Anixter Enhances Data Infrastructure with FS Copper and Fiber Inter-Rack Structured Cabling Solutions

In the supply chain industry, the demand for data transmission is rapidly escalating. With the increasing level of globalization, collaboration and communication between businesses are becoming more frequent and interconnected. Simultaneously, consumers are placing greater emphasis on product traceability and delivery time. This necessitates faster and more accurate data transmission within the supply chain to promptly respond to market demands and manage various complex operational tasks.

Anixter, a leading global distributor of network & security solutions, electrical & electronic solutions, and utility power solutions, serves a wide range of needs from enterprise networks to industrial MRO supply to video surveillance applications to power distribution. To meet industry demands, the client needs to deploy copper and fiber cabling within 12 rack spaces, achieving high-density structured cabling to ensure high-speed and stable data transmission while simplifying the process of future cabling rate upgrades.

The interconnected racks are divided into three groups, totaling twelve in all. Two core racks are connected to the IT room, alongside two power distribution racks and the remaining eight server racks. Careful planning and arrangement of cable routes are necessary, aiming to construct copper and fiber optic cabling systems, and minimizing connectors and bends to enhance system stability.

Given the limited space within the racks, structured cabling needs to be compactly arranged. However, in high-density rack environments, cables and their interconnection points are susceptible to electromagnetic interference. Therefore, maximizing the utilization of available space with shielding, grounding, and other measures is essential to ensure critical equipment remains unaffected, thus guaranteeing reliable system operation.

The solution's cables and equipment must comply with various industry standards and regulations (such as TIA/EIA standards) to ensure the compatibility and safety of the structured cabling system. Additionally, the cabling system needs to possess a certain level of flexibility to accommodate potential increases in equipment and demands for technology upgrades in the future.

The comprehensive structured cabling solution with both fiber optic and copper cables is configured across three areas: the MDA (Main Distribution Area), the HDA (Horizontal Distribution Area), and the EDA (Equipment Distribution Area). This setup maximizes space utilization, supports high-speed stable data transmission, and simplifies future cabling upgrades.

The MDA consists of two core racks, Rack 1 and Rack 2. Each rack is equipped with a 1G/10G/40G/100G core switch, two fiber enclosures, and two 24-port Cat6 coupler patch panels (C6P-U24FT1U). Two fiber enclosures (FHD-1U-CMP400) can be seamlessly mounted on rack rails. The modular design accommodates four FHD® series fiber adapter panels. One fiber enclosure contains two OS2 fiber adapter panels (FHD-FAP12LCDXSMF) and two OM4 fiber adapter panels (FHD-FAP12LCDX10GMM), supporting a total of 96 fibers. The other enclosure houses four OM3/OM4 MTP® up to up panels (FHD-FAP8MTP12UU), accommodating up to 384 fibers (MTP®-12), ideal for high-density cabling.

Rack 1 and Rack 2 are interconnected, with identical cabling within each rack. The fiber adapter panels in both racks are connected accordingly: OS2 fiber adapter panels are linked using OS2 fibers (SMLCDX), OM4 fiber adapter panels with OM4 fibers (OM4LCDX), MTP® panels with MTP®-12 trunk cables (12FMTPOM4). Within each rack, Cat6 patch panels are connected to the switch using 6 plug to 6 plug pre-terminated Cat6 trunk cables (C6UTP6PP) without the need for punching down UTP wires, simplifying cabling installation.

The HDA comprises Rack 3 and Rack 4. Each rack is fitted with a 1/10/25/40G aggregation switch, one FHD-1U-CMP400 fiber enclosure (with four FHD-FAP8MTP12UU MTP® panels), and one C6P-U24FT1U Cat6 patch panel. The MTP® panels between Rack 3/4 and Rack 1/2 are interconnected with MTP®-12 trunk cables. The Cat6 patch panels between Rack 1 - 3, and Rack 2 - 4, are linked with Cat6 trunk cables.

In the EDA, eight server racks are interconnected between Rack 3 and Rack 4 in the HDA using MTP® fiber adapters and MTP®-12 trunk cables. This setup provides user device access and facilitates the transmission of user data to the HDA.

Anixter successfully implements a high-density cabling solution spanning 12 racks from the communication room to the terminal, which optimizes the utilization of limited space while streamlining the management and maintenance of the backbone structured cabling system. The structured cabling system, comprising fiber and copper cables, supports applications up to 40G/100G networks. This eliminates the need for rewiring during network equipment upgrades, simplifying the process of future cabling rate upgrades.

The solution team swiftly responds to demands within 24 hours, offering tailored solutions and comprehensive technical support throughout. Close coordination ensures the smooth progress of structured cabling projects. With inventory in local US warehouses, same-day shipping ensures timely project implementation.