R&M – Fiber Broadband Association

Taking a Comprehensive Look at Fiber Optic Cabling

R&M — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 20:00:41 +0000

Taking a Comprehensive Look at Fiber Optic Cabling

In its specialist magazine CONNECTIONS 67, R&M describes, among other things, the requirements placed on fiber optic infrastructures for today and tomorrow.

R&M, the globally active Swiss developer and provider of high-end infrastructure solutions for data and communications networks, highlights the importance of fiber optic cabling. In the latest issue of the specialist magazine CONNECTIONS, R&M experts discuss the influential aspects of current and future fiber optic infrastructures. «Good connectivity infrastructures are becoming increasingly relevant to society,» emphasizes CFO Martina Dimmler in the editorial of CONNECTIONS 67.

In the cover story, CMO Andreas Rüsseler explains the holistic approach under the term «Total Connectivity». R&M advocates always keeping an eye on fiber optic cabling from the core network to the outlet in the home. Andreas Rüsseler emphasizes: «It is crucial that providers, cities, industries, municipal utilities, the construction and real estate sectors as well as other responsible parties develop an ideal understanding of connectivity. It’s about more than just fiber optic cables in streets, buildings, or data centers. It’s about making it easier for people to participate directly and unhindered in digital transformation.» R&M shows how this approach can be implemented in practice.

Another focal point of CONNECTIONS No. 67 is expanding broadband coverage in rural areas. In this area too, R&M recommends a holistic approach that bundles resources, strives for synergy effects, and ensures quality. It can meet the needs of municipalities, network operators, construction companies, and the installation requirements of older property. In addition to the latest durable outdoor products, R&M contributes international experience, complete solutions, and services such as pre-termination. There are reports on the turnkey deployment of adapted PoP cabins, in a recent case with a facade specially designed for a Black Forest town.

The specialist magazine also sheds light on the AI revolution from various perspectives.

About R&M
R&M (Reichle & De-Massari AG) is a globally active corporate group in the ICT network infrastructures market, based in Wetzikon, Switzerland. Founded in 1964, the family-owned company offers all-in-one solutions for communication and data networks. With the vision of unlimited communication for people and companies, R&M integrates all levels, from copper and fiber-based connectivity to software for infrastructure management. Areas of application for infrastructure solutions from R&M include LAN and smart buildings, telecommunications, Fiber to the Home, Fiber to the Antenna/5G, data centers, transport and green energy. R&M is represented by local market organizations in over 40 countries and has its own manufacturing facilities at numerous locations worldwide. Sustainability is a central element of R&M’s strategy and values.

R&M Receives Gold Medal for Sustainability

R&M — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 16:28:41 +0000

R&M Receives Gold Medal for Sustainability

R&M, the globally active Swiss developer and provider of high-end infrastructure solutions for data and communications networks, receives the EcoVadis Gold Medal for sustainability. As it has done every year since 2016, the EcoVadis ranking platform recently analyzed and evaluated R&M’s environmental, social, and ethical performance. The assessors awarded 78 out of 100 points, thus granting Gold status. According to EcoVadis, R&M ranks among the top five percent of all companies rated in the past twelve months. In the «Manufacture of cables and network technologies» sector, R&M ranks in the top one percent of manufacturers assessed.

Michel Riva, CEO

«By awarding us the Gold Medal, EcoVadis recognizes our significantly increased commitment to value-oriented sustainability. The EcoVadis assessment confirms that our sustainability measures are credible, verifiable, and viable,» says R&M CEO Michel Riva.

The EcoVadis Gold Medal marks a milestone on our journey to continuously establish R&M as a company that systematically and economically integrates sustainability into all areas of its business activities.

Michel Riva, CEO R&M

Sound greenhouse gas balance sheet

«Over the past few months, R&M has broadened its perspective to include every stage of the value-added process and the entire supply chain. Another milestone was the identification of all factors with which we can balance greenhouse gas emissions in Scope 1, 2, and 3,» reports R&M COO and Sustainability Officer Markus Stieger. This enabled R&M to create a scientifically sound basis last year for the strategic goal of Net Zero. More than two-thirds of R&M’s suppliers use a standardized environmental management system. R&M is working intensively on integrating the circular economy into all company-wide processes.

The managing directors and sustainability ambassadors from all R&M organizations are working closely together. R&M has globally standardized its own standards for personnel management, labor, and human rights on the basis of the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Markus Stieger, COO and Sustainability Officer

The EcoVadis rating is regarded internationally as a benchmark for the progress made by companies in the various spheres of activity relating to sustainability. The list of criteria includes climate and environmental protection, labor and human rights, procurement, business ethics, and the documentation of sustainability measures.

The awarding of the Gold Medal by EcoVadis is a great honor and a confirmation of our team performance. We strive to continuously improve in all areas of sustainability and to contribute within our means to achieving the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Markus Stieger, COO and Sustainability Officer R&M

Digital Architect for Data Centers: inteliPhy net 5

R&M — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 04:53:52 +0000

Digital Architect for Data Centers: inteliPhy net 5

The DCIM software from R&M designs infrastructures for computer rooms using drag-and-drop. New release with ready-made KPI reports.

R&M, the globally active developer and provider of high-end infrastructure solutions for data and communications networks, is now offering Release 5 of the DCIM software inteliPhy net. The test version can be accessed on the R&M website.

With Release 5, inteliPhy net is turning into a digital architect for data centers. Computer rooms can be flexibly designed according to the demand, application, size, and category of the data center. Planners can position the infrastructure modules intuitively on an arbitrary floor plan using drag-and-drop. inteliPhy net enables detailed 2D and 3D visualizations that are also suitable for project presentations.

With inteliPhy net, it is possible to insert, structure, and move racks, rack rows, and enclosures with just a few clicks. Patch panels, PDUs, cable ducts, and pre-terminated trunk cables can be added, adapted, and connected virtually just as quickly. The software finds optimal routes for the trunk cables and calculates the cable lengths. inteliPhy net contains an extensive library of templates for the entire infrastructure, such as racks, patch panels, cables, and power supply. Models for active devices with data on weight, size, ports, slots, feed connections, performance, and consumption are also included. Users can configure metamodels and save them for future planning.

Finished inventory list and digital twin
During planning, inteliPhy net generates an inventory list that can be used directly for cost calculations and orders. The planning process results in a database with a digital twin of the computer room. It serves as the basis for the entire Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM), which is the main function of inteliPhy net.

R&M now also offers ready-made KPI reports with zero-touch configuration for inteliPhy net. Users can link the reports with environmental, monitoring, infrastructure, and operating data to monitor the efficiency of the data center. Customizable dashboards and automated KPI analyses help them to regulate power consumption and temperatures more precisely, and to utilize resources.

Another new feature is the interaction of inteliPhy net with a focus on the savings in packaging service from R&M. Customers can, for example, configure Netscale 48 patch panels individually with inteliPhy net. R&M assembles the patch panels completely ready for installation and delivers them in single packaging. The concept saves a considerable amount of individual packaging for small parts. This reduces raw material consumption, waste, and the time required for installation.

More information

About R&M

R&M (Reichle & De-Massari AG) is a globally active corporate group in the ICT network infrastructures market, based in Wetzikon, Switzerland. Founded in 1964, the family-owned company offers all-in-one solutions for communication and data networks. With the vision of unlimited communication for people and companies, R&M integrates all levels, from copper and fiber-based connectivity to software for infrastructure management. Areas of application for infrastructure solutions from R&M include LAN and smart buildings, telecommunications, Fiber to the Home, Fiber to the Antenna/5G, data centers, transport and green energy. R&M is represented by local market organizations in over 40 countries and has its own manufacturing facilities at numerous locations worldwide. Sustainability is a central element of R&M’s strategy and values.

R&M Expands Splice Closure Family for FTTH Networks

R&M — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 11:58:00 +0000

R&M Expands Splice Closure Family for FTTH Networks

Distribution splice closures with high fiber density for variable broadband expansion. Modular trays for splitters, single fiber, and ribbon fiber splices.

FTTH networks can now be increased further in density and expanded variably. R&M, the globally active developer and provider of high-end infrastructure solutions for data and communications networks, makes this possible with the new FO distribution splice closures SYNO S series and ZOONA STP12. The new high-density models in the S series complement the product line. They offer two to three times the fiber capacity of conventional distribution splice closures for FTTH connections.

The new SYNO S-400HD accommodates 2,304 ribbon fibers and 384 single-fiber splices. The leading model is the SYNO S-500HD with a capacity of 3,456 ribbon fiber and 576 single fiber splices in a 25×70 centimeter housing.

The modular tray concept of the SYNO S series splice closures gives network operators flexibility in terms of FTTH connections. Technicians can also configure the splice closures on-site as required. Each tray can be equipped with holders for single fiber or ribbon fiber splices or splitters. The segmented cable entry bays with SYNO gel seals are also freely configurable.

This means that FTTH companies can implement all kinds of topologies and applications with a single system. You can plan the network with different cable types to suit the premises. In the future, cabling can be densified or changed quickly on demand, as the splice closures can be opened in just a few simple steps.

For the last mile: ZOONA splices
Another innovation is the outdoor splice closure ZOONA STP12 with a capacity of up to 144 single fiber splices. The compact ZOONA splice closures are used in masts and facades as well as in niches and shafts. The ZOONA144 is a cost-efficient solution for gradually expanding or quickly increasing the density of the FO infrastructure on the last mile to customers.

Technicians can prepare the splice closures for installation within minutes without special tools and specialist training. This is why the ZOONA is particularly suitable for time-critical roll-outs. The mechanical QIKseal developed by R&M is self-explanatory.

The new high-density splice closures SYNO S-400HD and ZOONA STP12 round out the R&M portfolio for the FTTx market. It covers all network levels from the central office and PoP to the service area interface. R&M offers customers around the world end-to-end solutions as well as the supply of individually pre-terminated splice closures.

More information on our website

R&M Opens New Fiber Optic Plant in India

R&M — Tue, 28 May 2024 16:17:33 +0000

R&M Opens New Fiber Optic Plant in India

High demand for fiber optic cabling components requires additional capacities.

R&M, the globally active Swiss developer and provider of high-end infrastructure solutions for data and communications networks, opened a new fiber optic plant in India in mid-May. The entire infrastructure was relocated to Bagaluru, in the north of Bangalore. Investments were also made in new production lines and production capacity was further increased. Bagaluru is R&M’s largest site worldwide for the manufacture of fiber optic cabling components.

Laurent Amestoy, EVP Asia Pacific

«Demand for fiber optic connectivity solutions from R&M is increasing in India and Asia in general. The driving forces are broadband supply, 5G, and data centers. That’s why we’re building up additional manufacturing capacities here. The fiber optic plant plays a key role in our regional growth strategy and strengthens our position as a top-quality vendor of connectivity infrastructure solutions,» explains Laurent Amestoy, Executive Vice President of R&M APAC.

Michel Riva, CEO

«With this investment, we are reaffirming R&M’s commitment to a long-term involvement in the growth market of India. The new plant will also assume a global function. As the largest production site, it provides flexible and responsive resources for our supply chain. This makes us more competitive and also ready for a new upswing in western markets,» says R&M CEO Michel Riva.

Proximity to the international airport

Markus Stieger, COO

«Bagaluru provides the ideal premises in the dynamic industrial agglomeration of Bangalore. The plant is located just ten kilometers from the international airport. Spread over three floors, the new building offers flexible expansion options and 400-500 modern workplaces. Our production operation works in accordance with the high Swiss quality standards that R&M represents worldwide. Due to demand, we are already planning two- and three-shift operations,» says Markus Stieger, COO of R&M.

R&M has had its own production facilities in India since 2014. Initially, the focus was on assembling fiber optic patch cords for the global market. In 2018, R&M opened a plant with 200 workplaces in Jakkur near Bangalore. Demand on site increased rapidly with the broadband rollout and rapid data center growth. Today, R&M supplies India’s entire telecom industry as well as metro and smart city projects with a comprehensive fiber optic portfolio. In addition to infrastructure solutions for FTTx networks, R&M India also offers the development of dedicated cabling solutions for enterprises and data centers. Since 2023, R&M has been very successful with fiber optic connectivity solutions for the base stations of the new 5G networks in India.

R&M India promotes sustainability in several ESG areas. The plant in India is certified in accordance with international standards for occupational safety, quality, and environmental management. Employees present their questions and statements to managers in regular open-door meetings. One example of how the volume of waste is being reduced is that the use of disposable plastic bottles has been discontinued. Regular local charity initiatives are also part of the commitment, such as providing children with school bags and textbooks so that they can take part in lessons. A long-term afforestation project in Errabadu is helping to provide livelihoods for Indian farmers and contributing to CO₂ compensation.

Link to the Reforest program: https://www.ecomatcher.com/forest-map/?fid=775

Sustainability at R&M: «Connecting the Planet»

R&M — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 18:34:26 +0000

Sustainability at R&M: «Connecting the Planet»

Sustainability as a milestone in corporate development

R&M, the globally active developer and provider of high-end infrastructure solutions for data and communications networks, based in Wetzikon, Switzerland, is pushing sustainability further. R&M reports on this in the 2023 Sustainability Report. «We have broadened our perspective and are entering a new phase of the value-driven sustainability strategy we call «Connecting the Planet». For R&M, sustainability means incorporating the entire ecosystem and reconciling business activity with social responsibility,» explains CEO Michel Riva. Markus Stieger, COO and Sustainability Officer, also look into the future: «Step by step, we are establishing R&M as a company that integrates key sustainability figures into strategic corporate management.»

Michel Riva, CEO

Since 2010, R&M has regularly published its progress in the area of social responsibility. The globally binding sustainability strategy was revised in 2021. The 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals provided orientation and inspiration. «Climate protection is one of the greatest social challenges of our time, although not the only one,» emphasizes Michel Riva.

Last year, after extensive groundwork, it was possible to compile all the factors needed to calculate Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions under the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Standard (CCF). «This has enabled us to create a basis for the strategic reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. On this basis, R&M wants to halve its operational greenhouse gas emissions by 2030,» explains Markus Stieger.

Important: Product quality, safety, health

Markus Stieger, COO, and Sustainability Officer

«For R&M, sustainability means more than just reducing CO₂,» emphasizes Markus Stieger. This was confirmed by a double materiality assessment carried out for the first time in 2023. Topics such as product quality, cybersecurity, and the health and safety of employees are prioritized. «High-quality products are reliable and durable. Our high-quality standards thus contribute to conserving raw materials and managing them sustainably,» emphasizes Markus Stieger.

The rating agency EcoVadis once again awarded R&M Silver in 2023. «Our sustainability strategy has proven to be credible and viable,» says Markus Stieger. The area of social affairs, labor, and human rights was significant with an increase of ten points. R&M can therefore be classified as more employee-friendly than average.

In addition to the established project teams, a global network of sustainability ambassadors was established during the reporting year. Local initiatives for environmental protection, health, and social projects are to be coordinated in this way and global requirements are implemented locally.

You can find more information and download the Sustainability 2023 Report
R&M Sustainability Roadmap 2023 & 2050

60 Years of R&M: A Story that Connects

R&M — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 15:27:30 +0000

60 Years of R&M: A Story that Connects

Swiss family-owned company Reichle & De-Massari AG (R&M) looks back on six decades of successful company history and is ready for the future.

It all began in 1964 with the idea of an easy-to-install telephone outlet. The idea of Hans Reichle and Renato De-Massari gave rise to Reichle & De-Massari AG (R&M), the internationally active developer and provider of high-end infrastructure solutions for data and communications networks. Now R&M is celebrating its 60th anniversary. Today, R&M is one of the recognized specialists in network technology for the three markets Data Centers, Local Area Networks, and Public Broadband Networks.

Michel Riva has been CEO of R&M since 2012

«Just like IT and telecommunications, cabling, something often neglected, has undergone a remarkable technological change over these 60 years,» says R&M CEO Michel Riva. « Initially, the focus was on easy-to-install telephone outlets with few copper wires. Today, we are dealing with complex infrastructures that not only connect thousands of optical fibers but are essential for data centers, Fiber to the Home, 5G, and intelligent buildings. They have to transmit more and more data faster and more securely,» says Michel Riva. Accordingly, R&M focuses on a holistic approach to assisting customers in the setup and commissioning of network infrastructures.

Above this is the company’s vision of «unlimited communication» – unlimited and interruption-free networking made possible by high-end products and holistic solutions. R&M is particularly committed to nationwide fiber optic broadband supply and believes that access to stable, secure network infrastructures is as important as power and water supplies.

Value-oriented family business

The second generation of R&M owners: Peter and Martin Reichle

«A healthy corporate culture, in which shared values and sustainability play a central role, has always been part of the philosophy of our family-run company,» emphasize Martin and Peter Reichle, the company’s second-generation owners. They ensure the financial independence of the company through Reichle Holding AG. Michel Riva, the company’s first external CEO, has been on the Executive Board since 2012.

R&M and US Conec Announce Partnership to Produce and Deploy Next-Generation Connectors for Harsh Environments

R&M — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 18:47:18 +0000

R&M and US Conec Announce Partnership to Produce and Deploy Next-Generation Connectors for Harsh Environments

Next partnership in the field of fiber optic connectors agreed: license agreement enables US Conec to manufacture and supply HEC connectors that are fully interoperable with the R&M format.

Fiber optic manufacturers Reichle & De-Massari (R&M) AG and US Conec Ltd. announce the execution of a definitive license agreement that enables US Conec to produce and supply Harsh Environment Connectors fully interoperable with R&M’s HEC-QR connector format.

The HEC-QR connector from R&M and the HEC-DC connector from US Conec encompass a next-generation family of connectors for harsh environments, supporting single fiber (SC), duplex (LC), and multi-fiber (MT) variants. The novel, 19mm circular housing format enables simple insertion and extraction in dense cabling environments via actuation by the strain relief boot. The IP 68-rated connector embodiment is compliant with the requirements of GR-3120 for single-fiber applications and GR-3152 for multi-fiber applications. The robust connector solution is ideal for applications requiring rugged optical connectivity such as fiber to the home, industrial, broadcast, and transportation.

R&M Executive Statement
R&M CTO Robert Merki comments: «The HEC-QR connector family offers the perfect combination of easy handling and robust performance. Together with US Conec, we will be able to offer solutions for harsh environment applications around the globe and set a new standard for pre-connectorized outdoor connectivity.»

US Conec Executive Statement
Mike Hughes, VP Product Management at US Conec, comments: «We are excited to build on our long-standing partnership with R&M by collaborating on the next generation of harsh environment connectivity by introducing HEC-DC solutions with DirectConect technology. R&M delivers proven, reliable Swiss precision craftsmanship for fiber optic connector technologies. The new platform’s simple push-on insertion and quick release extraction mechanism enables state-of-the-art, high-density optical connector functionality for harsh environment applications.»

R&M USA Expands Sales Channel

R&M — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 17:45:29 +0000

R&M USA Expands Sales Channel

Connectivity for LAN, Wireless and FTTH Infrastructure

R&M USA Inc. expands distribution of LAN, wireless, and FTTH products. «With our expanded sales strategy and cooperation with well-known distributors, we are bringing the R&M brand and our technologically leading connectivity portfolio closer to users throughout North America», says Paulo Campos, President at R&M USA Inc. in Fremont, CA.

Paulo Campos: «R&M works with distributors who are enthusiastic about our Swiss precision and quality philosophy. We attach great importance to competence in the supply chain. Our partners receive support in developing their value-added solutions and customer-specific solutions. R&M is also well-known for consulting, training, design, and pre-assembling.»

The R&M portfolio for distribution partners consists of high-quality connectivity solutions for copper and fiber optic cabling. The robust R&M products are suitable for smart factory applications. Other areas of application include LAN, IoT and smart buildings, DAS, cellular and wireless.

Cabling for high-speed
Paulo Campos emphasizes: «With the R&M brand, distributors can offer cabling solutions that meet the increasing demand for stable high-frequency transmission beyond 10 Gbit/s». One example is the Cat. 6_A adapter with die-cast zinc housing. It protects the RJ45 plug connection against electromagnetic fields on all sides, ensuring long-term stable, loss-free signal transmission.

Today, uncomplicated installation is a decisive criterion for installers when selecting products. That is why R&M has developed the most advanced quick assembly solutions. R&M’s Cat. 6_A EL adapters and FO field connectors can be assembled by installers in the field within two minutes.

Cabling specialist with Swiss roots
Fremont-based R&M USA Inc. is part of the Swiss R&M Group, a global developer and supplier of high-quality infrastructure solutions for data and communication networks. R&M operates 12 of its plants and various development centers for copper and fiber optic technology worldwide. The family-owned company pursues a value-oriented ESG strategy based on the UN’s 17 sustainability goals. R&M is a member of the UN Global Compact and aims to halve its GHG emissions by 2030.

R&M has been present in the U.S. market since 2016 and has established itself as a provider of cabling products for FTTx, data centers, and LAN. The office in Fremont supports key accounts in the cloud, telecom, FTTx, retail, and finance segments. The UL-certified wireline range for distribution partners includes Cat. 6_A and LC connectivity for commercial buildings and industrial LAN. Outlets, patch panels, patch cables, installation cables, and FTTx products complete the catalog.

R&M recently introduced the SYNO S-500 splice closure for the FTTH market. The high-density closure opens up new opportunities for network providers to expand hybrid and dense broadband networks in suburban and rural areas. The outdoor closure supports single fiber and ribbon fiber cabling simultaneously and offers twice the splice capacity of standard types. Network providers can freely combine the cabling and thus develop a location variably.

More information at http://www.rdm.com

Data Network Cabling for Renewable Energy Production

R&M — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 19:02:35 +0000

Data Network Cabling for Renewable Energy Production

Swiss cabling specialist R&M is launching a program for the renewable energies market.

R&M, the globally active developer and provider of high-end infrastructure solutions for data and communications networks, based in Wetzikon, Switzerland, is launching a program for the renewable energies market. It initially comprises network technology and services for the copper and fiber optic data networks of the wind, solar, and hydropower industries. The R&M solutions network sensors and controllers in power plants and solar fields with computers, monitoring systems, and control centers. They also enable fast data traffic with utilities.

Power plant operators are increasingly using data networks for the digitalization of their operations. For example, they use 5G radio, virtualization, and artificial intelligence to manage wind and solar parks more efficiently. These are typically large onshore and offshore installations that can only be controlled remotely. The R&M portfolio was specially put together for the long distances and harsh operating conditions both offshore and at sea.

Plug-and-play solutions
With this program, R&M addresses investment, maintenance, and cost issues faced by producers of renewable energies. For the operators of wind and solar parks, the aim is to further reduce material, installation, operating, and maintenance costs. This is why R&M focuses on long-lasting, low-maintenance, all-purpose platforms and plug-and-play cabling systems. The 14 R&M plants around the world can provide pre-terminated and ready-to-install cabling solutions.

Intuitively operable cabling products, such as the new HEC (Harsh Environment Connector) outdoor connectors, help to simplify and speed up installation work. The IDC wiring technology promoted by R&M guarantees permanent vibration- and corrosion-resistant contacting of copper wires. With a low-shrink plastic jacket developed by R&M, fiber optic cables retain their shape in all weather conditions.

Single source of supply
R&M is committed to the principle of a «single source of supply». The wind farm solution, for example, ranges from control cabling in the individual power plant gondola through outdoor cabling to the connection of antennas, IoT devices, security systems, operator offices, and data centers or in the cloud. In addition, R&M offers technical support on-site. This ranges from planning, installing, and commissioning the data and communications networks to user training, quality assurance, and other after-sales services.

The cabling products for renewable energy production have passed their tests in existing applications. R&M uses them in projects in the telecommunications industry, for example in aerial and underground cabling. The operating and environmental conditions there are similar. R&M also has experience in ship cabling, which is as demanding as the network equipment of offshore wind power plants. The DNV certification demonstrates that the R&M cabling products are permanently resistant to moisture, salt air, and vibrations at sea.

About R&M
R&M (Reichle & De-Massari AG) is a globally active corporate group in the information and communication technology market, based in Wetzikon, Switzerland. The company develops, manufactures, and sells infrastructure solutions for communication and data networks. Thanks to its innovative strength and integration capability, R&M covers the entire range of copper and fiber-based connectivity. R&M solutions can be used in LAN, telecommunication, Fiber to the Home, Fiber to the Antenna, and data centers. Software from R&M supports the management of network infrastructures. The family company founded in 1964 has its own manufacturing facilities in 14 locations worldwide. Sustainability is a central element of R&M’s strategy and values.

Media Contact
R&M USA, Inc., Dieter Studer, Market Manager North America,
840 Yosemite Way, 95035 Milpitas, CA, Phone: +1 408 635 3460,
Email: dieter.studer@rdm.com

The Inconspicuous Brake in Network Cables

R&M — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 17:43:53 +0000

The Inconspicuous Brake in Network Cables

R&M provides information about risks for signal transmission in local area networks that are overlooked. The copper contact technology is decisive for Power over Ethernet.

In many networks, there is an inconspicuous brake on data traffic. R&M, the globally active developer and provider of high-end infrastructure solutions for data and communications networks, based in Wetzikon, Switzerland, explains the situation. The often unrecognized vulnerability in local area networks (LANs) is due to certain effects of electrical resistance. Experts know this phenomenon as resistance unbalance in copper cabling. Problems increasingly occur when companies use their LAN untested for Power over Ethernet. R&M explains the background in a video, in a free white paper, and in the specialist magazine CONNECTIONS 65. Measurement methods, the technological solution developed by R&M, and criteria for selecting patch cords are presented.

PoE needs suitable cabling
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is experiencing a boom. Sales of PoE-capable devices are increasing by 20% annually. Due to this strong demand, infrastructure specialist R&M feels compelled to provide information on key technological aspects.

With PoE, modern terminal equipment can also be supplied with power in the LAN. Current and data flow via a single Ethernet network cable. This saves additional electrical wiring for terminal equipment such as WLAN connection points, sensors, surveillance cameras, and many other smart building systems.

Companies often use the existing LAN cabling for new PoE applications without first testing whether that works. They also use existing or inexpensive patch cords to connect the PoE devices. However, the demands on LAN cabling increase when high-speed data transmission and PoE have to work together with high currents. This is why R&M recommends checking the LAN separately before constantly using higher PoE categories (4PPoE). R&M: «Users have to make sure that their structured cabling is PoE-ready. It is an absolute prerequisite to have a grip on the resistance unbalance in the entire LAN – transmission channels including patch cords.»

The most common risks are associated with patch cords with IPC contacting (IPC = insulation piercing contact). These are the findings of tests at the R&M laboratory in Wetzikon. Piercing contacts can age quickly and in different ways. This can lead to resistance unbalance over time. Ethernet data transmission is very robust against these types of errors and the existing problem is thus often not detected. In contrast, the use of PoE can very quickly lead to saturation effects in the transmitters of the active devices and thus to a total failure of data transmission. This is exacerbated by the fact that this unbalance develops over time and the problems are often only identified during operation. R&M explains: «Patch cords with piercing contacting are not suitable for PoE transmission over long periods of time and at higher power levels.»

R&M recommends the use of patch cords with insulation displacement contact (IDC). IDC ensures a permanently stable, low-resistance contact of the copper conductors. As a rule, no resistance unbalance occurs over the lifespan of the IDC patch cord.

R&M is the only manufacturer of IDC patch cords and is the technology leader in insulation displacement contact. PoE-compatible cabling products are labeled with the in-house PowerSafe seal. When using PowerSafe components for LAN cabling, R&M provides a lifetime application warranty for PoE. R&M provides a calculator for planning PoE-compatible LAN cabling.

New High-Density Splice Closure for the Expansion of Hybrid Fiber Optic Infrastructures

R&M — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 16:28:21 +0000

New High-Density Splice Closure for the Expansion of Hybrid Fiber Optic Infrastructures

The high density SYNO S-500 splice closure from R&M combines single fiber and ribbon fiber cabling. Outdoor splice closure for variable FTTH connection.

Milpitas, October 25, 2023. R&M, the globally active developer and provider of high-end infrastructure solutions for data and communications networks, is launching a high-density version of the SYNO dome closure. The new SYNO S-500 splice closure opens up additional options for network providers in terms of the expansion of hybrid fiber optic infrastructures. The outdoor splice closure offers twice the splice capacity of standard types. It supports single fiber and ribbon fiber cabling concurrently.

Network providers can freely combine the cabling and thus variably connect premises. The SYNO S-500 has eight cable entry bays for standard round cables, ribbon cables and micro ducts. Single fiber splices, ribbon fiber splices and splitters can be placed next to each other on the splice carriers. This allows technicians to conveniently install, distribute and manage a large number of fibers in a small space. The cabling can be retrofitted or adapted at any time. The gel seal of the SYNO S-500 outdoor closure can be resealed.

For aerial and underground cabling

The SYNO S-500 is suitable for aerial and underground cabling. R&M recommends it in particular for regions in which FTTH infrastructures are to be increased quickly and prepared for future applications. As an additional service, R&M offers customer-specific pre-termination.

The six trays stacked on the SYNO S-500 can accommodate 432 single fiber or 2,592 ribbon fiber splices. The higher-density version SYNO S-500 HD even offers a third more capacity.

More Information

About R&M
R&M (Reichle & De-Massari AG) is a globally active corporate group in the information and communication technology market, based in Wetzikon, Switzerland. The company develops, manufactures and sells infrastructure solutions for communications and data networks. Thanks to its innovative strength and integration capability, R&M covers the entire range of copper and fiber-based connectivity. R&M solutions can be used in LAN, telecommunications, Fiber to the Home, Fiber to the Antenna and data centers. Software from R&M supports the management of network infrastructures. The family company founded in 1964 has its own manufacturing facilities in 14 locations worldwide. Sustainability is a central element of R&M’s strategy and values. Website: www.rdm.com

Media contact
R&M USA, Inc., Dieter Studer, Market Manager North America,
840 Yosemite Way, 95035 Milpitas, CA, Phone: +1 408 635 3460,
Email: dieter.studer@rdm.com