4/14/2017 IBM Redbooks | SAN - good cabling, bad cabling

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SAN - good cabling, bad cabling

Published 28 August 2002

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Authors: Jon Tate

Abstract
This Tip discusses SAN disciplines - cabling and good cabling practices.

Contents
Cabling
There are a number of different types of cable that can be used when designing a SAN. Consider the typ
take. The following section details various types of cable and issues related to the cable route.

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Distance
The Fibre Channel cabling environment has many similarities to telecommunications or open systems en
difference between a Fibre Channel and an open systems LAN/WAN environment is the reduced cable d
associated attenuation loss. The increase in flexibility and adaptability in the placement of the electronic
to the LAN/WAN environment, and a significant improvement over previous data center storage solutions
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Shortwave or longwave
Every data communications fiber falls into one of two categories:

• Single-mode
• Multi-mode

In most cases, it is impossible to distinguish between single-mode and multi-mode fiber with the naked e
follows the color coding schemes specified by the Fibre Channel physical layer working subcommittee (o
yellow for single-mode). There may not be a difference in outward appearance, only in core size. Both fib
medium for light, but they operate in different ways, have different characteristics, and serve different app

Single-mode (SM) fiber allows for only one pathway, or mode, of light to travel within the fiber. The core s

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mode fibers are used in applications where low signal loss and high data rates are required, such as on
system or network devices, where repeater/amplifier spacing needs to be maximized.

Multi-mode (MM) fiber allows more than one mode of light. Common MM core sizes are 50 µm and 62.5
suited for shorter distance applications. Where costly electronics are heavily concentrated, the primary c
with the cable. In such a case, MM fiber is more economical because it can be used with inexpensive co
thereby reducing the total system cost. This makes multi-mode fiber the ideal choice for short distance u
transmitter to receiver (or
the reverse).

50/125 micrometers or 62.5/125 micrometers

Optical fiber for telecommunications consists of three components:
• Core
• Cladding
• Coating

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We show the structure of a fiber optic cable below.

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Core
The core is the central region of an optical fiber through which light is transmitted. In general, the telecom
sizes from 8.3 micrometers (µm) to 62.5 micrometers. The standard telecommunications core sizes in us
mode), 50 µm (multi-mode), and 62.5 µm (multi-mode).

Cladding
The diameter of the cladding surrounding each of these cores is 125 µm. Core sizes of 85 µm and 100 µ
applications, but are not typically used today. The core and cladding are manufactured together as a sing
slightly different compositions, and cannot be separated from one another.

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Coating
The third section of an optical fiber is the outer protective coating. This coating is typically an ultraviolet (
during the manufacturing process to provide physical and environmental protection for the fiber. During t
coating is stripped away from the cladding to allow proper termination to an optical transmission system.
the standard sizes are 250 µm or 900 µm. The 250 µm coating takes less space in larger outdoor cables
and more suitable for smaller indoor cables. Most enterprises today use the 62.5 micron core fiber due to
local area networks (LAN). The Fibre Channel SAN standard is based on the 50 micron core fiber and is
specified in the ANSI Fibre Channel standards. Customers should not use the 62.5 micron fiber for use i
check with any SAN component vendor to see if 62.5 is supported.

Single mode and multi-mode distances

Typical supported combinations are:
• 50 Micron Multimode Shortwave <= 500 meters
• 62.5 Micron Multimode Shortwave <= 175 meters
• 9 Micron Singlemode Longwave =< 10 Km

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We show the differences between single mode and multi-mode below.

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Cabling practices
Some of the most common mistakes made in SAN setup and management are related to cabling and inc
• Bad cabling practice: Mark or tag all the cables and have a clear picture of how the devices are conne

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• Inconsistent naming practice: Employ naming conventions and stick to them.
• Broken cables, because of bad cabling practices. For example:
• Pulling cable ties too tight
• Having too small a radius of curvature
• Leaving cables hanging from connections with no support
• Lack of strain relief on cables
• Not using dust caps
• Not keeping connectors clean
• Leaving them dragging on the floor for people to kick and trip over

Business continuance
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) cables are typically used for business continuance between two sites.
continuance normally consist of a diverse route of a primary and alternate cable. The alternate route is n
primary route is not available. To ensure we introduce no single points of failure it is critical these cables
separate locations and at no point share the same cable run or equipment. It is important to have a detai
highlight any single points of failure and to determine the exact distance of both routes. If the primary site
than the secondary route, there may be latency issues to consider when using the secondary route.
As the MAN cables enter the buildings, the routes of the primary and alternate cables should be clearly m

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Special Notices
This material has not been submitted to any formal IBM test and is published AS IS. It has not been the subject of rigorous
responsibility for its accuracy or completeness. The use of this information or the implementation of any of these technique
depends upon the client's ability to evaluate and integrate them into the client's operational environment.
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