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Specialist magazine CONNECTIONS no. 65
Specialist magazine CONNECTIONS no. 65
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<strong>CONNECTIONS</strong> <strong>65</strong><br />
Specialist magazine Reichle & De-Massari AG | October 2023<br />
Time Travel<br />
through the Data Center<br />
Groupe ADP<br />
Smart Airports in Paris<br />
BladeShelter –<br />
a Full Composition<br />
More Production Capacities<br />
for Fiber Optic Cables<br />
041.0724
Editorial<br />
The Vision<br />
that has Connected Us<br />
for Almost 60 Years<br />
050.7360<br />
Dear Business Partners<br />
Enabling communication through optimal<br />
network infrastructures – that was already<br />
the aim of Hans Reichle and Renato De-Massari<br />
when they developed a revolutionary<br />
telephone outlet almost 60 years ago. Our<br />
mission is still the same, but when it comes to<br />
technology everything has changed.<br />
Today, we are amazed that artificial intelligence<br />
(AI) can, for example, paint pictures,<br />
write essays and diagnose medical conditions.<br />
Machines now perform the brainwork that<br />
was previously considered a human domain.<br />
However, these high-performance computers<br />
only run if their network infrastructures can<br />
be relied upon. No AI without connectivity.<br />
Megatrends such as AI are also driving the<br />
boom in data centers. If you want to hold<br />
your own in this market, you have to be able<br />
to move at a fast pace: Latencies and data<br />
transfer rates are constantly accelerating.<br />
At the same time, data centers should be<br />
improving their energy efficiency and working<br />
trouble-free at all times. In our FOCUS story,<br />
we take you on a journey through time in the<br />
data center and show you how we can help<br />
you plan and operate.<br />
With our complete portfolio for data center<br />
infrastructures, we have also specialized<br />
in continuously improving efficiency and<br />
security. With the BladeShelter T7 PLUS<br />
rack system, for example, which has a static<br />
load-bearing capacity of 1,800 kg and separates<br />
the flow of hot and cold air, power<br />
consumption is noticeably reduced. And the<br />
smart ActiPower 4.0 Power Distribution Unit<br />
(PDU) can monitor environmental parameters<br />
such as energy consumption, temperature,<br />
humidity and access security.<br />
Staying on the ball<br />
The further modernization of our product<br />
range and our own infrastructures has traditionally<br />
been a very high priority at R&M. This<br />
is why, whenever possible, we report at an<br />
early stage on the innovations of tomorrow,<br />
their implementation in our solutions and<br />
our modernization efforts. You will also find<br />
relevant articles in this latest issue of our<br />
specialist magazine <strong>CONNECTIONS</strong>.<br />
As a full-range provider as well as a provider<br />
of individual, custom-made solutions and<br />
with many market organizations and plants<br />
around the world, we are always close to<br />
our valued customers – in order to optimize<br />
network infrastructures together.<br />
We wish you an inspiring read.<br />
Robert Merki, CTO<br />
«We provide network infrastructure<br />
for unlimited communication.»<br />
2 | <strong>CONNECTIONS</strong> 10|2023–<strong>65</strong>
Contents<br />
Focus<br />
Success<br />
Corporate<br />
Time Travel<br />
through the Data Center<br />
4<br />
Shields USA<br />
Sustainable in Every Respect 8<br />
Provider of<br />
Custom-Made Solutions 23<br />
News<br />
Groupe ADP<br />
Smart Airports in Paris 16<br />
Crédit Agricole, Lyon<br />
Secure Cabling 21<br />
More Production Capacities<br />
for Fiber Optic Cables 24<br />
For the Environment:<br />
Changes in Packaging 26<br />
R&M Takes SPE Forward 9<br />
This is Where<br />
HEC-BR and HEC-QR Work 10<br />
Vital Signs<br />
under Control 11<br />
Bespoke Compilation –<br />
Ready for Installation 14<br />
Trends<br />
Liquid Cooling:<br />
Worth Considering 12<br />
Cat. 8.1 Applications<br />
in the LAN 18<br />
BladeShelter –<br />
a Full Composition 15<br />
R&M HD Connectors:<br />
for 400G and More 17<br />
Resistance Unbalanced:<br />
Hidden Faults in the LAN 19<br />
Setting up<br />
Customized LAN Racks 20<br />
Predestined for<br />
Harsh Environments 22<br />
More Space for<br />
Splice Trays 25<br />
Publication details:<br />
<strong>CONNECTIONS</strong> <strong>65</strong> | October 2023<br />
Cover picture:<br />
R&M supports planning processes for<br />
data center infrastructures as a trusted advisor<br />
with a holistic approach.<br />
Publisher:<br />
Reichle & De-Massari AG, Binzstrasse 32,<br />
CHE-8620 Wetzikon, Switzerland<br />
www.rdm.com<br />
R&M blog portal: https://www.rdm.com/blog/<br />
Editorial team:<br />
Erica Monti (Editor-in-Chief),<br />
erica.monti@rdm.com,<br />
Bernward Damm, Robert Merki,<br />
Andreas Rüsseler, Ines Stotz<br />
Layout: KplusH, CHE-Amden, Markus Kuhn<br />
Printing: Ostschweiz Druck AG, CHE-Wittenbach<br />
Print run: 6, 000 copies<br />
<strong>CONNECTIONS</strong> is printed twice a year and can be<br />
ordered from the publisher. Reproduction allowed<br />
with permission from the editorial team.<br />
SC2021042104<br />
10|2023–<strong>65</strong> <strong>CONNECTIONS</strong> | 3
Focus<br />
Time Travel<br />
through the Data Center<br />
050.7361<br />
Take a trip to the future through your data center! You will be starting out in 2023<br />
and will see how the computer room will change over the next ten years. You are likely to<br />
meet a few surprises on the way. Read on to find out what is already on the cards today<br />
and what you need to take with you for a secure future.<br />
Aside from growing data traffic and ever<br />
faster machines: Who can even guess at<br />
what the data center will have to take care<br />
of in the future? A journey through time could<br />
provide creative support for planning the<br />
future. There will be new insights along the<br />
way. This would be a fantastic way of getting<br />
to know the needs of the market and new<br />
customer projects ahead of time.<br />
Many a migration and scaling project<br />
becomes a cost pit along the way. Plug &<br />
Play, fast-moving servers and high-speed<br />
switches are clearly not enough to master<br />
the future. The capacity offered by the IT<br />
infrastructure (non-compute layer) must be<br />
able to «breathe» in future.<br />
Megatrend of digitalization<br />
Back to the present. What can operators<br />
already expect today? Experience shows that<br />
the market does not allow data centers to take<br />
a break. Today, heavy duty is the order of the<br />
day: Cloud, edge, hybridization, «everything<br />
as a service», gaming, streaming, blockchain,<br />
5G and the AI revolution – digitalization has<br />
many drivers, some of which support or even<br />
reinforce each other. This certainly gives you<br />
a rough idea of the trip to the future.<br />
Every day, unstoppable digitalization demands<br />
new and more powerful IT equipment,<br />
shorter latencies and higher transmission<br />
rates. Over the past three years, the workload<br />
has in some cases approached the physical<br />
limit. At the same time, data centers should<br />
be resilient and available at all times without<br />
interruption, which requires expensive redundancy.<br />
In addition, they should be increasingly<br />
efficient in their production, with ever better<br />
PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) and higher<br />
ROI (Return on Investment).<br />
These laws and requirements have been in<br />
place for a long time and will accompany data<br />
centers into the future.<br />
There is a new aspect that will occupy data<br />
center providers even more intensively in<br />
the future: They urgently need to address<br />
BladeShelter containment<br />
041.0727<br />
4 | <strong>CONNECTIONS</strong> 10|2023–<strong>65</strong>
Forecasts about the development of the Data Center market<br />
the issues of carbon footprint, decarbonization<br />
and power supply. These questions<br />
have to be asked at all levels, from premises<br />
and buildings to computer rooms and even<br />
high-performance chips. In particular, data<br />
center operators will be faced with new underlying<br />
conditions in the form of extended<br />
state norms and adapted industry standards<br />
for data centers, the call for the recycling of<br />
used raw materials, waste heat utilization<br />
concepts for the surrounding buildings and<br />
residents, and also increasingly the use of<br />
renewable energy sources.<br />
Spontaneous, fast, complex<br />
Data center customers are having to act faster<br />
and faster. Business models are adapted<br />
or scaled. Digitalization gives companies the<br />
opportunity to implement many things in a<br />
short space of time. For security or competitive<br />
reasons, they often release services, apps<br />
and updates at short notice. Applications for<br />
masses of end users, or complex applications<br />
with a high workload for the servers are on<br />
the agenda.<br />
Data centers must therefore be responsive.<br />
And they have to be able to provide scalable<br />
infrastructures tailored to the customer<br />
and project at short notice. Together with<br />
customers, operators are making complex<br />
decisions more often than ever before.<br />
Understanding new customer applications<br />
leads to an adapted conversion into new IT<br />
equipment (such as servers and storage) and<br />
its networking with corresponding switches.<br />
If this equipment is to be integrated into an<br />
efficient environment and perhaps even into<br />
a partially existing infrastructure, there is more<br />
to be done than just filling up free spaces in<br />
existing IT cabinets. The increasing demand<br />
for efficiency in the data center requires the<br />
coordination of all sections of the infrastructure<br />
in order to optimize the critical interaction<br />
between compute and non-compute layers.<br />
Would anyone have thought of this recently<br />
with conventional planning focused on individual<br />
sections? All plans have to be adjusted<br />
to one another, and stand-alone solutions will<br />
no longer meet the targets set in the future.<br />
What that means for cooling<br />
The challenges associated with cooling are<br />
impressive. When the computer room was<br />
first set up, all the amenities were perfectly<br />
adjusted to each other: Cold aisles and hot<br />
50 %<br />
increase in the electrical footprint<br />
of all data centers by 2025<br />
500 %<br />
growth of globally generated<br />
data by 2025<br />
Source: Schneider Electric<br />
aisles, air flow, fans and cooling systems,<br />
operating temperature of IT equipment, etc.<br />
Servers with larger computing capacity are<br />
now entering the computer room because<br />
customers want to launch new, powerful digital<br />
products. Suddenly something changes<br />
as regards cooling. Fans are operating at full<br />
speed on a permanent basis and consuming<br />
more power. The cause has to be investigated,<br />
and that no doubt means maintenance work,<br />
in the worst case operational interruptions<br />
and subsequent renovation work. Cable<br />
bundles have to be laid differently so that<br />
the air can flow optimally again.<br />
If installations are equipped at maximum<br />
capacity at the beginning of expansion, this<br />
can lead to inefficiencies and even damage<br />
to the system. Here, a simple example: A rack<br />
was initially equipped with two blades, which<br />
together had an output of 2 kW. But the cooling<br />
system has already been configured for 20<br />
kW or for fully equipped rack rows. Excessive<br />
cooling changes the dew point. Moisture<br />
accumulates. Certain systems stop when<br />
there is too much cold or the cooling system<br />
runs at a level that is too low, resulting in a<br />
constant switching on and off. This can lead to<br />
complete cooling system failure prematurely.<br />
Some data centers take precautions by<br />
proactively planning in headroom. In doing<br />
so, they have to remember that cooling and<br />
power supply must be adjusted to both the<br />
reduced and the full IT load.<br />
One possible solution for this would be<br />
decentralized, modular inline and side cooling<br />
units such as the BladeCooling units from<br />
R&M Tecnosteel. They can be dimensioned<br />
according to the respective computing<br />
performance.<br />
24 %<br />
of Executives report that over 50 %<br />
of their data centers will configure<br />
themselves by 2025<br />
75 %<br />
of data will be processed in<br />
edge data centers<br />
Here, too, an interdependency would have<br />
to be considered: The energy and space<br />
requirements of the inline and side cooling<br />
units must be taken into account when planning<br />
the expansion. Once again, IT equipment<br />
and operating temperatures, ventilators,<br />
cooling system, containment and air routing<br />
have to be coordinated with one another.<br />
Blade cooling for heat loads from 4 to 42 kW<br />
In-row cooling<br />
030.7913<br />
050.7363<br />
030.7914<br />
10|2023–<strong>65</strong> <strong>CONNECTIONS</strong> | 5
Focus<br />
The journey to 800 Gigabit<br />
The new digital applications will also generate<br />
higher data volume in the future. In order to<br />
be able to serve these applications under the<br />
additional constraint of latency requirements<br />
in the data center, the migration to 400<br />
Gigabit, 800 Gigabit and 1.6 Tb Ethernet is<br />
necessary. Are those responsible aware of all<br />
the interdependencies? It’s about more than<br />
just highly scaled connectivity in a spine-leaf<br />
architecture.<br />
The space provided for cabling in a rack is<br />
limited and is difficult to expand after initial<br />
installation. Cabling with MPO connectivity<br />
and the HD connectors (e.g. SN) could make<br />
maximum use of the space thanks to high<br />
connection density.<br />
Three steps<br />
Despite the many unknowns, the increasing<br />
multidimensional correlations in the data<br />
center can be controlled. When a customer<br />
project is pending, three main steps are<br />
recommended:<br />
1. First of all, the client’s objectives and business<br />
case must be understood. Specify<br />
precisely which applications and services<br />
are planned.<br />
2. Analyze which computing and transmission<br />
services, technologies, functions are<br />
required.<br />
3. This information is essential for designing<br />
or adapting the non-compute infrastructure<br />
needed to keep the IT systems<br />
running.<br />
As a trusted advisor, R&M supports such<br />
processes with a holistic approach and a<br />
view from a non-compute perspective.<br />
At the beginning of the project, R&M can<br />
describe interdependencies, gaps, time<br />
requirements, migration and scaling options.<br />
Suitable power supply, cooling, cabling, and<br />
suitable racks, panels and enclosures can be<br />
reliably determined as can the underlying<br />
conditions for installation, operation, maintenance<br />
and quality assurance.<br />
As a provider of integrated infrastructure<br />
solutions, R&M provides a future-oriented<br />
portfolio for data centers. It ranges from<br />
connectivity to DCIM software. This enables<br />
R&M to supply individual modules and complete<br />
infrastructures for computer rooms<br />
which are ready for installation from a single<br />
source, as well as retrofit and scale them.<br />
R&M supports data centers from analyzing<br />
and planning to implementing and managing<br />
infrastructures.<br />
050.7290<br />
Customer-specific data center planning, visual<br />
representations, renderings, simulations of data<br />
center rooms<br />
Integrated data center solution<br />
Partners<br />
PDU – cooling – UPS<br />
Electronic layer<br />
Access and rack monitoring<br />
Software layer<br />
Infrastructure and asset management<br />
Racks and enclosures<br />
Panels and housings<br />
(Passive) hardware layer<br />
FO cables<br />
Pre-terminated cabling systems<br />
Components<br />
050.7366<br />
R&M offers its customers integrated DC solutions from A to Z. | Graphic: R&M<br />
6 | <strong>CONNECTIONS</strong> 10|2023–<strong>65</strong>
more sophisticated the integration, the more<br />
successfully data centers will be able to serve<br />
the market in the future.<br />
Insight into data center infrastructures with<br />
the DCIM software inteliPhy net<br />
The cabling must be planned for the new<br />
architecture in detail and with foresight. For<br />
the journey to 800 Gigabit and beyond, data<br />
centers need a detailed scaling and migration<br />
strategy. And that strategy has to be about<br />
more than just high density. The interdependencies<br />
between racks, cabling density,<br />
weight, cable pathways, cable management<br />
and airflow also need to be investigated.<br />
The new PDU affects everyone<br />
A current example which will also influence<br />
future planning: Where conventional connector<br />
strips were previously sufficient, remotely<br />
Smart Power Distribution Units:<br />
a cost-saving solution<br />
050.6975 050.7137<br />
The DCIM software inteliPhy net from R&M<br />
enables asset management of IT hardware.<br />
controllable, hydraulically-magnetically<br />
protected PDUs with network modules will<br />
soon be used. They are intended to make<br />
the electrical infrastructure safer and more<br />
intelligent. Once again, it becomes apparent<br />
that a single advance entails a number of<br />
interdependencies.<br />
The infrastructure planners have to accommodate<br />
additional bus cabling and sensors<br />
in the rack. For network planners, it is a<br />
matter of how many ports and IP addresses<br />
the intelligent PDUs take up. Operators and<br />
customer care want to know if changes and<br />
maintenance require expensive interruptions<br />
of operation. The sustainability manager<br />
needs information about power consumption.<br />
The provision of detailed information<br />
for each connected IT device helps to determine<br />
the current, contemporary PUE and<br />
to plan the data center’s energy balance in<br />
the future.<br />
Homework: Digitizing<br />
One prerequisite is that data centers also<br />
digitize their own operations.<br />
They will understand the correlations more<br />
easily if they can fully map operation in<br />
superordinate, multifunctional management<br />
software. This requires deep insight into<br />
the facilities and infrastructures on the<br />
basis of digitized data. In this way, operation<br />
managers can be relieved of their two main<br />
tasks: Planning the status of the installations<br />
of all sections and documenting their current<br />
status as well as ensuring efficient operation.<br />
The software should be able to simulate how<br />
new, additional or changed IT, applications<br />
and services affect operations. It should make<br />
it possible to develop scenarios for spaces,<br />
racks, cabling, power supply, cooling, sensors,<br />
and other gray space elements.<br />
With such a solution, those responsible<br />
could take a «virtual» future journey through<br />
their data center. They could avoid surprises,<br />
gain planning certainty, avoid oversized<br />
investments and bottlenecks, and efficiently<br />
implement customer requests.<br />
070.5066<br />
The ActiPower 4.0 Power Distribution Unit<br />
from R&M is intended to bring about cost- and<br />
energy-saving data center operation.<br />
The smart Power Distribution Unit<br />
ActiPower 4.0 from R&M aims to save<br />
costs and reduce power consumption in<br />
data center operation. The switching relays<br />
of the ActiPower 4.0 consume 70 % less<br />
energy than comparable products. The<br />
PDUs can withstand environmental temperatures<br />
of up to 60° Celsius. They can be<br />
managed remotely via Ethernet ports and<br />
the DCIM program inteliPhy net. They can<br />
communicate with sensors for temperature,<br />
humidity, water, smoke, vibration and<br />
door contacts.<br />
Thinking multidimensionally<br />
All this means that it’s increasingly about more<br />
than just «plug & play» or about uploading<br />
new software. Today, and in the near future,<br />
digitalization projects are deeply affecting<br />
data center processes and infrastructures. The<br />
details and deadlines of individual projects can<br />
often only be determined at short notice.<br />
There is growing recognition that data<br />
centers are increasingly dealing with multidimensional<br />
correlations. Today, it is particularly<br />
important to pay attention to the integration<br />
of non-computing areas. This is crucial in<br />
order to keep the computer room running<br />
efficiently whatever the load.<br />
That’s why it’s important to take a holistic<br />
approach. The better the IT hardware, power<br />
supply, connectivity, cooling and security<br />
solutions interact, the more cost-efficient,<br />
secure and sustainable the overall performance<br />
will be. The more comprehensively<br />
the correlations are understood and the<br />
www.rdm.com/solutions/<br />
data-center/<br />
www.rdm.com/<br />
bladeshelter/<br />
www.rdm.com/actipower-<br />
4-0-smart-pdus-for-your-dc/<br />
050.7091<br />
Carsten Ludwig<br />
Market Manager Data Center<br />
carsten.ludwig@rdm.com<br />
10|2023–<strong>65</strong> <strong>CONNECTIONS</strong> | 7
Success<br />
«R&M means quality and partnership.»<br />
Louis Cruchett, Sr. VP Services, Shields Environmental<br />
Sustainable<br />
in Every Respect<br />
050.7368<br />
Whether in the environmental field or in a business relationship,<br />
sustainability is not always easy to achieve and implement. It requires a<br />
direct approach with constant attention. R&M and Shields Environmental<br />
have established a sustainable partnership based on these principles.<br />
050.7369<br />
Shields Environmental is a global company,<br />
established in 1979, that takes sustainability<br />
seriously, extending the service life of telecom<br />
network equipment. The company offers<br />
repairs, refurbishment, and recycling. Two<br />
years ago, Shields launched their MarketPlace<br />
platform which enables network providers<br />
across the globe to buy and sell network<br />
equipment. It’s an easy way for operators to<br />
join the circular economy, create savings as<br />
well as reach the NetZero targets being set<br />
across the globe. Due to the huge demand<br />
MarketPlace has created, Shields have recently<br />
launched their Vendor Portal platform which<br />
focuses on building sustainable partnerships<br />
to standardize high quality and fast lead times<br />
across the circular economy supply chain.<br />
Service for telecoms<br />
In the U.S., Shields is well known for its EF&I<br />
Services business unit, which supports the<br />
largest telecommunications providers in North<br />
America with a portfolio of services for their<br />
projects. This includes engineering, infrastructure,<br />
primary and secondary power, equipment<br />
installation and connectivity, and test and<br />
turn-up services in the in-building environment<br />
(Central Offices, Hubs, and Cell Sites).<br />
Customers appreciate the high measure of<br />
experience and the industry-leading quality.<br />
As a result, Shields’ Services Division has<br />
experienced tremendous growth since the<br />
division was opened on the West Coast<br />
in October 2016, now providing services<br />
across the U.S. incl. Alaska and Hawaii. The<br />
installation team is one of the most highly<br />
qualified in the industry and has the necessary<br />
infrastructure to be able to continue<br />
this performance at any time. Apart from<br />
identifying new business opportunities, the<br />
most significant obstacle faced by Shields is<br />
the scarcity of skilled technicians and experienced<br />
managers familiar with the quality<br />
standards they require.<br />
have been supported. These include the<br />
first 4G, 5G/Fixed Network, and MEC trial<br />
deployments, as well as on-site Command<br />
Center networks necessary for hosting a<br />
Super Bowl for Tier 1 Service Providers.<br />
Market need identified<br />
The partnership resulted in an intense<br />
sales relationship. Shields and R&M jointly<br />
developed new products, including the<br />
1.2 mm patch cord. Both companies had<br />
listened carefully to customers and realized<br />
that there was a demand for thinner patch<br />
cords. There is only a limited supply available<br />
on the market. As part of the distribution<br />
partnership, the R&M production network<br />
has been supplying thin patch cords since<br />
2021. Shields introduced it to the market<br />
with immense success. Further new developments<br />
are currently being planned.<br />
Shields’ delivery and installation program<br />
includes fiber optic cabling and connectivity.<br />
The components are each part of a project.<br />
That’s why they must fit perfectly with the<br />
company’s quality standards.<br />
050.7370<br />
Shields used cabling solutions from R&M to<br />
build data networks for hosting the Super Bowl.<br />
R&M is the preferred cabling supplier across<br />
the U.S. Shields and R&M support construction<br />
projects such as campus networks and<br />
PoP stations. In the mobile/WiFi market, for<br />
example, projects in the areas of Central<br />
Offices, iEN (C-RAN, 5G, MEC), and DAS<br />
Tony Rislov | R&M USA<br />
tony.rislov@rdm.com<br />
050.7405<br />
8 | <strong>CONNECTIONS</strong> 10|2023–<strong>65</strong>
News<br />
100 m zone<br />
300 m zone<br />
600 m zone<br />
050.7372<br />
Applications in buildings<br />
and on a campus. Graphic: R&M<br />
030.8205<br />
R&M<br />
Takes SPE Forward<br />
R&M is the first manufacturer to offer a complete SPE<br />
cabling system in accordance with IEC 63171-1.<br />
The market launch started at the end of 2022. Now we are<br />
continuing with the launch of the first SPE transmission<br />
system. Its range: at least 600 meters.<br />
Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) still needs a little<br />
boost. R&M has teamed up with the active<br />
device manufacturer Zemfyre from Canada<br />
to bring momentum to the wide SPE application<br />
market.<br />
Together, the two companies have specified<br />
an initial SPE transmission system with active<br />
equipment. With a switch and media converter,<br />
it enables data transmission of up to<br />
10 Mbit/s over at least 600 meters. The idea<br />
is to go beyond the traditional LAN distance<br />
of 100 meters with SPE. This makes the SPE<br />
transmission system suitable for networking<br />
remote applications and locations.<br />
RJ45 connection, with the media converters<br />
requiring a local power supply.<br />
The new approach is to connect the applications<br />
using Single Pair Ethernet. In this way,<br />
the applications can be used directly with<br />
the LAN and the cloud. The R&M solution<br />
assumes that the applications do not require<br />
any particularly high data rates.<br />
As long as no SPE terminal equipment is<br />
installed on site, this concept also works with<br />
media converters. They mediate between<br />
SPE and the RJ45 connections of conventional<br />
terminal equipment.<br />
over Ethernet (SPoE). This solution requires<br />
less space on site than the FO model and is<br />
more reliable because the power is supplied<br />
centrally. Once SPE terminal equipment is<br />
available in the future, the media converters<br />
will no longer be necessary. The devices can<br />
be connected directly to the SPE outlet.<br />
Initial feedback from the market confirmed<br />
that there is demand for the «LAN with<br />
extended transmission distance» with SPE<br />
in building automation. It will be available<br />
later this year. This will allow customers to<br />
test SPE niche applications without having to<br />
wait for manufacturers to provide an entire<br />
SPE ecosystem.<br />
www.rdm.com/<br />
single-pair-ethernet-spe/<br />
SPE components for partners<br />
For manufacturers of active devices, such<br />
as network switches or IoT end devices,<br />
R&M provides an SPE printed circuit board<br />
jack with solder pins. It complies with<br />
standard IEC 63171-1. It is available with<br />
and without optical waveguides for the LED<br />
status display. R&M also offers connectors<br />
compliant with IEC 63171-1. This allows<br />
manufacturers to manufacture their own<br />
SPE patch cords.<br />
For long distances<br />
Until now, such remote applications have<br />
been made possible with fiber optics. On site,<br />
media converters have to convert the signal<br />
between the fiber optic and the electrical<br />
In this case, however, the media converters<br />
do not require a separate power supply.<br />
They can be supplied with current via the<br />
SPE data cable and remote powering: Power<br />
over Data Line (PoDL) or Single Pair Power<br />
050.7067<br />
Matthias Gerber<br />
Market Manager LAN Cabling<br />
matthias.gerber@rdm.com<br />
10|2023–<strong>65</strong> <strong>CONNECTIONS</strong> | 9
News<br />
050.7374 050.7375 050.7376<br />
The R&M HEC connectors work reliably in any extreme environment, for example in freeway tunnels, satellite dishes or wind turbines.<br />
This is Where<br />
HEC-BR and HEC-QR Work<br />
The new outdoor connectors from R&M won’t have to look hard to find a place to work.<br />
They will be in demand in all kinds of places – for example at the next corner end.<br />
Telecom companies are currently connecting<br />
entire cities, countries, transport routes and<br />
locations with 5G small cells. 5G antennas<br />
are installed every few hundred meters. They<br />
need connections to fiber optic networks.<br />
The fiber optic connections on masts and on<br />
The strengths of HEC-BR<br />
and HEC-QR:<br />
– Telcordia GR 3120 and IEC 61753-1<br />
are met<br />
– Protection class IP68<br />
– Temperature stable -40 °C to +85 °C<br />
– Tensile load up to 450 N<br />
– HEC-QR is the smallest connector<br />
of its kind<br />
030.8319<br />
buildings have to withstand all weathers. At<br />
the same time, they also have to be easy to<br />
operate in any situation.<br />
This is why R&M has designed the robust<br />
HEC pair in such a way that the housing<br />
can be mated by someone without a direct<br />
view who is wearing gloves and working<br />
one-handed. The end faces of the fibers<br />
cannot be soiled or scratched.<br />
HEC stands for Harsh Environment Connector.<br />
The two connector variants from R&M<br />
will work reliably in any extreme environment.<br />
Areas of application include wind and solar<br />
parks, which are constantly subjected to the<br />
weather. The alternative power plants require<br />
stable fiber optic connections to data networks<br />
so that information about the available<br />
power can be accessed in real time.<br />
Wide range of applications<br />
Operators of roads, tunnels and railway lines<br />
are also making increasing use of fiber optic<br />
cabling. Their infrastructures are perfect for<br />
expanding data lines. The cables, enclosures<br />
and connectors are also exposed to significant<br />
environmental impacts: moisture, salt<br />
mist, dust, vibrations. This is exactly where<br />
HEC-BR and HEC-QR come into their own.<br />
At events, large volumes of data and<br />
high-resolution live streams are produced<br />
for the Internet. Fiber optic cables are the<br />
ideal transport medium. When setting up and<br />
dismantling events, cables and connectors<br />
are exposed to considerable mechanical<br />
loads. No problem for HEC-BR and HEC-QR!<br />
Other similar areas where they can be put to<br />
good use include mining, oil fields, industrial<br />
facilities, container ports, as well as research<br />
and satellite stations.<br />
When laying above-ground cables for the<br />
FTTH supply, it is often a matter of also being<br />
able to install unusual connections as simply<br />
and cost-effectively as possible. Aerial solutions<br />
from R&M can be used here – including<br />
HEC-BR and HEC-QR.<br />
050.7310<br />
HEC-BR (Bayonet Release) and HEC-QR (Quick<br />
Release) are easy to install, even in harsh<br />
environments.<br />
Daniel Eigenmann | Product Manager<br />
daniel.eigenmann@rdm.com<br />
050.6984 050.7311<br />
Hermann Christen<br />
Market Development Manager<br />
hermann.christen@rdm.com<br />
10 | <strong>CONNECTIONS</strong> 10|2023–<strong>65</strong>
News<br />
Vital Signs<br />
under Control<br />
050.7377<br />
Data centers are a prerequisite for digitalization and have a major impact on<br />
economic development. To ensure that they always function smoothly, it is<br />
essential to measure the ambient conditions correctly with the right sensors.<br />
A key component is the intelligent PDU.<br />
The sensors make it possible to monitor various<br />
parameters, such as energy consumption,<br />
temperature, humidity and access security.<br />
This enables administrators to identify potential<br />
problems and take appropriate corrective<br />
measures at an early stage. The intelligent<br />
ActiPower 4.0 Power Distribution Unit (PDU)<br />
Intelligent ActiPower 4.0 PDU from R&M<br />
050.7378<br />
from R&M offers efficient integration. The<br />
connection to the network means that all<br />
sensor data can be displayed and monitored<br />
on the web interface.<br />
Real-time monitoring of energy consumption<br />
is of fundamental importance when it comes<br />
to planning how the racks are to be equipped<br />
with servers. This is because overloading the<br />
power line can lead to significant problems<br />
and, for example, cause failures or safety<br />
risks. This is why measuring the energy consumption<br />
in each rack using smart PDUs has<br />
become established in the industry. Critical<br />
threshold values can be detected and alarms<br />
triggered if need be. This may be the case, for<br />
example, when a rack is expanded to include<br />
additional active servers.<br />
Indispensable for safe operation<br />
Servers not only need sufficient power but<br />
also an optimum operating temperature and<br />
humidity to be able to work efficiently. This<br />
is where temperature sensors such as the<br />
EMD31 come into play. These sensors record<br />
environmental temperature and humidity at<br />
specific points and are connected to the<br />
sensor socket of the ActiPower 4.0 PDU via<br />
an RJ45 cable.<br />
For added security and control, the EMD31<br />
sensor allows the connection of two additional<br />
digital sensors. For example, a moisture<br />
sensor cable can be laid in the floor/raised<br />
floor in order to detect water leaks from cooling<br />
units in good time and prevent potential<br />
damage to the infrastructure.<br />
The security of the data center also plays<br />
a prominent role and access to sensitive<br />
areas must be strictly controlled. Among<br />
other things, door contact sensors are used<br />
to ensure that the lockable rack doors are<br />
properly closed after access.<br />
www.rdm.com/actipower-<br />
4-0-smart-pdus-for-your-dc/<br />
Andreas Klauser | Product Manager<br />
andreas.klauser@rdm.com<br />
050.7244<br />
10|2023–<strong>65</strong> <strong>CONNECTIONS</strong> | 11
Trends<br />
Liquid Cooling:<br />
Worth Considering<br />
050.7379<br />
Can liquids cool data centers a thousand times more efficiently than air? Or is this<br />
just an exaggerated, general advertising statement from innovative manufacturers?<br />
The range is probably between 50 and 1,000 times more efficient. This article<br />
focuses on what data center providers should consider before investing.<br />
Data centers are increasingly compacting<br />
performance in computer rooms. Servers,<br />
switches and microelectronics are becoming<br />
ever more tightly packed. As processing<br />
power increases, so does the operating<br />
temperature in the racks.<br />
This is why heat dissipation management is<br />
given top priority. Cooling with liquids is basically<br />
much more efficient than conventional<br />
cooling with air. Due to their heat capacity<br />
and density, liquids dissipate heat around<br />
1,000 times more efficiently than air.<br />
Smaller PUE value feasible<br />
Air cooling is established and widespread.<br />
In a conventional computer room layout,<br />
cool air from the cold aisle is blown through<br />
the racks into the hot aisle where the air is<br />
collected. Ventilation ducts and blowers lead<br />
it to cooling units or other heat dissipation<br />
systems.<br />
This classic configuration is no longer<br />
sufficient today. In addition, it is becoming<br />
practically impossible to achieve a PUE (Power<br />
Usage Efficiency) value that meets climate<br />
targets. Operators must find new ways to<br />
make «green data centers» a reality. What is<br />
more, energy costs and legal regulations are<br />
also necessitating action.<br />
The challenge, then, is to operate systems<br />
with a high and continuous workload in an<br />
even more efficient and cost-effective manner.<br />
Air cooling generally achieves a PUE of<br />
1.35 to 1.69. According to a study by the U.S.<br />
Air Force, that figure can be reduced to 1.03<br />
with liquid cooling systems.<br />
In immersion cooling, individual servers or entire systems are immersed in a dielectric coolant.<br />
050.7380<br />
Types of liquid cooling<br />
Liquid cooling is a generic term for the way<br />
in which heat is dissipated. There are very<br />
different liquid cooling systems, although<br />
there are generally three main types: rear-<br />
12 | <strong>CONNECTIONS</strong> 10|2023–<strong>65</strong>
Cooling with rear door heat exchangers<br />
Chilled water<br />
Graphic: R&M<br />
CDU<br />
(cooling disribution unit)<br />
RDHE<br />
(rear door heat exchanger)<br />
050.7382<br />
More efficiency to be expected<br />
Further advances in microelectronics are<br />
to be expected, with energy efficiency<br />
increasing all the time. Innovations such as<br />
co-packaged optics (CPO) aim to minimize<br />
electrical transmission between chips and<br />
fibers and reduce transmission losses. At the<br />
same time, they can increase the number of<br />
transmission channels. There is no need for<br />
conventional connectors. This means that the<br />
front panels of the devices can be designed<br />
more openly in spite of a higher power density<br />
in order to allow more ventilation.<br />
Pros and cons<br />
There are several factors to consider when<br />
choosing a type of cooling, including the<br />
density of the power to dissipate (power/<br />
rack), computer workloads and packing<br />
density, reconfiguration and patching needs,<br />
infrastructures for heat dissipation.<br />
Conclusion: Greater performance and higher<br />
density in the racks do not necessarily mean<br />
that investments and the effort involved in<br />
heat dissipation increase proportionally. But<br />
the demand for heat dissipation tends to<br />
increase. Liquid-based cooling systems are<br />
therefore worth considering in view of their<br />
improved efficiency.<br />
050.7384<br />
In direct chip cooling, small channels take the<br />
coolant into the active electronic equipment.<br />
side heat exchangers, direct chip cooling and<br />
immersion cooling.<br />
– In the case of heat exchangers on the rear<br />
of the racks (rear door heat exchangers), fans<br />
blow the warm air through a grid of pipes<br />
containing coolant. The liquid absorbs the<br />
heat, is pumped to an external cooling mechanism<br />
and returned to the heat exchanger.<br />
– In direct chip cooling, small channels take<br />
the coolant into the active electronic<br />
equipment. The channels and heat sinks are<br />
arranged above or below the heat-generating<br />
chips. This approach requires additional<br />
air circulation to dissipate the residual heat.<br />
– In immersion cooling, individual servers or<br />
entire systems are immersed in a dielectric<br />
coolant. The liquid circulates and transports<br />
heat away. This is the most efficient form of<br />
cooling.<br />
Of course, every approach has advantages<br />
and disadvantages. As yet, there is no onesize-fits-all<br />
solution.<br />
The total cost of ownership (TCO) of liquid-cooled<br />
systems is likely to be significantly<br />
lower. However, the initial investment is<br />
likely to be higher. The layout and premises<br />
of the data center must be evaluated. Heat<br />
exchangers on the racks are easy to install.<br />
Chip cooling and immersion cooling require<br />
specially configured equipment.<br />
Conventional air cooling is sufficient if the<br />
total power to dissipate is below 20 kW per<br />
rack. If it exceeds this threshold value, R&M<br />
believes that a strategy for liquid cooling<br />
should be taken into consideration.<br />
Cold aisle<br />
Hot aisle<br />
050.7385<br />
Classic DC cooling management comes under<br />
pressure. Data center operators must find new<br />
ways to make «green data centers» a reality.<br />
Energy costs and legal regulations are also<br />
necessitating action.<br />
www.rdm.com/bladeshelter/<br />
BladeCooling Plus from R&M Tecnosteel<br />
Robert Merki | CTO<br />
robert.merki@rdm.com<br />
050.7148<br />
030.7914<br />
10|2023–<strong>65</strong> <strong>CONNECTIONS</strong> | 13
News<br />
Bespoke Compilation –<br />
Ready for Installation<br />
IT and infrastructure managers need to be increasingly<br />
flexible and achieve higher performance at lower costs –<br />
while also paying attention to sustainable solutions. R&M<br />
has responded by offering a simplified and environmentfriendly<br />
logistics process for the fiber optic distribution<br />
platform Netscale 48.<br />
Selecting the right copper and fiber optic<br />
patch panel is crucial for office and data<br />
center cabling in order to establish an efficient<br />
and reliable communications network.<br />
Another decisive factor is the simplification<br />
of the logistics process. With the Netscale<br />
packaging configurator – Visio or intelPhy –<br />
the finished panel can be ordered directly.<br />
This eliminates the need to select and order<br />
trays, modules or rear-cabling managers<br />
(Netscale) separately, reducing ordering time<br />
and minimizing possible errors.<br />
Efficiently packaged and<br />
quickly installed<br />
The cost and effort involved in packaging are<br />
also significantly reduced. The panel is put<br />
together to suit individual requirements and<br />
packaged as a unit, resulting in a considerably<br />
decreased volume of waste. Instead of using<br />
five to ten boxes for individual components,<br />
only one box is needed for the assembled<br />
panel. This saves costs, protects the environment<br />
and reduces transport volumes. The<br />
effort involved in installation is significantly<br />
simplified and reduced. When the box is<br />
opened, the panel is already fully equipped<br />
and can be installed directly without any additional<br />
components having to be assembled.<br />
No special tools are required to install the<br />
robust Netscale 48 panels, which are delivered<br />
in 1U. A further advantage: Customers<br />
benefit from comprehensive warranties,<br />
offering added security and trust.<br />
050.7387<br />
25 %<br />
Reducing CO 2<br />
emissions<br />
(25 % per order) in the<br />
complete value chain<br />
30 %<br />
Reducing installation<br />
work by 30 %<br />
25 %<br />
Reducing waste by 25 %<br />
With this R&M system solution, companies<br />
are taking a further step towards sustainability.<br />
They will not only be simplifying their logistics<br />
process and reducing the effort per panel, both<br />
in terms of transport (25 % less weight) and<br />
installation (-40 %). Through the efficient use<br />
of resources and the minimization of waste,<br />
they will be making a valuable contribution to<br />
environmental protection and concurrently<br />
relying on an innovative and powerful solution<br />
for their network requirements.<br />
1 2 3 4 4<br />
Plan and place an<br />
order<br />
050.7390<br />
Panel is fully assembled<br />
and production code is sent<br />
Receive shipments<br />
Your pre-assembled panel<br />
is ready for installation<br />
Easy installation<br />
according to<br />
instructions<br />
www.rdm.com/capaascustomized-assembledpackaging-as-a-service<br />
030.8624 030.8626<br />
050.7094<br />
Beat Koch | Product Manager<br />
beat.koch@rdm.com<br />
14 | <strong>CONNECTIONS</strong> 10|2023–<strong>65</strong>
News<br />
060.2157 030.8524<br />
BladeShelter –<br />
a Full Composition<br />
Vertical cable manager<br />
Integrated data center solutions improve data center<br />
efficiency, scalability and security, optimize costs, and are<br />
easier to manage. R&M has now brought together the<br />
BladeShelter infrastructure from R&M Tecnosteel with its<br />
cabling solutions.<br />
BladeShelter is a product line from R&M<br />
Tecnosteel, R&M’s latest acquisition, which<br />
was developed for data centers with low<br />
power consumption and high thermal stress.<br />
The modular, scalable racks are based on<br />
the T7 PLUS rack system. It now has a static<br />
load-bearing capacity of 1,800 kg and offers<br />
cold/hot separation. The doors are perforated<br />
and provide 82 % air permeability and<br />
concurrent high mechanical security against<br />
access. To minimize power consumption, the<br />
BladeShelter Cube modular enclosure system<br />
is part of the product family. The scalable<br />
system separates hot air flow from cold air,<br />
thus ensuring maximum energy efficiency.<br />
Perfectly cooled and always in view<br />
BladeShelter Cooling provides modular, scalable<br />
cooling units for cooling the infrastructure.<br />
They are in line with the racks, dissipate heat<br />
at the point of origin and thus achieve optimum<br />
efficiency. Another important element<br />
is the smart ActiPower 4.0 multi-plug, with<br />
which the operator can keep an eye on their<br />
energy consumption and prevent failure due<br />
to line overload.<br />
Perfect cable organization<br />
One of the most important details is the cable<br />
routing. The BladeShelter Runner cabling<br />
solution mounted on the roof of the racks<br />
guides the fiber optic, copper and power cables<br />
into physically separated areas in order to<br />
minimize transmission or mechanical interference.<br />
Last but not least, well-organized cable<br />
management is one of the key factors for the<br />
efficient operation of a data center. To this<br />
end, the latest development R&M has come<br />
up with is vertical cable management for the<br />
rack. The vertical channels are attached to the<br />
horizontal profiles. This leads to efficient use<br />
of space and good air circulation, prevents<br />
tangled cables, enables flexible scalability,<br />
and makes troubleshooting simpler. A solid<br />
basis for further technological developments<br />
in this area.<br />
www.rdm.com/<br />
bladeshelter/<br />
Cube Data Center with cabling<br />
Andreas Klauser | Product Manager<br />
andreas.klauser@rdm.com<br />
050.7244<br />
041.0725<br />
10|2023–<strong>65</strong> <strong>CONNECTIONS</strong> | 15
Success<br />
GROUPE ADP_Bloc marque<br />
COLOR_CMYK<br />
29/11/2018<br />
C100 M95 Y0 K10<br />
K75<br />
050.7392 030.7508<br />
Smart Airports<br />
in Paris<br />
The digital transformation of Parisian airports is moving<br />
forward. Based on the concept of the smart city, the operator<br />
Groupe ADP is developing the Paris-Charles de Gaulle and<br />
Paris-Orly premises into smart airports. In doing so, ADP<br />
relies on Netscale 48 from R&M as part of the solution.<br />
Groupe ADP’s (Aéroports de Paris) long-term<br />
investment program aims to design mobility<br />
hubs of the future. Innovations for Advanced<br />
Air Mobility (AAM) are constantly being developed<br />
and implemented at the two premises<br />
in Paris-Orly and Paris-Charles de Gaulle.<br />
Terminals and connecting buildings were<br />
recently modernized as part of the framework<br />
of the infrastructure development.<br />
Among other things, Groupe ADP started to<br />
expand its auto bag drop systems last year.<br />
Thanks to digitalization, passengers can check<br />
in their luggage themselves at a total of 460<br />
machines in an average of just 37 seconds.<br />
copper and fiber optic connections in equal<br />
measure.<br />
With Netscale 48, R&M was able to offer the<br />
compelling solution, something confirmed<br />
by Jean-Michel Arondel, Facility and Cabling<br />
Manager, IT technician Arnaud Bonsigne,<br />
and Armando Grilo, Head of the Roissy<br />
Data Center. The project managers from<br />
installation partner BTB Elec. emphasize<br />
the installation convenience of the R&M<br />
products. For BTB Elec., it was important to<br />
be able to carry out the assembly work as<br />
quickly and easily as possible.<br />
The solution for Groupe ADP<br />
For the construction of the data center infrastructures<br />
with more than 180 racks, R&M supplied:<br />
– Patch panels: Netscale 48 for mixed media<br />
distribution<br />
– Connectivity: pre-terminated Cat. 6 A<br />
EL<br />
modules, shielded and LC Duplex<br />
– Patch and trunk cabling: R&M ThinLine<br />
Cat. 6 A<br />
S/FTP, Uniboot LC Duplex and MTP<br />
with OM4 and OS2<br />
- Racks: R&M Tecnosteel cabinets<br />
Netscale 48 meets the expectations of the IT<br />
department for optimized administration of patch<br />
connections for the IT systems. The new network<br />
distributors will support Groupe ADP in rapidly<br />
rolling out additional digital applications for airport<br />
operations.<br />
Netscale 48 integrates copper and fiber optic<br />
connectivity in a single height unit. Despite<br />
the density of the mixed media platform, the<br />
patch cords are easy to operate. Technicians<br />
can unplug and plug in the trunks in just a<br />
few simple steps and thus quickly carry<br />
out changes or maintenance work on the<br />
network.<br />
Vision 2025 Pioneers,<br />
Groupe ADP<br />
www.youtube.com/<br />
watch?v=hW-xVBXbUgg<br />
Recent subprojects included the phased<br />
installation of two data centers. This saw<br />
Paris-Charles de Gaulle get a computer room<br />
with 150 racks. The data center in Paris-Orly<br />
has a capacity of 30 racks.<br />
www.rdm.com/netscale-48/<br />
Optimal use of racks<br />
A key concern of the planners was to<br />
compress the passive side of the network<br />
infrastructure and make optimal use of the<br />
valuable racks. The patch panels should occupy<br />
as few height units as possible in order<br />
to free up space for the active hardware. The<br />
patch panels were to support the patching of<br />
050.7393<br />
Jean-Michel Arondel, Facility and Cabling<br />
Manager, Groupe ADP<br />
Xavier Auvert | R&M France<br />
xavier.auvert@rdm.com<br />
050.6901<br />
16 | <strong>CONNECTIONS</strong> 10|2023–<strong>65</strong>
News<br />
Connectors for<br />
400G and More<br />
Increasing bandwidth requirements, space problems, the demand for lower<br />
latency as well as availability requirements are just some of the factors driving the<br />
development of the next generation of transmission technology for data centers<br />
forward. The HD connectors from R&M meet these requirements.<br />
050.7317<br />
The name of this next generation of transmission<br />
technologies is: «400G and more».<br />
These technologies enable transmission rates<br />
of 400 Gigabits per second (400G), 800G<br />
and higher – up to 1.6 Terabit Ethernet (1.6T)<br />
networks. The small, multi-fiber connectors<br />
enable higher connection density and more<br />
efficient, space-saving cabling.<br />
Connectors for 400G and more<br />
CS (Contiguous Singlemode by Senko)<br />
is suitable for transmission over longer<br />
distances between data centers. Type<br />
QSFP-400G-2FR4 for example, which is<br />
configured for 400 Gigabit Ethernet, is<br />
used as a transceiver.<br />
MDC (Miniature Duplex Connector) is a<br />
two-fiber connector similar to the SN from<br />
USConnec with the same small form factor<br />
for transmission in the data center (single<br />
and multimode).<br />
New plug faces<br />
In order to get the number of fibers into ever<br />
tighter spaces, new plug faces were standardized<br />
and are now ready for integration.<br />
R&M offers the right connectors for these<br />
requirements with future-proof transmission<br />
rates to suit demand. And all in line with<br />
one-stop shopping, as a patch cord, prefabricated<br />
trunk solution or as an all-in-one<br />
solution including cabinet, panel, trunk and<br />
patch cord. Further advantage: R&M issues a<br />
5-year product warranty and 25-year system<br />
warranty.<br />
www.rdm.com/netscalefiber-cabling/<br />
030.8083<br />
SN (Small Nano by Senko) is an optical<br />
Duplex connector with a very small<br />
form factor and is suitable for single and<br />
multimode applications in the data center.<br />
There are transceivers for the standards<br />
800G-DR4 (4x200G PAM4), 800G-DR8<br />
(4x200G PAM4) and 800G-SR8 (4x200G<br />
PAM4).<br />
030.8003<br />
MTO16 (Multifiber Termination Push-On):<br />
The MTO connector also meets the requirements<br />
of high fiber density. It is particularly<br />
suitable for all fiber applications in the<br />
data center. The types QSFP-400G-SR8<br />
and 800G-PSM8 are used as transceivers.<br />
030.7<strong>65</strong>5<br />
050.7094<br />
Beat Koch | Product Manager<br />
beat.koch@rdm.com<br />
10|2023–<strong>65</strong> <strong>CONNECTIONS</strong> | 17
Trends<br />
030.7622<br />
Cat. 8.1 Applications<br />
in the LAN<br />
Category 8.1 was originally the fastest short-distance runner. With 40 Gbit/s over the<br />
24-meter range, it represented cost-effective hope for data centers. But it also delivers<br />
real peak performance over the middle distance in buildings.<br />
Expectations regarding the effectiveness of<br />
LAN cabling are increasing. The underlying<br />
conditions in buildings have changed to<br />
some extent in recent years. For example, in<br />
connection with the digital ceiling, the LAN<br />
is increasingly being used for expanded and<br />
new applications. These applications demand<br />
unusual peak performance from traditional<br />
LAN cabling. Until now, it has been configured<br />
for 10 Gbit/s over 100 meters.<br />
Above all, it is about networking WLAN<br />
access points (WAP) and distributed antenna<br />
systems for 5G DAS. These are sporty, bandwidth-hungry<br />
applications. WiFi 6 WAVE2<br />
and WiFi 7 require bandwidths above 10<br />
Gbit/s. But there are also computing-intensive<br />
applications in research and multimedia<br />
that can benefit from higher bandwidths.<br />
Standard offers a way out<br />
This could be solved elegantly with Cat. 8.1<br />
if it weren’t for the length limit of 24 meters.<br />
However, standardization offers a way out.<br />
The TR11801-9909 defines how Cat. 8.1<br />
cabling can also transfer 25 Gbit/s up to 50<br />
meters. Overall, three length-dependent performance<br />
levels can be presented for a Cat.<br />
8.1 installation: 40 Gbit/s up to 24 meters,<br />
25 Gbit/s up to 50 meters and the classic 10<br />
Gbit/s up to 95 meters (graphic).<br />
What does this mean for practice? Based<br />
on the typical distribution of link lengths,<br />
Cat. 8.1 cabling could make a significant<br />
contribution to increasing the performance<br />
of the LAN. In a typical office infrastructure<br />
with a floor distributor, Cat. 8.1 cabling could<br />
supply around 20 % of workstations with 40<br />
Gbit/s and around 60 % of workstations with<br />
25 Gbit/s within the 24-meter range.<br />
Complete Cat. 8.1 solution<br />
With the Cat. 8.1 system, the R&Mfreenet<br />
program offers an RJ45-compatible solution<br />
for bandwidths of up to 40 Gbit/s.<br />
The complete system comprises connection<br />
modules, patch cords and installation<br />
cables. It passed the GHMT test. The<br />
channel is certified for 40 Gbit/s up to<br />
30 meters, 25 Gbit/s up to 50 meters.<br />
cabling in the LAN can cover the requirements<br />
for future data cabling with maximum<br />
bandwidth and full backward compatibility.<br />
www.rdm.com/cat-8-1/<br />
030.6289<br />
Variable speed zones in the LAN with Cat. 8.1<br />
(Graphic: R&M)<br />
In modern buildings, redundant floor distributors<br />
are often installed, with correspondingly<br />
shorter transmission lengths. Under this<br />
concept, the Cat. 8.1 infrastructure could<br />
serve more than 50 % of workstations with<br />
40 Gbit/s and all others with 25 Gbit/s.<br />
This is true excellence as it is expected today<br />
and tomorrow. With suitable planning, Cat. 8.1<br />
050.7067<br />
Matthias Gerber<br />
Market Manager LAN Cabling<br />
matthias.gerber@rdm.com<br />
18 | <strong>CONNECTIONS</strong> 10|2023–<strong>65</strong>
News<br />
Resistance Unbalanced:<br />
Hidden Faults<br />
in the LAN<br />
No signal<br />
Magnetic<br />
flux<br />
Unbalanced<br />
Data pair<br />
Balanced<br />
Ethernet transceiver<br />
power<br />
sourcing<br />
equipment<br />
050.7395<br />
041.0515<br />
No saturation signal "OK"<br />
Sales of PoE devices are increasing by 20 % per year. These devices are inevitably<br />
connected to the existing LAN cabling. Users rarely install new PoE-compatible cabling.<br />
This gives rise to significant risks.<br />
Unrecognized weaknesses are often hidden<br />
in low-quality LAN environments. However,<br />
they are relentless when users deploy more<br />
PoE-powered devices. The background is<br />
easy to understand: Thanks to Ethernet, data<br />
signals usually find their way to their destination.<br />
In the event of transmission problems,<br />
the system simply switches back to a slower,<br />
less demanding transmission. The sources<br />
Security through IDC<br />
R&M recommends the use of patch cords<br />
with IDC wiring (insulation displacement<br />
contact) especially for PoE applications.<br />
With IDC, insulation displacement contacts<br />
ensure consistently stable and lowresistance<br />
contacting of the conductor. As<br />
a rule, no resistance unbalance occurs over<br />
the lifespan of the patch cord. No one has<br />
to look for hidden causes of transmission<br />
interference years after installation.<br />
All R&M patch cords with the PowerSafe<br />
quality seal are wired using IDC and are<br />
suitable for Power over Ethernet. When<br />
PowerSafe components are used, R&M<br />
provides a lifetime application warranty<br />
for PoE.<br />
www.rdm.com/<br />
overcoming-resistanceunbalance/<br />
of interference – e.g. excessive resistance in<br />
contacts – remain hidden at first.<br />
A little-noticed parameter can quickly reveal<br />
problems with PoE support: resistance<br />
unbalance within wire pairs (DC Resistance<br />
Unbalance, DCRU). With the same currents<br />
on both conductors, the magnetic flux in<br />
the ferrite core of the input transformers of<br />
the transmitter/receiver unit of the active<br />
devices cancels out with PoE. The data is<br />
transferred without hindrance.<br />
If the two conductors have different resistances,<br />
the current is distributed unevenly<br />
between them. The magnetic flux in the<br />
transformer core will then no longer cancel<br />
out. The DC current can lead to a magnetic<br />
saturation of the transformer, which interrupts<br />
the data transmission. According to<br />
IEEE, even DCRU values of 3 % can lead to<br />
problems with data transmission.<br />
Piercing as a risk factor<br />
Patch cords with piercing wiring often<br />
exhibit this resistance unbalance, something<br />
demonstrated by research carried out by<br />
R&M. The reason is that piercing contacts<br />
age rapidly due to environmental factors or<br />
mechanical loads. The contact resistance of<br />
the two conductors increases over time and<br />
usually increases differently.<br />
This is how the resistance unbalance develops<br />
and grows. It can lead to seemingly<br />
mysterious interruptions in the LAN – a<br />
nightmare for service technicians when it<br />
comes to fault tracking.<br />
Depending on the quality of the piercing<br />
contacts, DCRU values which prevent PoE<br />
transmission may also occur with new patch<br />
cords. That’s why it’s always worth measuring<br />
the entire channel, including the patch cords<br />
used.<br />
In a new white paper, R&M explains more<br />
background on the problem of resistance<br />
unbalance. It is available free of charge on<br />
the website.<br />
050.7067<br />
Matthias Gerber<br />
Market Manager LAN Cabling<br />
matthias.gerber@rdm.com<br />
10|2023–<strong>65</strong> <strong>CONNECTIONS</strong> | 19
News<br />
Setting up<br />
Customized LAN Racks<br />
030.8522<br />
Whether in small offices or large data centers, LAN racks are an ideal solution for<br />
mounting and organizing network devices. Their modularity makes it easy to adapt to<br />
changing requirements and ensures that the available space is used efficiently.<br />
The new, modular R&Mfreenet rack system<br />
consists of the three modules Classic Line<br />
(CL), Expert Line (EL) and Superior Line (SL).<br />
The basis is a newly developed rack base<br />
frame. Floor and roof elements are inserted<br />
into the four vertical profiles and screwed together,<br />
resulting in an extremely stable frame<br />
construction. The benefit for the customer:<br />
The distributor frame and rack are available<br />
as flat packs that are assembled on site. The<br />
base frame is provided with four 19" galvanized<br />
conductive profiles with height ratings,<br />
and an earthing pin and earthing points for<br />
each cover piece in the floor plate. Roof and<br />
floor are prepared to accommodate 2U cable<br />
entries with brush strips left, right and rear.<br />
Accurate ventilation is also ensured: A further<br />
three openings in the middle can be equipped<br />
with 2- or 4-way fans.<br />
Three product lines available<br />
Freenet Classic Line (CL): The CL cabling rack<br />
is configured for 800 kg payload weight, in<br />
the sizes 800 x 800 mm or 800 x 1,000 mm<br />
(W x D). In addition to the standard height<br />
of 42U, 48U is also available. A predefined<br />
cabling rack is also available. It consists of the<br />
complete base frame and is delivered with<br />
the rear wall, two side panels and a glass door<br />
for the front – assembled as desired or as<br />
a flat pack. All covers can be locked using<br />
the included key. The rack is available in RAL<br />
7035 light grey or RAL 9005 jet black.<br />
The Freenet Expert Line (EL) for server<br />
rooms uses the base frame and supplements<br />
it with a multifunctional strut that connects<br />
the outer profile with the 19" profiles at half<br />
height. Thanks to this expansion, a payload<br />
weight of up to 1,200 kg is possible.<br />
The third line, Freenet Superior Line (SL), is<br />
suitable for small data center applications. To<br />
this end, the base frame of the Classic Line is<br />
supplemented by two additional multifunctional<br />
struts and a hot/cold separation.<br />
All add-on elements such as side panels or<br />
doors, for example a perforated door with<br />
75 % air outlet or glass door, can be used<br />
for the three lines. The same applies to<br />
accessories such as vertical cable managers<br />
and vertical cable troughs.<br />
Modularity by R&M.<br />
www.rdm.com/<br />
freenet-rack-systems/<br />
030.8518 030.8519 030.8523<br />
Andreas Klauser | Product Manager<br />
andreas.klauser@rdm.com<br />
050.7244<br />
20 | <strong>CONNECTIONS</strong> 10|2023–<strong>65</strong>
Success<br />
030.8503<br />
050.7397<br />
Secure Cabling<br />
for Crédit Agricole<br />
Crédit Agricole Centre-est chose an unusual solution for the<br />
renovation of its regional headquarters. The bank refrained<br />
from a relocation or demolition of the building and subsequent<br />
reconstruction, and instead carried out a comprehensive<br />
renovation of the building in Champagne-au-Mont-d’Or,<br />
which it moved into in 1987, demonstrating its commitment<br />
to sustainability and the preservation of architecturally<br />
valuable buildings. Between September 2020 and June<br />
2023, the 67,000 m 2 site was modernized in line with its<br />
historical character.<br />
Crédit Agricole approached R&M via INEO<br />
RAA to set up the new local area network.<br />
The bank wanted a high-end solution in line<br />
with the extensive structural and technological<br />
renovation of its headquarters. Due<br />
to its sensitive business operations, it had<br />
special requirements that R&M was able to<br />
meet quickly.<br />
A high-end solution for a permanently<br />
smooth operation of the local area network<br />
(LAN) was required for the technical redevelopment.<br />
The company does not tolerate any<br />
LAN or WLAN outages. The infrastructure<br />
with a commercial office network and wireless<br />
coverage was to guarantee incomparable<br />
service.<br />
With regard to the investment opportunities,<br />
a cabling solution from R&M in the category<br />
Cat. 6 A<br />
/Class EA was chosen. A backbone<br />
with fiber optic OS2 and OM4 cabling as<br />
well as three distribution nodes strengthen<br />
the infrastructure.<br />
Options for the future<br />
The first design study also targeted a solution<br />
compatible with an intelligent automated<br />
infrastructure management system (AIM). It<br />
had to be ensured that the network would<br />
support both current and future applications.<br />
The cabling system from R&M offers the<br />
advantage that an automated infrastructure<br />
management system can be added later at<br />
any time. Racks and patch panels are prepared<br />
for the installation of the inteliPhy monitor<br />
components. The AIM software inteliPhy net<br />
can monitor the entire network.<br />
Tried-and-tested cooperation<br />
With this project, R&M and its French partners<br />
once again demonstrated their smooth collaboration.<br />
Sales partner Exertis Azenn evaluated<br />
and delivered the network components and<br />
pre-terminated the copper links.<br />
R&M-certified installation partner Sterlan<br />
and installation company INEO Rhône-Alpes<br />
Solution for Crédit Agricole<br />
In cooperation with its French partners,<br />
R&M supplied the following for the new LAN<br />
infrastructure at Crédit Agricole’s headquarters<br />
in Lyon:<br />
– 3,200 network connections<br />
– 7,700 Cat. 6 A<br />
EL modules<br />
– 230 patch panels with 24 ports<br />
– 140 Unirack2 inserts<br />
– 3,500 Cat. 6 A<br />
EL Powersafe SFTP cables<br />
– 110 km Cat. 7 F/FTP Dca cable<br />
– 15 km OS2 and OM4 fiber optic cable<br />
Auvergne, a company in the Bouygues Group,<br />
ensured perfect cabling, which fully met the<br />
requirements of Crédit Agricole.<br />
This collaboration underscores the importance<br />
of data security and confidentiality in<br />
this project. By choosing an R&M solution,<br />
Crédit Agricole can rest assured that it has<br />
a reliable and secure data network for its<br />
banking operations.<br />
www.credit-agricole.fr/<br />
ca-centrest/particulier.html<br />
050.7398<br />
Dominique Barek | R&M France<br />
dominique.barek@rdm.com<br />
10|2023–<strong>65</strong> <strong>CONNECTIONS</strong> | 21
News<br />
Predestined for<br />
Harsh Environments<br />
041.0642<br />
Ethernet has long since left the office building and is being<br />
used successfully in applications that place higher demands on<br />
the products in a transmission channel due to the operating<br />
environment. Despite harsher influences, the stability should<br />
be as reliable as in an office environment.<br />
The R&M portfolio contains various<br />
products, which are resistant to<br />
splashing water and dust, and are<br />
UV-protected.<br />
041.0<strong>65</strong>1<br />
Copper cabling guarantees the best data<br />
transmission, even outdoors and in harsh<br />
environments. The demand is particularly<br />
high in growing sectors such as the food and<br />
packaging industries, as well as in robotics<br />
and medical technology.<br />
even the harshest industrial environments.<br />
They are oil-repellent and resistant to high<br />
temperatures, fire and chemicals. They are<br />
resistant to splashing water and dust, and are<br />
UV-protected. This makes them perfect for<br />
machines and plants in all industries.<br />
friendly and error-free way, ensuring long-term<br />
operation in any manufacturing area.<br />
In addition to all of this, R&M experts also<br />
offer advice and services – and develop new<br />
product variants if demand arises.<br />
Developers and manufacturers who offer<br />
relevant products have the task of making<br />
them suitable for this purpose. This means<br />
the products have to withstand ambient<br />
conditions such as extreme temperatures,<br />
salt mist, dirt, humidity and/or vibrations. It<br />
is important that the connecting technology<br />
not only withstands these influences, but<br />
can also be installed in these environments<br />
without any errors.<br />
Manufacturing advantages<br />
Based on decades of expertise on the<br />
right material and practical experience,<br />
R&M products are designed to withstand<br />
R&M developers take higher requirements or<br />
additional services such as PoE into account<br />
from the very beginning of the product<br />
design concept. In addition, the products are<br />
continuously improved and manufactured in<br />
our own factories. And that’s not all: In order<br />
to guarantee the high quality standards at<br />
all times, we also develop all the necessary<br />
technologies ourselves.<br />
Simple installation<br />
Network reliability is not only determined by<br />
the quality of the components, but also by<br />
the state of the installation. That’s why the<br />
components can be installed easily, in a user-<br />
Link<br />
Angelo Auer | Product Manager<br />
angelo.auer@rdm.com<br />
050.7268<br />
22 | <strong>CONNECTIONS</strong> 10|2023–<strong>65</strong>
Corporate<br />
Provider of<br />
Custom-Made Solutions<br />
R&M is known for its custom-made offers and its willingness to develop new<br />
solutions together with its customers. Some of these solutions even end up being<br />
included in the standard range. One example of this is the range of Point of Presence<br />
(PoP) stations, which are being used at an increasing number of premises.<br />
Municipalities, public organizations and telecom<br />
operators often expect spontaneous and<br />
adaptable solutions for their FTTH projects.<br />
Almost all premises have different conditions<br />
for the expansion of the broadband<br />
infrastructure. This is where R&M helps with<br />
in-depth advice and turnkey, specific Point of<br />
Presence cabinets.<br />
The concept of the Point of Presence cabinets<br />
from R&M is popular in many countries. The<br />
initiative was launched in Germany, where<br />
the solution is now well established. Recently,<br />
R&M has started offering to pre-equip entire<br />
PoP stations in line with customer requirements<br />
in Belgium, too.<br />
Achieving goals fast<br />
A multi-stage process quickly leads to the<br />
goal. As a first step, R&M experts discuss<br />
the infrastructure requirements and the construction<br />
site situation with the customer. It<br />
is important to plan appointments in advance<br />
and to co-ordinate them closely with logistics.<br />
In most cases, custom-made solutions are<br />
required. R&M implements these internally.<br />
To this end, the various departments, market<br />
organizations, international manufacturing<br />
facilities and the company’s own supply<br />
chain work closely together. Consultants<br />
work at the R&M headquarters. Product<br />
managers plan the individual configurations<br />
and, if necessary, construct a prototype.<br />
Specially trained specialists install the passive<br />
technology for network transition, the main<br />
distributor, etc. in the cabin at a central plant.<br />
The portfolio covers almost the entire range<br />
of components used in such an installation.<br />
Ultimately, R&M delivers the containers to<br />
the construction site just-in-time.<br />
Close cooperation<br />
Local R&M contacts and technical consultants<br />
are in permanent contact with the project<br />
promoters and exchange detailed information<br />
with the supply chain. Experience shows that<br />
the best possible solution can only be found<br />
and implemented through close cooperation<br />
and constant exchange during the design<br />
stage.<br />
In the past three years, R&M has delivered<br />
more than 100 turnkey PoP cabinets, mainly<br />
in Germany. The FTTH project promoters<br />
primarily expected a distribution solution<br />
designed specifically for them, a reasonable<br />
price, good quality and professional support<br />
throughout the entire project stage, including<br />
on-site support.<br />
Equipment<br />
R&M can integrate all required passive<br />
and active technology in the turnkey PoP<br />
stations: Tubes for cable inlets and outlets,<br />
underground distribution chambers,<br />
raceway cable guides, 19" racks, ODF from<br />
the R&Mfoxs or PRIME program, electric<br />
installation, illumination, UPS, air conditioning,<br />
fire protection, burglar alarms, access<br />
control.<br />
The PoP stations are available in three standard<br />
sizes from 3 x 3 to 6 x 3 meters. The<br />
interiors provide space for the installation<br />
of 4,608 to 32,256 fibers or ports. The size<br />
depends on the customer’s ODF concept.<br />
030.7192<br />
050.7399<br />
Another important aspect is training the<br />
installers involved. This ensures that the PoP<br />
stations work perfectly from the outset. And<br />
customers can put their FTTH network into<br />
operation with ease.<br />
050.7400<br />
Damian Looser | Consultant Public Networks<br />
damian.looser@rdm.com<br />
10|2023–<strong>65</strong> <strong>CONNECTIONS</strong> | 23
Corporate<br />
030.8070<br />
More Production Capacities<br />
for Fiber Optic Cables<br />
Focused on growth: R&M is further expanding its fiber optic cable production plant<br />
in Děčín, Czech Republic. The investments open up new opportunities for developers<br />
to implement innovative cable designs – and already present the first ones.<br />
R&M is continuously modernizing its existing<br />
systems with the aim of expanding production<br />
capacity for fiber optic cables. Two new<br />
extrusion lines have been installed at the<br />
plant in recent months. One of the new lines<br />
is a sheathing system for stranded cable<br />
050.7401<br />
050.7402<br />
R&M is expanding its machinery at the cable plant<br />
in the Czech Republic to continuously increase<br />
the production capacity for fiber optic cables.<br />
assemblies. It makes it possible to develop<br />
further designs in addition to the existing<br />
cable constructions. For example, cables with<br />
colored longitudinal stripes, aerial drop and<br />
feeder cables in single or double jackets for<br />
span lengths of up to 200 m as well as micro<br />
cables with optimized surface structures for<br />
improved blowability.<br />
Another extrusion line produces the semi-finished<br />
«loose tubes», which can be designed in<br />
a more versatile way. In particular, the diameter<br />
modularity is expanded and the wires can<br />
be produced with or without gel filling.<br />
Fiber optic range growing<br />
The R&M cable developers tackled the new<br />
possibilities early on and are now presenting<br />
some interesting new cable constructions.<br />
This includes the InHome Drop Cord, which<br />
was designed for Fiber in the Home or Fiber<br />
to the Office applications. Its simplex design<br />
is similar to that of a patch cord and meets<br />
the DCA classification as listed by the CPR.<br />
Suitable for direct connector mounting, it can<br />
also be mounted in the field and fits perfectly<br />
with FO Field connectors. In addition, the<br />
cable construction features a unique, densely<br />
buffered fiber construction that allows for<br />
peelability of up to 150 mm.<br />
Manufacturers can look forward to the wider<br />
range of Simplex patch cords. The range<br />
includes diameters of 1.7, 2.0, 2.4, 2.7 and<br />
3.0 mm. The MiniCore breakout cables for<br />
terminating MPO connectors are another<br />
highlight. Up to six individual cables (Mini-<br />
Core) are combined under a common jacket.<br />
Each MiniCore can be equipped with up to<br />
12 fibers, with aramid yarn providing strain<br />
relief. The cables are suitable for the direct<br />
termination of multi-fiber connectors (MPO)<br />
as well as for use with corresponding mini<br />
dividers for the production of data cables in<br />
distribution networks or for horizontal and<br />
collapsed backbone cabling.<br />
www.rdm.com/<br />
fiber-optic-cable/<br />
Lars Züllig | Product Manager<br />
lars.zuellig@rdm.com<br />
050.<strong>65</strong>44 050.7206<br />
24 | <strong>CONNECTIONS</strong> 10|2023–<strong>65</strong>
News<br />
More Space<br />
for Splice Trays<br />
From family homes to building complexes –<br />
the Polaris box family from R&M ensures flexible<br />
optical termination both indoors and out. Now the<br />
terminal boxes are getting a new interior. This means<br />
even more space for additional splice trays.<br />
Buildings, data centers and industrial environments<br />
require ever-increasing capacity<br />
in fiber optic networks. This also requires<br />
a higher density of optical fibers and splice<br />
connections in the termination enclosures. To<br />
increase the capacity of the splice trays, R&M<br />
has designed new fiber inserts for the entire<br />
Polaris box family. With the space gained,<br />
even more subscribers can now be separated<br />
and splice capacity increased.<br />
Five family additions<br />
The Polaris boxes SCM 24 and 36 are the<br />
spearhead of the family. They hold up to 24<br />
or 36 FMTS 30 splice trays. The following<br />
cassettes are available: 1TPU splice trays<br />
with four or 12 HS or ANT and the 2TPU<br />
splitter tray for additional P2MP applications.<br />
When using the 12-fiber splice trays, up to a<br />
maximum of 288 pure splice connections can<br />
be terminated in the Polaris box 24 SCM, up<br />
to 432 with the P36. An adapter panel for 12<br />
or 18 SC, LC-D adapters can be retrofitted.<br />
The Polaris box SCM 12 is a medium-sized<br />
housing, in which the new fiber divider and<br />
three carrier trays are available for up to 12<br />
FMTS compact splice trays. They are suitable<br />
for 4 x HS or ANT splice protection holders<br />
per tray. This means that up to 12 participants<br />
can be separated or up to 48 splice connections<br />
can be realized. On demand, an adapter<br />
panel for up to 6 SC, LC-D connectors can<br />
be retrofitted.<br />
The small Polaris boxes SCM 4 and 6 even fit<br />
into tiny niches where space is tight. The fiber<br />
insert supports up to 12 crimp (ANT) or shrink<br />
(HS) splice connections. These boxes offer<br />
space for quick splitter integration as well as<br />
the first twelve splice connections without<br />
additional FMTS trays. In addition, up to<br />
four or six splice trays can be retrofitted. The<br />
adapter panel supplied supports up to four/<br />
six SC, LC Duplex connectors. This means<br />
that up to twelve LC patch connections can<br />
be terminated.<br />
With the P6 SCM, the FMTS-30 splice tray<br />
can also be used for pure splicing applications.<br />
This increases the splice capacity to up<br />
to 84 splice connections.<br />
021.6385<br />
Polaris box 24 SCM<br />
The plus for overlengths<br />
For additional overlength storage, a modular<br />
set is available for the SCM P12, P24 and<br />
P36. The fiber trays can be retrofitted either<br />
to the left or right next to the splice trays,<br />
free of tools. These allow optimum storage<br />
of loose tubes (multifiber) during loop<br />
installations or additional fiber storage of<br />
drop cables. The cable entry concept enables<br />
simple installation of cables and microtubes<br />
with diameters from 2.0 to 16.0 mm.<br />
In addition to the standard box range, R&M<br />
offers custom-made boxes for individual<br />
customer projects that are pre-equipped with<br />
splitters, plug connectors, pigtails, splice trays<br />
and the right cable sealing elements.<br />
www.rdm.com/<br />
polaris-box-family/<br />
Polaris box 4 SCM<br />
030.7959<br />
Patrick Schilter | Product Manager<br />
patrick.schilter@rdm.com<br />
050.6759 050.6970<br />
10|2023–<strong>65</strong> <strong>CONNECTIONS</strong> | 25
Corporate<br />
050.7403<br />
For the Environment:<br />
Changes in Packaging<br />
R&M puts sustainability into practice on a daily basis. Customers can be confident<br />
that environment-friendly, resource-saving solutions are being developed. A current<br />
example: the packaging for the new FM45 Cat. 6 A<br />
EL.<br />
Plastic bags and films have been used as universal<br />
packaging material for decades. They<br />
are easy to handle, available everywhere,<br />
inexpensive and offer good protection.<br />
However, a considerable amount of waste<br />
is generated if they are not disposed of in<br />
the correct way. The films are also based on<br />
crude oil, which is far too valuable to be used<br />
to make disposable packaging. This is why<br />
R&M has resolved to gradually introduce<br />
an environment-friendly packaging strategy<br />
that goes easy on raw materials within the<br />
framework of the Group-wide sustainability<br />
strategy.<br />
The goals:<br />
– Elimination of disposable plastic packaging<br />
by 2027<br />
– Optimal use of cardboard boxes to reduce<br />
waste<br />
– Optimization of cardboard specifications to<br />
reduce resource requirements<br />
– Use of digital media to save on manuals and<br />
labels made of paper<br />
A cross-divisional working group is coordinating<br />
the activities. Their targets for 2024:<br />
– Consumption of 14 tons less new material<br />
for films thanks to the use of recycled<br />
material<br />
– Reduction of cardboard consumption by<br />
60 tons<br />
– Reduction of paper requirements for installation<br />
instructions by 11 tons<br />
– Process development for a new packaging<br />
concept<br />
26 | <strong>CONNECTIONS</strong> 10|2023–<strong>65</strong>
Pilot project FM45 Cat.6 A<br />
EL<br />
The new field-mountable FM45 Cat. 6 A<br />
EL<br />
RJ45 connector is being used as a pilot<br />
for plastic-free packaging. First, R&M will<br />
evaluate how customers accept the packaging<br />
concept. In addition, experience with<br />
automated production and processing must<br />
be gained. As a result, R&M is expected to<br />
be able to save around 1,000 kg of plastic<br />
packaging and 90 kg of paper for installation<br />
instructions a year with this product.<br />
Various aspects need to be taken into account.<br />
A few examples:<br />
– The bag made of recycled paper must be<br />
printed directly. This means no sticker is<br />
needed for the label.<br />
– The darker paper reduces color contrast.<br />
This had to be taken into account in the<br />
layout.<br />
– The paper bag is opaque. For this reason,<br />
a product picture is printed on the bag so<br />
users can see what’s inside.<br />
– On the back, you can see a quick guide in<br />
the form of graphics. If you require more<br />
detailed instructions, you can find them<br />
online using the printed QR code.<br />
Presentation in wooden boxes<br />
To date, representative presentation boxes<br />
have often been used to launch new products,<br />
usually cardboard boxes with foam inserts.<br />
Overall, R&M does not actually use many of<br />
these presentation boxes. Nevertheless, with<br />
the market launch of the FM45 Cat. 6 A<br />
EL,<br />
the team also wanted to break new ground<br />
in terms of product marketing. The aim was<br />
to keep the presentation box completely free<br />
of foam and to consistently implement the<br />
«Reduce, Reuse, Recycle» concept.<br />
This was achieved with two concepts:<br />
A solution based on a sustainably usable<br />
wooden box was developed to be used when<br />
the focus is on representative properties.<br />
The box is not assembled from single parts,<br />
but milled from two boards of ash wood. A<br />
layered cardboard insert to accommodate<br />
single parts completes the solution.<br />
050.7404<br />
If the wooden box is no longer needed for<br />
product presentation, the cardboard insert<br />
can be recycled and the box reused for<br />
decorative purposes.<br />
When it comes to the convenient handing<br />
over of products for testing purposes, R&M<br />
does without a solid box. The products are<br />
packed between two layered cardboard<br />
inserts. A paper band holds the two halves<br />
together.<br />
All materials in this solution can be recycled<br />
after use.<br />
www.rdm.com/company/<br />
about-rm/corporate-socialresponsibility/<br />
030.8604<br />
041.0813<br />
R&M supplies the new field-terminable RJ45 connector FM45 Cat. 6 A<br />
EL in packaging<br />
made of recycled paper.<br />
050.7067<br />
Matthias Gerber<br />
Market Manager LAN Cabling<br />
matthias.gerber@rdm.com<br />
10|2023–<strong>65</strong> <strong>CONNECTIONS</strong> | 27
Join us on<br />
social media!<br />
Further information on our blog portal:<br />
www.rdm.com/blog/<br />
Headquarters<br />
Switzerland<br />
Reichle & De-Massari AG<br />
Binzstrasse 32<br />
CHE-8620 Wetzikon<br />
Phone +41 (0)44 933 81 11<br />
www.rdm.com<br />
Contact<br />
R&M Corporate Communication Team<br />
corpcom@rdm.com