Submittal
More Meaningful Connections
7 WHITE PAPER – Introduction to the Micro Data Center (MDC)
Multiple varieties of copper cabling media are available based on data speed and volume requirements. Typically
Category 6 or 6A copper cabling is used for enterprise and manufacturing network connections. Fiber is typically
used for distances greater than 330 ft / 100m, in environments where electrical noise is a concern, or for high
volume transmission rates. There are two common types of ber optic cabling, Multimode and Single Mode.
Primary differences between them include cable run distance and cost of installation.
Another consideration is the environmental surroundings and the level of protection needed for the cable jacket
(temperature, corrosive, vibration, etc.). Depending on conditions, armored ber and grounding are a good
alternative for outdoor applications or harsh manufacturing environments where a good level of protection is
needed. If a higher level of cable protection/durability is needed, an external pathway may be used to provide
added protection.
Panduit is a supplier of a wide range of network media options for copper and ber, including cabling and
connectivity designed to operate in industrial environments. These varieties include ruggedized all-dielectric
ber optic cabling that enables customers to deploy cabling in tight spaces without the need of an additional
protective conduit, which eliminated the need for grounding associated with typical armored ber deployments.
Another consideration is whether to run Power over Ethernet (PoE) to deliver power to devices such as video
surveillance cameras, wireless access points, or IP phone applications. This requires the use of copper cabling
where current capabilities for PoE (standard IEEE 802.3af-2003) can provide up to 15.4 W of DC power. There
is a higher power version known as PoE+ based on the IEEE 802.3at-2009 standard that can deliver up to 25.5
W of power. As technology improves, the ability to transmit higher power over Ethernet continues to increase.
Some vendors including Panduit can power devices with up to 51 W over a single cable by utilizing the four
twisted pairs in a copper cable.
Regardless of the media selection (ber optic or copper cable), the use of a patch panel for connections in
a MDC provides for essential testing and diagnostic points between equipment and eld connections. The
benet of adding a patch panel is that it provides diagnostic points directly in the MDC, providing the ability to
speed network troubleshooting and accommodate future expansion as network speeds increase or equipment
connectivity ports change.
Power and Grounding
To keep the factory network running smoothly without compromises in communications and equipment
performance, it is essential that robust and clean power be supplied to the Micro Data Center. The incoming
power feed typically includes an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) and one or more Power DIstribution Units
(PDUs) to distribute power where needed. PDU voltages range from 100 to 125v or 220 to 250v depending upon
region of the world, with currents ranging from 15 to 30 amp. Connectors may be straight blade or twist locks.
Popular IEC congurations are C13 to C14 and C19 to C20. Additionally, PDUs may include intelligent features
such as power and environmental monitoring to aid in troubleshooting and diagnostics, as well as intelligent
access control door handles for added security.
Grounding of the MDC is critical to optimizing performance of all equipment located within the MDC unit,
reducing downtime due to equipment failures and reducing the risk of data loss. Also, Cisco and other suppliers
of logic components require good grounding practices to maintain warranty support. The use of a single ground
path at low potential is commonly achieved through a busbar. There are several ways to bridge the grounding
connection from MDC to busbar: (1) braided grounding straps connect the Rack or Cabinet to the building
ground network, (2) grounding jumpers connect equipment to the housing structure, and (3) paint piercing
screws and washers ensure a direct metal-to-metal connection throughout the MDC. Unless a clear and
deliberate effort to ensure proper grounding has been performed, there is the potential for ground loops to be
established that result in lost communication data and compromised equipment performance.