We discuss the following topics in this blog:

1. Can HyperScale Data Centers Match Data Upsurge?
2. How STL’s TruRibbon Ensures Increased Data Transmission?

In addition to these topics, we shall also be answering the following FAQs:

1. What is WiFi?
2. What is an Optical Fibre Cable?

Can HyperScale Data Centers Match Data Upsurge?

Technologies of the future are almost here. Not only we are able to stream Netflix in HD but in Ultra HD, 4K resolution! And that too without any buffering or lag. But all of this consumes a lot of data, and by lot, we mean really lots. As per Cisco VNI Global IP Traffic Forecast (2017-2022), annual global IP traffic is slated to increase to 4.8ZB by 2022. That’s 2.5x increase in monthly data consumption from today.

This exponential rise in data generation and evolution of other data hungry applications like artificial intelligence and cloud computing has increased demand for Hyperscale data centres. Because after all, it is the seamless communication between these data centers spread across the globe that makes our application usage experience smooth and lag free.

These highly scalable hyperscale data centers require massive, ultra-high speed connectivity on-premise and across distributed sites. This connectivity can be achieved via extremely high-count optical fibre connections that can provide the speed, latency and agility needed for such massive connectivity.

How STL’s TruRibbon Ensures Increased Data Transmission?

STL’s TruRibbon is a fully backward-compatible ribbon cable that is designed for speed, latency and agility needed by hyper-capacity networks. This disruptive solution boasts of an innovative design that ensures increased data transmission by packing more fibre in existing duct space.  Today’s ducts are typically 1.5” or 2” wide, making it difficult to deploy high-fiber count cables. With TruRibbon, 2X more fibre can be deployed in existing duct space, eliminating the need for replacing the ducts.

TruRibbon enables easy identification and first-time right furcation, stripping and splicing while installation, reducing deployment time and optimizing costs. This can reduce installation cost by almost 35% when compared to legacy ribbon cables. It is also splice compatible with other industry ribbon designs, such as the traditional flat ribbon or the intermittent ribbon. The 250-micron pitch in TruRibbon® ensures it is compatible for installation with legacy loose tube 12 fiber ribbonized cable as well. Moreover, the TruRibbon can be handled and installed using existing tools and equipment.

Content and service providers today are striving to achieve the best in class service for their customers. They are constantly looking for innovative solutions that can help achieve a future proof network to cater for future demands and satisfy ever-increasing consumer needs. STL as a data network solutions company is striving to fulfill these end user’s needs by enabling ISPs, data centre operators and other similar such industries with advanced connectivity solutions.

We are working hard, not just for a better tomorrow, but for a future beyond tomorrow.

FAQs

What is WiFi?

Put simply, WiFi is a technology that uses radio waves to create a wireless network through which devices like mobile phones, computers, printers, etc., connect to the internet. A wireless router is needed to establish a WiFi hotspot that people in its vicinity may use to access internet services. You’re sure to have encountered such a WiFi hotspot in houses, offices, restaurants, etc.

To get a little more technical, WiFi works by enabling a Wireless Local Area Network or WLAN that allows devices connected to it to exchange signals with the internet via a router. The frequencies of these signals are either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bandwidths. These frequencies are much higher than those transmitted to or by radios, mobile phones, and televisions since WiFi signals need to carry significantly higher amounts of data. The networking standards are variants of 802.11, of which there are several (802.11a, 802.11b, 801.11g, etc.).

What is an Optical Fibre Cable?

An optical fibre cable is a cable type that has a few to hundreds of optical fibres bundled together within a protective plastic coating. They help carry digital data in the form of light pulses across large distances at faster speeds. For this, they need to be installed or deployed either underground or aerially. Standalone fibres cannot be buried or hanged so fibres are bunched together as cables for the transmission of data.

This is done to protect the fibre from stress, moisture, temperature changes and other externalities. There are three main components of a optical fibre cable, core (It carries the light and is made of pure silicon dioxide (SiO2) with dopants such as germania, phosphorous pentoxide, or alumina to raise the refractive index; Typical glass cores range from as small as 3.7um up to 200um), Cladding (Cladding surrounds the core and has a lower refractive index than the core, it is also made from the same material as the core; 1% refractive index difference is maintained between the core and cladding; Two commonly used diameters are 125µm and 140µm) and Coating (Protective layer that absorbs shocks, physical damage and moisture; The outside diameter of the coating is typically either 250µm or 500µm; Commonly used material for coatings are acrylate,Silicone, carbon, and polyimide).

An optical fibre cable is made up of the following components: Optical fibres – ranging from one to many. Buffer tubes (with different settings), for protection and cushioning of the fibre. Water protection in the tubes – wet or dry. A central strength member (CSM) is the backbone of all cables. Armoured tapes for stranding to bunch the buffer tubes and strength members together. Sheathing or final covering to provide further protection.

The five main reasons that make this technology innovation disruptive are fast communication speed, infinite bandwidth & capacity, low interference, high tensile strength and secure communication. The major usescases of optical fibre cables include intenet connectivity, computer networking, surgery & dentistry, automotive industry, telephony, lighting & decorations, mechanical inspections, cable television, military applications and space.