Colocation Data Centers Structured Cabling Trends
As
companies look to embrace cloud computing or backup their existing
data centers, many are evaluating colocation as an option. With this
increased demand, colocation data centers are popping up all over the
world and
becoming a larger part of the overall data center market. In 2013, the
colocation sector is expected
to account for about 25-percent of the structured-cabling data center
market. During the work to develop the structured cabling forecast for
the soon to be released Bishop & Associates report, "Structured Cabling Technology and Market Assessment," we had the chance to talk to project managers that are
responsible for implementing 10,000 - 20,000 sqft build-outs in colocation
facilities. It was clear to us that a few key trends have emerged:
- Whenever possible contractors recommend the use of pre-terminated copper and fiber cabling. The benefits of utilizing these components include cost reduction, on-time delivery and the project is easier to manage.
- Although they are installing MPO cassettes on some jobs the cost premium often scares customers away.
- More OM3 fiber is being installed than OM4. The up-sell to OM4 is difficult since OM3 covers the distances that are typically seen in these facilities (300m at 10G).
- A majority of the copper cabling is being installed is Category 6.
