Bonded-Pair Cabling Prepares Networks for the Internet of Things
When it comes to the Internet of Things (IoT), we consider every signal transmitted as mission-critical, whether it’s a wireless access point providing network access to employees and customers, a 24/7 video surveillance camera or a high-definition display sharing operational, directional or promotional detail.
Now, with nearly every device moving to “over IP,” each signal counts when data is being transmitted from these “things” (any device that communicates with a network through an integrated digital sensor) to a switch and to a server somewhere in the facility or in the cloud. According to Gartner research, the number of connected devices will grow by 30% in 2016, bringing the number of IoT-connected devices to 6.4 billion units worldwide by the end of the year. Moreover, every PoE (Power over Ethernet) connection counts in the Internet of Things as well, as it feeds power to VoIP phones, wireless access points, cameras and various other smart devices connected to the network.
Downtime Not Acceptable for IoT
This is a monumental shift for our networks. We’ve gone from considering only certain businesses and industries to be “mission-critical” (financial institutions, for example) to viewing every IoT signal transmission as indispensable.
More than ever before, networks can’t fail. Downtime could mean security systems that fail, phones that don’t work, fire alarms that can’t alert building management to a problem or lighting systems that won’t turn on. Not only do our networks need to reliably transmit constant packets of data, but they also need to ensure that powered links are delivered so devices remain functional. When you think about it, that’s a lot to ask of your network.
Benefits of Bonded-Pair Technology
What can IT professionals do to make sure their networks are ready to support this shift? Implementing bonded-pair technology is one way to ensure that every mission-critical transmission link – as well as every powered link – is delivered all the time, regardless of environmental conditions or abuse.
By bonding individual conductors along their longitudinal axis, extremely uniform spacing is guaranteed within each twisted pair to maintain consistent, reliable electrical performance without interference.
Bonded-pair technology overcomes the resiliency challenges associated with nonbonded-pair cabling. Even when stress is applied to cabling – whether through pulling, coiling, bending, kinking or tugging – electrical properties don’t degrade overtime. Even when bonded-pair cabling is reused during moves, adds and changes (MACs) or constantly coiled and uncoiled, it maintains the same level of performance. When bonded-pair cabling transmits data from any IoT device, you won’t have to worry about degradation overtime or with reuse.
The demands of the Internet of Things translate to bigger demands on your network, including improved physical integrity of the cabling channel. When data can move reliably from IoT devices anywhere in the enterprise premises, all kinds of critical information is transmitted, ensuring proper business communications, improved building operations, and enhanced occupant well-being. Throughout your cabling infrastructure, from horizontal cable to termination points and patch cords, bonded-pair technology ensures reliable signal integrity for your mission-critical needs.
Belden can prepare your network for the unrelenting move to the Internet of Things. Our 10GXS bonded-pair cabling not only maintains physical integrity during installation and throughout its lifecycle, but is also 25% smaller and lighter, making installation faster and easier. Learn more here about creating a futureproof network that supports reliable data and powered links.
About the Author
Throughout his career, Stéphane worked in the telecommunications industry including R&D, product management and training. While Technology and Applications Director, Stéphane focused on the technology roadmap, product development, networking applications and industry standards.