There are several reasons why fiber cables are replacing copper cables for many computer room applications. The most important reason is the need for much higher bandwidth for HDTV and high-definition conferencing systems. This requires higher speeds to meet the information needs, and fiber cable has much more available bandwidth than copper cable.
Another important reason for this trend is that the connectors on fiber cables (especially LC) are smaller than those on copper cables and require less space on the backplane of the servers, switches, and routers needed for the data system. This is why manufacturers are moving to LC connectors on some of their servers and switches.
Fiber cables are preferred in many cases where power lines run in close proximity to data cables to avoid electromagnetic crosstalk to which fiber cables are immune. Where there are air conditioning and/or fan motors, which may be required for the computer system, and are close to data cabling, the use of fiber cables will prevent crosstalk interference with data signals.
Distance considerations are also of great importance in configuring a computer room data system. With fiber cables, we can extend the distances that we can run high-speed data compared to copper cables. Where there are legacy copper cabling systems that must remain in operation, there are media converters that interface with the fiber system with MTP 12 fiber mass termination connector ports and also have multiple RJ 45 ports on the front that interface with the Copper cables. Smaller media converters are also available that interface with one or two duplex copper ports on the input and convert the signal to one or two duplex fiber output ports for 10/100/1000 gigabit Ethernet systems. By utilizing these devices, the existing legacy system can be expanded to interface with more remote systems than was previously possible.
If you have hundreds of copper cables running from servers to switches, you may be impeding airflow under your computer room floor. If you’re dealing with a smaller, thinner fiber cable, it doesn’t set up much of a blockage for airflow. If you have to go through walls between computer rooms, the holes needed are much smaller and easier to stop. The weight of the cables supported by the rail at the top of the cabinets is also considerably less and considerably less bulky.
The LC Cassette Module is a compact, high-density fiber optic solution to save equipment cabinet space and allow data to travel longer distances. The LC cassette module is a distribution module that has one or two twelve-fiber MTP connectors on one side connected to twelve or 24-fiber connectors, such as LC, on the other side. It is protected in a metal box that gives good protection to the fiber. The cassette can be easily changed during a maintenance cycle. The LC connector is half the size of the SC connector, helping to reduce the space required.
Cassettes reside in wall or rack mount fiber distribution cabinets that hold 3, 6, 9 or 12 cassettes. Each cassette can handle 12 or 24 fibers. Fiber optic cables are high-density, multi-fiber trunk cables terminated in MTP connectors that can be quickly pulled or routed from point A to point B. Using a cassette or transition cable assembly, the data center designer can divide the 12 or 24 fibers of each MTP connector in simplex or duplex connectivity. The fiber is pretested, preterminated, and essentially plug and play. The error that can be caused by pulling individual strands through multiple floors, in addition to polishing and finishing, does not occur. To expand to new servers, you can drop a backbone with MTP connectivity and be up and running very quickly. All the wiring or cassettes do not have to be installed upfront with the necessary capital expense. MTP fiber cables include 24, 36, 48, 72, or 144 fibers. The network can be deployed as servers and switches grow.