R&M has extended its Netscale distributor family for data centres with a combined solution, the 48 Port Panel for copper and fibre optic cabling.

The new Netscale 48 patch panel has, as its name suggests, 48 ports. It is the height of one unit in a 19” rack.

The main new feature is the dual function. Along with fibre optic cabling, the panel accepts copper cabling which, until now, two height units were required in data centres to bring the two-transmission media together in one rack.

With Netscale 48, FO and copper cabling can be combined on one height unit in the most confined of spaces in data centres and the LAN environment. This compact mixed-media solution helps free up valuable space for more cabling, switches and servers.

The mixed-media platform Netscale 48 can be equipped with all types of adapter available now. These include the FO connectors LC, SC, MPO, E-2000 and even the latest types of CS, SN, MDC of the VSFF (Very Small Form Factor) class. The R&M products Cat. 6A ISO, Cat 6A EL, and Cat. 8 can be used for copper connectivity.

R&M supplies pre-terminated cabling systems that aim to be both easy to install and remove. Optical fibres are spliced directly on the platform and the Netscale 48 was designed in such a way that changes can be made without disrupting the network.

Netscale 48 also supports Automated Infrastructure Management (AIM). The sensor strips of the AIM system R&MinteliPhy can be plugged in or replaced during operation (hot-pluggable).