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Irvine, California, US, September 23, 2021 – ProLabs, a global leader in optical networking and connectivity solutions, has announced today that its very high temperature (VHT) SFP+ 10G 80km industry standard-compliant transceivers were recognized among the best in the industry by the 2021 Broadband Technology Report’s (BTR) Diamond Technology Reviews.

The VHT SFP+ 10G transceivers were awarded 4/5 Diamonds for improving network performance & stability for dense wavelength division modulation (DWDM) signals in extreme temperatures up to 95°C at reaches up to 80km. These transceivers aid in transport network and distributed access architecture node environments that are subject to high temperature challenges due to high frequency usage or at fiber links positioned exterior to climate controls.

“On behalf of the Broadband Technology Report's 2021 Diamond Technology Reviews, I would like to congratulate ProLabs on their 4 Diamonds honoree status,” said Broadband Technology Report's Chief Editor, Stephen Hardy. “This program recognizes and rewards the top products and solutions available to the broadband cable industry. We appreciate all entries we receive though not all were honored with 3.5 Diamonds or above.”

For more information on ProLabs’ VHT SFP+ 10G 80km transceiver solutions, visit: https://www.prolabs.com/solutions/vht-spec-transceivers-achieve-stable-long-reach-connections-even-up-to-95c

About ProLabs

ProLabs is a leading provider of optical networking solutions. For over two decades, it has delivered optical connectivity solutions that give customers freedom, choice, and seamless interoperability. It serves a diverse range of industries including enterprises, governments, and the largest worldwide service providers.

By championing higher standards for technology and service, ProLabs is changing the mindset of data center and service providers the world over. It supplies solutions that are 100% compatible in form and functionality across 100 OEM manufacturers, covering more than 20,000 systems and platforms. For more information, please visit www.prolabs.com.

About Broadband Technology Report

Broadband Technology Report’s editorial mission is simple: We cover the latest tools, techniques and approaches that broadband pros must know about as they face the many challenges in today’s hypercompetitive environment. If it is important to cable engineers and technology pros, it’s important to BTR. http://www.broadbandtechreport.com

New 5G cellular infrastructure receives more capital investment than almost any other telecommunication service. As 5G networks evolve optical transport may be the single largest cost in a 5G network. According to Bill Gartner VP/GM of Cisco's Optical Systems and Optics Group, optics will exceed half the hardware cost when data rates reach 400 Gbit. With the complexity and performance of 5G networks it is now forcing equipment vendors to innovate.

There are a number of 5G characteristics driving this innovation:

● 5G requires a much greater number of cell sites. As data rates increase the distance between cells must decrease. Macro cell sites range from approximately 2km to 50km across, but small cell sites will be roughly 0.4 to 4km across to form a mesh network.

● 5G specifications include URLLC (ultra reliable low latency communications) which defines the latency available between various points in the 5G architecture. Therefore, each component of the 5G optical network, 10, 25, 50, 100G provides an optical back haul.

● Protocols used in 5G (e.g. SyncE, eEEC, 1588v2.1) define data synchronization. While optics may not significantly affect sync variation, it will still be a consideration when selecting components.

● Network optimization divides the available bandwidth efficiently so that 5G networks can support each service appropriately. Optical networks efficiently use the light spectrum of CWDM & DWDM.

● Extended temperatures in world wide environments require optics of commercial and industrial types.

ProLabs understands the challenges of building 5G networks today that meet the needs and technical demands of tomorrow. Our expertise, inventory, compatibility testing, and service offerings enable you to build 5G optical transport that meets these requirements. A sample of the 5G related optical developments we are tracking include:

● Multiplexing and de-multiplexing options for 5G networks. Matching the port speed and wavelengths used with switches and base stations or antennas requires care in selecting the correct optics and DAC, AOC cables.

● Shorter front haul distances to the DU and mitigating the impact of PAM4 and FEC (Forward Error Correction) including coherent networks. Latency characteristics, and synchronization factors are variables that may have been minor factors in prior networks but become more important in 5G designs.

● Lifespan of the optical network and Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) metrics are critical as the number of optical components in the network increases.

● Tunable and auto-self tuning optics offering efficiencies for inventory as well as repair and disaster recovery that lower total cost of ownership.

Given the rapid pace of development in 5G optical transport and the large proportion of network spend represented by transport, selecting the right optical partner is more important than ever. When it comes to optics ProLabs is that partner.

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Thousands of fiber optic transceivers are needed for effective, efficient, & high performance data center interconnects.

With price and costs only increasing, choosing the best transceivers is crucial not only for the network but also for your budget. Avoid letting module costs consume your operating expenses with the following tips for designing an ideal data center transceiver configuration.

Tip 1: 100% Compatibility is Key

Whether compatible or OEM modules, both must be able to communicate seamlessly and instantly within the network. The main quality difference between identical fiber transceivers is in the supplier and whether it’s provided by the brand vendor. Typically, OEMs will rely on the supplier’s coding and testing since they rarely produce the modules themselves. Batch testing is also common among certain suppliers, meaning only a handful from each order are tested for full compatibility. The best third-party vendors like ProLabs code and test 100% of optics to the exact specifications of original devices in real switches & routers, rather than by emulation testing. Meeting users' demands through a supplier who has the experience and confidence to certify their transceivers as fully interoperable with the OEM switches is vital to guaranteeing success.

Tip 2: Lower Power Consumption for Lower Operating Costs

In addition to cost, it's important to consider the energy efficiency of transceivers. The power consumed by fiber optic transceivers will vary depending on the manufacturer’s build quality. Some suppliers may use cheaper parts or cut corners in their processes to make their modules perform normally, but are not reliable over long usage periods.

Power consumption may only differ by a few tenths of a watt per unit, but this difference accumulates daily to an exponential difference in daily operating costs. Today’s data centers aim to operate with efficiency metrics between 40% and 70% of the critical load. This means that for every 1 watt of IT critical load used, an additional 0.4W to 0.7W of support load is used to cool and maintain the data center. Given these data center economics, reducing the IT load by 1 watt means reducing to total power load by 1.4 to 1.7 watts – compounding into significant savings over time. Through lower power consumption optics, data center managers can minimize operating costs and its impact on OPEX and CAPEX.

Tip 3: Save Space with Higher Density Optics

One of the top considerations that IT architects have when building a data center is its space utilization. Modules with smaller form factors can save more space than others with the same operating rate. A typical 40G QSFP+ optical module is about 78mm long and 18mm wide. You can see that it is much shorter than a CFP optical module that is approximately 144mm long and 82mm wide. As a result, fiber optic transceivers with smaller form factors can provide optimized space-saving solutions for a high-density data center.

Let ProLabs help maximize your budget for less.

Many IT managers are experiencing difficulties with operating their data centers due to its high overhead costs. ProLabs OEM compatible optics provide the benefits without compromise with up to 70% savings. From helping reduce data center power consumption to saving space with high quality modules, ProLabs can help you no matter the project complexity by choosing the optics you need.

Request a quote or contact us to learn more today.

Significant changes are engulfing the finance sector and part of the solution for each change requires a robust fiber optic network. In 2020 KPMG / Harvey Nash surveyed the priorities of more than 350 banking industry CIO's. The two top priorities were: 1) improve operational efficiency and 2) increase customer engagement. Almost half (47%) expect to transform their current operating models.

78% of CIO's expect to increase their use of automation throughout their organization. Automation is a huge topic and a few top banking automation priorities include:

1) Developing strategic cooperation with neobanks and fintech companies.
2) Making greater use of robotic process automation software.
3) Universal adoption of cloud computing.
4) Leveraging artificial intelligence and big data in operations.
5) Providing APIs to enable stakeholder application development.
6) Automation and virtualization of the customer relationship.

The banking trends discussed below require high bandwidth, long distance, temperature tolerant, low-latency networks that only fiber optic communications systems deliver.

Opening, Closing and Verifying Accounts
Considerable time, effort and labor is needed to open/close accounts, resolve fraud issues, process trusts/probate, manage portfolios and prove customer identity. Many processes require documents and approvals and review by multiple personnel that may take weeks. In the future, these processes will be done through automated forms, large file scanning/storage, optical character recognition, biometric IDs with artificial intelligence driving the process. Each step requires significant file transfers from local banking facilities to regional data centers. Optical networks offer the high data rates, resilience, low latency, security and long distance needed to enable this process and for it to appear near instantaneous.

Capital Management and Robo Advisors
Increasingly, banks will add value through custom tailored financial services. Relationship Managers will assist customers with financial strategies for savings, investing, capital management, compliance, reporting and other services. These advisors will be highly specialized and communicate remotely with clients in virtual offices using custom tailored data sets using multimedia tools. The volume of multimedia data will require optical bandwidth to deliver and significant data center processing for analysis.

Payments and Transfers
Peer-to-peer (P2P) exchanges, P2P lending, business-to-business transactions, and all manner of routine banking will take place on secure blockchain based networks that empower the customer and eliminate mundane human banking tasks. The elaborate network of servers, storage, data centers and communications needed for processing millions of transactions per minute can only function at the speed of light on fiber optic networks.

Whether you are building banking co-location facilities or private clouds, ProLabs has the expertise and inventory of transceivers and interconnect cabling to link thousands of servers to switches at 10G, 25G, 100G or higher within these facilities.

If you are interconnecting bank branches to regional offices and data centers or to the wider telecommunications infrastructure, ProLabs also specializes in supplying 100G to 400G high speed, long distance, temperature compensated DWDM, CWDM and gray optics for your network needs.

Simply contact us to find out more.

NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 26, 2021 - Global leaders in optical transceiver technology ProLabs will display its latest 100G extended range 80KM optics, which change the game in backhaul and distribution, at Fiber Connect, taking place July 25-28, 2021 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

Experts will highlight the QSFP28 100G ZR4 line of transceivers which deliver cutting-edge 100G signals beyond 40km and up to 80km of distance. In addition to extending reach for your existing networks, the QSFP28 100G ZR4 transceivers can reduce the cost of your 100G connections by eliminating the need of a more expensive DWDM solution/optics. ProLabs QSFP28 100G ZR4 is compatible with leading OEM switch vendor solutions including Cisco, Juniper, Nokia, Ciena and Arista.

Also highlighted at the show will be ProLabs CFP2-DCO coherent optical transceiver which delivers reliable 100G fiber optics with DWDM signals, reaching 80km and beyond. Coherent optics have the ability to significantly improve performance for high-speed data rates and long-distance applications including edge-to-core or remote-to-metropolitan fiber runs.

According to Global Product Line Manager, Ray Hagen “ProLabs has worked closely with service providers of all sizes to understand that extending 100G connections beyond 40km towards the network edge and we are excited to be offering cost-effective, yet scalable solutions to meet these network requirements.”

ProLabs will be showing live demonstrations of its ProTune™ tuning and coding system consisting of an appliance and a powerful cloud-based platform that codes or tunes ProLabs transceivers in one simple step.

Fiber Connect visitors can learn more about ProLabs technology at Booth #719.

Media contact: robin.fairchild@prolabs.com

Data connections via a fiber are simple to comprehend, requiring laser transceivers and fiber connectors at each end. Moving on from these fundamentals connections in data centers can be very complicated. Appreciating the service levels and ownership at each step can make or break a good data center roll out:

1) Types of Data Centers and Connections

• Owned Data Centers – Businesses that own and operate their own data center are responsible for all the management of the fiber optic connections. Data Center Interconnect is the connection between two or more, separately located data centers provided by a carrier, or via leased, or owned fiber by the data center. Campus cross-connects are a physical link between servers, routers, switches, or other equipment. However, instead of existing within one building, the connection is made between two geographically separate buildings.

• Hosted and Cloud Data Centers – They provide data processing, and bandwidth which is packaged into a consumption-based pricing model or a monthly fee. The data center oversees all of the fiber optics connections from rack to the carrier separation point. Providing customer with a direct fiber connection to their cloud service provider and removes the need for data to travel via public links between the cloud provider and the customer.

• Colocation Data Centers – These provide a wide variety of services that begin with floor space, power, and bandwidth. Plus, they use numerous tenants under one roof to maximize the significant resources required to effectively operate a data center. Fiber optic connections in colocation data centers are more complicated, as the data center may manage physical fiber level ‘Cross-Connects” between a tenant and a carrier or a tenant and another tenant. This underlines the importance of making the correct choices for fiber optic connectivity. Colocation data centers can be carrier owned, or carrier neutral. Carrier neutrals have physical fiber connections with two or more “On-net” service providers. In addition, other third-party service providers may provide fiber to the data center to service customers. This differs from a data center which is served exclusively by one service provider.

• Carrier Hotel – This is a building with fiber connections to numerous service providers where inter connection between two or more providers can be created. It is not a data center.

2) Fiber Ownership

There is an important difference between who owns or leases the fiber. The primary fiber providers include the following organizations:

• Internet Content Providers – More companies such as Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Akami and Alibaba are now building their own fiber infrastructure to support content collection, analysis, and distribution.

• Service Providers – Typically they are the telecommunications or cable companies e.g. Verizon, Deutch Telecom, Tata, Tata, or Comcast.

• Dark Fiber Providers – Various companies such as Crown and Castle, eunetworks, and Zayo, lease fiber to others. Leases are called Indefeasible Right of Use (IRU) and grant the lessor exclusive right to the fiber.

3) Technical Specifications

There is a broad mixture of technical parameters needed for these connections. Fiber connections are usually agnostic to the upper layer protocols that traverse the connection, but they are typically specified and may even define the connection type. A limited list of specifications that may be required includes:

1. Type, length, or loss of fiber

2. Data rate

3. Connector

4. Wavelength

5. Transceiver (e.g. coherent, PAM)

6. Other cables (AOC, DOC)

7. Layer 2 service

8. Layer 3 service

Typically, there are numerous transceiver choices for each connection type. ProLabs has the experience and the knowledge to help customers understand the many trade-offs. The most common transceivers for data center links are the SFP, SFP+ and QSFP+ form factors, these typically connect over longer distances. The reach, data rate, connector type, wavelength and operating temperature will be relevant to making the optimal selection.

Fiber connections within the data center may present the widest range of options for both transceivers and the AOC/DOC cables used to create efficient fiber architectures within the building.

Whatever your connection type, ProLabs can provide you with both the expertise and the inventory to deliver the best solution for your business.

For more information contact us today

Global server chip shortage worsens, Intel & AMD in tight supply

It's no secret that the tech industry is facing serious supply chain issues resulting in shortages in everything from graphics cards to integrated circuits (ICs). When it comes to ICs for servers and data centers, the problem is worsening with Cisco, Arista, Juniper, and HP seeing long lead times for their overseas manufactured switches and routers. Intel and AMD data center and server ICs have increased lead times from 52 to 70 weeks.

Chip crunch extended to 2023, expected by top semiconductor & electronics manufacturers

Industry sources polled by DigiTimes indicated that shortages of server components are unlikely to ease or be resolved within the next 17 months.

Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger in April commented that it would take “a couple of years” for the chip sector to rebound from the shortage. He explained the only way to correct the imbalance between supply and demand is to establish additional production capacity. Since modern fabrications take years to build and equip, significantly ramping up production proves difficult.

Flex Ltd., the world's third-largest OEM and EMS provider expects that the global chip shortage will continue into 2023. The firm which counts Ford, HP, and Dyson as clients, has encountered major disruptions due to the crisis. Without critical components or parts, Flex had to temporarily shut down some of its production lines.

Bad news for network operators counting on OEMs like Cisco and HP to deliver

With over a year of pandemic spurring digital transformation and data demand, network operators are under pressure to deliver the goods. Their strategies and long awaited plans to overhaul network IT equipment to meet rising business and consumer demands are now stalled. The inflection point - to wait for OEM supply problems to pass or seek alternative solutions.

What are the options?

Ripping and replacing OEM systems with new ones can be effective strategies to overhaul legacy infrastructure, but it can also be complex and expensive. Consider other strategies to optimize existing infrastructure while keeping upgrades simple and affordable.

OEM compatible optics in a wide range of form factors, speeds, wavelengths, and reach are plug and play solutions that can be integrated easily with existing network infrastructure. These readily available alternatives can quickly alleviate network bottlenecks for bandwidth and speed. Extending the life of an existing network infrastructure will be important to riding the current supply chain shortage.

View our transceivers and DACs & AOCs.

ProLabs is committed to helping you find a solution.

As the world’s largest independent manufacturer of optical transceivers and high-speed cabling, ProLabs offers both legacy and cutting-edge TAA compliant products designed to scale existing networks. We provide a broad range of in-stock, ready to ship, 100% OEM compatible solutions.

Don't let supply chain woes stall your mission-critical projects. Receive your optics within days - not weeks or months. 95% of orders are fulfilled same day, shipped from the U.S. or U.K.

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What is data center cabling?

The connectivity provided by good cable management is the foundation of every data center — enabling the transactions that help businesses make mission-critical decisions every day. All data centers have various cabling types, ranging from all-copper installation to all-fiber installation and everything in between (depending on your equipment and requirements). Whether the cables in question are for power or data, failure to properly manage this part of data center infrastructure can cause serious issues, from increased operating costs to more expensive outages. Cable management cannot be an afterthought.

Data center cabling usually fall into one of two setup disciplines:

Structured cabling

Uses predefined standards based on design with preset connection points and pathways. Specifically structured cabling enforces a cabling design based on the bandwidth requirements of the system.

After testing to ensure good performance, the cables will then get organized and labeled.

• Pros: Longer lifespan compared with an unstructured approach, lower long run operational costs.
• Cons: Longer install process, initial higher costs.

Unstructured cabling (Point to point cabling systems)

Does not utilize predefined standards, connection points, or pathways. Because of airflow restrictions, this cabling system might lead to cooling issues and higher energy costs. Given that unstructured cabling does not use preset plans or designs, managing system growth will be more challenging since there is no guide to guide changes in cable locations or run new cabling.

• Pros: Not much other than it may take less time to install and pose fewer initial costs.
• Cons: Ultimately, unstructured cabling will end in higher operational costs and a shorter system lifespan.

How to master installation

• Standards Guide: ANSI/TIA-942-B-2017 Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Data Centers
• Standards Guide: BICSI 002-2019 Data Center Design Implementation & Best Practices
• Testing and Certification: To ensure that the infrastructure is working and will support your bandwidth and system needs.
• Documentation: To record the types of cables used and the locations and connections of each cable to ease future troubleshooting or maintenance.
• Measure: To ensure that the cables are of proper length. This measurement prevents unforeseen downtime to critical IT equipment caused by loose wires getting tangled or disconnected.
• Growth plan: Make sure your system is appropriate for the foreseeable future. Ensure that racks and cable trays get ergonomically designed to accommodate anticipated growth.

How to master organization

• Run cables to the sides of server racks to ease adding or removing servers from the shelf.
• Bundle cables together to conveniently connect the next piece of hardware down to the floor in data centers with elevated floors or up to the ceiling in data centers with wires that run through the ceiling.
• Plan in advance for installing additional hardware. Disorganized cabling can interfere with air circulation and cooling patterns. Planning prevents damages due to quickly rising temperatures caused by restricted air movement.
• Label cables securely on each end. This labeling process enables you to conveniently locate cables for testing or repair, install new equipment, or remove extra cables after equipment has been moved or upgraded, which saves time and money.
• Color code cables for quick identification. Choose a color scheme that works for you and your team. It may be wise to put up a legend signifying the meaning of the colors of each cable. You may also color-code the cable’s destination, especially for larger installations across floors or offices.

For over two decades ProLabs has provided data center operators around the world with high quality transceivers and cabling solutions. ProLabs can support your data center needs with the widest range of MSA compliant, compatible optical transceivers, DACs, and AOCs.

Contact us today to future-proof and optimize your data center performance.