CONNECTIONS_65-e

Trends
030.7622
Cat. 8.1 Applications
in the LAN
Category 8.1 was originally the fastest short-distance runner. With 40 Gbit/s over the
24-meter range, it represented cost-effective hope for data centers. But it also delivers
real peak performance over the middle distance in buildings.
Expectations regarding the effectiveness of
LAN cabling are increasing. The underlying
conditions in buildings have changed to
some extent in recent years. For example, in
connection with the digital ceiling, the LAN
is increasingly being used for expanded and
new applications. These applications demand
unusual peak performance from traditional
LAN cabling. Until now, it has been configured
for 10 Gbit/s over 100 meters.
Above all, it is about networking WLAN
access points (WAP) and distributed antenna
systems for 5G DAS. These are sporty, bandwidth-hungry
applications. WiFi 6 WAVE2
and WiFi 7 require bandwidths above 10
Gbit/s. But there are also computing-intensive
applications in research and multimedia
that can benefit from higher bandwidths.
Standard offers a way out
This could be solved elegantly with Cat. 8.1
if it weren’t for the length limit of 24 meters.
However, standardization offers a way out.
The TR11801-9909 defines how Cat. 8.1
cabling can also transfer 25 Gbit/s up to 50
meters. Overall, three length-dependent performance
levels can be presented for a Cat.
8.1 installation: 40 Gbit/s up to 24 meters,
25 Gbit/s up to 50 meters and the classic 10
Gbit/s up to 95 meters (graphic).
What does this mean for practice? Based
on the typical distribution of link lengths,
Cat. 8.1 cabling could make a significant
contribution to increasing the performance
of the LAN. In a typical office infrastructure
with a floor distributor, Cat. 8.1 cabling could
supply around 20 % of workstations with 40
Gbit/s and around 60 % of workstations with
25 Gbit/s within the 24-meter range.
Complete Cat. 8.1 solution
With the Cat. 8.1 system, the R&Mfreenet
program offers an RJ45-compatible solution
for bandwidths of up to 40 Gbit/s.
The complete system comprises connection
modules, patch cords and installation
cables. It passed the GHMT test. The
channel is certified for 40 Gbit/s up to
30 meters, 25 Gbit/s up to 50 meters.
cabling in the LAN can cover the requirements
for future data cabling with maximum
bandwidth and full backward compatibility.
www.rdm.com/cat-8-1/
030.6289
Variable speed zones in the LAN with Cat. 8.1
(Graphic: R&M)
In modern buildings, redundant floor distributors
are often installed, with correspondingly
shorter transmission lengths. Under this
concept, the Cat. 8.1 infrastructure could
serve more than 50 % of workstations with
40 Gbit/s and all others with 25 Gbit/s.
This is true excellence as it is expected today
and tomorrow. With suitable planning, Cat. 8.1
050.7067
Matthias Gerber
Market Manager LAN Cabling
matthias.gerber@rdm.com
18 | CONNECTIONS 10|2023–65