Category 8 Cable for Data Centres
May 21, 2013
Datwyler has developed "CU 8203 4P", a first compact S/FTP AWG23 cable which complies fully with the anticipated requirements of the new Category 8.2 as specified in the ISO/IEC draft.
The new international Standards for Category 8 copper cable and balanced cabling systems for 40 Gbit/s are currently being developed as Draft Standards IEC 46C/976/NP and ISO/IEC TR 11801-99-1. Unlike the proposed Standards for symmetrical Category 8 data cables discussed just a few years ago - at that time for structured premises cabling and with a maximum limiting frequency of 1.2 gigahertz (GHz) - the sole use foreseen by today‘s international standardisation bodies is in data centres with a maximum limiting frequency of 2 GHz.
Standard ISO/IEC TR 11801-99-1 defines a point-to-point connection between active devices at a maximum distance of 30 metres, comprising 26 metres of installation cable and 2 metres of patch cable on either side. Such a connection can replace expensive fibre optic and twinax cabling in data centres.
Although the new Standards are still at the draft stage, Datwyler has already developed "CU 8203 4P", a first compact S/FTP AWG23 cable which complies fully with the anticipated requirements of the new Category 8.2 as specified in the ISO/IEC Draft. Other new developments with S/FTP and F/FTP as well as the appropriate patch cables (flex cable) will follow. Datwyler lays particular emphasis on the fact that with regard to attenuation (NEXT, PS-NEXT) the new cables provide a large amount of spare capacity at the limit values discussed and defined.
The precise parameters for the Channel specifications will be drawn up over the next few months. Many issues are still unresolved, particularly in relation to future connection technology and the transmission method. Datwyler will be happy to advise customers on any questions they may have on this subject.
