HP 1606 DATA CENTER Best Practices Guide: High Density Cable Management Soluti - Page 8

DATA CENTER BEST PRACTICES GUIDE Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of implementing LC or MPO/MTP cabling solutions in static or dynamic environments: Cabling Solution Low Maint. Easy Fault Isolation Easy Cable Replacement Minimal Cabling Mgmt Space Required Low Cost Solution Extensive Cable Connection Mgmt Required Static LC to LC √√ √√√ √√√ √ √√√ √ Static MPO/MTP √√√ √√ √ √√√ √ √ Dynamic LC to LC √ √√ √√√ √ √√ √√ Dynamic MPO/MTP √ √ √ √√√ √ √√ KEY: The checkmarks represent a sliding scale with √√√ representing the optimal solution for that category. Low Maintenance: Ability to modify environment through additional port usage, or changes in port usage. 1. Single LC-LC cables can be added or removed from environment as needed. 2. Trunk cables need to be added in groups of single cables. This makes expanding easy through clean cable management. Easy Fault Isolation: Ability to troubleshoot faults down to the cable or trunk which is causing problems. 1. LC-LC cable faults can be traced to a single cable and that cable can be replaced. 2. MPO trunk cables can be traced to the trunk/LC cable at fault and either the MPO trunk can be replaced or a single LC-LC cable can be bypassed. Easy Cable Replacement: Ability to replace defective cables as needed. 1. If a single LC-LC cable fails, that cable can be replaced. 2. If a single cable fails in a trunk, that cable can be bypassed with an LC to LC cable. Minimal Cabling Mgmt Space Required: 1. LC-LC cables are larger and require more space for cable runs and patch panel connectors. 2. MPO trunks require less space for cable runs and fewer patch panel connectors. Low Cost Solution: 1. LC-LC single cables cost less than MPO cables. 2. MPO trunk cables cost more than LC-LC cables. Brocade DCX Cable Management 8 of 23