Bsi bs en 50173 5 2007 + a2 2012

EN 50173-1: Information technology: Generic cabling - General requirements EN 50098-1: Customer premises cabling for information technology -ISDN basic access EN 501742: Information te

BRITISH STANDARD BS EN

50173-5:2007 +A1:2010

BS EN 50173-5:2007 +A2:2012

Incorporating corrigendum May 2011

BS EN 50173-5:2007+A2:2012

ISBN 978 0 580 76805 7

Amendments/corrigenda issued since publication

31 March 2011 Implementation of CENELEC amendment A1:2010

31 July 2011 Implementation of CENELEC corrigendum May 2011

28 February 2013 Implementation of CENELEC amendment A2:2012

This British Standard was

published under the authority

of the Standards Policy and

This British Standard is the UK implementation of

EN 50173-5:2007+A2:2012, incorporating corrigendum May 2011 It supersedes BS EN 50173-5:2007+A1:2010, which will be withdrawn on

12 November 2015

The start and finish of text introduced or altered by amendment is indicated

in the text by tags Tags indicating changes to CENELEC text carry the number of the CENELEC amendment For example, text altered by CENELEC amendment A1 is indicated by 

The start and finish of text introduced or altered by corrigendum is indicated in the text by tags Text altered by CENELEC corrigendum May 2011 is indicated in the text by 

The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical Committee TCT/7, Telecommunications — Installation requirements

A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on request to its secretary

In addition to the requirements listed in subclause 1.2, conformance to

BS EN 50173-5:2007 also requires the application of BS 6701

This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a contract Users are responsible for its correct application

Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from legal obligations.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 50173-5:2007+A1

Central Secretariat: Avenue Marnix 17, B - 1000 Brussels

© 2010 CENELEC - All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members

Ref No EN 50173-5:2007 E

ICS 33.040.50

English version

Information technology - Generic cabling systems - Part 5: Data centres

Technologies de l'information -

Systèmes de câblage générique -

Partie 5: Centres de données

Informationstechnik - Anwendungsneutrale Kommunikationskabelanlagen - Teil 5: Rechenzentren

This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2007-04-11 CENELEC members are bound tocomply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this EuropeanStandard the status of a national standard without any alteration

Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained onapplication to the Central Secretariat or to any CENELEC member

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German) A version in any otherlanguage made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language andnotified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions

CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, theCzech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia,Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom

The following dates were fixed:

– latest date by which the EN has to be implemented

at national level by publication of an identical

national standard or by endorsement (dop) 2008-05-01

– latest date by which the national standards conflicting

with the EN have to be withdrawn (dow) 2010-05-01

The European Standards EN 50173:1995 and EN 50173-1:2002 have been developed to enable the application-independent cabling to support ICT applications in office premises Their basic principles, however, are applicable to other types of applications and in other types of premises

TC 215 has decided to establish relevant European Standards which address the specific requirements of these premises In order to point out the commonalities of these cabling design standards, these EN are published as individual parts of the series EN 50173, thus also acknowledging that standards users recognize the designation “EN 50173” as a synonym for generic cabling design

At the time of publication of this European Standard, series EN 50173 comprises the following standards:

EN 50173-1 Information technology – Generic cabling systems – Part 1: General requirements

EN 50173-2 Information technology – Generic cabling systems – Part 2: Office premises

EN 50173-3 Information technology – Generic cabling systems – Part 3: Industrial premises

EN 50173-4 Information technology – Generic cabling systems – Part 4: Homes

EN 50173-5 Information technology – Generic cabling systems – Part 5: Data centres

The following dates were fixed:

– latest date by which the amendment has to be implemented

at national level by publication of an identical

– latest date by which the national standards conflicting

This standard introduces several changes in order to align the standard with the changes resulting from the

For the convenience of the reader of this standard, the pertinent tables are reproduced in total, with grey shading of new table cells Where modifications to text apply to single expressions or a few words only, this

The following dates were fixed:

– latest date by which the EN has to be implemented

at national level by publication of an identical

national standard or by endorsement (dop) 2008-05-01

– latest date by which the national standards conflicting

with the EN have to be withdrawn (dow) 2010-05-01

The European Standards EN 50173:1995 and EN 50173-1:2002 have been developed to enable the application-independent cabling to support ICT applications in office premises Their basic principles, however, are applicable to other types of applications and in other types of premises

TC 215 has decided to establish relevant European Standards which address the specific requirements of these premises In order to point out the commonalities of these cabling design standards, these EN are published as individual parts of the series EN 50173, thus also acknowledging that standards users recognize the designation “EN 50173” as a synonym for generic cabling design

At the time of publication of this European Standard, series EN 50173 comprises the following standards:

EN 50173-1 Information technology – Generic cabling systems – Part 1: General requirements

EN 50173-2 Information technology – Generic cabling systems – Part 2: Office premises

EN 50173-3 Information technology – Generic cabling systems – Part 3: Industrial premises

EN 50173-4 Information technology – Generic cabling systems – Part 4: Homes

EN 50173-5 Information technology – Generic cabling systems – Part 5: Data centres

The following dates were fixed:

– latest date by which the amendment has to be implemented

at national level by publication of an identical

– latest date by which the national standards conflicting

This standard introduces several changes in order to align the standard with the changes resulting from the

For the convenience of the reader of this standard, the pertinent tables are reproduced in total, with grey shading of new table cells Where modifications to text apply to single expressions or a few words only, this

EN 50173-5:2007/A2:2012 - 2 -

Foreword

This document (EN 50173-5:2007/A2:2012) has been prepared by CLC/TC 215 "Electrotechnical aspects of telecommunication equipment"

The following dates are fixed:

• latest date by which this document has to be implemented

at national level by publication of an identical national

standard or by endorsement

(dop) 2013-11-12

• latest date by which the national standards conflicting with

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject

of patent rights CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights This document introduces the intermediate distribution cabling subsystem as a new functional element

to the topology of generic cabling in data centres

BS EN 50173-5:2007+A2:2012

EN 50173-5:2007+A2:2012 (E)

3

-Foreword to amendment A2

Contents

Introduction 5

1 Scope and conformance 8

1.1 Scope 8

1.2 Conformance 8

2 Normative references

3 Definitions and abbreviations

3.1 Definitions

3.2 Abbreviations

4 Structure of the generic cabling system in data centres .

4.1 General

4.2 Functional elements

4.3 General structure and hierarchy

4.4 Cabling subsystems

4.5 Accommodation of functional elements

4.6 Interfaces

4.7 Dimensioning and configuring

5 Channel performance in data centres

5.1 General

5.2 Environmental performance

5.3 Transmission performance

6 Reference implementations in data centres

6.1 General

6.2 Balanced cabling

6.3 Optical fibre cabling

7 Cable requirements in data centres

7.1 General

7.2 Balanced cables

7.3 Optical fibre cables

8 Connecting hardware requirements in data centres .

8.1 General requirements

8.2 Connecting hardware for balanced cabling

8.3 Connecting hardware for optical fibre cabling

9 Requirements for cords and jumpers in data centres .

9.1 Jumpers

9.2 Balanced cords

9.3 Optical fibre cords

– 3 – BS EN 50173-5:2007+A1:2010 EN 50173-5:2007+A1:2010 (E) Tables Table 1 - Contextual relationship between EN 50173 series and other relevant standards 7

Table 2 - Zone distribution channel length equations 21

Table 3 - Main distribution channel length equations 24

Table 4 - Network access cabling channel length equations 26

Table 5 - Optical fibre channel length equations 27

BS EN 50173-5:2007+A1:2010 EN 50173-5:2007+A1:2010 (E) – 4 – Figure B.1 - Examples of high density connecting hardware within main distribution cabling 32

Figure B.2 - Examples of high density connecting hardware at the LDP and EO within zone distribution cabling 32

4

-6 9

9 9

10

30 29 28 21 12

30

BS EN 50173-5:2007+A2:2012

EN 50173-5:2007+A2:2012 (E)

10 10 11

12 12 13 14 15 15

18

12

18 19 20

21 21 27

28 28 28

30 30

29 29 29

9.3 Optical fibre cords 29

Annex A (normative) Link performance limits 30

Annex B (normative) Usage of high density connecting hardware within optical fibre cabling 31

Bibliography 33

Figures Figure 1 - Schematic relationship between the EN 50173 series and other relevant standards 6

Figure 2 - Structure of generic cabling 12

Figure 3 - Hierarchical structure of generic cabling 12

Figure 4 - Example of accommodation of functional elements 14

Figure 5 - Test and equipment interfaces 15

Figure 6 - Connection of functional elements providing redundancy 16

Figure 7 - The External Network Interface 16

Figure 8 - Example of a channel 18

Figure 9 - Example of a system showing the location of cabling interfaces 18

Figure 10 - Zone distribution cabling models 22

Figure 11 – Main distribution cabling model 23

Figure 12 - Network access cabling model 25

Figure A.1 - Link options 30

Tables Table 1 - Contextual relationship between EN 50173 series and other relevant standards 7

Table 2 - Zone distribution channel length equations 21

Table 3 - Main distribution channel length equations 24

Table 4 - Network access cabling channel length equations 26

Table 5 - Optical fibre channel length equations 27

BS EN 50173-5:2007+A1:2010 EN 50173-5:2007+A1:2010 (E) – 4 – Figure B.1 - Examples of high density connecting hardware within main distribution cabling 32

Figure B.2 - Examples of high density connecting hardware at the LDP and EO within zone distribution cabling 32

9.3 Optical fibre cords 29

Annex A (normative) Link performance limits 30

Annex B (normative) Usage of high density connecting hardware within optical fibre cabling 31

Bibliography 33

Figures Figure 1 - Schematic relationship between the EN 50173 series and other relevant standards 6

Figure 2 - Structure of generic cabling 12

Figure 3 - Hierarchical structure of generic cabling 12

Figure 4 - Example of accommodation of functional elements 14

Figure 5 - Test and equipment interfaces 15

Figure 6 - Connection of functional elements providing redundancy 16

Figure 7 - The External Network Interface 16

Figure 8 - Example of a channel 18

Figure 9 - Example of a system showing the location of cabling interfaces 18

Figure 10 - Zone distribution cabling models 22

Figure 11 – Main distribution cabling model 23

Figure 12 - Network access cabling model 25

Figure A.1 - Link options 30

Tables Table 1 - Contextual relationship between EN 50173 series and other relevant standards 7

Table 2 - Zone distribution channel length equations 21

Table 3 - Main distribution channel length equations 24

Table 4 - Network access cabling channel length equations 26

Table 5 - Optical fibre channel length equations 27

BS EN 50173-5:2007+A1:2010 EN 50173-5:2007+A1:2010 (E) – 4 – Figure B.1 - Examples of high density connecting hardware within main distribution cabling 32

Figure B.2 - Examples of high density connecting hardware at the LDP and EO within zone distribution cabling 32

5 -31 32 34 44 7 13 13 15 16 17 17 19 19 23 24 26 31 33 33 8 22 25 27 28 Annex A (normative) Link performance limits

Annex B (normative) Usage of high density connecting hardware within optical fibre cabling

Annex C (normative) Intermediate distribution cabling subsystem

Bibliography

Figure C.1 – Structure of generic cabling 35

Figure C.2 – Hierarchical structure of generic cabling 35

Figure C.3 – Example of accommodation of functional elements 36

Figure C.4 – Test and equipment interfaces 37

Figure C.5 – Connection of functional elements providing redundancy 38

Figure C.6 – Intermediate distribution cabling model 39

Figure C.7 – Main distribution cabling model 41

Table C.1 – Intermediate distribution channel equations 40

Table C.2 – Main distribution channel equations 42

Table C.3 – Optical fibre channel parameters 43

BS EN 50173-5:2007+A2:2012

EN 50173-5:2007+A2:2012 (E)

Introduction

The importance of the information technology cabling infrastructure is similar to that of other utilities such asheating, lighting and electricity supplies As with other utilities, interruptions to service can have seriousimpact Poor quality of service due to lack of planning, use of inappropriate components, incorrect installation,poor administration or inadequate support can threaten an organisation's effectiveness

Cabling within data centres comprises both application-specific and multipurpose networks that are critical to the enterprise Generic cabling designs in accordance with the EN 50173 series have supported thedevelopment of high data rate applications based upon a defined cabling model This European standardrecognizes the benefit of generic cabling to provision multiple services and to connect large quantities ofequipment within the limited space of data centre premises, and is to be used in conjunction with

mission-EN 50173-1

This European Standard, EN 50173-5, provides:

a) users with an application independent generic cabling system and an open market for cablingcomponents;

b) requirements for infrastructures that support critical applications within data centres;

c) a flexible cabling scheme such that modifications are both easy and economical;

d) a scaleable structure to support expansion with minimum operational disruption;

e) building professionals (for example, architects) with guidance allowing the accommodation of cablingbefore specific requirements are known; i.e in the initial planning either for construction or refurbishment;

f) industry and standardisation bodies with a cabling system which supports current products and provides

a basis for future product development and applications standardisation

This European Standard specifies multi-vendor cabling, and is related to:

- the associated standard covering general requirements for generic cabling within premises (EN 50173-1);

- standards for cabling components developed by Technical Committees of CENELEC and/or IEC;

- standards for the quality assurance and installation of information technology cabling (series EN 50174)and testing of installed cabling (EN 50346);

- applications developed by the technical committees of IEC (including the subcommittees of ISO/IEC JTC 1) and study groups of ITU-T

It is anticipated that the generic cabling system meeting the requirements of this European Standard will have

a life expectancy in excess of ten years

– 5 –- 6 - BS EN 50173-5:2007+A1:2010EN 50173-5:2007+A1:2010 (E)

BS EN 50173-5:2007+A2:2012

EN 50173-5:2007+A2:2012 (E)

Figure 1 and Table 1 show the schematic and contextual relationships between the standards produced by

TC 215 for information technology cabling, namely

1) this and other parts of the EN 50173 series;

2) application dependent cabling design (e.g EN 50098 series);

3) installation (EN 50174 series);

4) testing of installed cabling (EN 50346);

5) equipotential bonding requirements (EN 50310)

In addition, a number of Technical Reports have been developed to support or extend the application of these standards, including

- CLC/TR 50173-99-1, Cabling guidelines in support of 10 GBASE-T,

- CLC/TR 50173-99-2, Information technology – Implementation of BCT applications using cabling in accordance with EN 50173-4

EN 50173-1: Information technology: Generic cabling - General requirements

EN 50098-1: Customer premises

cabling for information technology

-ISDN basic access

EN 501742: Information technology Cabling installation - Installation planning and practices inside buildings

EN 501743: Information technology Cabling installation - Installation planning and practices outside buildings

-EN 50174-1: Information technology – Cabling installation – Installation specification and quality assurance

EN 50310: Application of equipotential bonding and earthing in buildings with information technology equipment

EN 50098-2: Customer premises

cabling for information technology

-2048 kbit/s ISDN primary access and

leased line network interface

EN 50346: Information technology Cabling installation -

-Testing of installed cabling

EN 50098-1: Customer premises

cabling for information technology

-ISDN basic access

EN 501742: Information technology Cabling installation - Installation planning and practices inside buildings

EN 501743: Information technology Cabling installation - Installation planning and practices outside buildings

-EN 50174-1: Information technology – Cabling installation – Installation specification and quality assurance

EN 50310: Application of equipotential bonding and earthing in buildings with information technology equipment

EN 50098-2: Customer premises

cabling for information technology

-2048 kbit/s ISDN primary access and

leased line network interface

EN 50346: Information technology Cabling installation -

-Testing of installed cabling

Generic cabling - Data centres

Figure 1 – Schematic relationship between the EN 50173 series and other relevant standards

!

"

BS EN 50173-5:2007+A1:2010

Figure 1 and Table 1 show the schematic and contextual relationships between the standards produced by

TC 215 for information technology cabling, namely

1) this and other parts of the EN 50173 series;

2) application dependent cabling design (e.g EN 50098 series);

3) installation (EN 50174 series);

4) testing of installed cabling (EN 50346);

5) equipotential bonding requirements (EN 50310)

In addition, a number of Technical Reports have been developed to support or extend the application of these standards, including

- CLC/TR 50173-99-1, Cabling guidelines in support of 10 GBASE-T,

- CLC/TR 50173-99-2, Information technology – Implementation of BCT applications using cabling in accordance with EN 50173-4

EN 50173-1: Information technology: Generic cabling - General requirements

EN 50098-1: Customer premises

cabling for information technology

-ISDN basic access

EN 501742: Information technology Cabling installation - Installation planning and practices inside buildings

EN 501743: Information technology Cabling installation - Installation planning and practices outside buildings

-EN 50174-1: Information technology – Cabling installation – Installation specification and quality assurance

EN 50310: Application of equipotential bonding and earthing in buildings with information technology equipment

EN 50098-2: Customer premises

cabling for information technology

-2048 kbit/s ISDN primary access and

leased line network interface

EN 50346: Information technology Cabling installation -

-Testing of installed cabling

EN 50098-1: Customer premises

cabling for information technology

-ISDN basic access

EN 501742: Information technology Cabling installation - Installation planning and practices inside buildings

EN 501743: Information technology Cabling installation - Installation planning and practices outside buildings

-EN 50174-1: Information technology – Cabling installation – Installation specification and quality assurance

EN 50310: Application of equipotential bonding and earthing in buildings with information technology equipment

EN 50098-2: Customer premises

cabling for information technology

-2048 kbit/s ISDN primary access and

leased line network interface

EN 50346: Information technology Cabling installation -

-Testing of installed cabling

Generic cabling - Data centres

Figure 1 – Schematic relationship between the EN 50173 series and other relevant standards

Add the following after EN 50173-5:

EN 50173-6 Information technology – Generic cabling systems – Part 6: Distributed building

cabling for information technology

-ISDN basic access

EN 50098-2: Customer premises

cabling for information technology

-2048 kbit/s ISDN primary access and

leased line network interface

EN 50346: Information technology

Cabling installation Testing of installed cabling

cabling for information technology

-ISDN basic access

EN 50098-2: Customer premises

cabling for information technology

-2048 kbit/s ISDN primary access and

leased line network interface

EN 50346: Information technology

Cabling installation Testing of installed cabling

Table 1 – Contextual relationship between EN 50173 series and other relevant standards

4: Requirements for specifying installations

of information technology cabling 5: Requirements for installers of infor- mation technology cabling

4: Requirements for specifying installations

of information technology cabling

Planning phase and

EN 50173-4 EN 50174-2 EN 50174-2

4 and 5: Structure 6: Channel performance 8: Cable requirements 9: Connecting hardware requirements 10: Requirements for cords and jumpers A: Link performance limits

4: Requirements for planning installations

of information technology cabling 6: Segregation of metallic information technology cabling and power supply cabling

7: Electricity distribution systems and lightning protection

5: Requirements for the installation of information technology cabling 6: Segregation of metallic information technology cabling and power supply cabling

8: Office (commercial) premises

9: Industrial premises 10: Homes

11: Data centres

and

EN 50174-3 EN 50174-3 and and

(for equipotential bonding)

EN 50310

and (for equipotential bonding)

EN 50310 and

EN 50346

4: General requirements 5: Test parameters for balanced cabling 6: Test parameters for optical fibre cabling

1 Scope and conformance

In addition to the requirements of EN 50173-1, this European Standard specifies:

a) a modified structure and configuration for generic cabling within data centres used to support existing andemerging applications;

b) implementation options to reflect the quantity of connections required in data centre infrastructures; c) requirements that reflect the range of operating environments within data centres

Safety (electrical safety and protection, fire, optical power etc.) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)requirements are outside the scope of this European Standard and are covered by other standards andregulations However, information given in this European Standard may be of assistance in meeting thesestandards and regulations

For a cabling system to conform to this European Standard:

a) the structure and configuration shall conform to the requirements of Clause 4;

b) connecting hardware in the cabling structure shall conform to the requirements of Clause 8

d) local regulations concerning safety shall be met

In addition the requirements of the EN 50174 series of standards shall be met

The test parameters to be measured and the sampling levels to be applied for a particular installation shall

be defined in the installation specification and quality plans for that installation prepared in accordance with

c) the performance of channels shall conform to the transmission performance and environmental

requirements of Clause 5 This shall be achieved by one of the following:

- a channel design and implementation ensuring that the prescribed channel performance Class is met;

- attachment of appropriate components to a link design meeting the prescribed performance Class of Annex A Channel performance shall be ensured where a channel is created by adding more than onecord to either end of a link meeting the requirements of Annex A;

- using the reference implementations of Clause 6 and compatible cabling components conforming tothe requirements of Clauses 7, 8 and 9, based upon a statistical approach of performance modelling

EN 50173-5:2007+A2:2012 (E)

Test methods to verify conformance with the channel and link requirements of Clause 5 and Annex Arespectively are specified in EN 50346.

2 Normative references

The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document For datedreferences, only the edition cited applies For undated references, the latest edition of the referenceddocument (including any amendments) applies

EN 50173-1:2011 , Information technology – Generic cabling systems – Part 1: General requirements

EN 50174-1, Information technology – Cabling installation – Part 1: Installation specification and quality assurance

EN 50174-2, Information technology – Cabling installation – Part 2: Installation planning and practices inside buildings

EN 50174-3, Information technology – Cabling installation – Part 3: Installation planning and practices outside buildings

EN 61076-3-106:2006, Connectors for electronic equipment - Product requirements - Part 3-106: Rectangular connectors - Detail specification for protective housings for use with 8-way shielded and unshielded con-

nectors for industrial environments incorporating the IEC 60603-7 series interface (IEC 61076-3-106:2006)

EN 61754-7, Fibre optic connector interfaces – Part 7: Type MPO connector family (IEC 61754-7)

3 Definitions and abbreviations

For the purposes of this European Standard the following definitions apply in addition to those of EN 50173-1

3.1.1

equipment outlet

fixed connecting device where the zone distribution cabling terminates The equipment outlet provides the

interface to the equipment cabling

EN 50173-1:2011 , Information technology – Generic cabling systems – Part 1: General requirements

EN 50174-1, Information technology – Cabling installation – Part 1: Installation specification and quality assurance

EN 50174-2, Information technology – Cabling installation – Part 2: Installation planning and practices inside buildings

EN 50174-3, Information technology – Cabling installation – Part 3: Installation planning and practices outside buildings

EN 61076-3-106:2006, Connectors for electronic equipment - Product requirements - Part 3-106: Rectangular connectors - Detail specification for protective housings for use with 8-way shielded and unshielded con-

nectors for industrial environments incorporating the IEC 60603-7 series interface (IEC 61076-3-106:2006)

EN 61754-7, Fibre optic connector interfaces – Part 7: Type MPO connector family (IEC 61754-7)

3 Definitions and abbreviations

For the purposes of this European Standard the following definitions apply in addition to those of EN 50173-1

3.1.1

equipment outlet

fixed connecting device where the zone distribution cabling terminates The equipment outlet provides the

interface to the equipment cabling

-EN 61754-20:2012, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components – Fibre optic connector

interfaces – Part 20: Type LC connector family (IEC 61754-20:2012)





3.1.2

intermediate distribution cable

cable connecting the intermediate distributor to the zone distributor

3.1.2

local distribution point

connection point in the zone distribution cabling subsystem between a zone distributor and one or moreequipment outlets

main distribution cable

cable connecting the main distributor to the zone distributor

3.1.6

main distributor

distributor used to make connections between the main distribution cabling subsystem, network access

cabling subsystem and cabling subsystems specified in EN 50173-1 and active equipment

3.1.7

network access cable

cable connecting the external network interface to the main distributor or zone distributor

3.1.8

zone distribution cable

cable connecting the zone distributor to the equipment outlet(s) or local distribution point(s)

BEF Building entrance facility

ENI External network interface

local distribution point

connection point in the zone distribution cabling subsystem between a zone distributor and one or moreequipment outlets

main distribution cable

cable connecting the main distributor to the zone distributor

3.1.6

main distributor

distributor used to make connections between the main distribution cabling subsystem, network access

cabling subsystem and cabling subsystems specified in EN 50173-1 and active equipment

3.1.7

network access cable

cable connecting the external network interface to the main distributor or zone distributor

3.1.8

zone distribution cable

cable connecting the zone distributor to the equipment outlet(s) or local distribution point(s)

BEF Building entrance facility

ENI External network interface

4 Structure of the generic cabling system in data centres

This Clause identifies the functional elements of generic cabling, describes how they are connected together

to form subsystems and identifies the interfaces at which application-specific components are connected.Channels, created by connecting application-specific cabling components to the generic cabling, are used tosupport applications Applications listed in EN 50173-1:2011 , Annex F, are supported byconnecting active equipment at the external network interfaces, equipment outlets and the distributors

In general, all functional elements, subsystems and interfaces from the campus distributor to the floordistributor as described in EN 50173-1 are applicable

In addition to the distributors specified in EN 50173-1 this standard specifies the following functional elementsand interfaces of generic cabling:

a) external network interface (ENI);

b) network access cable;

c) main distributor (MD);

d) main distribution cable;

e) zone distributor (ZD);

f) zone distribution cable;

g) local distribution point (LDP);

h) local distribution point cable (LDP cable);

i) equipment outlet (EO)

Groups of these functional elements are connected together to form cabling subsystems (see 4.3)

Generic cabling systems contain up to three types of cabling subsystems: network access, main distribution andzone distribution Where present within the premises, a distributor in accordance with EN 50173-1 is connected tothe generic cabling using the network access cabling

The cabling subsystems are connected together to create a generic cabling system with a structure as shown inFigure 2 The composition of the cabling subsystems is described in 4.4.1, 4.4.2 and 4.4.3 The functionalelements of the cabling subsystems are interconnected to form a basic hierarchical topology as shown in Figure 3

Where the functions of distributors are combined (see 4.7.1) the cabling subsystems linking them are notrequired

Connections between cabling subsystems are either active, requiring application-specific equipment, orpassive Connection to application-specific equipment at an MD and ZD adopts an interconnect or a cross-connect approach (see EN 50173-1) Connection to application-specific equipment at an ENI and EO adopts

an interconnect approach (see EN 50173-1) Passive connections between cabling subsystems adopt either

a cross-connect approach, by way of either patch cords or jumpers, or an interconnect approach

– 11 – BS EN 50173-5:2007+A1:2010EN 50173-5:2007+A1:2010 (E)

4 Structure of the generic cabling system in data centres

This Clause identifies the functional elements of generic cabling, describes how they are connected together

to form subsystems and identifies the interfaces at which application-specific components are connected.Channels, created by connecting application-specific cabling components to the generic cabling, are used tosupport applications Applications listed in EN 50173-1:2011 , Annex F, are supported byconnecting active equipment at the external network interfaces, equipment outlets and the distributors

In general, all functional elements, subsystems and interfaces from the campus distributor to the floordistributor as described in EN 50173-1 are applicable

In addition to the distributors specified in EN 50173-1 this standard specifies the following functional elementsand interfaces of generic cabling:

a) external network interface (ENI);

b) network access cable;

c) main distributor (MD);

d) main distribution cable;

e) zone distributor (ZD);

f) zone distribution cable;

g) local distribution point (LDP);

h) local distribution point cable (LDP cable);

i) equipment outlet (EO)

Groups of these functional elements are connected together to form cabling subsystems (see 4.3)

Generic cabling systems contain up to three types of cabling subsystems: network access, main distribution andzone distribution Where present within the premises, a distributor in accordance with EN 50173-1 is connected tothe generic cabling using the network access cabling

The cabling subsystems are connected together to create a generic cabling system with a structure as shown inFigure 2 The composition of the cabling subsystems is described in 4.4.1, 4.4.2 and 4.4.3 The functionalelements of the cabling subsystems are interconnected to form a basic hierarchical topology as shown in Figure 3

Where the functions of distributors are combined (see 4.7.1) the cabling subsystems linking them are notrequired

Connections between cabling subsystems are either active, requiring application-specific equipment, orpassive Connection to application-specific equipment at an MD and ZD adopts an interconnect or a cross-connect approach (see EN 50173-1) Connection to application-specific equipment at an ENI and EO adopts

an interconnect approach (see EN 50173-1) Passive connections between cabling subsystems adopt either

a cross-connect approach, by way of either patch cords or jumpers, or an interconnect approach

– 11 – BS EN 50173-5:2007+A1:2010EN 50173-5:2007+A1:2010 (E)

4 Structure of the generic cabling system in data centres

This Clause identifies the functional elements of generic cabling, describes how they are connected together

to form subsystems and identifies the interfaces at which application-specific components are connected.Channels, created by connecting application-specific cabling components to the generic cabling, are used tosupport applications Applications listed in EN 50173-1:2011 , Annex F, are supported byconnecting active equipment at the external network interfaces, equipment outlets and the distributors

In general, all functional elements, subsystems and interfaces from the campus distributor to the floordistributor as described in EN 50173-1 are applicable

In addition to the distributors specified in EN 50173-1 this standard specifies the following functional elementsand interfaces of generic cabling:

a) external network interface (ENI);

b) network access cable;

c) main distributor (MD);

d) main distribution cable;

e) zone distributor (ZD);

f) zone distribution cable;

g) local distribution point (LDP);

h) local distribution point cable (LDP cable);

i) equipment outlet (EO)

Groups of these functional elements are connected together to form cabling subsystems (see 4.3)

Generic cabling systems contain up to three types of cabling subsystems: network access, main distribution andzone distribution Where present within the premises, a distributor in accordance with EN 50173-1 is connected tothe generic cabling using the network access cabling

The cabling subsystems are connected together to create a generic cabling system with a structure as shown inFigure 2 The composition of the cabling subsystems is described in 4.4.1, 4.4.2 and 4.4.3 The functionalelements of the cabling subsystems are interconnected to form a basic hierarchical topology as shown in Figure 3

Where the functions of distributors are combined (see 4.7.1) the cabling subsystems linking them are notrequired

Connections between cabling subsystems are either active, requiring application-specific equipment, orpassive Connection to application-specific equipment at an MD and ZD adopts an interconnect or a cross-connect approach (see EN 50173-1) Connection to application-specific equipment at an ENI and EO adopts

an interconnect approach (see EN 50173-1) Passive connections between cabling subsystems adopt either

a cross-connect approach, by way of either patch cords or jumpers, or an interconnect approach

– 11 – BS EN 50173-5:2007+A1:2010EN 50173-5:2007+A1:2010 (E)

12

-NOTE This standard supports the addition of an additional functional element, the intermediate distributor Therequirements for this functional element and the additional cabling subsystem created by its inclusion are defined inAnnex C.

NOTE This standard supports the addition of an additional cabling subsystem, the intermediate distributioncabling subsystem The requirements for this functional element and the additional cabling subsystem created by itsinclusion are defined in Annex C.

BS EN 50173-5:2007+A2:2012

EN 50173-5:2007+A2:2012 (E)

Network access cabling subsystem

Main distribution cabling subsystem

Zone distribution cabling subsystem

Generic cabling system

EQP

Figure 2 - Structure of generic cabling

Network access cabling subsystem

Zone distribution cabling subsystem

Main distribution

cabling subsystem

Network access cabling subsystem

Zone distribution

cabling subsystem

Network access cabling subsystem

Zone distribution cabling subsystem

Main distribution

cabling subsystem

Network access cabling subsystem

Zone distribution

cabling subsystem

NOTE Network access cabling is also used to connect ENI to ZD

Figure 3 - Hierarchical structure of generic cabling

4.4.1 Network access cabling subsystem

The network access cabling subsystem extends from an MD (or ZD) to the ENIs and/or other distributors inaccordance with EN 50173-1 connected to it The subsystem includes:

a) the network access cables;

b) the mechanical termination of the network access cables at the ENI;

BS EN 50173-5:2007+A1:2010

4 Structure of the generic cabling system in data centres

This Clause identifies the functional elements of generic cabling, describes how they are connected together

to form subsystems and identifies the interfaces at which application-specific components are connected.Channels, created by connecting application-specific cabling components to the generic cabling, are used tosupport applications Applications listed in EN 50173-1:2011 , Annex F, are supported byconnecting active equipment at the external network interfaces, equipment outlets and the distributors

In general, all functional elements, subsystems and interfaces from the campus distributor to the floordistributor as described in EN 50173-1 are applicable

In addition to the distributors specified in EN 50173-1 this standard specifies the following functional elementsand interfaces of generic cabling:

a) external network interface (ENI);

b) network access cable;

c) main distributor (MD);

d) main distribution cable;

e) zone distributor (ZD);

f) zone distribution cable;

g) local distribution point (LDP);

h) local distribution point cable (LDP cable);

i) equipment outlet (EO)

Groups of these functional elements are connected together to form cabling subsystems (see 4.3)

Generic cabling systems contain up to three types of cabling subsystems: network access, main distribution andzone distribution Where present within the premises, a distributor in accordance with EN 50173-1 is connected tothe generic cabling using the network access cabling

The cabling subsystems are connected together to create a generic cabling system with a structure as shown inFigure 2 The composition of the cabling subsystems is described in 4.4.1, 4.4.2 and 4.4.3 The functionalelements of the cabling subsystems are interconnected to form a basic hierarchical topology as shown in Figure 3

Where the functions of distributors are combined (see 4.7.1) the cabling subsystems linking them are notrequired

Connections between cabling subsystems are either active, requiring application-specific equipment, orpassive Connection to application-specific equipment at an MD and ZD adopts an interconnect or a cross-connect approach (see EN 50173-1) Connection to application-specific equipment at an ENI and EO adopts

an interconnect approach (see EN 50173-1) Passive connections between cabling subsystems adopt either

a cross-connect approach, by way of either patch cords or jumpers, or an interconnect approach

– 11 – BS EN 50173-5:2007+A1:2010EN 50173-5:2007+A1:2010 (E)

Network access cabling subsystem

Main distribution cabling subsystem

Zone distribution cabling subsystem

Generic cabling system

EQP

Figure 2 - Structure of generic cabling

Network access cabling subsystem

Zone distribution cabling subsystem

Main distribution

cabling subsystem

Network access cabling subsystem

Zone distribution

cabling subsystem

Network access cabling subsystem

Zone distribution cabling subsystem

Main distribution

cabling subsystem

Network access cabling subsystem

Zone distribution

cabling subsystem

NOTE Network access cabling is also used to connect ENI to ZD

Figure 3 - Hierarchical structure of generic cabling

4.4.1 Network access cabling subsystem

The network access cabling subsystem extends from an MD (or ZD) to the ENIs and/or other distributors inaccordance with EN 50173-1 connected to it The subsystem includes:

a) the network access cables;

b) the mechanical termination of the network access cables at the ENI;

c) the mechanical termination of the network access cables at the MD, ZD or other distributors inaccordance with EN 50173-1

Although equipment cords are used to connect the transmission equipment to the cabling subsystem, theyare not considered part of the network access cabling subsystem because they are application-specific

4.4.2 Main distribution cabling subsystem

The main distribution cabling subsystem extends from an MD to the ZDs connected to it The subsystemincludes:

a) the main distribution cables;

b) the mechanical termination of the main distribution cables at the MD together with associated patch cordsand/or jumpers at the MD;

c) the mechanical termination of the main distribution cables at the ZD

Although equipment cords are used to connect the transmission equipment to the cabling subsystem, theyare not considered part of the main distribution cabling subsystem because they are application-specific

4.4.3 Zone distribution cabling subsystem

The zone distribution cabling subsystem extends from a ZD to the EOs connected to it The subsystemincludes:

a) the zone distribution cables;

b) the mechanical termination of the zone distribution cables at the EO and the ZD together with associatedpatch cords and/or jumpers at the ZD;

4.4.4 Design objectives

In order to provide longest operational life while minimising the disruption and cost associated with re-cabling,the fixed installed cabling should be designed to:

a) support the broadest set of existing and emerging applications;

b) accommodate the anticipated growth in volume of supported applications throughout the predictedlifetime of the installation

Figure 4 shows an example of how the functional elements are accommodated in a building (only a singlefloor of the building is shown for simplicity)

– 13 –- 14 - BS EN 50173-5:2007+A1:2010EN 50173-5:2007+A1:2010 (E)

BS EN 50173-5:2007+A2:2012

EN 50173-5:2007+A2:2012 (E)

The MD, ZD and LDP shall be housed in permanent and accessible locations within the data centre

The ENI shall be housed in permanent and accessible locations either internal or external to the data centre

Equipment/telecommunications room

in accordance with EN 50173-1 Data centre

EO LDP

Figure 4 - Example of accommodation of functional elements

4.6.1 Equipment interfaces and test interfaces

Potential equipment interfaces for data centres are located at the ends of the cabling subsystems (as shown

in Figure 5) An LDP does not provide an equipment interface to the generic cabling system

Potential test interfaces for data centres are located at the ends of the cabling subsystems and at the LDP, ifpresent (as shown in Figure 5)

4.6.2 Channels and links

The transmission performance of generic cabling is detailed in Clause 5 in terms of the channel and Annex A

The channel is the transmission path between telecommunications equipment (EQP in Figure 5) such asservers and switches A typical channel would consist of the cabling subsystem together with equipmentcords For longer reach services the channel would be formed by the connection of two or more subsystems(including equipment cords) It is important that the generic cabling channel is designed to meet the requiredClass of performance for the applications that are to be run For the purposes of testing, the channel excludesthe connections at the application-specific equipment

Links may be tested either during commissioning or for the detection of faults that are suspected in thecabling For the purposes of testing the link includes the connections at the ends of the cabling link undertest

Where the components of Clauses 7, 8 and 9 are used the distributors shall be located in accordance withthe reference implementations of Clause 6 Where other components are used, distributors shall be located

so that the desired performance Class of Clause 5 is delivered

a) Zone distribution cabling

b) Main distribution cabling

c) Network access cabling from MD to distributor in accordance with EN 50173-1

d) Network access cabling from MD to ENI

TI

C

Distributor in accordance with EN 50173-1

Figure 5 - Test and equipment interfaces

The functions of multiple distributors may be combined

In certain circumstances, for example for security or reliability reasons, redundancy may be built into a ling design Figure 6 shows one of many possible examples of the connection of functional elements withinthe structured framework to provide such protection against failure in one or more parts of the cablinginfrastructure This might form the basis for the design of generic cabling for a data centre providing someprotection against such hazards as fire damage or the failure of the external network feeder cable

cab-– 15 cab-–- 16 - BS EN 50173-5:2007+A1:2010EN 50173-5:2007+A1:2010 (E)

BS EN 50173-5:2007+A2:2012

EN 50173-5:2007+A2:2012 (E)

Distributor

in accordance with EN 50173-1

MD MD

ZD ZD

LDP LDP

Distributor

in accordance with EN 50173-1

MD MD

ZD ZD

LDP LDP

Figure 6 - Connection of functional elements providing redundancy

Redundancy may be provided by utilising multiple cables between distributors with cables following differentroutes In addition, consideration should be given to using multiple service providers to provide serviceredundancy The multiple service providers should have diverse routes to each of the multiple ENIs

4.7.2 External network interface

The External Network Interface (ENI) is a termination of the network access cabling that allows connection ofexternal services to the network access cabling as shown in Figure 7

The ENI interface presented shall be in accordance with Clause 8

Where the components of Clauses 7, 8 and 9 are used the ENIs shall be located in accordance with thereference implementations of Clause 6

Crossconnection

Passive or active equipment enabling connection of network access cabling

to external service cabling

Crossconnection

Passive or active equipment enabling connection of network access cabling

to external service cabling

Figure 7 - The External Network Interface

BS EN 50173-5:2007+A1:2010

EN 50173-5:2007+A2:2012 (E)

4.7.3 Cables

Cable types used in the reference implementations of Clause 6 are given in Clause 7 Hardware forconnecting cables shall only provide direct onward attachment for each conductor and shall not provide anycontact between more than one incoming or outgoing conductor (e.g bridge taps shall not be used)

4.7.4 Equipment cords

Equipment cords connect application-specific equipment to the generic cabling at the ENIs, EOs anddistributors Equipment cords are non-permanent and can be application-specific The performancecontribution of these cords shall be taken into account in the design of the channel Clause 6 provides guidance oncord lengths for reference implementations of generic cabling

4.7.5 Patch cords and jumpers

Patch cords and jumpers are used within cross-connect implementations at distributors The performancecontribution of these cords shall be taken into account in the design of the channel Clause 6 provides guidance

on cord/jumper lengths for reference implementations of generic cabling

4.7.6 Equipment outlets

The design of generic cabling should provide for EOs to be installed with a high density and located in closeproximity to the application-specific equipment to which they are to be connected The number of cableelements presented at the EO is not restricted by this standard

A group of EOs can be served by more than one LDP

The EO interface presented shall be in accordance with Clause 8

4.7.7 LDP

The installation of an LDP in the zone distribution cabling between the ZD and the EO may be useful wherefrequent additions or movements of equipment are required One LDP is permitted between a ZD and any

EO The connection at the LDP shall adopt an interconnect approach (see EN 50173-1)

Where an LDP is used, it shall have sufficient capacity to support the area of the data centre which it isdesigned to serve during its intended operational life The area served may be defined in terms of number offrames/cabinets/closures to be supported and may include allowance for growth

It is possible to locate LDPs in ceiling voids and under floors provided that those locations meet therequirements of 4.5

For balanced cabling, the effect of multiple connections in close proximity on transmission performanceshould be taken into consideration when planning the cable lengths between the ZD and the LDP

5 Channel performance in data centres

This Clause specifies the minimum channel performance of balanced and optical fibre cabling in terms of theClasses as specified in 5.3 The transmission performance of channels is specified at and between theconnections to active equipment as shown in Figure 8 The channel comprises only passive sections of cable,connections, equipment cords, patch cords and jumpers

Where applications listed in EN 50173-1:2011 , Annex F, are to be supported, the transmission andenvironmental performance of the connections at the active equipment are the responsibility of the equipmentsupplier

– 17 – BS EN 50173-5:2007+A1:2010EN 50173-5:2007+A1:2010 (E)

18

-BS EN 50173-5:2007+A2:2012

EN 50173-5:2007+A2:2012 (E)

C

EQP C C

Equipment cord Patch cord/ Jumper

Channel

C C

Patch cord/

Jumper Equipment cord

C

Figure 8 - Example of a channel

Application support depends on channel transmission performance only, which in turn depends on cablelength, number of connections and performance of the components within the environments to which thechannel is subjected

Channels are implemented using:

- network access cabling only;

- main distribution cabling only;

- zone distribution cabling only;

- combinations of the above

Figure 9 shows an example of equipment at the MD connected to transmission equipment at the EO usingtwo channels, an optical fibre channel and a balanced cabling channel The optical fibre and balanced cablingchannels are connected together using an optical fibre to balanced copper cable converter There are fourchannel interfaces; one at each end of the balanced channel, and one at each end of the optical fibrechannel

The channel specifications in this Clause allow for the transmission of defined Classes of applications overdistances other than those of Clause 6, and/or using media and components with different transmissionperformance than those of Clauses 7, 8 and 9

Consideration should be given to measuring performance at worst case temperatures, or calculating worstcase performance based on measurements made at other temperatures

Link performance requirements are specified in Annex A

5.3.2 Balanced cabling

In the case of cable sharing, additional requirements shall be taken into account for balanced cabling Theadditional crosstalk requirements are specified in 7.2

5.3.3 Optical fibre cabling

The main distribution and zone distribution cabling shall be designed to provide a channel performance asrequired from Class EA or higher as specified in EN 50173-1:2011 taking into consideration the,requirements for application support over the lifetime of the cabling

Where multimode optical fibre is used, the main distribution and zone distribution cabling shall be designed

to provide a minimum of Class OF-300 channel performance using cabled optical fibres of 7.3.1.1

6 Reference implementations in data centres

This Clause describes implementations of generic cabling that utilise components referenced in Clauses 7, 8and 9 These reference implementations meet the requirements of Clause 4 and, when installed inaccordance with EN 50174 series of standards, meet the channel transmission performance requirements of 5.3 when subjected to the relevant environmental classifications of 5.2

To ensure the integrity of the environmental performance of the cabling components, compatibility betweencabling components shall be assured by design and in accordance with EN 50174-1

6.2.1 General

Balanced cabling components referenced in Clauses 7, 8 and 9 are defined in terms of Category In thereference implementations of this Clause, the components used in each cabling channel shall have the samenominal characteristic impedance in accordance with EN 50173-1:2011 , 7.3

The implementations are based on component performance at 20 °C The effect of temperature on theperformance of cables shall be taken into account as shown in Table 2, Table 3 and Table 4

6.2.2 Zone distribution cabling

Figure 10c shows a channel containing an interconnect, an LDP and an EO Figure 10d contains anadditional connection as a cross-connect In both cases the zone distribution cable connects the ZD to theLDP The channel includes cords comprising patch and equipment cords For the purposes of this subclause,jumpers used in place of patch cords are treated as cords

In addition to the cords, the channels shown in Figure 10c and Figure 10d contain an LDP cable Theinsertion loss specification for the LDP cable may differ from that of both the zone distribution cable and theflexible cables The channel of Figure 10d is recognized as the maximum implementation used to define thechannel performance limits of Clause 5

Using the models of 6.2.2.2:

a) Category 6A components provide Class EA balanced cabling performance;

b) Category 7 components provide Class F balanced cabling performance;

c) Category 7A components provide Class FA balanced cabling performance

In order to accommodate cables used for LDP cables, patch cords, jumpers and equipment cords withdifferent insertion loss specifications, the length of the cables used within a channel shall be determined bythe equations shown in Table 2

In Table 2 it is assumed that:

1) the flexible cable within these cords has a higher insertion loss specification than that used in the zonedistribution cable (see Clause 9);

2) the cables within these cords in the channel have a common insertion loss specification

The following general restrictions apply:

– the physical length of the channel shall not exceed 100 m;

– the physical length of the zone distribution cable shall not exceed 90 m and may need to be lessdepending on the length of LDP cables and cords used and the number of connections;

– when an LDP is used, the cabling length from the ZD to the LDP should be at least 15 m in order toreduce the effect of multiple connections in close proximity on NEXT and return loss

The maximum length of the zone distribution cable will depend on the total length of LDP cables and cords to

be supported within a channel During the operation of the installed cabling, a management system should beimplemented to ensure that the cords and, where appropriate, the LDP cables used to create the channelconform with the design rules for the data centre

NOTE Channel and permanent link performance requirements are based on assumptions regarding the minimum length and insertion loss of cords.

Table 2 – Zone distribution channel length equations

Model Figure Implementation equations

Class E A Class F Class F A

Interconnect – EO 10a Z =107 – 3a – F×X Z =107 – 2a – F×X Z =107 – 2a – F×X

Cross-connect – EO 10b Z =106 – 3a – F×X Z =106 – 3a – F×X Z =106 – 3a – F×X

Interconnect – LDP –EO 10c Z =106 – 3a – F×X – L×Y Z =106 – 3a – F×X – L×Y Z =106 – 3a – F×X – L×Y

Cross-connect – LDP – EO 10d Z =105 – 3a – F×X – L×Y Z =105 – 3a – F×X – L×Y Z =105 – 3a – F×X – L×Y

Z maximum length of the zone distribution cable (m)

F combined length of patch cords, jumpers and equipment cords (m)

L length of the LDP cable (m)

X ratio of flexible cable insertion loss (dB/m) to zone distribution cable insertion loss (dB/m) – see Clause 9

Y ratio of LDP cable insertion loss (dB/m) to zone distribution cable insertion loss (dB/m) – see Clause 9

a This length reduction is to provide an allocated margin to accommodate insertion loss deviation

For operating temperatures above 20 °C, Z should be reduced by 0,2 % per °C for screened cables and 0,4 % per °C (20 °C to

40 °C) and 0,6 % per °C (> 40 °C to 60 °C) for unscreened cables Manufacturers’/suppliers’ information shall be consulted where the intended operating temperature exceeds 60 °C