The proliferation of bandwidth-intensive applications has placed new demands on data center networks. Specifically, Data Center Interconnect (DCI) networks, which include the high-capacity connections between data centers, present a critical area of operation. DCI infrastructure, to include the fiber optic cables that connect data centers together, requires both robust and high-density solutions that are easy to install and maintain.

Over the past several years, Intermittently Bonded Ribbon (IBR) cable has emerged as the ideal solution for both Campus and Metro DCI applications. Being smaller in diameter, lighter in weight, and higher in fiber density as compared to traditional solutions, Intermittent Bonded Ribbon cables are better equipped to support the unique capacity and scalability needs of these networks.

Data centers look for small-diameter but high-fiber count cables to maximize the use of existing infrastructure and to ensure smooth management. A higher fiber count is desirable because it leads to reduced network downtime and improved revenue while ensuring a better customer experience. On the other hand, limited duct space means that data centers are always on the lookout for fiber cables with a smaller diameter.

What is IBR?

IBR is typically made up of 12 or more optical fibers that are bonded together at specific intervals along its length. They are flexible and can easily bend as per the available space inside a cable, ensuring smaller diameter when compared to the traditional loose tube or flat ribbon cables.

Significantly, Intermittently Bonded Ribbon cables enable mass fusion splicing which reduces deployment time, allowing faster expansion while keeping expenses under control.

Advantages of IBR Cables over Traditional Optical Fiber Cables

A growing number of data centers are realizing the relevance of IBR fiber cable because it offers several significant advantages over traditional fiber optical cables:

Scale Quickly and Easily by Reducing Splicing Time

The technique of mass fusion splicing ensures faster installation and quick restoration in case of a disruption. The tedious and time-consuming process of fiber splicing is much faster in IBR fiber cable compared to traditional fiber optic cables because it enables splicing of an entire ribbon at the same time. This brings down the splicing time, leading to faster installation and greater operational efficiency for the enterprise or service provider. Faster splicing also helps in reduced downtime in case of an outage.

Improve Cost Efficiency

Since IBR is more compact and lighter in weight, it is comparatively easier to handle than legacy cable designs containing either individual fibers or flat ribbons. This helps in a considerable reduction in shipping and storage costs. In addition, the reduced installation time helps bring down workforce expenses as well.

Maximize Use of Existing Infrastructure

Unlike traditional flat ribbons, IBRs are designed to conform to the space available inside a cable. So, groups of IBR fiber cables can be bundled together into cables that provide twice the fiber packing density of traditional cables in the same volume. This feature makes them particularly useful for the data center industry, where duct space is at a premium.

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Why use IBR cables in Campus or Metro DCI networks?

IBRs are perfect for supporting connectivity between data centers within the campus as well as on metro DCI. Fiber pathways between data centers carry a vast amount of data, which must be transmitted in the shortest time possible. In addition, even a small downtime can lead to a significant revenue loss. In this scenario, it is crucial to use the best-in-class IBR cables to ensure speedy transmission of a large amount of data with quick restoration in case of a disruption.

With the growing demand for additional capacity, data centers must be agile enough to expand infrastructure quickly. IBR fiber cables allow them to be flexible to scale quickly, whether in campus or metro DCI networks.

What are the unique differentiators of HFCL’s Intermittently Bonded Ribbon Cable for use in a DCI network?

HFCL’s IBR cables for data centers leverage its proven expertise and years of manufacturing industry-leading optic fiber cables. Globally, it is one of the few manufacturers to develop high-capacity Intermittently Bonded Cables for the data center industry.

HFCL’s 864-fiber and 1728-fiber IBR cables are designed to address the growing demand for compact but high-performance fiber cables for a data center interconnect network. Its 1728-fiber IBR cables not only offer double the fiber packing density within the same diameter as legacy designs, but they are also 50% smaller than traditional flat ribbon cables, thus making them perfect for installation in data centers.

In addition, HFCL’s proprietary low-friction jacket ensures enhanced jetting performance in microducts that are common in cramped urban areas. This enables customers to deploy more fiber in existing ducts.

HFCL’s IBR fiber cables are compliant with several industry standards, including IEC 60794 series and Telcordia GR-20.

In Conclusion

The ever-increasing demand for bandwidth means that enterprises and service providers must deploy fiber networks quickly. In addition, emerging use cases demand faster data transfer rates. The usage of IBR cables for data center interconnect networks empowers data centers to quickly deploy fiber networks to efficiently address current and future capacity demands while bringing down their storage and shipping expense.

FAQs

Traditionally, data centers utilize various types of network cabling, including AC/DC power, ground, copper, and fiber optic cables. The choice often depends on the interfaces supported by the equipment in the data center. However, today’s data centers increasingly favour intermittently bonded ribbon cables for interconnectivity due to their growing popularity and efficiency.

Ribbon cables are typically used when space is limited in an application. It comprises of optical fibers placed side-by-side which resembles a ribbon. The key difference between ribbon cables and traditional loose tube cables is that ribbon cables enable mass fusion splicing, which is more cost-efficient, brings down deployment time and ensures overall better management.

Since IBR fiber cables provide substantially higher packing density as compared to traditional cables in the same volume, they allow data centers to easily increase capacity while saving on shipping and storage costs. It also enables mass fusion splicing, which ensures faster installation, leading to improved scalability.

Yes, IBR cables are designed to support high bandwidth demands in modern data center environments. Their advanced construction and materials ensure they can handle the increasing data transfer rates required for applications such as cloud computing, virtualization, and big data processing.