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[gavin.mckee]

Hi,

We are looking at a number of ways to build our data center network. One approach is running copper back from the racks to an MDF frame, the other is placing 1 or 2 1U switches per rack. Has anyone used both approaches and if so could you offer some advantages/disadvantages of both approaches.

Regards

[lgijssel]

Seen both solutions in operation. The main disadvantage of using copper cables is that you will need a considerable amount of HE's in the central cabinet(s). Installing an extra rack afterwards requires careful planning of where to place the patch panels and the equipment. You will need to take potential expansion into account from the start. It is not easy to install a rack without any UTP so you will need to reserve at least 1HE for a patchpanel and another one for a routing panel.

The preferred solution for Gigabit connections is to use fiber except when you can use a very short (<10m) cable run between racks.

Regards,

Leo