CommScope announced that it has successfully demonstrated the technical feasibility of Category 8 cabling for enterprise networks. The company calls the demonstration "a step along the path towards a viable 40GBase-T system for data center applications."
The demonstration took place at the recent IEEE 802.3 NGBASE-T study group meeting in Phoenix, Arizona. A technical contribution to the study group titled, “Category 8 Structured Cabling Channel Demonstration by CommScope,” described the feasibility of the concept.
Related: CommScope exec voices skepticism of 40GBase-T over Cat 7A
CommScope verified its proof-of-concept solution for a viable 40 Gigabit per second (Gbps) Ethernet channel by utilizing prototype Category 8 RJ-45 connectors and copper twisted pair cables. All components of the next generation data center infrastructure concept were designed by engineers in CommScope labs, according to a press release.
The company said the two aspects outlined by thie proof-of-concept demonstration include commonly used RJ-45 connectors and bandwidth capability of proposed Category 8 cabling. CommScope notes that today, 10GBase-T continues to gain broad acceptance in the server and access layers; the company anticipates that bandwidth growth will necessitate a 40GBase-T solution in the future.
“We believe this demonstrated solution shows the real market potential for customers to eventually take advantage of 40G transmission rates over copper twisted-pair based media with cable and connector types they are familiar with today,” commented Richard Mei, director of transmission solutions at CommScope.
CommScope supports BASE-T technology in conjunction with RJ-45 connectivity as a widely accepted and cost-effective networking option in both data center and commercial building environments. The company contends that its Category 8 proof-of-concept demonstrates that data center operators will be able to extend their preferred mean of communication technology for 40G.
“The Systimax brand is a recognized leader in next generation networking with a history of innovation,” added CommScope's Mei. “We will continue to work with customers to help deploy appropriate solutions for the continued emergence of 10GBase-T applications. When a 40G cabling solution does become market-ready and available, they will have the right infrastructure to provide a sensible migration path.”
Related: CommScope document questions suitability of Cat 7A cabling for 40GBase-T