R&M Data Center Handbook

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The capacity expansion in existing 10G environments
The standards TIA-942, DIN EN 50173-5 and ISO/IEC 24764 provide specifications for network planning in data
centers. The steps below assume a correspondingly well-planned and installed network and merely describe the
migration to 100 GbE.
The first step in the migration from 10 GbE to 40/100 GbE certainly involves the expansion of capacity in an
existing 10 GbE environment. A 12-fiber MPO cable serves as the permanent link (backbone). MPO modules and
patch cords establish the connection to the 10G switches.
Different constellations emerge depending on the legacy infrastructure and the polarity method used.
Methode A
10G, Case 1 - an MPO trunk cable (type A, male-male) serves as the permanent link (middle). MPO modules (type A, female)
provide the transition to the LC Duplex patch cords A-to-B (left) and A-to-A (right).
10G, Case 2 - an MPO trunk cable (type A, male-male) serves as the permanent link (middle). An MPO module (type A,
female) provides the transition to LC Duplex patch cord A-to-B (left), adapter plate (type A) and harness cable (female) as an
alternative to the combination of MPO module and LC Duplex patch cord.
10G, Case 3 - duplex connection without permanent link, consisting of LC Duplex patch cord A-to-B (left), MPO module
(type A, female) and harness cable (male).
Methode R
10G - an MPO trunk cable (type B, male-male) serves as a permanent link (middle), MPO modules (type R, female) provide
the transition to the LC Duplex patch cords A-to-B (left, right).
Important: Harness cables cannot be used with method R!
The capacity expansion from 10G to 40G
If the next step involves replacing the 10G switches with 40G versions, MPO adapter plates can be installed easily
instead of the MPO modules to make the next adaptation.
Here, too, the installer has to keep in mind the polarity method used.
Methode A
Replacement of the MPO modules (type A) with MPO adapter plates (type A) and the LC Duplex patch cords with MPO patch
cords type A, female-female (left) and type B, female-female (right). The permanent link (type A, male-male) remains.
R&M Data Center Handbook V2.0 © 08/2011 Reichle & De-Massari AG Page 133 of 156