3M ENTERS THE 10GB ETHERNET MARKET
30 June 2006 - 3M Europe

As the volume and complexity of data communications rises, so does the pressure on the cabling system supporting the local area network. Dramatically increasing the capacity of previous copper cabling standards, the new 10Gbit/s Ethernet standard currently is being developed by standards bodies worldwide.

Although 10Gbit/s Ethernet has advantages such as cost savings compared to fibre cabling, there is a high risk of noise interference caused by alien cross-talk, which can affect the performance of the cabling and lead to network problems. This is because 10Gbit/s Ethernet, which is pushing copper cabling to new limits, operates at a much higher frequency and so there is a risk that interference or 'noise' can transfer from one cable to another.

The 3M range reduces interference caused by AXT, by adding extra shielding to both the cable and cabling accessories. However, the 3M cable is as slim in diameter as unshielded cables, meaning that users can have the performance advantages of shielded cables, without the problems that bulky cables can cause.

Overcoming alien cross-talk
To overcome the problem of alien cross-talk, the Volition structured cabling range includes screening devices, often referred to as 'shielding' on both cable and accessories. Volition 10Gbit/s Category 7 cable includes screening of each cable pair, plus additional braiding, to reduce noise interference.

Combining shielding with a slim, round diameter
With its 5.9mm diameter, 3M's cable is as slim as existing copper and compares well with many of the unshielded cable brands currently available for 10Gbit/s Ethernet. With its good bend radius and round shape, installers will find it very similar to handling Category 5e and Category 6 cabling and they will not need to modify cable paths or trunkways. This negates the argument that unshielded cable - which does not provide the same protection against interference as shielded cable - is more suitable for installation environments than shielded cable. Metric marking along the outer layer of the cable makes it easy to calculate lengths and manage installations.

As 10Gbit/s Ethernet interference also causes problems with cable jacks, 3M has introduced screening within its new Volition RJ45 OCK10S8 connector. A metallic screen acts as a Faraday cage around the connector, providing robust immunity against alien cross-talk. The new jack does not require any specialist tools and therefore is extremely easy to install. Separate wire guides walk the installer through the process and ensures minimal and consistent wire handling. The jack is also re-usable, so there is no waste even when errors do occur. An automatically closing dust-cover prevents dust particles from accidentally becoming trapped in the jack and potentially causing problems at a later date.

3M has also introduced patch cables, which also provide immunity against alien cross-talk, as well as having low smoke zero halogen, frequently specified by many organisations across Europe for health and safety reasons. The range is completed by 19" patch panels that can accommodate up to 24 jack ports in one rack unit.

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