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When it comes to data center cabling, there are various variables to consider. How do you run your cable? What kind of cable should you get? How can you design the most efficient system? Here are some recommended practices for arranging your data center cabling needs.

1. Properly label cables.
   Organizing and labeling your cables is arguably the most essential and simple practice to undertake. Labels make troubleshooting easier and cable tracing faster, reducing downtime and increasing productivity. Attaching legible labels to each cable, utilizing a commercial-grade label, color-coding labels, and adhering to a labeling standard such as ANSI/TIA 606-B are all good labeling practices.
   
   
2. Ensure cables aren’t blocking airflow.
   Remove any unneeded or abandoned cables from beneath the raised floor or inside your cabinets. These excessive cables will obstruct airflow and result in higher temperatures, which might create downtime or waste energy caused by ineffective cooling.
   
   
3. Maintain cable cooling.
   It is generally understood that a data center must keep its equipment cold, but it is often ignored that cables can grow warm if there is a lot of cabling. Install and monitor temperature sensors to guarantee optimum cooling of all cables and equipment.
   
   
4. Make use of cable management.
   Cable raceways, cable rings, and cable ties are great for neatly bundling cables and making their paths easy to follow. Remember to run cables horizontally to the rack, bundle them, then twist your bundle and run it vertically.
   
   
5. Understand where to install cables.
   In a smaller data center where equipment is not routinely changed, cable trays can be mounted directly to the top of racks. Larger data centers, on the other hand, will benefit from suspended cable pathways from the ceiling. This allows you to move or install racks without having to reroute cable connections.
   
   
6. Use patch panels.
   Patch panels help you keep large amounts of cables organized and allow for greater flexibility of your network infrastructure. They can be mounted within racks and include blank ports on one side and a termination point on the other. Cables can easily be terminated, labeled, and patched into your network hardware.
   
   
7. Maintain accurate documentation.
   Keep detailed records of your cabling components, such as compatible cable types, cabinet elevations, connectors, and the number of data and power ports. Thorough documentation can reduce troubleshooting time and assist those who later work on the data center that wasn’t involved in planning or installation.
   
   
8. Plan for the future.
   Data centers are constantly evolving to accommodate changing technology and expanding demands. Successful data center management strategies can help to support future growth by making dynamic IT equipment provisioning simple. Focusing your planning solely on current demands will result in increased expenses and inefficiency in the long run.

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Higher capacity networks and data center applications are looking for alternatives to reduce power consumption in their infrastructure as the current solutions available are insufficient.

ProLabs' innovative low-power AOCs support long reach interconnects in order to provide high-speed, high-density, and cost-effective solutions. The QSFP28 100G AOC increases port density while cutting overall costs and the QSFP-DD 400G AOC offers solutions with up to 400G aggregate bandwidth and 100m over parallel multi-mode fiber. 

Low-Power QSFP28 100G AOC

Features & Benefits:

• Up to 100m links over OM4 multi-mode fiber.
• 4-channel full duplex with single 3.3V power supply.
• Low power consumption at 1.7W per cable end.
• Operating temperature ranging from 0°C to 70°C.
• Guaranteed full OEM compatibility and a lifetime warranty.

Low-Power QSFP-DD 400G AOC

Features & Benefits:

• Up to 100m links over OM4 multi-mode fiber.
• Low-power, low-latency analog CDR.
• Low power consumption at 7.6W per cable end.
• Operating temperature ranging from 0°C to 70°C.
• Guaranteed full OEM compatibility and a lifetime warranty.

Reduce power consumption with our low-power AOC solution. Contact us today.

Service providers and enterprises understand that variations in fiber conditions can impact 100G upgrades. Fiber conditions can cause loss that falls just outside the typical parameter of 100G ZR4 optics. As a result, network operators require solutions that offer 100G connectivity for both standard and edge cases.

ProLabs' new QSFP28 ZR4+ transceivers offer 100G speeds beyond 80km. Our ZR4+ optic exceeds the standard ZR4 optical budget by providing 100G services in challenging fiber conditions.

QSFP28 ZR4+

Features & Benefits:

• Up to 95km over duplex single-mode fiber & 31dB power budget.
• Compatible solution across multiple NEMs platforms.
• Operating temperature ranging from 0°C to 70°C.
• 100% in-house testing with OEM gear & guaranteed lifetime warranty.
• Avoid long lead times and backorders with our U.S. & U.K. based stock and fast shipping.

Ensure your platform works properly while saving money. Contact us today to get started!

In an effort to create stronger networks that deliver better user experiences, data centers are moving from 100G to 400G technology. Some of the factors pushing 400G deployments are recent advancements in disruptive technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, and cloud computing.

What is 400G?

400G Ethernet is a promising and developing technology that fills an immediate need in fiber optics as data-hungry application capacity demands surpass present high-speed transport capabilities. All of which have a more compact footprint and relatively low operational costs.

When designed for the most challenging circumstances, 400G offers a high degree of flexibility, customer choice, and a base for the future of cloud networking.

The Transition to 400G

The switch to 400G fundamentally alters the design and construction of data centers and data center interconnect (DCI) networks. The transition to 400G connections is more of a high-stakes game between the client and networking sides.

Currently, QSFP-DD and OSFP optical/pluggable transceivers, two multisource agreements, fight for the top spot as the form-factor of preference among customers in the 400G market, which is undergoing rapid change.

In order to fulfill the constantly increasing need for high-speed storage access and massive amounts of data processing, servers have adopted 25G/50G interfaces, which is another factor driving the transition to 400G data centers.

QSFP-DD vs. OSFP

QSFP-DD is the most popular 400Gbps optical form factor on the client side due to the numerous reach options available. The trend to combine switching and transmission into a single box is one of the two elements impacting the network side. Power and mechanics are the only form factors that remain.

The OSFP, a larger module, provides lots of functional area for DWDM components and a heat dissipation capacity of 15W. When trying to incorporate coherent capabilities into a small form factor, power is vital. This offers OSFP a competitive advantage in the network.

Despite the OSFP's superior performance in terms of power, space, and signal integrity, QSFP28 plugs cannot be used with it. Furthermore, because its technology lacks the 100Gbps version, it cannot offer a smooth transition from legacy modules as it has not been widely embraced on the client side.

However, the QSFP-DD has a lot of market support and is compatible with QSFP28 and QSFP connectors. Its low power dissipation, which is frequently restricted at 12W, is the only drawback. This makes it difficult to manage coherent ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits) effectively and keep them cool for lengthy periods of time.

In order to fulfill the constantly increasing demand for high-speed storage access and massive amounts of data processing, servers have adopted 25G/50G interfaces, which is another factor driving the transition to 400G data centers.

Get ahead of the curve by upgrading today. Contact us here.

Enterprises can prepare for expansions that will result in significant traffic demands thanks to 400G Ethernet. With the deployment of 5G, it would result in a massive increase in bandwidth as 400G enables enterprises to build small cells, which are essential for 5G deployment.

High-performance computing is becoming increasingly common in businesses such as retail, healthcare, oil and gas, and weather forecasting. Real-time data analysis is a major development engine in many firms. As a result, the adoption of 400G Ethernet will be accelerated. Players will benefit from high-performance computers and 400G to improve their financial and operational efficiencies.

Massive or hyperscale data centers, which were utilized to process vast amounts of data, gained significance due to COVID-19. As eCommerce and online sales increased, businesses faced a challenge in investing in infrastructure that can manage rising data processing and storage needs. Companies that have invested in these hyperscale data centers are exploring 400G Ethernet because it allows them to quickly meet sophisticated data processing requirements.

Opportunities for 400G Ethernet Enterprise Networks

How 400G Ethernet Supports Enterprise Networks in Growing Traffic Demands

1. Rise of 5G Connectivity

Rising traffic and bandwidth needs are pressuring CSPs to quickly implement 5G, both at the client and business end. To accommodate the 5G backhaul, a significant increase in bandwidth is necessary for a successful implementation. Additionally, 400G can give CSPs a higher density for the development of small cells. In order to implement 5G, cloud data centers must be located closer to both users and devices. This simplifies the aspect of edge computing that deals with processing time-sensitive data, which is another innovation in this field.

2. High-Performance Computing (HPC)

Every industrial sub-vertical, including healthcare, retail, oil & gas, and weather forecasting, uses high-performance computing. Each of these industries requires real-time data analysis, which will be a key factor in the 400G market's expansion. The combined power of HPC and 400G will maximize the performance of the infrastructure, resulting in cost and productivity savings.

3. Addressing Internet of Things (IoT) Traffic Demands

This system also has the potential to allow data centers to handle IoT requirements. IoT devices do not produce a lot of data; rather, it is the accumulation of connections that leads to issues. The amount of traffic increases exponentially when these devices cooperate and open up new routes through Ethernet and the internet. The important data centers will find it much simpler to gain an advantage in this race with a fourfold increase in data transfer speed.

4. Greater Density for Hyperscale Data Centers

The number of data centers is significantly growing in order to fulfill the growing demand for data. Every data center that is emerging wants to install 400GbE since they would be able to accommodate very large and sophisticated computing and networking requirements. While at the same time reduce the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) footprint thanks to the 400GbE offer of higher density in fiber, racks, and switches.

Find the right solution for your 400G Ethernet fiber optic hardware requirements. Contact us today.
 

As data centers expand and deploy at faster rates, they require high performance connections with low power consumption, stable operation, low cost, and timely supply in large quantities.

ProLabs' SFP-DD direct attach cables (DACs) offer increased bandwidth scalability with the port density of a standard SFP footprint. 

Deliver high performance & high bandwidth connectivity with SFP-DD DACs:

Features & Benefits:

• Passive SFP-DD form factor direct attach cable.
• Available in 0.5m, 1m, 2m, and 3m lengths to achieve maximum performance.
• Operating temperature ranging from 0°C to 70°C.
• 100% in-house testing with OEM gear with lifetime warranty.
• Avoid long lead times and backorders with our U.S. & U.K. based stock and fast shipping.

Future-proof your data center and fulfill infrastructure development goals today. Contact us.

Server rack sizes vary more than most enterprises realize. It might be difficult to choose the right data center rack size for your equipment installation, especially if you don't completely grasp how size differences effect your business. Fortunately, making an informed decision based on a small number of factors is simple. Finding the right data center rack size for your needs will be easier if you consider the following factors: height, width, and depth.

Server Rack Height

Height is frequently used to categorize servers into different categories. The height dimension is also indicated by the standard unit for sizing up a rack server. When buying a server rack, this is one of the most crucial aspects to consider, and the market provides a standard.

Currently, the most widely used server rack standards are 42U and 48U. This is due to the fact that the height is both substantial enough to hold the equipment and scale it over time and manageable enough to easily access, maintain, and manage the equipment.

Server Rack Width

The 19-inch rack is another common server rack dimension that you will hear often. However, it is critical to note that this relates to the mounting width only, not the entire outer width of the server rack. Many server rack exteriors are 24 inches wide or more, which is useful to know when building your server room and evaluating how many racks will fit into the given floor space.

Server Rack Depth

Server rack depth, or the distance between the front and back rails of the rack, completes the trifecta of rack server dimensions. The depths might be anywhere from a few inches to 50 inches or more.

When it comes to server rack depth, it is critical to understand the various rack types. Due to their different depths, 4-post racks and 2-post racks have a distinct difference in construction.

2-post racks are constructed with two vertically upright beams as they are easier to use and better suited for lighter equipment such as routers, switches, and patch panels. 4-post racks are much sturdier and can carry much more weight because they are constructed with four upright beams. They are held up by four posts, which connect to all their rails and shelves, as well as increases your mounting depth requirements.

Choosing the Right Size

Now that we've covered all of the different components that contribute to the size of your server rack, you must consider your overall setup and installation plans.

If you are installing a rack for a home or office with limited equipment, a half-rack or smaller may be the best option. Unless you have very small equipment, a 4-post rack should be used because it is designed to be mounted from both the front and back. If you're planning to install your rack in a server room or data center, it's best to overestimate the amount of space you'll require in case your company grows and your needs change.

Regardless of what size rack you determine is right for you, always make sure to consider your layout and limits first.

For more information or a quote, contact us here.

The insatiable demand for bandwidth has put data center operators and network engineers under tremendous strain. Data centers and network engineers are looking to upgrade from 100G to 400G Ethernet in order to adapt to 5G, cloud services, IoT, and other next-generation applications and technologies.

ProLabs provides an alternative to OEM OSFP transceivers in order to counter the dominance of vertically integrated OEMs. We now offer 400G coherent ZR in an OSFP form factor with the new OSFP 400G ZR transceivers. The OSFP includes an integrated heatsink, which improves thermal performance and enables modules with up to 15W of power.

Reduce power consumption and assure reliability in demanding high-density environments:

MSA and TAA 400GBase-ZR Coherent OSFP Transceiver (SMF, 1528.77nm to 1567.13nm, 40km, LC, DOM)	SKU: OSFP-400GB-DCO-ZR-C
Arista Networks® Compatible TAA 400GBase-ZR Coherent OSFP Transceiver (SMF, 1528.77nm to 1567.13nm, 40km, LC, DOM)	SKU: OSFP-400GB-DCO-ZR-AR-C

Features & Benefits:

• New pluggable OSFP form factor with eight, 400G capable high-speed electrical lanes.
• Up to 120km (ZR) with amplification and 40km without.
• Supports 400G DWDM traffic links over 40km.
• Tested in-house for full feature OEM compatibility.
• Take advantage of our competitive lead times and avoid backorders with our U.S.- & U.K.-based stock and fast shipping.

Upgrade to OSFP 400G ZR optics from ProLabs. Contact us today to get started!

Network operators with legacy 100G network elements considering deploying new 100G DWDM PAM4 or 100G QSFP28 ZR4 optical technologies must evaluate if their existing network gear meets the power and software requirements of these technologies. A full network upgrade for low-density deployments and point-solutions may not offer the return on investment required.

ProLabs' new QSFP28 100G OEO system offers a solution to protect existing network equipment investments and provide your network with new capabilities. The 100G QSFP28 OEO is a 1U rack mount system with two 100G channels supported by client-side support for QSFP28 ZR4 and QSFP28 PAM4 technologies. 
 

Protect your existing network investment:

Features & Benefits:

• Supports 1U rackmount with 4 QSFP28 ports and 1-slot powered chassis.
• Client side supports 100G QSFP28 LR4/ZR4/PAM4 modules.
• Line side supports 100G QSFP28 LR4/ZR4 modules.
• Suitable for short-range transmission of wavelength division.
• Avoid long lead times and backorders with our U.S. & U.K. based stock and fast shipping.

Provide a range of options for repeating optical data signals with QSFP28 100G OEO today. Contact us.