CONNECTIONS_64-e

Editorial
Sustainable
Connectivity –
in Every Respect
050.7154
Dear Business Partners
5G is more than a continuation of the 2G, 3G
and 4G mobile communications standards.
It’s not just about transporting data even
faster and more securely. Instead, the fifth
generation forms a digital nervous system
that takes our interaction possibilities to a
new level. 5G makes communication between
sensors, devices and us easier. Technology is
an important foundation for the Internet of
Things.
To make this happen, investments in infrastructure
are needed, as our FOCUS story
shows. First, mobile network operators have
to upgrade their masts (macro cells) to the
latest state of the art. 5G connectivity can
then be supplemented and condensed using
the smallest cellular base stations (small cells).
But each antenna location has different requirements,
thus challenging creativity when
it comes to finding cabling paths.
Wireless 5G and fiber optic networks have
been growing together for several years now.
Fiber optics are of particular importance in
this context. Fiber optic cabling is more
reliable, more efficient and, above all, more
sustainable than conventional copper cabling.
But it is important to organize the fibers
intelligently because glass fibers and contact
surfaces are highly sensitive.
The new CONEXIO family from R&M is one
of the solutions of the day in this regard. The
modular system makes it relatively easy to
upgrade a macro-cell location. In doing so,
it channels fiber optic, power and hybrid
cabling. In the case of 5G cells in particular,
these solutions have to work even under the
most horrendous environmental conditions.
The CONEXIO family and all-weather
outdoor connectors from R&M meet these
requirements.
Environment-friendly fiber optics
As already mentioned, optical fibers are more
environment friendly than copper cables. They
consist of quartz sand, the mining of which
consumes fewer resources than copper. 5G
and fiber optic networks are connecting more
and more decentralized energy producers,
such as hydroelectric power plants, wind and
photovoltaic plants, and transmit information
about energy production in real time. This
allows municipal utilities to control current
flow intelligently – read more about this in
our TREND report.
Data centers now consume three percent of
the world’s electricity. Sophisticated cooling
management enables them to continuously
improve their energy efficiency. Even small
drafts make a big difference. Solutions from
R&M Tecnosteel are recommended for such
optimization measures. It is worth measuring
and controlling the circulation, temperature,
pressure and humidity in the air of the
computer room. If this data is embedded in
a DCIM system such as inteliPhy from R&M,
the first step towards saving energy has
already been taken.
In the latest issue of our specialist magazine
CONNECTIONS, we once again present
innovations – such as our mixed media patch
panel Netscale 48, which offers all cabling
on a single height unit in the rack, or the
new ActiPower 4.0 PDU for data centers
and server rooms, which is available in three
variations. We are also pleased that we will
be able to deliver our new FM45 connectors
from summer onwards: These can withstand
temperatures ranging from -40 to 85 degrees
Celsius.
Furthermore, you will find the latest reference
stories to read, for example about the data
center solution at the multifunctional Kai Tak
Sports Park in Hong Kong and the cabling
of the Olympus medical equipment repair
center in Coimbra, Portugal.
We wish you an inspiring read.
Wolfgang Huber
Head Corporate Quality
2 | CONNECTIONS 04|2023–64