Connecting Your Main Distribution Area (MDA)

More of what you need, less of what you don’t.

OVERVIEW

MX Series 1U and 2U Panel Loaded

MDAs, HDAs and equipment areas within a core aggregation access topology

Historically this has been the most common model used within enterprise networks and was adopted into data centres.

The main functions of each layer are typically as follows. The core layer provides two high-speed switches between the modules in the aggregation layer and connects externally. The aggregation layer is the L3 and L2 boundary. It consolidates L2 traffic and is the platform for network services. The access layer contains all servers and storage (or SAN).

The MX Series Fibre System has been widely used in Core/Aggregation/Access networks. The flexibility of the MX Series enables it to support the huge variations in network designs that are based on this topology and can offer a variety of ways to create main distribution areas, horizontal distribution areas and equipment distribution areas.

The ANSI/TIA standard 942-2005 is widely followed to create this type of network and the MX Series has components that enable connectivity at each point within this design.

A multi-tier core/aggregation/access network is often created using a series of distribution areas that enable all switches to be connected to each other within the same tier as well as being connected vertically to switches in other tiers.

Diverse cable routing between distribution areas provides network resilience.

A separate Storage Area Network (SAN) can also be connected directly to the MDA via two diverse cable routes.

Core Aggregation Access

COMPATIBILITY WTIH QSFP+ TRANSIEVER MODULES

All QSFP+ 40GBase-SR4 transceiver modules have ports with male connections (with guide pins)

The MTP cable needs a female connector (no pins)

Transceivers from the leading switch manufacturers such as CISCO, Juniper, Extreme, HP, Dell, Arista and Brocade all use an MT ferrule.

All Complete Connect 40G cables use the MT Elite ferrule within the MTP 12 fibre connector. This provides the best optical connection with all major QSFP+ transceivers. Some MPO connectors won’t perform as well.

TIA_data_centre_v1

CONNECTING THE MAIN DISTRIBUTION AREA

Higher Fibre Port Density MDA to HDA (End-of-Row)

With capacity for 12 MX modules, this panel enables high density fibre ports for MDA (main distribution areas). This gives the ability to minimise rackspace requirements by housing multimode and singlemode ports next to each other.

The MX Series also allows the network manager to add Cat 6 and Cat 6a into the same panel as well as house network TAPS.

MX Xpress End of Row Distribution

Lower Fibre Port Density HDA (End-of-Row) to Equipment Area (Top-of-Rack)

The MX 1U housing panel is ideal for connecting equipment to your network within access / server racks. With 5 slots for MX modules, a range of connectivity options are available with the ability to mix multimode fibre, singlemode fibre, Cat6/6A, Cat7 and 40G/100G ports within the same panel.

Each 1U panel will present up to 60 LC fibre ports. 20 Cat6 / 6A or Cat 7 ports or 40 40G/100G ports. The MX Series also allows the network manager to house network TAPS within the same panel.

MX Xpress - Low Density

Adding 40G and 100G Ethernet channels

As the demand for higher data rates is pushed closer to the access layer, 40G ports are required across the aggregation layer and within storage servers. The ability to add these ports on an on-demand basis whilst ensuring capacity for further deployment in the future is paramount. The MX Series introduces a number of components including 40G breakout cassettes and conversion cables to enable this migration.

Similarly, being able to run 40G over incumbent fibre infrastructure originally designed for 10G can help minimise disruption and reduce costs. Again, the MX Series offers products that can achieve this and will not become redundant as further 40G adoption takes place.

MX Xpress - with 40G
MX Series 2U Panel

MX 2U Housing Panel

MX Series OM3 and OM4 24 Fibre Cassette

MX 24 Fibre MTP-LC Cassette

MX 1U Panel loaded with OM4 cassettes

MX 1U Housing Panel

MX Series Loaded Panel

Example of MX Series

  • MDA connects to a HDA with up to 288 fibres (144 channels)
  • HDA feeds 24 fibres into up to 12 Equipment Areas (EAs)
  • The HDA can be housed in one of the 12 EAs or in a separate cabinet
  • MDA to HDA and EA fibre cabling can have a primary and a secondary route

Example of MX Series Distribution

  • Enabling LC connections in multimode and singlemode in all equipment cabinets
  • MDA or HDA can connect directly to SAN directors via MTP hydra cables (MTP – LC harnesses)
  • Different colour MTP adaptors for easier location designation
  • MDA or HDA can connect directly to SAN directors via MTP hydra cables (MTP – LC harnesses)

WHY USE AN MTP MODULAR CASSETTE SOLUTION?

Maximum use of rackspace

Each 1U panel can also hold 24 fibre cassettes and so other options include have a 72 LC fibre presentation with LC cross connects or a mix of LC and MTP connectivity in the HDA.

Easy roll out

Each HDA can support any number of equipment racks and is usually located at end of aisle or centre aisle and allows for diverse routing of primary and secondary cabling.

The cross connects within the HDA enable inter-aisle connectivity, ease of access and can reduce overall cabling distances. In the figure above the two HDAs are M310 1U MTP through coupler housing panels. Each one of these 1U panels offers up to 288 fibres (144 pairs).

Complete Connect Exceptional Quality Data Centre

Operational Benefits

Each 1U panel can also hold 24 fibre cassettes and so other options include have a 72 LC fibre presentation with LC cross connects or a mix of LC and MTP connectivity in the HDA.

Easy roll out

  • Provides a high level of flexibility at all points for future MAC’s
  • Expanding the network to include additional cabinets becomes modular and straightforward
  • Easy upgrade path to 40GbE
  • Incorporate 40GbE along side the existing cabling, utilising the same housing panels

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