issues if the
pre-assembled patch cords do not match the specific connector types or standards used in the existing infrastructure. This might necessitate additional adapters or converters, introducing complexity and potential points of failure. THE DIGITAL CEILING APPROACH A ‘digital ceiling’ approach to structured LAN – essentially an overhead zone cabling infrastructure concept – offers several practical advantages over using pre-assembled patch cords. Network devices are connected to simple patch cords. These provide one fibre- optic connection and one copper power connection on either side of a permanent link. Fibre and power cables are connected to separate ports in the
Balanced Power over Ethernet currents
Image: R&M
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INDUSTRY FOCUS 2024/2025
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