CONNECTIONS_60-e

While MPO connectors with 12, 16 or 24
fibers could also help, the new miniature
connectors enable direct access to every
individual channel. They can be patched individually.
This makes it simpler, for example,
to establish links between different switches
with 4x100G to 400G. A decisive advantage
for network planning.
Packing density multiplied
First of all, Senko launched the CS connector.
It doubles the packing density of the LC
connector and can triple the fiber density in
patch panels. Then Senko quickly came up
with, and launched, the SN connector. It takes
up even less space than the CS. It can be
used to terminate up to 384 fibers on one
height unit.
US Conec followed suit with its MDC connector.
The MDC can also triple fiber density.
It is said to allow a packing density of 432
fibers on one rack height unit.
The footprint of the SN and MDC connectors
is about the same. They are classified as
VSFF connectors (Very Small Form Factor).
They are not compatible due to small design
differences in the plug face.
The IEC is currently standardizing the two
VSFF connectors. Form and functionality
will no longer change. They have already
been anchored in the specifications for the
multi-source agreement (MSA). MSA manufacturers
are integrating the design of the
plug faces in the first QSFP-DD and OSFP
adapters.
Eight-channel configuration
Four channels (eight fibers) per module can
be set up with both VSFF connectors. This
would pave the way to 400G using 8-channel
configuration (8 x 50G). Hyperscale data
centers would be the first users. Edge data
centers could also benefit with an increase
in capacity.
Currently – April 2021 – it is difficult to identify
a winner. The data center market appears
to be welcoming both VSFF connectors with
equal enthusiasm. At the moment, it is impossible
to say which is the optimal connector for
migration to 400G. The Senko pioneer, the
CS connector, is receiving more attention in
the telecom industry.
Netscale as a platform
R&M offers the option of using both VSFF
connectors, as well as the CS connector, in
the latest Netscale distributors. The already
record-breaking Netscale port density with
up to 120 LC Duplex ports per height unit
can thus be increased effectively once more.
Users will ask how they should handle the
cables with this packing density.
Three new connector types for
ultra high density cabling
050.7088
CS connector from Senko
050.7089
SN connector from Senko
050.7090
MDC connector from US Conec
050.7108
Demand for next generation network
Datacom Transceivers
Revenue ($mm)
$ 4,500
$ 4,000
$ 3,500
$ 3,000
$ 2,500
$ 2,000
$ 1,500
$ 1,000
$ 500
$ 0
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
100 GbE 200 GbE 400 GbE
Source: Ovum
The R&M development team has looked at
this challenge in detail and already knows
the answer. An advanced, carefully designed
cable management system will facilitate work
on the patch panel front. The solution supports
the monitoring of the ports and cables.
Market launch is imminent.
050.6231
Dr. Blanca Ruíz
Technology & Innovation Manager
blanca.ruiz@rdm.com
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