Dubai/Switzerland, 1st July 2007: The trend toward high density in data centers presents new challenges for passive infrastructures. The Swiss cabling specialist, Reichle & De-Massari (R&M), pointed this out in the run-up to GITEX 2007. "Unlike servers, patch panels, connectors and cables cannot be compressed incessantly. On the contrary, a compression that is too high can result in harmful interferences in data transmission and network security," said Laurent Amestoy, Regional Managing Director, R&M Middle East & Africa. . 

R&M declares: "Distributors become unmanageable if more and more connections are integrated - as is being tried in the market." Amestoy notes: "It can easily happen that during maintenance work on the full rack or with network management under time pressure the wrong connector is plugged out or several must be plugged out in order to get to the right connection. The network is instantly interrupted - with immediate consequences for productivity and earnings." In contrast, availability is among the crucial success factors in computer centers and IT divisions. In addition, typical electromagnetic influences set a clear limit for further cable compression - particularly with regard to the introduction of top performance data transmission with 10 Gigabit Ethernet.

R&M is convinced that only a qualitatively high-end, flexible and optimally shielded cabling system can cope with today's challenges in data centers. It must keep up, without any problems, with the constant migrations and capacity expansions at maximum availability; such are the requirements from R&M's point of view. The trouble-free integration of copper and fiber optic cabling is another condition for achieving the necessary performance, flexibility and independence from the transmission medium. Resources for 10 Gigabit Ethernet should be contained from the outset as should full compatibility with existing installations.

As a complete solution for structured cabling in data centers, R&M has developed a system that covers these requirements from the main distribution area to the storage area: R&Mfreenet. The generic cabling system has a modular design. Among other things, modularity means that horizontal cabling and patch panels can be flexibly and successively adapted to requirements. All components are standardized and universally compatible with each other. For the backbone up to 300 meters long and for storage areas, R&Mfreenet offers VISION fiber optic components with OM3 cabling. STAR Real 10 components with flexible Cat. 6 copper cabling are appropriate for horizontal cabling of switch and server racks up to 100 meters long. These components already met the transmission requirements for 10 Gigabit Ethernet in accordance with today's standards and standard drafts - particularly based on 360° shielding against alien crosstalk (Alien NEXT) on their market introduction in 2000. 

Proven connector systems and manageable packing densities in the patch panel support the user in his usual mode of operation - crucial factors in minimizing network downtimes. In this case modularity means that the individual fibers and the single patch cord remain pluggable. R&M rejects multiport connector solutions for the sake of operational reliability. The global patch panel from R&M provides maximum packing density in the rack with up to 60 ports and 15 four-channel modules on three vertical rack spaces. It is simultaneously compatible with copper and fiber optic connections and the R&M security system can be added at any time. The rack inserts can be installed and removed individually and tool-free. They can also be equipped with connection modules.

In addition, the R&Mfreenet cabling system is characterized by an installation technology featuring security, quick installation and error prevention as well as easy combination options of copper and optical fiber on one platform. This allows a comparatively economical implementation of network modifications - for the entire service life of the installation. In addition, a three-stage security system developed by R&M helps to prevent errors in the impact area of manual network management. It ranges from attachable color coding to the patch panel lock.

"Yes to performance compression in computer centers, where it makes sense and is economical - but not to the detriment of security," such is the opinion of R&M on the current trend in the market of data center equipment. R&M continues to be uncompromising with regard to performance, quality, flexibility and security - always keeping in mind that the passive infrastructure is a key factor for operating and expanding a computer center and that the best solution in each case is always the best guarantee for maximum availability.

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About Reichle & De-Massari
As an independent Swiss family business, Reichle & De-Massari AG (R&M), Wetzikon (ZH), have now chalked up more than 40 years' experience in the information and communication technology market. The firm concentrates on the development and manufacture of future-oriented passive structured cabling solutions for communications networks (Layer 1). Outstanding products in the copper and fiber optics domain have won R&M a reputation as leaders in quality who always provide added value. R&M solutions set standards for modularity as well as convenience of installation and maintenance.

R&M have won market leadership in Switzerland, and are present in 16 further countries with their own subsidiaries and agencies so called MOs (marketing organisations). In many other countries around the world, customers are looked after by well qualified marketing partners.

© Press Release 2007