R&M, the globally active developer and provider of cabling systems for high-quality network infrastructures, based in Wetzikon, Switzerland, is shrinking RJ45 patch cords. The recently launched thinLine cables require 25% less space than conventional patch cords. This ensures improved utilization of distribution cabinets, raised floors and cable guides. Existing installations can be condensed further.
R&M developed the new patch cord generation specially for use in structured copper cabling in data centers. “Saving space in data centers is a fine thing. It is a real skill being able to minimize the cable volume” says R&M Product Manager Roger J. Karrer.
thinLine cables have a diameter of 3.8 to 4.7 mm and a wire cross-section of the size AWG 28 to 30. The typical diameter of comparable patch cords is currently 6 mm. The range of thinLine cables includes shielded and unshielded Cat. 6A cables as well as unshielded Cat. 6 cables.
R&M guarantees that thinLine cables have the same transmission values as thicker cables, something ensured in part by R&M’s Insulation Displacement Contact, IDC. The IDC termination is said to be fatigue-proof, load- and vibration-resistant with tensile strength, temperature- and moisture-resistant, dust- and gas-tight, and thus corrosion-protected.
It is better than other contacting methods for using Power over Ethernet (PoE) as the wires do not slacken and the contact resistance remains stable. R&M specifies thinLine cables for using the four-pair Power over Ethernet (4PPoE). They can power end devices such as wireless access points and surveillance cameras. thinLine cables have been awarded R&M’s own PoE seal of approval PowerSafe. The R&M website includes a PoE calculator. Installers can use it to calculate the increase in temperature, the bundle sizes and the ideal length of the links when using PoE.
thinLine cords are not just thinner and lighter, but also more flexible than conventional cables. They are easy to lay in tighter bending radii and are simple to store in racks and cable guides. They thus facilitate cable management in the data center. As they take up so little space, more air can circulate through the racks. Fan and cooling thus require less energy.