Chances are, your network is probably already supporting not only computers, but VoIP phones, tablets, smartphones, security cameras, access control systems, other building automation devices, and possibly even A/V (via HDBASE-T). Advancements in wireless technologies (802.11ac) are also driving up the demand for lots more bandwidth. According to the current Cisco VNI forecast, global IP traffic is expected to nearly triple by 2020 from 2015.
Installing Cat 6A solves the bandwidth challenge in the horizontal. In fact, we are seeing fewer 1Gbps drops and more 10Gbps drops in the enterprise. But what about the fiber backbone that needs to support all of it? Most backbones were installed with OM3 fiber, and with all those additional 10Gbps drops feeding them, they can no longer efficiently support the network’s bandwidth demand.
The next logical step is to move to a 40Gbps backbone. But when you do that, the reach of OM3 fiber decreases to only 100m, per the TIA standard. This is not enough reach for nearly 80% of backbone applications when connecting buildings in a campus environment. Your network can’t perform optimally if your fiber backbone is weak.
How can you maintain the reach you need for maximum performance and support an ever-increasing amount of bandwidth over your network? Keep reading to find out