Less is more: mini patch cords

Our constantly evolving business world requires technology that is capable of keeping up with the rapid changes, increasing information demands, as well as future proofing the network. Today’s data centres and enterprise networks are responsible for an increasing number of bandwidth-intensive applications which rely heavily on the networking infrastructure.

The physical cabling infrastructure is the backbone of every high performing ICT network so must be reliable, scalable and manageable. And while the cabling portion may be quite small relative to the total data centre capital expenditure, the space within the data centre can be very expensive. If there’s a way to reduce the overall space required and therefore associated costs, why install thick and bulky cabling if you don’t need to?

Cable congestion in data and network racks can present a variety of challenges. In pursuit of maximum density, utilisation of rack and floor space, cable congestion has become an ongoing issue to deal with. In these instances, it can be quite difficult to keep cabling neatly organised and to effectively manage a network.

Since higher port densities contribute to cable congestion in and around patching fields and cable routing areas, it is important to look for solutions that are space saving as well as offering ease and flexibility to work with.

Copper patch cords with a smaller outside diameter (OD) can offer great advantages in any network environment. Warren & Brown Technologies’ (WBT) range of high-performance mini patch cords (also known as slimline patch cords) have a reduced OD, which is obtained by using 28 AWG copper conductors in place of 24 AWG copper conductors used in regular patch cords. The use of a smaller conductor means higher attenuation, particularly at higher frequencies. To accommodate this higher attenuation, WBT recommends using a de-rating factor of 1.9 compared to a 24 AWG standard cord when designing channels.

Using mini patch cords in today’s high-speed networks provides a number of key operational and performance advantages when compared to standard patch cords. The reduced OD provides a smaller cable surface area, which improves airflow (cooling) and minimises the space your cabling infrastructure occupies, reducing power consumption and decreasing your costs of ownership.

The mini patch cords provide a superior space saving solution and better cable management, while delivering the same high-level performance as standard diameter patch cords. The smaller diameter and tighter bend radius make the patch cords incredibly flexible for simplified routing, saving valuable time and labour, and reducing crowding in racks. By reducing congestion inside racks and along pathways, mini patch cords allow for faster cable identification and patching in high capacity racks.

WBT’s patch cords meet all the relevant cabling standards, provide reliable network connectivity and are available in various lengths and colours to suit your network requirements. Providing local technical and network design support, stock availability, as well as fast production and delivery times, WBT deliver a level of expertise and service that allows you to deploy your network on time, on budget and without headaches.

For more information: https://wbnetworks.com.au/products/copper-structured-cabling/patch-cords/cat6a-u-ftp-mini-patch-cord-28awg-lszh.html.