White paper

Fiber backbone cabling in buildings

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 Contents
Introduction 3

Backbone cabling speeds 3

Optical fiber in the backbone 3

10 Gbps optical fiber backbone 3

Migrating to 40 Gbps and 100 Gbps 4

Backbone distances 5

Existing installations and support for 40 Gbps and 100 Gbps 6

New installations and support for 40 Gbps and 100 Gbps 6

Conclusion 6

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Introduction
Until recently, the horizontal cabling in most buildings was You can see the evolution of horizontal and backbone speeds from the
designed to support speeds up to 1 Gbps to the desk, with earliest days of fiber infrastructure to the latest OM5 standard in Figure
1000BASE-T considered ample bandwidth for horizontal 1 below.
applications in enterprise buildings. However, recent advances in Enterprise switch

wireless technologies have pushed horizontal bandwidth beyond

1 Gbps—and the broad adoption of these technologies is a herald
of a broader need for faster network speeds elsewhere in the
horizontal and backbone network. LAN LAN LAN
switch switch switch

Specifically, the newest generation of IEEE 802.11ac Wi-Fi

access points support wireless speeds up to 6.9 Gbps. To provide
sufficient backhaul bandwidth for these devices, the 2.5GBASE-T
and 5GBASE-T application standards were developed as IEEE
802.3bz, defining 2.5 Gbps and 5 Gbps Ethernet interfaces over
high-performance twisted-pair copper. The first commercial
implementations of these new interfaces are designed to auto-
Figure 1. Enterprise LAN cabling timeline
negotiate up to 10 Gbps (10GBASE-T) if supported by the cabling
infrastructure. Additionally, leading-edge in-building wireless (IBW)
systems require fiber or copper connectivity to the access point Fiber in the backbone
based on 10GBASE-T technology.
First, let’s map the backbone and where it connects. Backbone
As these technologies become the new normal, the greatest cabling provides interconnections between access provider
bandwidth impact rests on network backbones. So perhaps, (AP) space, entrance facilities (EFs), equipment rooms (ERs),
unsurprisingly, emerging standards of backbone speeds are telecommunication rooms (TRs), and telecommunication enclosures
mapping a migration from 10 Gbps to 40 Gbps—and even to 100 (TEs) (see Figure 2).
Gbps—with the latest fiber-optic technologies. Initially developed
ANSI/TIA-568.3-D recommends deploying a hierarchical star
for data center applications, these technologies are now routinely
topology for the backbone, with no more than two levels of cross-
considered for building backbones.
connections. For the simplest design, the main cross connect (MC)
in the ER feeds directly to the horizontal cross connect (HC) in the
Backbone cabling speeds TR on each floor, as shown in Figure 2. Optional intermediate cross
connects (IC) may be positioned between the MC and HC.
As a practical matter, building backbones have traditionally been
designed to exceed the horizontal requirements by a factor of 10. To 10G horizontal Category 6A recommended

illustrate, a 100 Mbps horizontal requirement typically uses a 1 Gbps

Telecommunication room (HC)
backbone, while a 1 Gbps horizontal requirement calls for 10 Gbps
in the backbone. Therefore, in order to maintain this relationship, any
increase
in horizontal connection speed triggers the need for a similar increase in
backbone speed. 40G or 100G backbone
minimum OM4
Because 1 Gbps is giving way to 2.5, 5, and even 10 Gbps horizontal recommended
standards for many networks, any new construction or retrofitted
backbone infrastructure should be specified to support speeds of at
least 40 Gbps—and ideally 100 Gbps. Equipment
room (MC)

The new king of speed and bandwidth: OM5

The newest fiber-optic infrastructure capable of these speeds is Figure 2. Building backbone cabling system
OM5 wideband multimode fiber, which supports emerging low-cost The standard recognized transmission media for backbone cabling are
shortwave wavelength division multiplexing (SWDM) applications multimode and singlemode fiber. Laser-optimized 50/125 µm (OM3
that increase speed and bandwidth with fewer fibers than comparable and OM4) multimode fiber has traditionally been recommended
parallel fiber-optic solutions. In fact, OM5 can transmit 100 Gbps using for 10 Gbps building backbones up to 300 meters (OM3) and 550
just two fibers rather than the eight required for a typical parallel fiber meters (OM4), based on the lower overall total system costs when
application. compared with singlemode fiber and optical transceivers. Singlemode
fiber is typically installed where the channel lengths are expected to
exceed the specified distances of multimode fiber, such as providing
10 Gbps over distances longer than OM4’s 550-meter limit.

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10 Gbps fiber backbone
10 Gbps backbones utilize serial transmission with standard two-fiber
duplex cabling, in which one fiber transmits and one fiber receives. A Tx Tx Tx Tx Rx Rx Rx Rx Tx Tx Tx Tx Rx Rx Rx Rx
10 Gbps channel typically consists of backbone cables that are field 10Gb/s Per Lane 10Gb/s Per Lane 25Gb/s Per Lane 25Gb/s Per Lane

terminated or fusion spliced using LC connectors. Duplex LC patch 40GBASE-SR4 100GBASE-SR4

cords are used to connect the backbone cabling to active networking Figure 4. 40GBASE-SR4 and 100GBASE-SR4 transmission schemes
equipment, as shown in Figure 3.
LC distribution
module

Switching 40/100G
Backbone equipment switch
cable MPO cord

Second floor Second floor

12-fiber
trunk

Duplex LC
patch cords
40/100G
Switching switch
equipment

First floor First floor

Switching
equipment
40/100G
switch

Ground floor
Ground floor
Figure 3. 10 Gbps fiber backbone channel
Figure 5. 40GBASE-SR4 and 100GBASE-SR4 channel

Migrating to 40 Gbps and 100 Gbps

Unlike 10 Gbps backbones, which utilize serial transmission, the When migrating from 40 GbE to 100 GbE, 100GBASE-SR4 is
latest generation 40 Gbps and 100 Gbps multimode applications frequently deployed, as it utilizes the same eight-fiber transmission
utilize a parallel transmission scheme. 40GBASE-SR4 requires eight scheme as 40GBASE-SR4—therefore providing minimal network
fibers, in which four transmit and four receive at 10 Gbps each lane, interruption and the most seamless upgrade. Emerging 24-fiber
and 100GBASE-SR4 requires eight fibers, in which four transmit and MPO trunks cab be utilized to support multiple two- and eight-
four receive at 25 Gbps each lane (Figure 4). In contrast to 10 Gbps fiber applications between floors. As Figure 6 illustrates, by utilizing
backbones, multimode backbone channels capable of supporting preterminated trunk cables in the initial 10 Gbps deployment, it is
40GBASE-SR4 and 100GBASE-SR4 are typically deployed with possible to seamlessly migrate from 10 Gbps to 40 Gbps and 100
preterminated MPO trunks, MPO pass-through panels, and MPO Gbps speeds by repurposing the trunk cables and replacing the
cords (Figure 5). equipment or patch cords and distribution modules.

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 12 duplex
Existing 10G channels using MPOcords
trunk cabling 12 duplex cords
12f each
12 duplex cords 12 duplex cords
12f each

Migration to 40GBASE-SR4 or 100GBASE-SR4

12f each 12f each 12f each

12f each 12f each 12f each

Figure 6. Migration from 10 Gbps to 100 Gbps

However, as a practical matter, preterminated MPO connectors can be a challenge to install based on the pathways and available space in
conduits between floor. One of the main advantages of new OM5 wideband fiber is that it does not require the use of factory-terminated
MPO connectors to support 40G and 100G applications. The fact that it uses serial transmission means it can be easily terminated in the field
with LC or similar connectors after the cable itself has been installed—as is typically done today with fiber building cable
supporting 10G backbone links.
12f 12f each 12f
24f 24f
Backbone distances 12f 12f each
24f 12f 12f
12f 24f
The IEEE 802.3ba standard defines the capabilities of OM3 and OM4 fiber to support 40G and 100G Ethernet applications.

While 10GBASE-SR has a reach of 400 meters12f over OM4, commercially available 40G and 100G
12f systems are currently limited to 150 meters—or
100 meters in the case of 100GBASE-SR4. However, with extended-reach VCSELs, it is possible to reach 400 meters with 40 Gbps, facilitating a
seamless migration from 10G to 40G. Similar extended-reach VCSELs are becoming available for 100G as the market develops, but—in situations
where distances beyond 300 meters are expected—installing singlemode fiber alongside multimode will ensure that the backbone can accommodate
speeds in excess of 40 Gbps. OM5 fiber provides extended distance support for 40G and 100G SWDM4 applications.

OM3 OM4 OM5

Backbone
Standard Standard Standard
application CommScope CommScope CommScope
specified max. specified max. specified max.
supported distance* supported distance* supported distance*
distance distance distance
10GBASE-SR 300 meters 400 meters 400 meters
300 meters (984 ft) 550 meters (1800 ft) 550 meters (1800 ft)
(850 nm) (984 ft) (1312 ft) (1312 ft)
100 meters 150 meters 150 meters
40GBASE-SR4 135 meters (440 ft) 170 meters (560 ft) 170 meters (560 ft)
(328 ft) (492 ft) (492 ft)
100 meters 150 meters 200 meters
40GBiDi 100 meters (328 feet) 150 meters (492 ft) 210 meters (689 ft)
(328 ft) (492 ft) (656 ft)
300 meters 400 meters 400 meters
40GBASE-eSR4 300 meters (984 ft) 500 meters (1640 ft) 500 meters (1640 ft)
(984 ft) (1312 ft) (1312 ft)
240 meters 350 meters 440 meters
40G SWDM4 240 meters (787 ft) 350 meters (1148 ft) 470 meters (1542 ft)
(787 ft) (1148 ft) (1444 ft)
100 meters 150 meters 150 meters
100GBASE-SR10 135 meters (440 ft) 170 meters (560 ft) 170 meters (560 ft)
(328 ft) (492 ft) (492 ft)
70 meters 100 meters 100 meters
100GBASE-SR4 70 meters (230 ft) 130 meters (427 ft) 130 meters (427 ft)
(230 ft) (328 ft) (328 ft)
200 meters 300 meters 300 meters
100GBASE-eSR4 200 meters (656 ft) 300 meters (984 ft) 300 meters (984 ft)
(656 ft) (984 ft) (984 ft)
75 meters 100 meters 150 meters
100G SWDM4 75 meters (246 ft) 100 meters (328 ft) 150 meters (492 ft)
(246 ft) (328 ft) (492 ft)

Table 1. Multimode fiber backbone cabling distances for 10 Gbps, 40 Gbps, and 100 Gbps applications
Note 1: Standard distances are based on two connections. For CommScope channels with more connections, please refer to “SYSTIMAX Applications Performance Specifications, Volume One”.
Note 2: CommScope supported distance is applicable to installations eligible for registration for the CommScope 25 Year Extended Product Warranty and Applications Assurance

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Existing installations and support for 40
Gbps and 100 Gbps
Support of 40 Gbps and 100 Gbps over existing multimode LC distribution
backbones may be accomplished with the use of an LC-to-MPO module

fanout connecting the existing LC connectors in the installed cabling

to the MPO connector in the 40 Gbps or 100 Gbps equipment. As
shown in Figure 7, the LC cord ends connect with the LC couplers in
the shelf, while the MPO connector is inserted into the 40G or 100G
transceiver. As the transceivers are always pinned, a fanout cord with Switching
an unpinned MPO connector is used. Backbone equipment
cable

Second floor

LC distribution 40/100G
module switch

Duplex LC
patch cords

Switching
equipment
Figure 7. 40/100G switch connection with array cord

As shown in Figure 8, migration to 40 Gbps or 100 Gbps over OM5 First floor
wideband multimode fiber may provide a simpler and more
cost-efficient solution as it can utilize the same two fibers used to
support a 10 Gbps backbone.

Consult Table 1 for maximum distances supported, depending on the

type of installed optical fiber and optical transceiver technology.
Switching
equipment

Ground floor

Figure 8: 40/100 Gbps fiber backbone with SWDM4 optics and OM5 fiber

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Greenfield installations and support for
40 Gbps and 100 Gbps
For new installations, the use of preterminated MPO trunks offers While the use of preterminated cabling simplifies fiber management
faster installation speeds, factory-assembled performance, easier and increases panel density, one may instead opt for an OM5
administration, and higher panel/shelf density. As shown in Figure 5, wideband multimode fiber solution. As mentioned, its serial
when the building backbone is deployed with preterminated MPO configuration permits easy field termination and smaller connectors
trunks, MPO patch cords are used to connect the MPO connectors that are easier to install. OM5 also provides better “future proofing”
in the installed cabling to the MPO connectors in the 40 Gbps or against emerging applications that may require speeds greater than
100 Gbps equipment. As the transceivers and panel ports are always 100 Gbps, which OM5 is capable of handling.
pinned, MPO cords with unpinned MPO connectors are used.

OM3 fiber is the minimum recommendation, with OM4 fiber strongly

Conclusion
recommended to allow for added distance and/or connector pairs
in a link. Customers requiring additional distance should consider With continued growth in data rates in the horizontal driven by ap-
the overall benefits of OM5. Consult Table 1 for maximum distances plications such as 802.11ac and in-building wireless solutions, the
supported, depending on the optical fiber type and number of backbone must be able to accommodate speeds of 40 Gbps or 100
connectors. Gbps to maintain a comfortable tenfold differential. Planning for a
seamless migration path to 100 Gbps—and beyond—ensures the
When installing preterminated cabling in the buildings, care must backbone will be able to support high-capacity wireless and other
be taken to ensure that the risk of damage to the preterminated high-bandwidth applications that may emerge. Installing the proper
ends is minimized during installation. Installing MPO-based cabling today will extend the expected life of the structured cabling
preterminated fiber cabling in the riser requires that sufficient and reduce upgrade costs over time.
space be allocated and the IDFs on each floor are all located in line
vertically. However, in cases where the IDFs are not aligned and/or
sufficient space is not available in pathways, a conventional approach
as described for existing installations may be appropriate. To
protect the preterminated ends, the use of pulling socks is strongly
recommended when installing preterminated cabling. Reusable
pulling socks can be ordered to help ensure the MPO connectors are
not damaged during installation.

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Everyone communicates. It’s the essence of the human
experience. How we communicate is evolving. Technology
is reshaping the way we live, learn and thrive. The
epicenter of this transformation is the network—our
passion. Our experts are rethinking the purpose, role
and usage of networks to help our customers increase
bandwidth, expand capacity, enhance efficiency, speed
deployment and simplify migration. From remote cell
sites to massive sports arenas, from busy airports to
state-of-the-art data centers—we provide the essential
expertise and vital infrastructure your business needs to
succeed. The world’s most advanced networks rely on
CommScope connectivity.

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All trademarks identified by ® or ™ are registered trademarks or trademarks, respectively, of CommScope, Inc. This document is for planning purposes only and is not intended to modify or
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