Enclosures support next-generation networks

New IMnet cabling cabinets and IMserv server housings provide a physically secure, future-proofed environment ideal for active networking equipment.

To support 10GBase-T over augmented Cat 6 UTP copper or over fibre media requires network designers to adopt a holistic approach to all the main physical layer infrastructure components: cables, connectors and enclosures.

With network performance critically dependent on the integrity of the physical infrastructure, the cabinets play an increasingly important role in underpinning the network's robustness and resilience.

The new second-generation versions of Enclosure Solutions' IMnet cabling cabinets and IMserv server housings have built on the innovative features of the original design to produce a physically secure, future-proofed environment ideal for augmented Cat 6 and fibre components, 10Gbit/s servers, routers and other networking active equipment.

A key requirement for design performance of a 10GBase-T network is that the copper cables must not be excessively bent, stretched or crushed because changes in the spatial relationships between the four pairs will increase susceptibility to crosstalk and alien noise.

Similarly, for fibre cables, mechanical stress can cause a significant decrease in the cable's bandwidth through increases in the forward attenuation and reductions in the backwards attenuation as the cables, splices and terminations are subject to stretching, crushing, twisting or overly small bend radii.

IMnet II has three separate points of entry through the top cover, uniquely enabling cables to be laid rather than pulled into the enclosure; all-round access with no sharp edges reduces the potential for cable strain during installation and use and the cable management system optimises the bend radii and provides 3D routing within and between enclosures.

IMserv II provides a secure, thermally efficient, power managed environment for the active equipment.

Rated at 900kg load capacity, IMserv II can dissipate more that 5kW of heat with only a 10C rise in the internal temperature, comfortably exceeding the present requirements of 100W/U specified by major server manufacturers.

Based on a common design platform, IMnet II and IMserv II are optimised for cable management and server housing respectively, ensuring that network designers and installers can future-proof their installations against the ever-increasing performance demanded from all elements of the physical layer.

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