The Best Way to Manage Terminations in Fiber-Dense Settings: DCX System

 

In previous blogs, we’ve discussed the FiberExpress Ultra-High-Density System (UHD), which provides vital port access and protection while supporting ultra-high-density connections, as well as the FiberExpress (FX) ECX Enterprise Closet X (ECX), which is a cross-connect system designed specifically for LAN environments.

 

Our most recent cross-connect innovation—the DCX System—handles large numbers of fiber connections and supports increased fiber density while ensuring simple operations and maintenance.

 

Why More Fiber?

 

Technology is changing the landscape in data centers, broadcast environments and entertainment venues. Most notably, these changes include trends like:

 

• 5G to improve data capacity and throughput while bringing faster speeds, better performance and more reliable mobile service to employee and customer experiences
• Internet of Things (IoT) to connect devices and systems to the network for improved operational efficiency, reduced costs and remote monitoring and control
• The migration from SDI to IP in broadcasting to support more video feeds, camera types and camera angles while efficiently transporting video
• The move to 4K (UHD) content to provide better detail, texture, clarity and resolution by quadrupling the number of pixels delivered
• The shift from 40G to 100G and 400G Ethernet for Ethernet networks to support virtual reality and many of the applications mentioned above

 

Fiber is the only way to sustain the speed and bandwidth demands these technologies need. It’s being deployed more often—and in new types of applications—because of its potential for unlimited bandwidth, built-in security, immunity to EMI/RFI noise and ability to handle vast amounts of traffic.

 

Meet the DCX System

 

Because demand for fiber has never been greater, Belden designed the DCX System specifically for environments that rely on lots of fiber. It’s a high-density, end-to-end fiber infrastructure solution made for innovative, fiber-dense environments.

 

Fiber terminations have grown from dozens in one project to hundreds, thousands and higher. Belden was involved in a recent data center project with a strand count in the millions. As more fiber cables are deployed, more fiber connections will follow. As the number of connections grows, effective fiber management is vital to ensure uptime and efficient maintenance. Otherwise, meet-me rooms become overwhelming (and messy) very quickly.

 

To ensure uptime and efficient operation in fiber-dense environments, installers, operators and technicians need a way to effectively manage growing numbers of fiber connections without making their work more difficult. They need to be able to efficiently manage connectivity, have access to each port, maintain well-organized cables and easily view interconnections.

 

The FX DCX System not only supports fast, easy operation and management of terminations in fiber-dense environments, but also supports future scalability of fiber connections (the ability to support even more of them down the road).

 

There are a few benefits that make the DCX System innovative while supporting fast, easy operations and maintenance:

 

• You can maximize fiber management without taking up lots of valuable real estate by managing extremely high fiber termination density in a small footprint (3,480 or 4,608* terminations per cabinet) 

*not available in the United States

• Cables aren’t subject to excess bending and attenuation; bend radius control for incoming and outgoing cables maintains maximum signal integrity
• Patch cords are easily accessible with pull-out trays and clearance around connectors so you can quickly and efficiently make repairs, perform routine maintenance and reconfigure networks
• You can futureproof your system without infrastructure changes; support migration from any combination of 8- or 12-fiber pre-terminated adapter frames and Base-16 or Base-24 pre-terminated adapter frames
• Many termination methods can be used to support different types of connectors based on what you need in terms of performance, the environment and costs

 

As an end-to-end fiber infrastructure solution, the DCX System is made up of:

 

• Space-saving and fully configurable front-access cabinets that serve as the main building block for a large fiber cross-connect or a high-density fiber interconnect
• Housing in left-to-right and right-to-left cable flow configurations with a front-access design and modular cassettes that can be mixed on the same tray (Base-8, Base-12, Base-16 or Base-24) to enable easy and cost-effective migration
• Adapter frames and flippable cassettes that optimize system density, reduce network downtime and provide easy polarity management

 

Learn more about the DCX System.

 

 

Related Links:

 

6 Features to Look for in an Optical Distribution Frame

A Space-Saving Way to Manage Lots of Fiber

Fiber Connections for Wired and Wireless Connectivity