When networks run into trouble, it’s often not a fluke – though tools from Fluke Networks are often involved in helping to figure out what actually went wrong.
In today’s data center networking environments, there’s more complexity than ever before, in some respects. Yet, when it comes to actual troubleshooting, figuring out what’s on the wire and what’s not is still a primary issue. That’s where network testing tools have always played a strong role. Among the biggest vendors in the space is Fluke Networks, which this week expanded its portfolio with its Versiv Data Center Kits testing bundles.
Network needs and specifications have changed over the decades, but one particular issue is inevitably a common root cause of network problems. “It always seems to be a problem with the cabling,” Mark Mullins, a founding member of Fluke Networks, told Network World. “That’s not always, but it seems that a lot of network problems still end up tracking back to some sort of cabling issue.”
Three-kit strategy addresses core data center infrastructure challenges
The Versiv Data Center Kit lineup consists of three bundles. Each bundle targets different aspects of data center network maintenance.
- The Fiber and Copper Commissioning and Troubleshooting Kit handles end-to-end network verification. It covers the entire data center lifecycle from initial commissioning through ongoing maintenance and troubleshooting operations.
- The Fiber Inspection Kit focuses specifically on contamination prevention and detection. Mullins identifies contamination as the primary cause of fiber performance issues in data center environments.
- The MPO (Multi-fiber push on) Maintenance and Troubleshooting Kit targets high-density fiber connections. It handles the multi-fiber array connectors that have become standard in modern data centers. This kit includes testing capabilities for up to 12-fiber connections. It can reduce testing time by up to 80% compared to traditional single-fiber testing methods.
The kit launch coincides with support for Very Small Form Factor (VSFF) connectors. These include MDC (Mini Duplex Connector) and MMC (Mini Multi-fiber Connector) types. These newer connector formats enable higher port density while maintaining performance specifications. They require specialized inspection and cleaning equipment due to their reduced physical dimensions.
The new accessories allow users to perform single-jumper reference testing on MDC connections. This follows industry best practices for optical loss measurement in high-density environments.
High-density fiber connections amplify contamination risks
The shift toward higher-density fiber connections has significantly complicated contamination control. Modern array connectors can house up to 24 individual fibers within a single connection point. In contrast, traditional duplex connections contained just two fibers.
“The slightest little bit of dust on one of those nine micron wide fibers, which, by the way, is much smaller than a human hair, the slightest little bit of dust on any one of the 24 in that connector, and it’s not going to work,” Mullins explained.
The inspection and cleaning requirements extend beyond traditional fiber testing. Each kit includes cleaning and inspection capabilities. Mullins noted that many technicians take shortcuts on fiber preparation.
“Cleaning and inspecting a fiber, every time you unplug it and plug it back in, adds, like another minute worth of work. But you know what? If you don’t do it, you’re gonna pay for it down the road,” he said.
Cable identification a persistent challenge
In addition to the new kits, Fluke Networks is also continuing to help solve other persistent networking issues.
Physical cable identification continues to plague data center operations despite advances in network management and monitoring. Fluke’s solutions address this through multiple approaches. These include tone and probe technology, remote identification systems, and active network port discovery.
The most advanced capability allows technicians to plug into an active network port and receive immediate feedback about switch connections. “We’ve got a device now you can plug into it, and it will tell you the name of the switch and the port number that it’s plugged into,” Mullins said.
The device can also identify VLAN assignments. This helps troubleshoot connectivity issues that stem from incorrect network segmentation.
For disconnected cables, Fluke offers remote ID systems that can identify up to eight separate connections simultaneously. Digital tone and probe systems filter out electromagnetic interference from power lines and radio signals.
What’s next for Fluke Networks
Fluke’s development roadmap focuses on several areas with data centers representing the company’s biggest growth opportunity.
While cabling and related testing equipment has long been a core area of focus, that’s not the only thing that Fluke sells.
“Fluke actually sells a lot of equipment into data centers that is not related to the cabling,” Mullins said. “You may find this shocking, but they worry a lot more about power consumption and heating and cooling than they do about the cabling.”
To that end, Fluke is working on technology that will include capabilities such as thermal imaging and power quality measurements to make sure that data centers are using as little power as possible.
Wi-Fi testing represents another significant focus area. Fluke launched its first Wi-Fi testing product nine months ago. Power over Ethernet (PoE) is another area of expanding opportunity for the company as well.
“There’s a lot of concern about Power over Ethernet; am I getting enough power and is the cable good enough for that?” Mullins said.
Source:: Network World