DATA

CENTER
GUIDE
The
CABLExpress
Experience
CABLExpress, a division of CXtec, manufactures high-performance cabling, data
center infrastructure products, and structured cabling solutions. We help you
implement a cabling infrastructure that provides the quality and performance
to make all your technology investments worthwhile.

CABLExpress began more than 40 years ago working We serve on the Telecommunications Industry
to solve problems for mainframes in the data center. Association (TIA) Telecommunications Cabling Systems
Our cabling expertise is guided by our experience Engineering Committee (TR-42), which develops
with enterprise accounts, schools, financial institutions, and maintains standards for optical fiber, balanced
retail, and medical facilities. twisted-pair copper and other telecommunications
and data cabling systems and components.
We understand that hardware investments need
to be optimized to meet the business goals of your We bring an in-depth understanding of current data
company. We want to become your true partner, center standards, such as the ANSI/TIA-568.3-E, Optical
providing insight for the future, knowledge of current Fiber Cabling and Components Standard, ANSI/TIA-
best practices, and personal assistance in data center 942-C, BICSI 002 and others.
design in every interaction you have with us.
Protect your critical assets with the highest-quality
The award-winning CABLExpress Multi-Path™ System product, best service, optimum performance,
handles multiple cabling light path solutions resulting and industry-leading innovation you can only get
in little disruption or added cost. Our Skinny-Trunk® from CABLExpress.
Solution is a high-density, fiber optic product line that
helps you maximize business value and prepare for
future generations of upgrades.

CABLExpress Data Center Guide

High-performance cabling, data center infrastructure
products, and structured cabling solutions

Table of Contents
Skinny-Trunk® Solution.......................................................2-3

Port Replication......................................................................... 4

Easy Access (EA) Series Patch Panels............................ 5

H-Series Enclosures.............................................................6-7

H+ Enclosures............................................................................. 8

Harnesses...................................................................................... 8

Ladder Rack Enclosures........................................................ 9

Z-Mount® Brackets.................................................................... 9

RSD Series Enclosures..........................................................10

RSD Series Modules and Adapter Panels......... 10-11

Angled Patch Panels and Skinny-Trunk® 24............11

Fiber Trunks................................................................................12

Skinny-Trunk® Fiber Jumpers............................................13

Copper Trunking.....................................................................14

CABLExpress EXP Series®....................................................14

Cabinets and Racks...............................................................15

Cable Management..............................................................16

Optical Microscope...............................................................16

One-Click Cleaners................................................................16

1
 Skinny-Trunk® Solution
Designed with performance and manageability in all aspects of its
product set, the Skinny-Trunk® Solution is the best way to ensure
your equipment will achieve optimum performance.

Fiber Trunk

H-Series Enclosure

2 CABLExpress Data Center Guide

 Multi-Path™ System
Increasing data speeds have created challenges
for data center managers designing fiber cabling
topologies, such as polarity (light path). This dilemma
The Skinny-Trunk Solution provides a clear migration path to the next
led us to design a new way to deliver a simple,
generations of hardware, thereby assuring a very high return on your
effective system that handles multiple paths with
investment. It also allows for flexibility and scalability with all your
very little disruption or added cost.
growth needs in the ever-changing data center environment, helping
you save money on space, labor and cooling. The CABLExpress Multi-Path™ system simplifies the
cabling migration process and reduces the need for
multiple transition components. The CABLExpress
Multi-Path™ system is also the ANSI/TIA-568.3-E new
“universal” polarity method, U1.

Learn more at: www.cablexpress.com/multipath

Performance
Designed to meet and exceed your loss budgets and
have high repeatability, so your cables work the first
and the 500th time you plug in.

Manageability/Scalability
High-density yet easy to work with, featuring
organized cable management and modular designs
for easy swap outs.

Flexibility
Overall cabling can decrease by 70%.

Time Savings
Plug-and-play technology.

Port Replication

n Ensures your equipment will

achieve optimum performance

n Allows for flexibility and scalability

with all your growth needs

n Save on space, labor and cooling

CABLExpress Data Center Guide 3

 Port Replication

Port replication is a patching system that mirrors (duplicates) the active electronics
in a passive environment.
This reduces cable management issues, decreases This allows full replication in a Main Distribution Area
opportunities for patch errors and reduces wear and (MDA) as recommended in the TIA-942 Data Center
tear on the active ports. Standard. 48- and 32-port modules are also available to
offer full replication for any density.
H-Series enclosures are designed specifically to
replicate high-density director class switches.

10U

12U

Brocade X7-8

1U 1U

Brocade X7-4 with Brocade X7-4 with

FC64-48 port Line Cards FC32-64 port QSFP Line Cards

H-Series 10U and 12U enclosures have modules designed specifically to

replicate 32-, 48- and 64-port director class switches. Available in vertical and
horizontal orientations. We can match your switch port numbering exactly.

4 CABLExpress Data Center Guide

Easy Access (EA) Series
Patch Panels
Developed to eliminate
unnecessary obstructions
and allow data center
managers to easily access
patch cabling in the front
and rear of the patch panels.

The EA Series allows you to easily access patch

cabling in the front and the rear of the patch
panel. There is no top, or sides, to get in your
way when accessing the fiber ports. This makes
installation and any moves, adds, and changes
much easier in congested racks or cabinets.

n Port Density – Up to 48 duplex LCs or 32

MPO ports per RMU 1U 4-Slot RSD Series
Easy Access with rear manager
n Scalable – Faceplate options of (4) 12-port
duplex LC modules per rack unit, or (2)
24-port duplex LC modules per rack unit

n Space Savings – The complete system takes

up 1U of space with a depth of 11”

n Modular Cable Management – Ability to

add front cable manager as needed 1U 2-Slot H-Series
Easy Access with rear manager
n Low-Loss Components – Ensure your
cabling solution will meet current, and future
optical loss budgets

n Labeling Card – Viewable and removable

when you open the front door

n Rear Cable Manager – Multiple tie-down

slot positions make cable routing and cable
management easy to accomplish

Optional front cable manager

CABLExpress Data Center Guide 5

 H-Series Enclosures
Our H-Series fiber enclosure solutions are available in both
vertical (4U, 6U, 10U, 12U) and horizontal (1U, 10U) mounting
configurations, allowing users to choose port orientation
to mirror high-density switches.

END-0F-ROW/EDGE SWITCH REPLICATION

1U with up to *
48 duplex LC ports

4U with up to
144 duplex LC ports

*
16-port
options
6U with up to available
288 duplex LC ports

1U with up to 32 duplex LC ports 1U with up to 48 duplex LC ports 1U with up to 64 duplex LC ports

1U Rack Mount Modules

Our 1U rack mount modules allow you to deliver port replication on a smaller scale, such as replicating a 4U chassis.

This allows you to maximize your rack space usage and still receive the myriad of benefits that port replication provides!

*Full density shown. Also available half-density LC or with MTP® feed-through adapter panels.
6 CABLExpress Data Center Guide
Their condensed design can accommodate up to 576 duplex LC
ports in one 10U enclosure, while addressing cable management
issues that come with high-density designs. The 10U, 6U and 1U
enclosures also use the same module footprint to maximize design
flexibility. The 10U and 12U models offer exact port replication
of major hardware manufacturers’ enterprise- and director-class
switches. Plus, they all come standard with a lifetime warranty.

ENTERPRISE/CORE SWITCH REPLICATION

10U 8-slot with up to 10U 24-slot with up to 12U with up to 512 duplex
384 duplex LC ports 576 duplex LC ports LC ports

Vertical Vertical

Horizontal Horizontal

*
48- 64-
Port Port

ENCLOSURE NUMBER OF SLOTS MAX LC DUPLEX PORT COUNT ORIENTATION

1U 2 48 Horizontal
4U 12 144 Vertical
6U 12 288 Vertical
10U 8-slot 8 512 Both
10U 24-slot 24 576 Both
12U 8 512 Vertical

CABLExpress Data Center Guide 7

 H+ Enclosures

CABLExpress® H+ enclosures
provide maximum scalability,
allowing you to customize your
layer one cabling infrastructure Each tray houses four modules
- each module contains six LC
to your unique business needs. duplex ports

Each sliding tray houses four modules, and

each module contains six LC duplex ports.
H+ enclosures provide optimal usability and
manageability to allow for a seamless transition
as you continue to migrate to higher speeds.
For best cable management results, we highly
Featuring the highest port density for fiber optic recommend using the H+ enclosure with CABLExpress®
cabling currently offered in the marketplace, Skinny-Trunk® 2mm round fiber jumpers
H+ enclosures accommodate up to 288
duplex LC ports in a 4U, 144 in a 2U, and 72 in
ENCLOSURE MAX
a 1U configuration. LC DUPLEX
PORT COUNT
Their unique design allows easy access to 1U 72

all ports and comes with integrated cable 2U 144

Available in 1U,
management features for a clean installation, 4U 288
2U and 4U
while their front door provides protection
for your cabling.

Harnesses
Our Skinny-Trunk® harnesses solve the problem of cable management in high-density
fiber switches. Their revolutionary design eliminates cabling bulk, and staggers to fit
your switch ports perfectly.
n Can reduce bulk by more than 60% n Far exceed industry dB loss performance standards

n Pre-engineered and customizable staggering n Come in 6-to-1 and 4-to-1plug-in factors from MTP®
provides neat and clean installation into your to LC, which save valuable install time
switches for optimum cable management
Harness
n Round fiber cordage on LC legs allows for furcation
maximum routing flexibility
12-Fiber
Harness

Pre-engineered
stagger for exact fit!
8 Fiber
Harness
Breakout Harnesses
for speeds:
100G to 4x 25G
400G to 4x 100G

8 CABLExpress Data Center Guide

Ladder Rack Enclosures
The Skinny-Trunk® ladder rack
enclosure is the first copper
and fiber enclosure specifically
designed to mount directly to
overhead conveyance.

n Stay in compliance with TIA-942

standards

n Easy, one person mounting saves

time and money on install

n Accepts 16 modules or
feed-through adapter panels
Available
Can hold up to 192 LC duplex in multiple
ports or 96 copper ports sizes
(or a combination of the two)

Z-Mount® Brackets
When you just don’t have rack space, the Z-Mount® bracket and the ladder rack
enclosure are the solution. The Z-Mount® bracket fits all racks and cabinets, regardless
of manufacturer, with industry-standard spacing.
n The unique design allows you to mount to the outside
of the rack, using no horizontal rack space and
ensuring the maximum use of your conditioned space.

n Available in 4-, 8-, and 12-port MTP® (left and right) so you
can distribute up to 144 fibers from just one Z-Mount.
Also available in LC and RJ45 for server rack applications.

n Fits all racks and cabinets with industry-standard

EIA 510D spacing.

Also available with LC and copper ports

CABLExpress Data Center Guide 9

 RSD Series Enclosures
Our RSD Series 1U, 2U and 4U fiber enclosures provide high-
density, low dB loss connections. They’re ideal for structured cabling
environments, open racks in telecom closets or any areas where the
front protection might be needed.

They support up to 96 fibers in 1U and 384

fibers in 4U, saving valuable space. Their
modular design allows for multiple connector
types within each enclosure, and their LC
and SC couplers utilize state-of-the-art spring
stabilizing for minimal coupler movement.
Their slide out, tilt-down drawer provides easy
access to modules. Plus, they come standard
with a lifetime warranty.

RSD Series Modules 10-Gig

Aqua
12-port LC
Check out these standard features:
n Low loss components allow flexibility in 8-port
fiber network design options
available
n 13-inch depth frees up room in rack
Single-
n Light weight allows for easier mounting mode
12-port LC
n Label card enables easy port identification

n Internal cable managers maintain

proper bend radius

n Rugged design helps fiber to

remain secure
Available in
n Designed to accept 4, 8 or 16 adapter half-density
panels and/or modules options

10 CABLExpress Data Center Guide

 Angled Patch Panels
CABLExpress® angled patch panels feature a slanted
SHOWN WITH ADAPTER PANELS
design to route patch cords directly into vertical
Enclosures also accept modules cable managers on either side of the panel. This
enables faster installation and eliminates the need for
horizontal cable management.
1U with up to 48
duplex LC ports The 1U accepts four modules and/or adapter panels
and holds up to 96 fibers. The 2U accepts eight
modules and/or adapter panels and holds up to
192 fibers.
2U with up to 96
duplex LC ports

SLANTED DESIGN ENABLES

CABLE MANAGEMENT

4U with up to 192
duplex LC ports

Adapter Panels n Modular design is scalable to add modules

as needed

n Allows for multiple connector types in

each enclosure

n Can hold both fiber and copper

10-Gig Aqua 12-port LC Multi-mode 6-port SC
n Precision, stable spring couplers optimize
performance and ensure network uptime

n Internal cable managers maintain proper

bend radius
Multi-mode 6-port ST 6-port RJ45
n Backed by a lifetime warranty

n Available with LC, SC, ST, MT-RJ, MTP or

RJ45 adapters

12-port MT-RJ 6-port MTP®

CABLExpress Data Center Guide 11

 Fiber Trunks

Fiber trunks are a convenient and economic alternative to running multiple jumpers
through your data center. Trunks offer easy cable management as well as significantly
reduced field installation times. They’re easy to unplug, recoil, and reuse in the event of
any moves, additions or changes.

n MTP® connector features the industry’s highest- n Highly customizable legs, lengths and breakouts
precision thermoplastic ferrule, designed to lower
insertion loss allowing connections to be made n Trunking options from 4- to 144-fiber count
while meeting or exceeding loss budgets
n Up to 12-to-1 plug-in factor saves valuable install time
n Ultra-flexible 2mm MTP breakout legs ensure
®
n Factory-terminated and tested ensuring performance
critical airflow paths are not blocked in cabinets
n Backed by a lifetime warranty
n Trunking diameters are one-third of the competition,
reducing congestion in your cabling pathways

Furcation
Armored
Point
Options
Retains integral
Available
strength to the
assembly

Uniboot LC
Connectors
Reduce cordage
size by 50% without
loss of performance

MTP® Connectors
Allow for modular
pre-terminated fiber
optic cabling

Single-Mode
Full suite of single-mode cabling available

12 CABLExpress Data Center Guide

Skinny-Trunk® Fiber Jumpers
The key to achieving maximum performance in a high-quality structured data center
cabling system is through fiber jumpers.
Our Skinny-Trunk® fiber jumpers meet and exceed the industry’s most stringent requirements for data center solutions,
designed specifically for the mainframe and high-end SAN switching environments.

n Ideal for high-speed, mission-critical data center n Optimal Uniboot construction, allowing easier plug-in
environments and unplugging and robust strain relief

n Available in a variety of multi-mode and single-mode n Designed for high performance – rigorously tested for
lengths and connector styles repeatability and loss

New VSFF
(very small form factor)

CS connector
Available in a variety of multi-mode
and single-mode lengths and
connector styles

SN® duplex connector

MDC duplex connector

CABLExpress Data Center Guide 13

 Copper Trunking

Create a standards-based, flexible,

and reliable copper platform in your
data center.

CABLExpress® copper trunk cables are the highly

customizable solution for your connectivity needs.

This assembly allows for easy moves, adds

and changes.

The simplicity of its design allows existing staff to

install the trunking system, thereby avoiding
any potential security risks involved with bringing
in outside personnel.

For the critical install, there’s simply no better

choice than the CABLExpress copper trunk
assembly. You can minimize downtime, maximize Braided sleeve allows CAT6 couplers in our modular
productivity, and save money by deploying a flexibility, while keeping cables patch panels provide fast and
reliable, easy-to-use copper trunking system. in a manageable bundle reliable data connections

Standard and mini CAT6 available

CABLExpress EXP Series®

All the cabling you need, when you
need it, at the price you want
EXP SERIES FIBER JUMPERS

CABLExpress EXP Series® fiber jumpers are 100%

optically-tested and factory-terminated for superior
performance. We stock a variety of multi-mode and
single-mode lengths and connector styles ready to
ship today, and custom assemblies are also available.
We can build jumpers to your exact needs and 100% optically-tested and factory-terminated
requirements. Save money and get your cabling for superior performance
right away!

EXP SERIES COPPER PATCH CABLES

Our copper patch cables are the trustworthy, reliable With a diameter of
way to carry all your data, voice and video signals. just 0.148 inches,
They’re available with snagless boots for easy CABLExpress® mini
installation. Plus, with stock lengths and colors Cat6 patch cables are
available for same-day shipping, there’s simply no smaller than standard
better way to future-proof your wiring infrastructure.
Cat6 cables – using less
Get competitively-priced cables ready to ship today!
critical space in your
cabling infrastructure.

14 CABLExpress Data Center Guide

 Cabinets and Racks

When it comes to housing your hardware,

you need options that make your job easy
and can accommodate any configuration
you design.

CABINETS

We offer a wide variety of cabinets designed for assembled and capable of handling high-density
high-density applications and side-to-side switch, server and cable management requirements.
airflow equipment.
These cabinets can be used separately or ganged
Our cabinets are available in multiple sizes and together to create a Main Distribution Area (MDA),
configurations, with numerous options for cable the central point of the data center structured
management. The cabinets are shipped fully cabling system.

Cable Management Fingers Horizontal Trough Baffle Kit

n Fingers come in 7 RMU sections n Route larger bundles from front n Intake/exhaust kits for
to rear side-to-side airflow equipment
n Finger openings align with RMUs
for easy cable pathways n Can be placed in any vertical n Directs cool air in and
location exhaust air out of side-to-side
n Finger sections are repositionable airflow equipment

RACKS

You can save floor space and some money with our wide variety of
easy-access rack options. Our CABLExpress® racks provide ample room
for large cable bundles and come available with a number of cable
management features.

Our racks are perfect for use in the Equipment Distribution Areas (EDA)
of the data center.

Rack Mount Security Enclosure

The CABLExpress Rack Mount Security Enclosure (RMSE) is designed to ensure maximum physical security for
Limitless possibilities the equipment in your racks. It is ideal for use in highly secure data centers, shared spaces, co-location facilities,
for cabinet and rack and other areas where physical security is critical. Its hinged, mesh doors add additional ventilation. Featuring
configurations two types of locks, the RMSE works in both racks and cabinets.

CABLExpress Data Center Guide 15

 Cable Management Optical Microscope
We have patch panels, jacks, faceplates and cable A majority of “defective” cables actually just have
managers to help you with all of your structured dirty end-faces!
cabling projects. On top of that, we also carry the We recommend inspecting the end-faces of
cable management products to keep your cabling cables before installation, and then cleaning them
infrastructure organized and your structured cabling if necessary.
system performing at its peak:

n Duct style managers for 1U (best for fiber optic NOYES® OFS300-200C
cabling) and 2U (great for copper patch cords)

n 1U, 2U and 3U D-ring managers for 24-, 48-and

96-port patch panels

n A wide variety of cable ties/wraps with

Velcro® fasteners

CABLE MANAGERS

1U Duct Style

One-Click Cleaners
2U Duct Style End-face contamination can cause catastrophic
failure. Particulates, skin oils, clothing fibers and other
contaminants can decrease performance and cause
channel errors – even causing DOWNTIME!

These easy-to-use, one-click cleaners allow you to

5 Ring follow best practices without investing a lot of time.
Remember to always inspect, clean, inspect and
repeat if necessary.

US CONEC IBC BRAND CLEANERS

TM

EA 1U Manager

PATCH PANELS

16 CABLExpress Data Center Guide

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