manual

QuickNet Application Guide
8
The QuickNet product family has a wide range of available configuration options from standard “Cassette-to-Cassette”
cable assemblies to fully custom assemblies that are user-defined in a number of areas. In this section, each of the main
configuration options for QuickNet are explained and typical considerations for data center applications are covered.
Cable Performance Level & Color
The performance level of the cable selected in the assembly indicates the maximum data rate that the cable assembly will
support and should be selected to support the active equipment speeds projected over the life of the cabling. Depending
upon the performance level selected, unshielded (UTP) or shielded (STP) constructions are available. Connectivity is
matched to the performance level of the cable selected.
Performance level choices are:
• Category 6 UTP
• Category 6A UTP or STP
• Category 6A SD (Small Diameter) UTP
In QuickNet
™
Cable Assemblies, six channels of the selected cable are grouped together and spiral-wrapped to form a
factory-engineered six-cable trunk.
Category 6 cable supports Gigabit data rates, while Category 6A cable supports 10 Gigabit data rates, both up to a
maximum channel length of 100 meters (328 feet). Category 6A SD (Small Diameter) cable supports 10 Gigabit data
rates up to a maximum channel length of 70 meters (229 feet).
UTP cabling is used most commonly in North and South America, and provides the advantage of not requiring electrical
bonding to the equipment. In addition, the TX6A
™
10Gig
™
UTP Copper Cable with MaTriX Technology provides 10 Gigabit
performance in a UTP solution. STP cabling is often used where there are concerns about EMI/RFI noise or data security.
Cable color choices for all performance levels are:
• Blue
• White
Note: Other colors may be available for given performance levels and flame ratings. Please contact Panduit customer
service for assistance.
QuickNet Standard Parts: Category 6 UTP, Category 6A UTP, and Category 6A SD UTP performance levels are available,
all with blue color cable.
Cable Flame Rating
Cable flame rating choices are:
• Riser (CMR)
• Plenum (CMP)
Riser rated cable is approved for use in vertical cable tray or riser shafts between floors (but not in environmental air
handling ducts). Plenum rated cable is approved for use in air plenum spaces such as raised flooring systems or air
handling ducts.
Typically, Riser rated cabling is acceptable for most data centers with overhead cable pathways, whereas Plenum is often
required when using under-floor pathways in a raised floor system. It is best to consult with local building codes or the
relevant building or construction authority having jurisdiction in order to select the correct cable flame rating to be used in
a given data center application.
QuickNet Standard Parts: Riser and Plenum flame ratings are available in all three cable performance levels.
How to Configure QuickNet
™
Cable Assemblies