CABLING FOR DATA CENTERS
AC/DC power, ground, copper and fiber optic are the main types of network cabling used in data centers. The interface that is available on the equipment used in the data center is the primary means for determining which type of cabling should be used. The network data cabling may also be selected based upon the bandwidth requirements of the equipment being used in the data center.Cabling within a data center may be either structured or unstructured. Structured cabling uses predefined standards based design with predefined connection points and pathways. The cabling used in a structured wiring design is specified by the bandwidth requirements of the system and is tested to ensure proper performance. The cables used in a structured wiring system will be well organized and labeled. Although a structured cabling system may take longer to install and have a higher initial cost, the operational cost will ultimately be lower and the life cycle of the system will be longer when compared to an unstructured system.
Unstructured, also known as Point to Point, cabling systems do not use predefined standards, connection points, or pathways. This type of cabling system can lead to cooling issues because the airflow is typically restricted. This may also lead to higher energy cost. Additionally, managing system growth becomes difficult because the there is no plan to change cable locations or run new cabling. An unstructured cabling system is inherently unreliable and may result in extended down time. Although an unstructured cabling system may take less time to install and have a lower initial cost, the operational cost will be higher and the life cycle will be shorter when compared to a structured system.
Overview of Data Center Cabling Types
| Communication Standard | Application | Cable Type | Connector Type |
| 10/100Mbps (100Base-TX) | Ethernet | Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 6a, Cat7, Cat 7a | RJ45 |
| 1000Mbps (Gigabit or 1000Base-T) | Gigabit Ethernet | Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 6a, Cat7, Cat 7a | RJ45 |
| 10Gbps (10GBase-T) | 10Gig Ethernet | Cat 6a, Cat7, Cat7a | RJ45, GG45, TERA |
| 40 or 100Gbps | 40 or 100Gig Ethernet | Cat7a | GG45, TERA |
| Fiber Channel | High Speed Ethernet | Twinaxial or Fiber | Infiniband, QSFP, SFP+, 10G - CX4, LC, SC, ST |
| Fiber Optic | High-Speed Ethernet | Multimode (High-bandwidth, Short Distance) Single Mode (High-speed, Long Distance) | LC, SC, ST, FDDI, MTP, MTRJ, FC, etc. |
Connector Renderings
RJ-45 Male Iso
LC Male Iso
SC Male Iso
ST Male Iso
Infiniband Male Iso
MTP Male Iso
MTRJ Male Iso
10G-CX4 Male Iso
This white paper is for informational purposes only and is subject to change without notice. C2G makes no guarantees, either expressed or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the information found in this document.